Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7945, as amended by PL 1997, c. 432, §58, is further amended to read:

§7945. Possession of hunting equipment on Sunday

Possession of hunting equipment in the fields or forests or on the waters or ice in the State or in a motor vehicle being operated on an unpaved highway or road located in an unorganized township on Sunday is prima facie evidence of a violation of section 7406, subsection 4, unless:

1. Hunting equipment covered. The hunting equipment is carried, securely wrapped, in a complete cover;

2. Hunting equipment fastened. The hunting equipment is fastened in a case; or

3. Hunting equipment in pieces. The hunting equipment is carried in at least 2 separate pieces in such a manner that it can not be fired, unless the separate pieces are joined together. For the purpose of this subsection, a clip, magazine or cylinder of a firearm may not be considered a piece of the hunting equipment. Bows and arrows must be kept in a case or cover if broadheads or field points are kept attached to the arrows.; or

4.__Hunting equipment for protection.__The hunting equipment is carried for protection while the person carrying it is engaged in another lawful activity under the hunting, fishing or trapping laws, such as, but not limited to, bearbaiting.

SUMMARY

This bill removes from the law language that makes possessing hunting equipment in a motor vehicle on an unpaved highway or road located in an unorganized township on Sunday prima facie evidence of a violation of the hunting laws. The bill also adds an exception to the Sunday hunting prohibition to allow carrying of hunting equipment for protection while engaged in activities such as bearbaiting.