Category Archives: Legislative News

ATV Task Force Recommendations Issued

ATVs, Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife News, Legislative News
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Here are the recommendations issued by the ATV Task Force. You can read the Task Force’s entire report here: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/ATV-Task-Force-Report-2020-1-6%20FINAL.pdf MAINE DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES & WILDLIFE 284 State St., Augusta, ME 04333   (207) 287-8000  www.mefishwildlife.com For More Information, Please Contact: Mark Latti, MDIFW Communications Director, 287-5216, 592-1339 (cell) mark.latti@maine.gov ATV Task Force Submits Recommendations, […]

DIFW debating how to increase game harvests

Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife News, Hunting, Legislative News, Maine, Maine Woods, Wildlife
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I wasn’t surprised that Maine hunters killed fewer deer, bears, and turkeys last year, because fewer people are hunting in Maine. But I was surprised that harvest numbers declined so sharply. State officials said the preliminary number of deer killed was around 28,000, down from 32,451 in 2018. The turkey fall harvest this year was […]

Important environmental issues at the legislature

Conservation, Environmental Issues, Legislative News, Maine, Maine Woods
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Here’s the latest legislative report from Maine Conservation Voters. What an incredible legislative session we’ve had so far this year! And it’s been such a great success because of dedicated conservation voters like you who have supported our work and joined us to urge lawmakers to protect Maine, promote clean energy, and tackle the climate […]

Legislature debates Advisory Council nominees and law changes

Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife News, Hunting, Landowner Issues, Legislative News, Wildlife
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On Wednesday the legislature’s IFW Committee held confirmation hearings for 6 people nominated for positions on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council. Among other things, the Council must approve all DIFW rules. The nominees are Jerry Scribner of Belgrade, Lindsay Ware of Ellsworth, Robert Duchesne of Old Town, Albro Cowperthwaite Jr of Linneus, Kristin […]

Endangered Species getting a boost

Conservation, Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife News, Environmental Issues, Legislative News, Wildlife
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The legislature is working to strengthen our protection of endangered species. The bill expands the authority of game wardens to cite people who violate the protective laws for endangered and threatened species, and increases penalties for violations. Here is a report on this bill from Maine Audubon. This is great news! A unanimous Committee Report […]

Legislature punts on bear bag limits and seasons

Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife News, Hunting, Legislative News, Trapping
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A bill giving DIF&W authority to establish bear seasons and bag limits drew a lengthy debate at the legislature’s IFW Committee. The bill got lots of discussion and debate. Rep John Martin expressed concern that, if the committee gave the department this authority, including the possibility that bear trapping would be expanded, it would provoke […]