The lawmaker who spearheaded the state’s new whitetail deer plan last fall will take over as the executive director for the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

Sen. David Trahan, R-Waldoboro, replaces former Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, who was serving as interim director and decided not to take the position.

Dunlap said today the work he did guiding the 14,000-member alliance the past seven months has created an organization that runs smoother administratively, and the passion he lacked for the position Trahan has in excess.

“For the first time in months I feel great about where we are,” said Dunlap, who will resume his work as an alliance board member in September.

Trahan spearheaded a working group on the struggling whitetail deer herd last fall. He then helped to craft legislation that put a greater focus on conservation of deer wintering areas, land management and land owner relations.

Trahan served on the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Advisory Council before serving on the Legislature’s Joint Committee of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. He is currently the president of the Lincoln County Fish and Game Club.

In addition to working to restore the state’s deer herd, Trahan said he will focus on encouraging investment in the state’s fish hatcheries and encourage young people to get involved in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities.