2. Open archery season on deer. The commissioner shall by rule establish a special archery season beginning at least 30 days prior and extending to the beginning of the regular deer hunting season, as described in section 11401, subsection 1, paragraph A, for the purpose of hunting deer with bow and arrow only. During the special archery season on deer, the following restrictions apply.

A. A person may not take a deer during a special archery season unless that person uses a hand-held bow and broadhead arrow with the following specifications.

(1) Bows must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds.

(2) Arrowheads, including mechanical broadheads when open, must be at least 7/8 inch in width.

B. A person may not carry firearms of any kind while hunting any species of wildlife with bow and arrow during the special archery season on deer, except that a person who holds a license that allows hunting with firearms may carry a handgun.

C. If a person takes a deer with bow and arrow during the special archery season on deer, that person is precluded from further hunting for deer during that year.

D. Except as provided in this subsection, the provisions of this Part concerning deer are applicable to the taking of deer with bow and arrow, including the transportation, registration and possession of deer taken by this method.

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

Sec. 173. 12 MRSA §11452, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. D, §7, is amended to read:

§11452. Baiting deer

1. Prohibitions. A person may not, during an open hunting season on deer:

A. Place salt or any other bait or food in a place to entice deer to that place; or