Maine: Multiple Hunting Measures to be Worked on in Committee

Next week, the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee is expected to vote on both pro-hunting and anti-hunting measures.  Please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT pro-hunting measures LD 635 and LD 666, and to OPPOSE anti-hunting measure LD 1015.

Legislative Document 635 repeals the requirement to obtain a permit before hunting with a noise suppression device.  Of the forty states where you can hunt with a suppressor, Maine is the only one that requires a permit to do so.  It’s a laborious process that ties up state IF&W resources, and does nothing to enhance public safety. There are numerous benefits to hunting with suppressed firearms, including: eliminating noise complaints that are frequently an excuse to close hunting lands; reduction in recoil and muzzle rise to help increase the accuracy of hunters; and reduction in muzzle report and the risk that a hunter will suffer permanent hearing loss if they fail to use hearing protection.

Legislative Document 666 allows a person who holds a junior hunting license, has completed a relevant hunter safety course, and is at least 14 years of age, to hunt without being accompanied by a junior hunter supervisor.  Considering the number of hunters in the U.S. is on the decline, and has significantly declined in the past couple of decades, we must do everything we possibly can to reverse this trend.

Legislative Document 1015 prohibits the use of lead ammunition when hunting.  The use of lead ammunition is under attack by anti-hunting and anti-gun extremists who ignore science and misinform policy makers and the public on the effects of extremely small amounts of lead. In truth, these extremists want lead ammunition banned because it discourages participation in hunting and shooting.  Traditional ammunition is significantly cheaper than its alternatives.  Increasing the price of ammunition will only ensure lower income hunters likely won’t be able to provide food for their families. Further, the alternatives to lead ammunition can be less lethal (and therefore less ethical for hunting), and generally are not better for the environment.  Make no mistake, the ultimate goal is to end hunting, and this is the first step.

Again, please contact committee members and ask them to SUPPORT LD’s 635 and 666, and to OPPOSE LD 1015. ​