§ 12 §10108 — Programs

1.
Training in firearm safety.
The commissioner shall establish a program for training individuals in the safe handling of firearms and for this purpose may cooperate with any public or private association or organization having as one of its objectives the promotion of safety in firearms handling.
2.
Promotion of hunting, fishing and camping.
The commissioner may implement a program designed to promote fisheries and wildlife resources and attract hunters and anglers to the State. As part of this program, the commissioner may reduce the price of certain types of licenses for specified periods of time to promote license sales for hunting and fishing in the State. The commissioner may offer complimentary licenses as part of a department program or for promotional purposes. Any loss of revenue due to the issuance of complimentary licenses under this subsection may be offset by revenues from other department programs and funds dedicated to the Division of Public Information and Education. The commissioner may implement a program that expends funds for the purpose of recognizing individuals who contribute, either through volunteer efforts or some other form of contribution, to the mission of the department. These programs may include coordination of activities between the public and private sectors and utilization of promotional missions, exhibits, brochures, technical assistance and expertise as necessary to develop and promote hunting, fishing and camping activities within the State. The commissioner shall coordinate these programs with the activities of the Department of Economic and Community Development. Any purchases made as a result of that coordination must be by competitive bid.
3.
Supersport certificate.
4.
Landowner relations program.
4-A.
Landowner relations program.
The commissioner shall develop and implement a landowner relations program, referred to in this section as "the program."
4-B.
Keep Maine Clean program.
The commissioner shall develop and implement a Keep Maine Clean program to recruit volunteers to pick up trash in fields and forests while engaging in outdoor recreation. The commissioner shall recruit volunteers for the program from outdoor recreationists, the media and other for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and shall build a database of volunteers and encourage their participation in the program. The commissioner shall promote the program through a publicly accessible website, e-mail and a monthly e-mail newsletter to volunteers, including stories about the program's sponsors, volunteers, contests, good landowner relations and other helpful information.
5.
Youth and family programs and activities.
Youth and family outdoor recreational programs and activities may be established in the department to encourage hunting and fishing activities as well as shooting sports in the State. The commissioner may accept money, goods or services donated to the department for these programs and activities. Money, goods and services accepted by the commissioner under this subsection may be used only for these programs and activities, including providing gifts to program participants, and to promote and market the programs and activities. Gifts may include but are not limited to complimentary hunting and fishing licenses, equipment, gear and tackle.
6.
Archery hunting education program.
The commissioner shall establish a program for training individuals in safe and responsible archery hunting skills and behavior. This program includes instruction on all types of archery equipment, fisheries and wildlife laws, rights of landowners and hunters and appropriate principles of wildlife management. The commissioner may charge an enrollment fee of up to $10 per person to help defray the costs of this program. The commissioner may cooperate with any public or private association dedicated to responsible and safe archery hunting to establish this program.
6-A.
Crossbow hunting education program.
7.
Trapper education program established.
The commissioner shall establish a program for training individuals in safe and responsible trapping skills and behavior. This program must include instruction in the applicable laws and rights and in the appropriate principles of wildlife management. The commissioner may charge an enrollment fee of up to $10 per person to help defray the costs of this program. For the purpose of establishing the program, the commissioner may cooperate with any public or private association having similar goals.
8.
Hunters for the Hungry Program.
The Hunters for the Hungry Program, referred to in this subsection as the "program," is established to allow the department and persons who are lawfully in the possession of wild game meat to donate that wild game meat for distribution to needy persons through the food assistance programs of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
9.
Pheasant program.
The commissioner may enter into an agreement with a qualified rod and gun club or qualified hunting-oriented organization to allow the club or organization to purchase and raise pheasants. An agreement entered into pursuant to this subsection may provide for the use of department facilities for raising pheasants by a qualified rod and gun club or qualified hunting-oriented organization. For purposes of this subsection, "qualified rod and gun club or qualified hunting-oriented organization" means a rod and gun club or a hunting-oriented organization that has demonstrated involvement in raising and releasing pheasants in the year prior to entering into an agreement with the commissioner to purchase and raise pheasants.
10.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman.
The Becoming an Outdoors Woman program is established in the department to encourage women to participate in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities within the State. The commissioner may sponsor Becoming an Outdoors Woman events, establish appropriate fees for participation and accept money, goods and services donated to the department for the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program. Money, goods and services accepted by the commissioner under this subsection may be used only for program activities, including activities designed to enhance the program such as giving gifts to program participants, or to assist in promoting and marketing the program.
11.
Coyote control program.
Pursuant to section 10053, subsection 8, the commissioner shall maintain a coyote control program as follows.
12.
Camp North Woods program.
The Camp North Woods program, referred to in this subsection as "the program," is established to provide youth opportunities to learn outdoors skills about conservation of the State's natural resources. Department staff shall mentor in the program, which may include, but is not limited to, instruction and training in recreational vehicle operation, paddle sports, hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor survival, navigation, firearm and archery training and wildlife and fish identification. The program is funded solely from the Camp North Woods fund, established under section 10266.

Legislative History

PL 2003, c. 414, §A2 (NEW). PL 2003, c. 414, §D7 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF). PL 2003, c. 655, §§B28-30 (AMD). PL 2003, c. 655, §B422 (AFF). PL 2005, c. 419, §1 (AMD). PL 2005, c. 419, §12 (AFF). PL 2011, c. 576, §§1-3 (AMD). PL 2011, c. 576, §10 (AFF). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV). PL 2013, c. 408, §§4, 5 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 277, §1 (AMD). PL 2015, c. 301, §2 (AMD). PL 2017, c. 164, §1 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 239, §§6, 7 (AMD).