Maine § 10652. - Abuse of another person's property
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 10652. — Abuse of another person's property, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 10652.. Abuse of another person's property
1. Prohibitions. Prohibitions on the abuse of another person's property are as follows.
A. A person may not:
(2) Leave open any gate or bars on another person's land;
(3) Trample or destroy any crop on another person's land;
(4) Damage or destroy a tree on another person's land by inserting into that tree any metallic or ceramic object to be used as, or as part of, a ladder or observation stand unless the person has the permission of the landowner or the landowner's representative;
(5) Erect or use either a portable or permanent ladder or observation stand on the land of another person unless:
(b) The ladder or observation stand is plainly labeled with a 2-inch by 4-inch tag identifying the name and address of the person or persons authorized by the landowner or the landowner's representative to use the ladder or observation stand.
This subparagraph does not apply to a portable ladder or observation stand that is located on land within the jurisdiction of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission and attended by the person who owns the ladder or observation stand. For purposes of this subparagraph, "observation stand" does not include a portable blind utilized at ground level that remains in the physical possession of the hunter.
If the landowner or the landowner's representative finds an abandoned ladder or observation stand on the landowner's land in violation of this subparagraph and the owner of the abandoned ladder or observation stand is unknown, the landowner or the landowner's representative may take ownership of the abandoned ladder or observation stand. The landowner or the landowner's representative may remove, destroy, sell or possess the abandoned ladder or observation stand. For the purposes of this subparagraph, "abandoned ladder or observation stand" means a ladder or observation stand left on property not owned by the person who owns the ladder or observation stand without permission of the landowner or the landowner's representative; or
(6) Destroy, tear down, deface or otherwise damage a property posting sign under Title 17‑A, section 402, subsection 4. [PL 2025, c. 267, §1 (AMD).]
B. [PL 2021, c. 54, §2 (RP).]
C. [PL 2021, c. 54, §2 (RP).]
Except as otherwise provided, a person may not possess any wild animal or wild bird taken by hunting or trapping in violation of this subsection.
2. Penalty. A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime and may be ordered to pay restitution to the landowner for damages.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 10652.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 10652. cover?
Section 10652. ("Abuse of another person's property") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 10652.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 10652." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 10652. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.