STATEWIDE — An act to require a nonresident to hire a licensed Maine guide to hunt big game was presented to the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Senate President Troy Jackson, a Democrat from Aroostook, is sponsoring a bill, which would prohibit nonresidents from hunting moose, deer or bear in Maine unless they are accompanied by a guide or live in a state or province that allows Maine residents to hunt without a guide.
During a Monday morning hearing, Jackson said he thinks there are very few states that require Maine residents to have a guide for any type of hunt.
“I just think that making sure that we just have the same fair system,” Jackson said. “If you require us to have a guide, then we’re gonna require you to have a guide.”
Several folks spoke against the proposal for reasons including it discourages tourists from coming to Maine, hurts the economy, and would require agreements with other states and countries.
