Whereas, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has adopted rules to establish an open turkey hunting season, without a lottery system of limited entry, beginning in 2006; and

Whereas, this legislation authorizes opening the 2005 spring turkey season to all qualified applicants, without a lottery system of limited entry; and

Whereas, this legislation must take effect prior to the beginning of this year's spring turkey season, scheduled to begin in May; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Authorized permits for all applicants. Resolved: That, notwithstanding any lottery system of limited entry in effect at the time of application, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall provide turkey hunting permits to all qualified persons who submitted timely applications for permits for the 2005 spring turkey hunting season.

Nothing in this resolve may be construed to prohibit a system of alternate weeks of seasons within the open turkey hunting season.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this resolve takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to provide turkey hunting permits to all qualified persons who submitted timely applications for permits for the 2005 spring turkey hunting season.