Newly Introduced Bill Would Allow Sunday Hunting In Maine

Lawmakers are taking another shot at allowing Sunday hunting in Maine.

A new bill introduced by Senator Timberlake of Androscoggin seeks to end Maine's Sunday hunting prohibition. LD 1033 would allow landowners to hunt wild animals and wild birds on their private property, on Sundays. Landowners can also give written permission to other individuals, allowing them hunt on the landowners' private property on Sundays. If passed, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife would be tasked with establishing rules to implement the added day of hunting.

According to an article published by the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, Maine is one of 11 states in the country that still bans Sunday hunting. While other states have limitations on Sunday hunting, Maine and Massachusetts are the only states that currently have an outright ban. The rule stems from "blue laws" that restrict or ban certain Sunday activities.

Proponents of Sunday hunting in Maine have been pushing the issue for years. Supporters say an added day in the field, especially during the weekend, further expands hunting opportunity. By the looks of it, support from sportsmen is high.

Back in October, we asked our listeners what they thought about Sunday hunting. Data collected through a poll found 75% of respondents support ending Maine's prohibition on Sunday hunting.

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