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MaineLD 1623132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Amend Certain Fish and Wildlife Laws Related to Landowner Representation Regarding Abandoned Property

Sponsored By: James Dill (Democratic)

Became Law

HUNTINGHUNTING - LANDOWNER RELATIONS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Landowners can claim abandoned hunting stands

If you find an abandoned ladder or observation stand on land you own, left without your permission and the owner is unknown, you may take ownership. You or your representative can remove, destroy, sell, or keep it.

Work and government ATV exceptions

If you run a business and use an oversized ATV on land someone else owns, you do not need to register it when you have written permission and you are working, not recreating. An oversized ATV is wider than 65 inches or weighs over 2,000 pounds by the maker’s specs. People doing maintenance or inspections with the owner’s permission, and government workers on official duty, are exempt from the ATV trail restrictions. These exceptions apply only when the work does not cause significant ground damage or muddy nearby waters.

Stop-and-ID for snowmobiles and airmobiles

If you operate a snowmobile or airmobile on someone else’s land, you must stop and identify yourself when the landowner or their authorized representative asks. This applies only when you are on land you do not own. Refusing to stop and identify is a Class E crime.

Stricter ATV rules on private land

You must have the landowner’s OK to ride an ATV on private land. Written permission is required for cropland, pasture, or orchards. Permission is presumed on state‑approved ATV trails or areas the landowner leaves open. Riding without permission is a civil offense with a $100 to $500 fine. Three or more civil violations within five years becomes a Class E crime. When on someone else’s land, you must stop and identify yourself if the owner, lessee, or their representative asks. Refusal is a Class E crime.

Unattended outdoor cameras need permission

You cannot place an unattended outdoor camera or other surveillance device on private property you do not own without the landowner’s written consent or a warrant. Devices placed with consent or a warrant must show the operator’s name and contact. Landowners or their representatives can remove or take devices left in violation or abandoned when the owner is unknown. Exceptions include a camera used temporarily to deter car theft and animal tracking devices. Violations are a civil offense with a fine up to $500.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • James Dill

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Dean Cray

    Republican • House

  • James Thorne

    Republican • House

  • Richard Mason

    Republican • House

  • Tiffany Roberts

    Democratic • House

  • William Bridgeo

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 267

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/5/2025Senate

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

    6/4/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-440) 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-440), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/3/2025Senate

  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-440).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  6. Received by the Clerk of the House on April 11, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.

    4/11/2025House

Bill Text

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