Gov. Baldacci’s response to the need for funding the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was very telling. He stated in part, “[IFW] shouldn’t be in a position where the department is competing with mental health, children’s services and other programs. It pits the sportsmen against everybody else.”

The governor continues to be behind the curve when it comes to fish and wildlife. IFW is supposed to be more than “sportsmen.” IFW is supposed to be more than hunting, fishing and trapping. Our fish and wildlife resources belong to all Mainers, not just to “sportsmen.”

If IFW and the governor want revenue from nonconsumptive users, they need to give nonconsumptive users a place at the table and a say in fish and wildlife policy-making. For example, Sunday hunting is nothing less than an attack by the outdoor extremists on Maine people, private property rights and wildlife.

Let’s see if the governor and IFW will recognize the 90 percent of Mainers who do not hunt by supporting a constitutional amendment to “Keep Sundays Hunt Free.”

John M. Glowa Sr

South China