Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §11251, sub-§1, ¶D, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:

D. The commissioner may terminate the open season on bear as established in paragraphs A and B at any time in any part of the State if, in the commissioner's opinion, an immediate emergency action is necessary due to adverse weather conditions or severe hunting or trapping pressure.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §11303, sub-§2, ¶B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §160 and affected by §422, is repealed.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §11351, sub-§1, as affected by PL 2003, c. 614, §9 and amended by c. 655, Pt. B, §162 and affected by §422, is further amended to read:

1. Hunting 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.

Sec. 4. 12 MRSA §12260, as affected by PL 2003, c. 614, §9 and amended by c. 655, Pt. B, §§222 to 224 and affected by §422, is repealed.

Sec. 5. 12 MRSA §12260-A is enacted to read:

§12260-A. Trapping bear prohibited

A person may not trap bear except with the written permission of the commissioner.__The commissioner may give permission to trap bear pursuant to this section only to protect the public.__A person who violates this section commits a Class E crime.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits the trapping of bear except with the written permission of the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to protect the public.