I’m not talking about the regular bills that each of us have to pay each month. Of course there is the tax day that happens on the 15th. I’m talking about our legislature and the many bills that effect outdoor enthusiasts that will be happening during April. These bills are sure to promise lots of lively debate.
Take for instance the bill that proposes bounties on coyotes with the money coming from a $1 increase in hunting license fees or extending the firearm season for deer one week in the southern part of the State. Then there is the bill that says it would be alright for a dog owner to retrieve a hunting dog from posted property without posted landowners permission. There’s bills looking at giving out any deer permits ranging from youth to senior citizens, how about the allocation of 250 moose permits to residents who have never been drawn in the permit process, or a complimentary moose permit for disabled veterans. The bill that is proposing that October archery hunters deserve a two deer limit.
All these issues mean a lot to outdoor enthusiasts here in Maine. Each Friday you can find a list of upcoming hearings and work sessions on legislation of interest to sportsmen on SAM’s website.
Of course the legislature will be wrestling with issues such as a new two year budget, tax relief, education reform, and health care. The hunting, fishing, trapping, and firearm bills will remain low key in most cases. This is why it is important for sportsmen to speak out and let their legislature know what is important to us.
