2010 Maine Code
TITLE 12: CONSERVATION
Chapter 915: HUNTING: SEASONS, REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS
12 §11401. Open and closed seasons for deer

Part 13: INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE HEADING: PL 2003, C. 414, PT. A, §2 (NEW); PT. D, §7 (AFF); C. 614, §9 (AFF)

Subpart 4: FISH AND WILDLIFE HEADING: PL 2003, C. 414, PT. A, §2 (NEW); PT. D, §7 (AFF); C. 614, §9 (AFF)

Subchapter 6: DEER HUNTING HEADING: PL 2003, C. 414, PT. A, §2 (NEW); PT. D, §7 (AFF); C. 614, §9 (AFF)

§11401. Open and closed seasons for deer

1. Open and closed seasons. This subsection applies to open and closed seasons for deer.

A. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and sections 10952, 11152, 11403 and 11404 or by rule adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 11402, subsection 4, there is an open season for deer in each calendar year in all counties of the State between September 15th and December 20th annually. In a year that the regular season extends beyond November 30th, the regular season must start no later than the 4th Monday preceding Thanksgiving. [2009, c. 134, §1 (AMD).]

B. The commissioner may shorten the open season on deer in any part of the State, as long as:

(1) The demarcation of the areas with the shortened season follows recognizable physical boundaries, such as rivers and railroad rights-of-way; and

(3) The Saturday preceding the first day of open season on deer is an open day for residents of the State only. [2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §168 (AMD); 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

C. The commissioner may terminate the open season on deer at any time in any area if, in the commissioner's opinion, an immediate emergency action is necessary due to adverse weather conditions or severe hunting pressure. [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

D. Whenever a section of the State is closed to hunting by proclamation of the Governor during the open season on deer, the commissioner, after the proclamation has been annulled, with the consent of the Governor, may extend the open season for deer hunting in that section of the State for a period not to exceed the number of days lost. [2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

[ 2009, c. 134, §1 (AMD) .]

SECTION HISTORY

2003, c. 414, §A2 (NEW). 2003, c. 414, §D7 (AFF). 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF). 2003, c. 655, §B168 (AMD). 2003, c. 655, §B422 (AFF). 2009, c. 134, §1 (AMD).