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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)

Signed by Governor

INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE DEPTINLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE DEPT - ADMINISTRATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.

Moose applicants can keep points without permit

If you apply for a moose permit, you can choose not to receive a permit and still keep your preference points for that application. This lets you delay a hunt without losing your place in line.

Hunters and trappers pay $1 for education

The state takes $1 from each hunting and trapping license and puts it in a new Fish and Wildlife Management Education Fund. The fund pays for public education about game management and youth and family outdoor programs. The department can hire private groups and keep teaching during ballot‑initiative campaigns on fish and wildlife. The law also removes one older subsection from the same statute.

Out-of-state trappers need course proof

If you apply for a Maine trapping license using an adult license from another state, province, or country, you must also show proof you passed a comparable trapper education course. If you cannot, you may submit a signed affidavit. This rule does not apply to junior or apprentice applicants.

New safety rules near homes and swim areas

You may not shoot archery equipment within 100 yards of a home without the owner’s permission. You may not operate a watercraft inside a marked swim area or fly an airmobile on a beach next to one. Each violation is a $100 to $500 civil fine. After 3 or more civil violations in 5 years, it becomes a Class E crime.

Small lead tackle banned; fines apply

Maine bans certain small lead fishing gear. Retailers may not sell lead sinkers or unpainted lead jigs that weigh 1 ounce or less or are 2.5 inches or shorter. Anglers may not use lead sinkers or unpainted lead jigs of that size. Starting September 1, 2026, using painted lead jigs is also banned. Each violation is a $100 to $500 civil fine; after 3 or more civil violations in 5 years, it becomes a Class E crime.

Taxidermist license renews every three years

Beginning January 1, 2026, a taxidermist license runs through the rest of the calendar year it is issued plus two more calendar years. You can renew every three years if your license is not suspended or revoked. Each renewal costs $77.

More Wildlife Management Areas added, one removed

The law adds four Wildlife Management Areas: Caribou Stream (Washburn and Woodland, Aroostook County); Lexington (Lexington Township, Somerset County); Macwahoc (Upper Molunkus Township and North Yarmouth Academy Grant Township, Aroostook County); and Rangeley (Rangeley, Franklin County). It also removes one prior item from the statutory WMA list.

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. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 132

    5/29/2025

  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

  • Amendment C-A (H-232), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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