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MaineLD 157132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Amend Certain Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Laws

Sponsored By: David Woodsome (Republican)

Became Law

INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE DEPTINLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE DEPT - ADMINISTRATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 4 mixed.

Ban on using small lead tackle

The law bans using lead sinkers and certain lead jigs that are one ounce or less or 2.5 inches or shorter. Using bare lead jigs has been banned since September 1, 2017. Using painted lead jigs is banned starting September 1, 2026. A civil violation is $100 to $500. After three or more civil violations in the past five years, it becomes a Class E crime.

New $1 add-on on hunting and trapping licenses

Beginning May 29, 2025, the Department deposits $1 from every hunting and trapping license into a Fish and Wildlife Management Education Fund. You pay $1 for each license you buy. The fund pays for public education on game management, program communications, contracts, youth or family outdoor programs, and related work during ballot initiative campaigns.

New fees and rules for moose permits

Beginning May 29, 2025, moose permit application fees are nonrefundable. Residents pay $15 for one chance. Nonresidents pay $15 for one chance, $25 for three chances, $35 for six chances, or $55 for ten chances, and may buy multiple ten‑chance options. A clerk or agent may charge a $2 processing fee per application. You may not file more than one application, or you are disqualified. You may choose to get points only and decline a permit.

Ban on selling small lead tackle

The law bans selling lead sinkers and certain lead jigs that are one ounce or less or 2.5 inches or shorter. Selling bare lead jigs has been banned since September 1, 2016. Selling painted lead jigs has been banned since September 1, 2024. A civil violation is $100 to $500, and after three or more civil violations in the past five years it becomes a Class E crime.

Taxidermist licenses shift to calendar years

Starting January 1, 2026, new taxidermist licenses run through the rest of the issue year plus the next two calendar years. Licenses issued before 2026 still expire three years from the issue date. You may renew every three years if your license is not suspended or revoked. Renewal costs $77 and the fee must accompany the application.

Trapper education proof, with tribal exemption

Starting May 29, 2025, adults applying for a trapping license must show they completed a trapper education course or held an adult trapping license in or after 1978. If the prior license was from another jurisdiction, you must also show a comparable course. If you cannot provide proof, you may submit a signed affidavit. Enrolled members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, Penobscot Nation, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, or the Mi'kmaq Nation are exempt if they present certification from their tribal leadership.

One department wildlife statute subsection repealed

Effective May 29, 2025, the law repeals 12 MRSA §10206, subsection 11. People or groups covered by that subsection no longer have the duties or powers it created.

State Wildlife Areas added and one removed

Beginning May 29, 2025, four areas are added to the state list of Wildlife Management Areas: Caribou Stream WMA (Washburn and Woodland, Aroostook County), Lexington WMA (Lexington Township, Somerset County), Macwahoc WMA (Upper Molunkus Township and North Yarmouth Academy Grant Township, Aroostook County), and Rangeley WMA (Rangeley, Franklin County). On the same date, the WMA listed under subparagraph 46 is removed from the list. These areas are managed under department rules.

Tighter safety rules near homes and swim areas

Beginning May 29, 2025, you may not operate a motorboat inside a marked bathing swim area. You may not operate an airmobile on a beach next to a marked swim area. A civil violation is $100 to $500, and after three or more civil violations in five years it becomes a Class E crime. Also, firing a gun or using archery within 100 yards of a home without the owner’s permission is a covered violation under section 11209.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David Woodsome

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 132

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-232) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-232), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    5/22/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-232).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/22/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE in concurrence

    1/14/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/14/2025House

Bill Text

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