An Act To Protect Young Bucks

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §11153-A  is enacted to read:

§ 11153-A.  Antler point restrictions

The commissioner shall establish an antler point restriction system no later than January 15, 2016 to increase the number of older antlered deer in the State. The system must limit the take of antlered deer to those with 3 or more one-inch tines along the main beam of either or both antlers. The tine restriction does not apply to a junior hunter who holds a valid junior hunting license and is hunting on youth deer hunting day established pursuant to section 11402, subsection 4, paragraph C.

The commissioner shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over inland fisheries and wildlife matters no later than January 15, 2021 and every 5 years thereafter concerning the implementation of the antler point restriction system and any observed changes in the antlered deer population of the State.

The commissioner shall adopt rules to implement, administer and enforce this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

SUMMARY

This bill requires the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to adopt an antler point restriction system to increase the population of older antlered deer in the State. It also directs the commissioner to adopt rules to implement and enforce the system.