Senator Craig Hickman’s bipartisan bill to protect the right to harvest wildlife in Maine receives overwhelming committee support

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 23, the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife voted overwhelmingly to advance LD 1343, “An Act to Protect the Right to Harvest Wildlife.” This bipartisan bill, from Senator Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, would protect Maine people’s right to harvest wildlife.

“By voting to support this bill, the Committee has declared that the people of Maine have a right to harvest wildlife by hunting, fishing and trapping — subject to appropriate regulation,” said Sen. Hickman. “This bill further clarifies and strengthens Maine’s constitutional Right to Food. Harvesting fish and wildlife to feed ourselves preceded agriculture by centuries and I’m certain my colleagues in the Legislature will support the Committee’s unanimous vote.”

LD 1343, as amended, 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 at the public hearing on April 11, 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 received support from Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Maine Professional Guides Association, and Maine Trappers Association at the public hearing.

LD 1343 now faces votes in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Sen. Hickman is the author of Maine’s Right to Food constitutional amendment. He represents District 14, which includes Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.

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