A.__Hunt bear;

B.__Trap bear;

C.__Molest or harass a bear; or

D.__Release dogs for the purpose of hunting a bear.

The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, is exempt from this prohibition for the purpose of live-trapping nuisance bears.

3.__Penalties.__The following penalties apply to violations of this section.

A.__A person who violates subsection 2 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.

B.__A person who violates subsection 2 after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.

Sec. 165. 12 MRSA §11304, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. D, §7, is amended to read:

§11304. Permission to harvest another person's bear

A person may not, without the permission of the person conducting the hunt, kill or wound a bear that is treed or held at bay by another person's dog or dogs.

A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime.

Sec. 166. 12 MRSA §11351, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. D, §7, is amended to read:

§11351. Bear bag limit

1. Hunting or trapping bear after having killed one. A person may not hunt or trap bear after that person has killed or registered one during any open season. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class D crime for which the court shall impose a sentencing alternative involving a term of imprisonment not to exceed 180 days; the court also shall impose a fine of not less than $1,000, none of which may be suspended.