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An Act To Establish a Comprehensive Hunting License
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §10260, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 168, §1 and affected by §8, is amended to read:
§ 10260.Black Bear Research Fund
The Black Bear Research Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established within the department as a nonlapsing fund to be used by the commissioner to fund or assist in funding studies related to the management of black bears. Revenue from the nonresident late season bear hunting permit under section 11151-A and the bear trapping permit under section 12260-A must be deposited in the fund. The commissioner may accept and deposit into the fund monetary gifts, donations or other contributions from public or private sources for the purposes specified in this section. The fund must be held separate and apart from all other money, funds and accounts.
Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §10851, as corrected by RR 2013, c. 2, §20, is amended to read:
§ 10851.Lifetime licenses
 
1. Infants, youth and seniors.   The following lifetime licenses may be purchased:
 
A. For a person who is less than 6 years of age:
 
(1) An infant lifetime fishing license. The fee for an infant lifetime fishing license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200;
 
(2) An infant lifetime hunting license. The fee for an infant lifetime hunting license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200;
 
(3) An infant lifetime archery hunting license. The fee for an infant lifetime archery hunting license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200. Beginning January 1, 2016, the department may not issue an infant lifetime archery hunting license. An infant lifetime archery hunting license issued prior to January 1, 2016 is valid and provides the same hunting privileges as a lifetime infant hunting license;
 
(3-A) An infant lifetime trapping license. The fee for an infant lifetime trapping license is $150 for a resident and $450 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $200;
 
(4) An infant combination of any 2 lifetime licenses. The fee for an infant combination of any 2 lifetime licenses is $250 for a resident and $750 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $425; and
 
(5) An infant combination of any 3 lifetime licenses. The fee for an infant combination of any 3 lifetime licenses is $400 for a resident and $1,200 for a nonresident, except that, from December 1, 2011 until March 1, 2015, the fee for a nonresident is $660;
 
B. For a person from 6 to 15 years of age:
 
(1) A junior lifetime fishing license. The fee for a junior lifetime fishing license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident;
 
(2) A junior lifetime hunting license. The fee for a junior lifetime hunting license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident;
 
(3) A junior lifetime archery hunting license. The fee for a junior lifetime archery hunting license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident. Beginning January 1, 2016, the department may not issue a junior lifetime archery hunting license. A junior lifetime archery hunting license issued prior to January 1, 2016 is valid and provides the same hunting privileges as a lifetime junior hunting license;
 
(3-A) A junior lifetime trapping license. The fee for a junior lifetime trapping license is $300 for a resident and $900 for a nonresident;
 
(4) A junior combination of any 2 lifetime licenses. The fee for a junior combination of any 2 lifetime licenses is $500 for a resident and $1,500 for a nonresident; and
 
(5) A junior combination of any 3 lifetime licenses. The fee for a junior combination of any 3 lifetime licenses is $800 for a resident and $2,400 for a nonresident;
 
C. For a resident from 65 to 69 years of age:
 
(1) A senior resident lifetime fishing license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime fishing license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age;
 
(2) A senior resident lifetime hunting license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime hunting license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age;
 
(3) A senior resident lifetime archery hunting license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime archery hunting license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age. Beginning January 1, 2016, the department may not issue a senior resident lifetime archery hunting license. A senior resident lifetime archery hunting license issued prior to January 1, 2016 is valid and provides the same hunting privileges as a lifetime senior resident hunting license;
 
(3-A) A senior resident lifetime trapping license. The fee for a senior resident lifetime trapping license is $50 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $40 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $30 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $20 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $10 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age;
 
(4) A senior resident combination of any 2 lifetime licenses. The fee for a senior resident combination of any 2 lifetime licenses is $80 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $64 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $48 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $32 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $16 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; and
 
