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Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment
Advertise: December 3, 2025
CHAPTER NUMBER AND RULE TITLE: Chapter 16 – Youth Hunting Days
TYPE OF RULE: Routine Technical
PROPOSAL FILING NUMBER: [Leave Blank - Assigned by the Department of the Secretary of State]
BRIEF SUMMARY: In accordance with Legislative Resolve (H.P. 857 – L.D. 1322) the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is proposing to establish a 2-year pilot program to increase youth participation in hunting. Part of this resolve entails establishing a 2-day youth bear hunting season on a Friday and Saturday, as well as establishing a day for youth hunting with dogs prior to the opening of the regular season for hunting with dogs. The resolve also directs MDIFW to increase availability for youth turkey hunters by establishing a long weekend or a 2-day season on a Friday and Saturday. As directed, this would be a pilot program for two years during the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons.
PUBLIC HEARING (include day, date, time, and location):December 23, 2025 @ 4:00pm, IFW, 353 Water Street, 3rd fl conference room, Augusta. For those wishing to attend remotely, please contact the Agency Contact Person for this filing.
COMMENT DEADLINE (include day, date, and time): January 2, 2026
CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING (include Name; Mailing address; Telephone number; Fax number; TTY (Teletypewriter) number; and Email address):
Becky Orff
353 Water Street, 41 SHS, Augusta, ME 04333
Maine Relay 711
CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT (if different):Click or tap here to enter text.
FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any):None
STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 12 MRS Section 10104, 11251, 11701
SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED (if different):Click or tap here to enter text.
AGENCY WEBSITE: www.maine.gov/ifw
EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: becky.orff@maine.gov