An Act To Amend The Hunting Laws Related To The Training Of Dogs And Open Training Seasons

LD 751 extends a current law allowing residents in Washington and Hancock Counties (south of Route 9) to train up to six dogs for bear hunting during specific months (July 1 to four days before the bear hunting season). This law, which requires landowner permission for training on wild blueberry land, was scheduled to expire on May 1, 2025, but the bill ensures it remains in effect until that date. The measure prevents an earlier lapse that could have increased bear-human conflicts with landowners. The bill does not change training rules but maintains the existing authorization until the original expiration date.