(5) A senior resident combination of any 3 lifetime licenses. The fee for a senior resident combination of any 3 lifetime licenses is $110 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 65 years of age, $94 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 66 years of age, $78 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 67 years of age, $52 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 68 years of age and $26 for a person who purchases the license in the year in which that person turns 69 years of age; and
 
D. For a resident 70 years of age or older. For a person who holds a valid senior lifetime license under this section at any time during the calendar year that person turns 70 years of age, that lifetime license includes all hunting permits and licenses authorized in this Part and may renew at no cost a guide license under section 12853. A person who is 70 years of age or older may purchase a senior lifetime license that entitles the holder to all the privileges described in this paragraph for a one-time $8 fee.
A person must be a resident to purchase a senior resident lifetime license under subsection 1, paragraphs C and D. Once purchased, a lifetime license is valid for the life of the holder without regard to subsequent changes in the legal residence of the holder. The license entitles the holder to all fishing or hunting privileges extended to residents or nonresidents as applicable of that same age who hold the equivalent annual license and subjects the holder to all limitations and prerequisites on those fishing or hunting privileges that apply to residents or nonresidents of that same age who hold the equivalent annual license.
Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §10853, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 and affected by c. 614, §9, is amended to read:
 
1. Residents over 70 years of age.   A complimentary license to hunt, trap or fish, including an archery license under section 11109, subsection 7, a pheasant hunting permit under section 11156, a muzzle-loading hunting license under section 11109, subsection 4,and a migratory waterfowl permit under section 11157 and a bear hunting permit under section 11151, must be issued to a resident who is 70 years of age or older upon application to the commissioner.
 
A.  A resident who applies for a complimentary license under this section at any time during the calendar year of that resident's 70th birthday must be issued a license upon application, regardless of the actual date during that calendar year in which that resident attains 70 years of age. A guide license may be renewed without charge for a resident who is 70 years of age or older upon application to the commissioner. The application must be accompanied by a birth certificate or other certified evidence of the applicant's date of birth and residency.
 
B.  Beginning January 1, 2006, the department may not issue a complimentary license to a resident over 70 years of age. A complimentary license issued to a resident over 70 years of age prior to January 1, 2006 is valid as long as the license holder satisfies the residency requirements set out in section 10001, subsection 53.
 
C.  A complimentary license issued under this subsection remains valid for the remainder of the life of the license holder, as long as the license holder continues to satisfy the residency requirements set out in section 10001, subsection 53 and the license is not revoked or suspended.
Sec. 4. 12 MRSA §10853, sub-§8, as amended by PL 2013, c. 136, §1, is further amended to read:
 
8. Members of federally recognized nation, band or tribe.   The commissioner shall issue a hunting, trapping and fishing license, including an archery hunting license under this chapter, and including permits, stamps and other permission needed to hunt, trap and fish, to a person, 10 years of age or older, who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs that is valid for the life of that person without any charge or fee pursuant to section 11109, if the person presents certification from the respective reservation governor or the Aroostook Micmac Council stating that the person described is an enrolled member of a federally recognized nation, band or tribe listed in this subsection. Holders of these licenses are subject to this Part, including, but not limited to, a lottery or drawing system for issuing a particular license or permit. Members of a federally recognized nation, band or tribe listed in this subsection are exempt from the trapper evaluation program required for a license under section 12201 and the archery hunter education course under section 11106.
Sec. 5. 12 MRSA §10902, sub-§7, as affected by PL 2003, c. 614, §9 and amended by PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §100 and affected by §422, is further amended to read:
 
7. Mandatory hunting license revocation; coyote hunting violation.   A hunting license of a person convicted of hunting coyote in violation of section 11160 or 12001 must be revoked and that person is ineligible to obtain any hunting license for a period of one year from the date of conviction.
Sec. 6. 12 MRSA §11106, as amended by PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §12, is further amended to read:
§ 11106.Archery hunting; requirements
 
1. Age requirement.   A person is eligible to obtain an archery hunting licensehunt with bow and arrow as provided in this section.
 
