CHAPTER 419

H.P. 63 - L.D. 67

An Act To Allow the Use of Crossbows for Hunting

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §10108, sub-§6-A is enacted to read:

6-A.__Crossbow hunting education program.__The commissioner shall establish a program for training individuals in safe and responsible crossbow hunting skills and behavior.__This program may include instruction in fisheries and wildlife laws, rights of landowners and hunters and appropriate principles of wildlife management.__The commissioner may charge an enrollment fee of up to $10 per person to help defray the costs of this program.__The commissioner may cooperate with any public or private association dedicated to responsible and safe crossbow hunting to establish this program.

In establishing the program, the commissioner shall:

A.__Prescribe the qualifications of instructors;

B.__Provide liability insurance for each instructor authorized by the commissioner to conduct training under the program protecting that person from liability for damages during the time when instruction is being given.__The cost of this insurance must be borne by the State and charged against funds credited to the department;