With hunting season upon us I want to let hunters know of new opportunities to buy lifetime youth hunting licenses.
During the last legislative session I sponsored a bill that expands the youth lifetime license to include non-resident youths. I worked closely with the current Secretary of State, who originated the current resident program for lifetime licenses. The response from many hunters, who have children or grandchildren living out of state, who came forward to offer their support as well as sportsmen’s groups, assured easy passage of this bill.
In 1937, the Robinson/Pittman Act passed which taxed ammunition and hunting supplies to fund hunting programs and help with wildlife management. The fund currently takes in over $700 million a year nationally. States receive a share of these funds for each license they sell and each lifetime license is counted as an annual sale until the buyer reaches or would have reached 100 years of age. Our current in-state program has helped generate money from this fund and the new law has expanded this opportunity to the rest of the country.
With populations moving around at unprecedented rates, new opportunities are needed and this legislation will allow flexibility to families and opportunities to anyone desiring to enjoy the splendor of Maine. In the future sportsmen from all states will need to stick together. It is my hope that this bill is just the beginning of greater shared access to the wonders of Maine.
Deer season begins for residents here in Maine today (Saturday, October 31). I want to wish you all a rewarding season and hope it will bring you success. Please remember while in the woods to obey all laws and wear proper clothing. If you have any questions about hunting laws I have placed law books at the town offices of Farmington and Industry.
Remember as well to respect the landowners’ rights while hunting; always get permission to hunt on private land. It is up to us to set a good example for future hunters to teach respect through our actions and above all be safe.
Good Luck!
