Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7451, sub-§1, śC, as amended by PL 1989, c. 493, §29, is further amended to read:

C. There shall be is an open season on using a dog or dogs in conjunction with bear hunting from the first Monday preceding September 1st, to the last day preceding the open firearm season on deer provided in section 7457, subsection 1 of September.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7451, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1997, c. 432, §42, is further amended to read:

3. Placing of bear bait. Placing of bear bait shall must be in conformity with the following provisions.

A. Bait may not be used to hunt or trap black bear, unless:

(1) The bait is placed at least 50 yards from any travel way that is accessible by a conventional 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive vehicle;

(2) The stand, blind or bait area is plainly labeled with a 2-inch by 4-inch tag with the name and address of the baiter;

(3) The bait is placed more than 500 yards from any dump or campground;

(4) The bait is placed more than 500 yards from an occupied dwelling, unless written permission is granted by the owner or leasee;

(5) The bait is placed not more than 30 days before the opening day of the season October 1st and not after October 31st;

(6) The bait areas will be cleaned up by November 10th, as defined by the state litter laws; and

(7) The person hunting from any stand or blind of another person has permission of the owner of that stand or blind.

SUMMARY

This bill separates the season for placing bait for bear from the season for hunting bear with dogs.