Gov. Paul LePage gave his signature of approval Tuesday to a measure that will protect and promote access to shooting ranges in Maine. Supporters said the law was necessary to preserve the more than 100 outdoor ranges that are being threatened by increasing rural development. “Shooting ranges are under assault,” declared Robert Jordan, president of the Lisbon Fish & Game Association.
In the past few years, people have filed lawsuits against shooting ranges for a variety of reasons, including noise, nuisance and simply being in opposition to their existence. Legislative Document 1500, sponsored by Republican Patrick Corey, now protects fully compliant ranges from those legal actions.
One of those ranges—the Spurwink Rod & Gun Club—celebrated the victory. The 60-year-old organization had been one of the targets for noise and safety complaints. “This was [about a] principle, not a vendetta,” said Spurwink President Tammy Walter.
