Another year is nearly done, Christmas is just around the corner, and as usual I have a holiday wish list.
I already have all the firearms, muzzleloaders, archery and fly-fishing gear I want or need. With very few exceptions, the same goes for general hunting, fishing and outdoor gadgets. In fact, I have so much stuff stashed in closets and rooms throughout the house that I will never use, I just might give some of it away as presents this year and save some money.
I never wear a tie, I just bought new wool socks before hunting season, and all things considered, this year’s desires are a bit different.
The problem is, there’s nothing on my wish list this year my better half, kin folk or friends can actually purchase. These are things only those sitting at a higher level of authority, politicians and other policymakers, can do something about. Considering the political climate in Augusta these days, I don’t expect any of them to come true or see the light of day.
But it’s not fair to put all the blame on politicians and policymakers. Most of the items on this year’s list have been trashed around for years and are issues my fellow hunters, nonhunters and others across the state can’t agree on. Until they do — which will probably be never — I’ll have to live with the way things already are. But with Christmas just about here, it doesn’t hurt to dream.
Wish number 1: Clarify baiting during deer season
Baiting deer during hunting season is legal on some level in 22 states, but it has long been prohibited in Maine. According to the 2024-2025 Maine Hunting Laws Summary, it is illegal to place salt, grain, fruit, nuts or other foods to attract deer from June 1 to Dec. 15, or to hunt from an observation stand or blind overlooking such bait. This does not include hunting over standing crops or foods left from natural occurrence or normal agricultural operations.
I take that to mean it’s legal to hunt over acorn and other hard mast drops that occur naturally, and fields with leftover farm crops.
What I could not find specifically mentioned are food plots planted with nutritional forbs, grains, or cover crops designed to attract and hunt deer. I may be wrong, but it’s hard to believe food plots for hunting are widespread in Maine. Although not explicitly addressed in statute, it seems implied that hunting over these plots isn’t illegal.
Also unclear is the use of lures — urine-based scents, natural or synthetic attractants, mineral supplements and aerosol sprays. None are technically food, so they’re probably legal, but could a warden interpret differently?
In short, Maine’s baiting laws are unclear. Hunters know it’s illegal to pile corn or apples, but much else is left to interpretation. There’s much that should be clarified and in print so every hunter understands what is legally allowed, which is exactly what we’re trying to do when using these products. Being implicit is not good enough anymore.
Wish number 2: Sunday hunting
Hunting on Sunday has been illegal in Maine since 1883. Hate me, dislike me or disagree, but it’s time to end this blue law. Every legislative session seems to consider a bill to allow Sunday hunting, and every session it fails. Currently, only Massachusetts and Maine have total bans.
But, like that new Polaris XP 1000 Ranger I wouldn’t mind having, it ain’t gonna happen.
Social and political will isn’t there. Some special interest groups oppose it, and even hunters are divided. A 2022 survey by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) found 69 percent of hunters support Sunday hunting while 23 percent oppose it. Among the general public, only 34 percent supported it while 54 percent opposed.
Opposition largely comes from landowner groups. Over 94 percent of Maine is privately owned, and much of it is gratefully open to public access, including hunting.
In that same 2022 survey, 76 to 81 percent of landowners allowed hunting, but 44 percent said they would restrict hunting if Sunday hunting were legal, two-thirds opposed, and 24 percent might limit other recreational uses.
But my goodness, can’t we find a compromise? Open Sunday hunting on public lands and let landowners decide for their property.
Wardens warn of enforcement challenges, but come on — they should trust some of us some of the time. While they may speak for a good some, I know these landowner groups don’t speak for all Maine landowners.
Wish number 3: Bring back spring bear season
Maine hasn’t had a statewide spring bear season for over 45 years. Like the Sunday hunting issue, attempts to reestablish it, including in 2019, failed due to opposition from landowners, guides, MDIFW and some animal rights groups.
Maine is home to an estimated 25,000 black bears, growing 1-2 percent annually. An unknown number die naturally, but hunters and trappers harvest well under 4,000 annually.
In 2017, MDIFW released its Big Game Management Plan, which won’t be revised until 2027.
“To slow population growth and range expansion, harvests have to increase to 15 percent of the population, which would require hunter participation, success or opportunity to expand above current levels.”
That means about 3,750 bears need to be harvested annually to meet the target. Recent harvests haven’t come close.
Maybe things will change when the plan is updated, but until then, and likely even after, I’ll keep hoping, dreaming and wishing Maine will have a statewide spring bear season someday.
I won’t hold my breath, though. There is just too much stacked against it.