News

Hunters sue to allow Sunday hunting in Maine

Hunters sue to allow Sunday hunting in Maine

Photo: clipart.com


AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A hunting group is suing the state of Maine to overturn the state’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting.

Hunting bear, moose, wild turkey and deer is popular in Maine, but the state has barred Sunday hunting for generations. Opponents of the ban filed their lawsuit on Wednesday with a claim that the law violates the state’s new “Right to Food” amendment.

Maine voters passed the nation’s first such constitutional amendment last year. The amendment states that individuals have a right to harvest food of their own choosing.

The opponents of the Sunday hunting ban said in a statement that Maine’s longstanding ban “was created based on the religious and social beliefs at the time, not biology or science.” But the ban has withstood challenges in the past.

The Maine Legislature’s Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife voted against a proposal to end the ban in March. The Maine Professional Guides Association, which represents guides who assist hunters, was among the groups that opposed the change.

The only other state that bans Sunday hunting is Massachusetts.

Latest Headlines

1 hour ago in Local

Three Shooting Suspects From New Hampshire Thought to be in Maine

Fresh

Officers say several callers reported gunshots around 1:21 a.m. Saturday.

2 hours ago in Local

Maine State Police Seek Help With 50-Year-Old Arson Death

Fresh

Police say they found a burned-out green 1971 Chrysler station wagon with Massachusetts registration.

1 day ago in Local

A House Fire in a South Portland Leaves Occupant Homeless

Fire Crews responded to the house fire on Cole Street, Friday night. The Red Cross is currently helping with providing temporary lodging for the displaced occupant.

1 day ago in Local

A Fatal Fire in Readfield, Claims a Life of a Woman

75-year-old Carolyn Wentworth was found dead hours after the fire was extinguished. Her husband, 74-year-old Jerrold Wentworth, was resecured by neighbors and is currently in serious condition at the Maine General Medical Center in Augusta.

2 days ago in Local

Driver cited after rear-ending MTA maintenance vehicle in Cumberland

A maintenance worker with the Maine Turnpike Authority suffered minor injuries when their truck was rear-ended in Cumberland Friday morning.