A. A resident or nonresident 16 years of age or older who has satisfied the requirements of subsection 2 or holds ana valid apprenticeship hunter license, or who is exempt under subsection 3, may obtain an archery hunting license to hunt with bow and arrow from the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent.
 
B. A resident or nonresident 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age may hunt with bow and arrow if that person holds a valid junior hunting license.
 
2. Archery hunter education requirements.   Except as provided in paragraph A and subsection 3, a person who applies for an archerya hunting license other than a junior hunting license or ana valid apprenticeship hunter license and wishes to hunt with bow and arrow must submit proof of having successfully completed an archery hunter education course as described in section 10108 or an equivalent archery hunter education course or satisfactory evidence of having previously held a valid adult archery hunting license issued specifically for the purpose of huntingthat specified the holder was authorized to hunt with bow and arrow in this State or any other state, province or country in any year after 1979.
 
When proof or evidence cannot be otherwise provided, the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit that the applicant has previously held the required adult archery hunting license that specified the holder was authorized to hunt with bow and arrow or has successfully completed the required archery hunter education course.
 
A. A person who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs who presents certification from the respective reservation governor or the Aroostook Micmac Council stating that the person is an enrolled member of a federally recognized nation, band or tribe listed in this paragraph is exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
 
3. Archery hunter education course exemption for members of armed forces domiciled in State.   A member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty who is permanently stationed outside of the United States and home on leave is exempt from archery hunter education course requirements under subsection 2 if that member shows proof at the time of application for the hunting license that that member's home state of record, as recorded in that person's military service records, is Maine. A person who no longer meets the conditions for an exemption under this subsection must satisfy the requirements of subsection 2.
Sec. 7. 12 MRSA §11106-A, as amended by PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §13, is further amended to read:
§ 11106-A.Crossbow hunting; requirements
 
1. Hunting license.   A resident or nonresident 16 years of age or older who has satisfied the requirements of subsection 3 or who is exempt under subsection 4 and who holds a valid big gamehunting license or an apprenticeship hunter license may obtain a crossbow license to hunt with a crossbow from the commissioner or the commissioner's authorized agent.
 
2. Junior license.   A resident or nonresident 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age may hunt with a crossbow if that person holds a valid junior hunting license.
 
3. Crossbow hunter education requirements.   Except as provided in paragraph A, a person who applies for a crossbow hunting license other than a junior hunting license or an apprenticeship hunter license who wishes to hunt with a crossbow must submit proof of having successfully completed an archery hunting education course and a crossbow hunting course as described in section 10108 or equivalent crossbow and archery hunting education courses or satisfactory evidence of having previously held valid adult archery anda valid crossbow hunting license or licenses issued specifically for the purpose of huntingthat specified the holder was authorized to hunt with a crossbow orand bow and arrow in this State or any other state, province or country in any year after 1979.
 
When proof or evidence cannot be otherwise provided, the applicant may substitute a signed affidavit that the applicant has previously held the required adult crossbow and archery hunting license or licenses that specified the holder was authorized to hunt with bow and arrow and crossbow or has successfully completed the required crossbow and archery hunting education courses.
 
A. A person who is an enrolled member of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians or the Aroostook Band of Micmacs who presents certification from the respective reservation governor or the Aroostook Micmac Council stating that the person is an enrolled member of a federally recognized nation, band or tribe listed in this paragraph is exempt from the requirements of this subsection.
 
