Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7463-A, sub-§7-B is enacted to read:

7-B.__Random drawing for 100 complimentary moose hunting permits for licensed hunters 70 years of age or older.__ Immediately following the completion of the public chance drawing selection procedure held under subsection 7, the commissioner shall randomly select an additional 100 names from among those applicants who hold a valid resident hunting license issued under section 7076, subsection 1.__An applicant selected in this drawing is eligible to receive a complimentary moose hunting permit.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7463-A, sub-§15 is enacted to read:

15.__Harvesting of one moose every 5 years without a moose permit.__A person who is 70 years of age or older and owns 100 or more contiguous acres of land in the State may kill one moose every 5 calendar years on that land without possessing a moose permit if that person:

A.__Holds a valid Maine hunting license if the person is a resident of the State or possesses a valid Maine big game hunting license if the person is a nonresident or alien;

B.__Kills the moose on the parcel of land composed of 100 or more contiguous acres that is owned by that person;

C.__Kills the moose during an open season on moose; and

D.__Has not taken a moose in that same year under a moose permit.

A person killing a moose under this subsection must present the moose for inspection and registration as required under subsection 10 and must comply with all other applicable provisions of chapters 701 to 721 or other applicable laws or regulations.

SUMMARY

This bill creates a random drawing that awards 100 complimentary moose hunting permits to moose permit applicants who are 70 years of age or older and who hold a valid resident hunting license. This drawing is held immediately after the regular annual public chance moose permit drawing.