by Mark Chesnut - Friday, December 27, 2024
Earlier this year, Maine gun owners fought and lost a number of legislative battles, including those instituting background checks on private gun sales and a three-day waiting period for gun purchases. While Gov. Janet Mills vetoed a so-called “assault weapons” ban, anti-gun lawmakers in the state legislature were unable to override that veto. Now, the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is warning Pine Tree State hunters that they likely will be under fire when the legislature reconvenes on Jan. 3, 2025.
“In 2025, NRA members can expect to see more tired retreads of failed gun-control policies of the past,” NRA-ILA warns. “This includes, but is not limited to, bans on commonly owned firearms and firearm parts, Red Flag laws, and permitting frivolous lawsuits that would shutter Maine's firearm economy. While these failed bills of yesteryear come as no surprise, there are reports that these rabid anti-gun lawmakers have a new target in their sights: your hunting rights.”
According to NRA-ILA, Michael Bloomberg-backed, Portland-based politicians will soon be unveiling their 2025 agenda, which “includes significant legislation to reduce and, in some instances, eliminate Maine's proud hunting heritage and culture.”
With more than 17 million acres of extraordinary land and waterways, Maine offers some of the best hunting and fishing opportunities in the country. Hunters there pursue everything from big-game species like moose and black bears to small-game animals such as rabbits and wild turkeys.
Maine has a strong hunting tradition, and introducing children to the sport is a common rite of passage. Fall deer hunting is the most popular season in the state, and it is deeply rooted in Maine’s culture.
Obviously, any curtailment of hunting would not only damage Maine’s longstanding hunting heritage but also greatly impact the state financially. Maine has more than 200,000 licensed hunters who provide over $300 million in economic impact each year.
In addition, hunters pay excise taxes on guns, ammunition and related gear through the Pittman-Robertson Act, with funds allocated to state wildlife agencies for conservation projects based on the number of licensed hunters in each state. Consequently, any reduction in hunter numbers due to upcoming anti-hunting legislation would have a devastating effect on Maine's conservation funding.
As shared by NRA-ILA, a recent NRA study revealed that the highest density of Maine hunters is found in many of the state's tightest political districts, which could significantly impact the state's legislative and political makeup. Rather than waiting until legislation is filed, NRA-ILA is urging all hunters and other Second Amendment supporters in Maine to contact their lawmakers now and request that they oppose any bill that restricts hunting and firearm rights in the state. Interested hunters can click here to contact their legislators.
About the Author
Freelance writer and editor Mark Chesnut is the owner/editorial director at Red Setter Communications LLC in Jenks, Okla. An avid hunter, shooter and field-trialer, he has been covering Second Amendment issues and politics on a near-daily basis for over 25 years.