ME LD157

Creates the Fish and Wildlife Management Education Fund, funded by $1 from each hunting and trapping license fee, to educate the public on game species management and promote participation in outdoor activities including during ballot initiative campaigns

Modifies lead fishing tackle restrictions by removing size/weight thresholds for lead sinkers and unpainted lead jigs (previously one ounce or less, or 2.5 inches or less), while repealing the September 2024/2026 phase-out of painted lead jigs

Adds four new Wildlife Management Areas (Caribou Stream, Lexington, Macwahoc, and Rangeley) and removes one (subparagraph 46) from the statutory list

Changes taxidermist license expiration from 3 years from date of issuance to calendar-year-based terms (remainder of issue year plus 2 calendar years) beginning January 1, 2026

Requires out-of-state trapping license holders to complete a trapper education course comparable to Maine's, and expands the 100-yard discharge prohibition near dwellings to include archery equipment in addition to firearms