Maine: Governor Mills Proposes Major Cost Increases to Hunting, Fishing, and Archery License Fees

The NRA recently warned Mainers that progressive politicians were zeroing in on their hunting rights. This week, Maine hunters got their first look at the anti-hunting policies coming their way in 2025 in the form of cost increases to make up for budget shortfalls. 

In her latest budget proposal, Governor Janet Mills announced major increases in hunting, fishing, and archery license prices for resident and non-resident hunters. The following proposed fees create a 16% increase to resident combination hunting and fishing licenses and a 5% increase for non-resident hunters.  This cost increase is the latest attack on hunting rights in Maine by progressive politicians who are attempting to inflate the cost of hunting in Maine to price out hunters from participating in the sport. 

A recent NRA study highlighted that Maine has over 200,000 hunting license holders, which provides over $307,000,000 in annual economic impact. Restricting hunting access in Maine would be felt from Kittery to Fort Kent, with rural economies throughout the state being hit the hardest. Instead of finding new ways to arbitrarily restrict hunting rights in the Pine Tree State, lawmakers would be better served by increasing, not limiting, the number of hunters in Maine. 

NRA members and hunting rights supporters are urged to contact their local lawmakers now and urge them to oppose any cost increases to hunting licenses in Maine. Click the TAKE ACTION button below to contact your lawmakers NOW.

Please stay tuned to the NRA-ILA website and your inbox for further updates as this year's legislative session progresses.