Sunday Hunting Bill to be Considered in Maine House

Legislative Document 910, the Sunday hunting bill, is expected to be considered in the Maine House sometime this week. 

Sponsored by state Representative Stacey Fitts (R-Pittsfield), LD 910 would allow the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to authorize private landowners to hunt on Sunday on their own land if they own twenty or more acres and the land is open to hunting by the public.  A landowner must register with the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  The Department shall adopt rules to implement a Sunday hunting permit system.  The fee for a Sunday hunting permit may not exceed $25.

Many hunters cannot introduce their children or friends to hunting because Saturday is their only opportunity, and they are competing with the numerous organized sports and other activities.  Many hunters - be it young or old, novice or experienced - stop hunting because of the lack of opportunity, both in time and accessible land.  The addition of an extra day in the field increases a person’s available time to enjoy our hunting heritage.  This will invigorate essential hunter recruitment and retention efforts.

Sunday hunting will also bring a much-needed economic boost to rural areas.  Every day that hunters are in the field, they spend money on gasoline, food, lodging and the dozens of other incidentals that go along with a day’s hunt.  The ripple effect of this spending can have a major impact on a rural town or county.  Comprehensive research from the National Shooting Sports Foundation shows that allowing hunting on Sundays in Maine would generate a total annual economic impact estimated at $134 million and create more than 2,000 jobs.  This legislation will clearly help advance and preserve Maine’s rich hunting traditions, while enhancing biodiversity and wildlife populations.

Please contact your state Representative and respectfully urge him or her to support LD 910.  Contact information for your state Representative can be found here.