APPROVED CHAPTER
MAY 30, 2025 44
BY GOVERNOR RESOLVES
STATE OF MAINE
_____
IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD
TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-FIVE
_____
H.P. 857 - L.D. 1322
Resolve, to Establish a Pilot Program to Enhance Youth Hunting
Participation
Sec. 1. Youth participation in hunting pilot program. Resolved: That the
Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, referred to in this resolve as "the department,"
in collaboration with the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office
of Tourism, shall establish through rulemaking a 2-year pilot program to run for calendar
years 2026 and 2027 to increase youth participation in hunting. The program must include
expanded youth hunting seasons and outreach initiatives.
Sec. 2. Program components. Resolved: That the 2-year pilot program under
section 1 consists of the following components.
1. The department shall schedule the youth spring wild turkey hunting day pursuant to
the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 12, section 11701, subsection 3 during a period with
increased availability for youth hunters, such as a long weekend, or the department may
establish a 2-day season on a Friday and Saturday.
2. The department shall establish a 2-day youth bear hunting season on a Friday and
Saturday during a time when youth are more likely to be able to participate, such as late
summer or early fall.
3. The department shall establish a day for youth hunting with dogs prior to the start
of the regular season for hunting with dogs pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title
12, section 11251, subsection 1.
4. The pilot program must include a robust public relations and social media campaign
aimed at increasing awareness of youth hunting opportunities and promoting responsible
and safe hunting practices.
5. The pilot program must include collaboration with community organizations,
schools and outdoor retailers to host informational and educational events.
6. The department must invite the participation of hunting organizations, local
communities and conservation groups to ensure the pilot program meets community and
environmental standards.
Page 1 - 132LR1641(03)
 Sec. 3. Rules. Resolved: That the department, in collaboration with the Department
of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism, shall adopt rules to
implement the 2-year pilot program under section 1, including but not limited to setting
specific dates for the pilot program and establishing participation guidelines and reporting
requirements. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined
in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 4. Report. Resolved: That the department shall report by January 6, 2027 and
by January 5, 2028 on the implementation of the 2-year pilot program under section 1 to
the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and
wildlife matters. The report must include:
1. Participation data and demographic trends;
2. Feedback from participants and stakeholders;
3. The pilot program's impact on youth engagement and conservation awareness; and
4. Recommendations for pilot program continuation, modification or termination.
Sec. 5. Legislation. Resolved: That in the report submitted pursuant to section 4 in
2028, the department may include suggested legislation based on department findings
during the 2-year pilot program under section 1. The joint standing committee of the
Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife matters may submit
legislation based on the report to the Second Regular Session of the 133rd Legislature.
Page 2 - 132LR1641(03)