Resolved: Two thirds of each branch of the
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 0820
Sponsors: CARUSO, CYRWAY

Legislative Document
No. 820
H.P. 527
House of Representatives, March 4, 2025
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of 
Maine to Establish the Right to Hunt and Fish
Received by the Clerk of the House on February 27, 2025.  Referred to the Committee on 
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint 
Rule 401.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative CARUSO of Caratunk.
Cosponsored by Senator CYRWAY of Kennebec and
Representatives: ARDELL of Monticello, BOYER of Poland, DILL of Old Town, MORRIS of 
Turner, SMITH of Palermo, Senators: BRADSTREET of Kennebec, HICKMAN of Kennebec.
Constitutional amendment. Resolved: Two thirds of each branch of the 
Legislature concurring, that the following amendment to the Constitution of Maine be 
proposed:
Constitution, Art. IX, §26 is enacted to read:
Section 26. Right to hunt, fish and harvest game and fish.  The right of the 
people to hunt, fish and harvest game and fish, including by the use of traditional methods, 
may not be infringed, subject to reasonable laws enacted by the Legislature, and reasonable 
rules adopted by the state agency designated for fish and wildlife management as provided 
by statute, to promote wildlife conservation and management and to preserve the future of 
hunting and fishing. Public hunting and fishing are the preferred means of managing and 
controlling wildlife. This section may not be construed to modify any provision of law 
relating to eminent domain, trespass or property rights.
Constitutional referendum procedure; form of question; effective date.  
Resolved:  That the municipal officers of this State shall notify the inhabitants of their 
respective cities, towns and plantations to meet, in the manner prescribed by law for holding 
a statewide election, at a statewide election held in the month of November following the 
passage of this resolution, to vote upon the ratification of the amendment proposed in this 
resolution by voting upon the following question:
"Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that the right 
of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game and fish may not be infringed, 
subject to reasonable laws and rules, and to provide that public hunting 
and fishing are the preferred means of managing and controlling wildlife?"
The legal voters of each city, town and plantation shall vote by ballot on this question 
and designate their choice by a cross or check mark placed within the corresponding square 
below the word "Yes" or "No."  The ballots must be received, sorted, counted and declared 
in open ward, town and plantation meetings and returns made to the Secretary of State in 
the same manner as votes for members of the Legislature.  The Governor shall review the 
returns.  If it appears that a majority of the legal votes are cast in favor of the amendment, 
the Governor shall proclaim that fact without delay and the amendment becomes part of 
the Constitution of Maine on the date of the proclamation.
Secretary of State shall prepare ballots.  Resolved:  That the Secretary of State 
shall prepare and furnish to each city, town and plantation all ballots, returns and copies of 
this resolution necessary to carry out the purposes of this referendum.
SUMMARY
This resolution proposes to amend the Constitution of Maine to provide that the right 
of the people to hunt, fish and harvest game and fish, including by the use of traditional 
methods, may not be infringed, subject to reasonable laws and rules to promote wildlife 
conservation and management and to preserve the future of hunting and fishing. It also 
provides that public hunting and fishing are the preferred means of managing and 
controlling wildlife.