§ 12 §12260-A — Bear trapping permit

1.
Permit required.
Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part a person may not trap for bear without a valid bear trapping permit during the open bear trapping season under section 12260, subsection 1.
2.
Eligibility; license required.
A person who possesses a valid trapping license or a license that authorizes the hunting of bear, deer, moose, bobcat and raccoon may obtain a permit to trap bear from the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent.
3.
Issuance; permit fee.
The commissioner, through the commissioner's authorized agent, shall issue a bear trapping permit to an eligible person. The annual fee for each permit issued is $10 for residents and $67 for nonresidents.
4.
Bear trapping education course requirements; proof of bear trapping permit.
Beginning January 1, 2022, a person who applies for a bear trapping permit must submit proof of having successfully completed a bear trapping education course as provided by the department or satisfactory evidence of having previously held a valid Maine bear trapping permit in any year prior to 2022. When proof of competency cannot otherwise be provided, the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit stating that the applicant has successfully completed the required bear trapping education course or held a valid Maine bear trapping permit prior to 2022.

Legislative History

PL 2007, c. 168, §7 (NEW). PL 2007, c. 168, §8 (AFF). PL 2021, c. 100, §§10-12 (AMD). PL 2021, c. 100, §13 (AFF). PL 2023, c. 228, §10 (AMD). PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §4 (REV). PL 2023, c. 369, Pt. A, §5 (AFF). PL 2023, c. 646, Pt. A, §17 (AMD).