Bill > LD751

This bill amends existing hunting laws to permanently authorize the training of dogs for bear hunting in specific areas of Washington and Hancock Counties in Maine. Currently, the law allowing dog training for bear hunting in the southern portions of these counties (located south of Route 9) was set to expire on May 1, 2025. The bill removes the expiration date and the repeal clause, effectively making the provision permanent. Under this law, resident hunters are permitted to train up to 6 dogs at a time for bear hunting between July 1st and 4 days before the official bear hunting season begins. The bill maintains an existing requirement that hunters must obtain permission to train dogs on land used for wild blueberry production. The legislation is classified as an emergency measure, which means it will take effect immediately upon approval, addressing potential concerns about unwanted bear-landowner interactions that could arise if the dog training provision were to lapse.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=751&snum=132