4. Crossbow hunter education course exemption for members of armed forces domiciled in State.   A member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty who is permanently stationed outside of the United States and home on leave is exempt from crossbow hunter education course requirements under subsection 3 if that member shows proof at the time of application for the hunting license that that member's home state of record, as recorded in that person's military service records, is Maine. A person who no longer meets the requirements of this subsection must satisfy the conditions for exemption under subsection 3.
Sec. 8. 12 MRSA §11107, as amended by PL 2013, c. 588, Pt. A, §14, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
§ 11107. Muzzle-loader hunting; requirements
A person who holds a valid hunting license, a valid junior hunting license or a valid apprentice hunting license may hunt with a muzzle-loader.
Sec. 9. 12 MRSA §11108, sub-§1, as amended by PL 2005, c. 419, §4 and affected by §12, is further amended to read:
 
1. On certain land.   Notwithstanding section 11109, subsection 1 as it applies to this subchapter, a resident over 10 years of age and a member of the resident's immediate family over 10 years of age, as long as the hunter's license to hunt is not under suspension or revocation, may hunt without a license, including, but not limited to, an archery hunting license, a crossbow hunting license and a muzzle-loading license, on a single plot of land:
 
A.  To which they are legally entitled to possession;
 
B.  On which they are actually domiciled;
 
C.  That is used exclusively for agricultural purposes; and
 
D.  That is in excess of 10 acres.
Sec. 10. 12 MRSA §11109, as amended by PL 2013, c. 538, §§21 and 22, is further amended to read:
§ 11109.Licenses and fees
 
1. License required.   Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to this Part, a person may not engage in an activity for which a license may be issued under this section unless that person has a valid license issued under this section. Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed.
 
2. Hunting licenses; agent's fee.   Clerks or other agents appointed by the commissioner to issue licenses and permits shall charge a fee of $2 for each hunting license issued. The commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 for each hunting license issued by department employees.
 
3. Hunting licenses; combination licenses; fees.   Hunting licenses, combination licenses and fees are as follows.
 
A. A resident junior hunting license, for a person 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age, is $7. Notwithstanding the permit fees established in subchapter 3, a resident junior hunting license includes all permits, stamps and other permissions needed to hunt at no additional cost. A resident junior hunting license does not exempt the holder of the license from lottery-related application requirements under this Part.
 
B. A resident hunting license, for a person 16 years of age or older, which permits hunting of all legal species subject to the permit requirements in subchapter 3, is $25$38.
 
C.  A resident small game hunting license, for a person 16 years of age or older, which permits hunting for all legal species except deer, bear, turkey, moose, raccoon and bobcat, is $14.
 
D. A resident combination hunting and fishing license is $42$55.
 
E.  A resident combination archery hunting and fishing license is $42.
 
E-1. A resident apprenticeship hunter license, which includes a bear hunting permit and a wild turkey hunting permit under sections 11151 and 11155 respectively, is $25.
 
F. A nonresident junior hunting license, for a person 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age, is $34. A nonresident junior hunting license does not exempt the holder of the license from lottery-related application requirements under this Part.
 
G.  A nonresident small game hunting license, which permits hunting of all legal species except deer, bear, turkey, moose, raccoon and bobcat, is $74.
 
H.  A nonresident 3-day small game hunting license, valid for 3 consecutive hunting days, which permits hunting of all legal species except deer, bear, turkey, moose, raccoon and bobcat for the 72-hour period specified on the license, is $49.
 
I. A nonresident big game hunting license, which permits hunting of all legal species subject to the permit requirements in subchapter 3, is $114$143.
 
J. A nonresident combination hunting and fishing license is $149$178.
 
K.  An alien small game hunting license, which permits hunting of all species except deer, bear, turkey, moose, raccoon and bobcat, is $79.
 
L.  An alien big game hunting license, which permits hunting of all legal species subject to the permit requirements in subchapter 3, is $139.
 
M.  An alien combination hunting and fishing license is $190.
 
N. A license to use leashed dogs to track wounded animals, which permits a person to use one or more leashed dogs to track a lawfully wounded deer, moose or bear, is $27.
 
O.  A nonresident small game apprenticeship hunter license, which permits the hunting of all legal species except deer, bear, turkey, moose, raccoon and bobcat, is $74.
 
P. A nonresident big game apprenticeship hunter license, which permits the hunting of all legal species and includes a bear hunting permit and a wild turkey hunting permit under sections 11151 and 11155 respectively, is $114$143.
 
