Senator Craig Hickman introduces bipartisan bill to protect the right to harvest wildlife in Maine

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 9, Senator Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, introduced a bipartisan bill to protect Maine people’s right to harvest wildlife. LD 1343, “An Act to Protect the Right to Harvest Wildlife,” was the subject of a public hearing before the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

“Hunting and harvesting wildlife has long been an important way for Maine people to feed themselves,” said Sen. Hickman. “This bill helps to further clarify Maine’s right to food and ensure that the definition of ‘harvest’ is clear in Maine law. I hope the Committee will join me in declaring that the people of the State have a right to harvest wildlife by hunting, fishing, and trapping — subject to appropriate regulation.”

LD 1343 would define the verb “harvest” in statute to clarify its meaning. The bill also declares that the people of Maine have a right to harvest wildlife by hunting, fishing and trapping, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulation. It recognizes that the harvesting of wildlife is a valued part of the cultural heritage of Maine and acknowledges the essential role played by wildlife harvesting in the State’s economy and the biological management of certain environments.

In his testimony in support of the bill, House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, said, “I strongly believe that this legislation is a necessary step in safeguarding the long-standing tradition of harvesting wildlife through hunting, fishing, and trapping here in Maine. … For many of us, these activities are not just pastimes—they are integral to our way of life.”

LD 1343 faces further action in the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.

Sen. Hickman represents District 14, which includes Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.

 ###