AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife voted to advance LD 1213, a bill concerning big game tagging, sponsored by Rep. Roland "Danny" Martin, D-Sinclair, on Monday.
The amended measure directs the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to examine electronic tagging of big game and to report the departments findings and recommendations to the committee. Additionally, the measure directs the department to take actions necessary to increase the number of registration stations, including wild game processing facilities, hunting outfitters and other hunting-related businesses to be designated as registration agents. This measure will not replace in-person tagging stations, processes or data collection.
"I understand that the department will need more time to implement this measure, so I have offered an amendment to allow the time necessary to research and report out on a prospective electronic tagging system," said Martin. "The option of electronic tagging will both minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission at in-person tagging stations and allow for those unable to travel to tagging stations to legally register their bear, deer, moose and wild turkey."
Martin, who is serving his fourth consecutive term in the Maine House, represents the communities of Frenchville, Grand Isle, Madawaska, St. Agatha and Van Buren, plus the unorganized territory of Square Lake, including Cross Lake, Madawaska Lake and Sinclair Townships. He serves as House chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation and is a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Contact: Jackie Merrill [Martin], c. 812-1111