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C.__Prescribe the type and length of instruction and the time | | and place of examinations; and |
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| | | D.__Issue a certificate of competency to individuals who | | successfully complete the examination. |
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| | | Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §10953 is enacted to read: |
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| | | §10953.__Open seasons for hunting with crossbow |
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| | | 1. Species and seasons.__Except as provided in this Part, a | | person may hunt bear with a crossbow during the open season on | | bear as provided in section 11251 and may hunt deer with a | | crossbow during the open firearm season on deer as provided in | | section 11401.__This subsection does not authorize a person to | | hunt deer with a crossbow during an expanded archery season | | established under section 11403 or in an expanded archery zone or | | during the muzzle-loading-only deer hunting season established | | under section 11404. |
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| | | 2. Rulemaking.__The commissioner shall adopt rules regulating | | the use of crossbows for hunting that include but are not limited | | to restrictions on size, bolts, broadheads, sighting devices and | | safety mechanisms.__The commissioner shall adopt rules that | | prohibit the use of hand-held or pistol-type crossbows and | | crossbows with a draw weight of less than 100 pounds or more than | | 200 pounds.__Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are | | routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, | | subchapter 2-A. |
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| | | Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §11106-A is enacted to read: |
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| | | §11106-A.__Eligibility for crossbow hunting license |
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| | | 1.__Big game license.__A resident or nonresident 16 years of | | age or older who has satisfied the requirements of subsection 3 | | and holds a valid big game license may obtain a crossbow license | | to hunt with a crossbow from the commissioner or the | | commissioner's authorized agent. |
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| | | 2.__Junior license.__A resident or nonresident 10 years of age | | or older and under 16 years of age may hunt with a crossbow if | | that person holds a valid junior hunting license. |
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| | | 3.__Crossbow hunter education requirements.__A person who | | applies for a crossbow hunting license, other than a junior | | hunting license, must submit proof of having successfully | | completed an archery hunting education course and a crossbow | | hunting course as described in section 10108 or equivalent |
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