Maine’s fish and wildlife resources are held in trust by the state for all Mainers. Like much of Maine’s government, the system of fish and wildlife management is rigged to benefit the government and the favored special interests. In this case it is those who hunt, fish and trap (i.e. consumptive users). For example, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council members are supposed to represent all Mainers, with no requirement that they hunt or fish. Unfortunately, its members are hand-picked by the Department and are subsequently rubber-stamped by the governor and the legislature. The result is that only supporters of the Department and its policies are appointed to the Council.
As governor, most importantly I will make the Department more democratic by giving all Mainers a seat at the table. I will change the mindset of the Department to put the health of the resource first. I will ensure that all members of the public are treated fairly and with respect. I will require that science, ethics and animal cruelty be considered in all fish and wildlife management decisions and policies. I will work to phase out Maine’s bear feeding program and to end recreational trapping. I will support legislation redirecting a portion of sales tax revenues on certain items, e.g. camping equipment, watercraft, etc. to the Department to ensure that non-consumptive users pay a commensurate portion of the costs to properly manage the public’s fish and wildlife.
