Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Cancels AR Safety Class

As some of our members have asked our response to this issue, we will address it knowing that while GOME is a one-issue entity, that of Gun Rights, it is important to be kept informed about how the State of Maine manages its gun safety training, even if it is initially related to the issue of hunting.

While this is an ongoing issue that will certainly need updating, our members need to know that we are disappointed in the cancellation of this class and look forward to learning more about why they chose to act in this manner.

AR style firearms are no more than Modern Sporting Rifles that have been deemed legal to own in the US over and over and over again. They are used by many Maine residents to hunt, and it would seem to us that encouraging people who choose to use a legal firearm to hunt, provide for their families, and carry on a longstanding Maine tradition safely would be something the IF&W should be interested in encouraging, not canceling.

Our interest lies in whether or not the cancellation of this class has anything to do with calls to ban these types of legal firearms, why a handful of complaints dictates their policy and offerings, and if the department is taking any kind of stand on their legal use for hunting - and for our purposes- legal ownership of said firearms.

We will provide updates with more information as it comes in. Please see the below linked articles for more information.

Maine cancels AR gun class after complaints

Cancellation of Maine ‘AR’ Safety Class Opens Questions as to Motives and Legality