Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §11404, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2003, c. 614, §4 and affected by §9, is further amended to read:

1. Muzzle-loading-only open season on deer. There is a special muzzle-loading open season on deer immediately following the regular deer hunting season established under section 11401, subsection 1, paragraph A for the purpose of hunting deer only with muzzle-loading firearms as defined in section 10001, subsection 42 and that are 40 caliber or greater and capable of firing only a single charge. If a hunter is using a double- barreled muzzle-loading firearm, both barrels may be loaded for discharge. The commissioner may terminate this open season at any time in an area if, in the commissioner's opinion, an immediate emergency action is necessary due to adverse weather conditions or severe hunting pressure. The length of the special muzzle-loading season is as follows.

A. The commissioner shall establish by rule the length of the special muzzle-loading season. The commissioner may establish seasons of different lengths in different regions of the State. The season may extend for no more than 12 hunting days in any part of the State.

SUMMARY

This bill allows the use of any muzzle-loading firearm during muzzle-loading-only open season on deer and specifies that double-barreled muzzle-loading firearms may be used with both barrels loaded.