4.  Muzzle-loading permit; issuance and agent's fee.     The commissioner, through the commissioner's agent, shall issue muzzle-loading permits to eligible persons. The issuing agent shall charge a fee of $1 for each permit issued.
 
5.  Muzzle-loading permits and fees.     Muzzle-loading hunting permits and fees are as follows:
 
A.  A resident muzzle-loading hunting permit is $13;
 
B.  A nonresident muzzle-loading hunting permit is $69; and
 
C.  An alien muzzle-loading hunting permit is $79.
 
6.  Issuance of archery hunting license; agent's fee.     Clerks or other agents appointed by the commissioner to issue archery hunting licenses must charge a fee of $1 for each archery hunting license issued. The commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 for each archery hunting license issued by department employees.
 
7.  Archery hunting licenses; combination licenses; fees.     Archery hunting licenses, combination licenses and fees are as follows:
 
A.  A resident archery license is $25;
 
B.  A resident combination archery hunting and fishing license is $42;
 
C.  A nonresident archery license is $74; and
 
D.  An alien archery license is $84.
 
8.  Issuance of crossbow hunting license; agent's fee.     Clerks or other agents appointed by the commissioner to issue crossbow hunting licenses must charge a fee of $1 for each crossbow hunting license issued. The commissioner shall charge a fee of $1 for each crossbow hunting license issued by department employees.
 
9.  Crossbow licenses and fees.     Crossbow hunting licenses and fees are as follows:
 
A.  A resident crossbow hunting license is $25;
 
B.  A nonresident crossbow hunting license is $55; and
 
C.  An alien crossbow hunting license is $79.
Sec. 11. 12 MRSA §11109-A, as amended by PL 2011, c. 252, §1 and affected by §2 and amended by c. 370, §3 and corrected by RR 2011, c. 1, §16, is repealed.
Sec. 12. 12 MRSA §11151, as amended by PL 2009, c. 213, Pt. OO, §6, is repealed.
Sec. 13. 12 MRSA §11151-A, as enacted by PL 2007, c. 168, §4 and affected by §8, is repealed.
Sec. 14. 12 MRSA §11154, sub-§4, as affected by PL 2003, c. 614, §9 and amended by c. 655, Pt. B, §126 and affected by §422, is further amended to read:
 
4. Hunting license required.   While hunting moose, the permittee and the subpermittee shall each have in that person's possession a valid Maine resident,or nonresident or alien big game hunting license, whichever is applicable.
 
Each day a person violates this subsection that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable license fee must be imposed.
Sec. 15. 12 MRSA §11154, sub-§5, as amended by PL 2011, c. 370, §5, is further amended to read:
 
5. Eligibility.   Except as provided in this subsection, a resident,or nonresident or alien who is eligible to obtain a Maine hunting license or who will be eligible to obtain a Maine hunting license by the opening day of the open moose season is eligible to apply for a moose hunting permit. Beginning in 2011, a person who has obtained a moose hunting permit is ineligible to obtain another permit until 3 years have elapsed after the issuance of the last permit. This limitation does not apply to subpermittees under subsection 7.
Sec. 16. 12 MRSA §11155, as amended by PL 2013, c. 387, §§1 and 2, is repealed.
Sec. 17. 12 MRSA §11160, as corrected by RR 2011, c. 1, §17, is repealed.
Sec. 18. 12 MRSA §11403, sub-§2, ¶C, as amended by PL 2007, c. 163, §2 and affected by §3, is further amended to read:
 
C. Except as provided in section 11109-A, subsection 3, ifIf a person takes a deer with bow and arrow during the regular archery-only season on deer, that person is precluded from further hunting for deer during that year.
 
SUMMARY
This bill expands the current resident hunting license and nonresident hunting license to encompass and replace all other hunting licenses and hunting permits except the:
1. Junior hunting license;
2. Resident and nonresident apprentice hunting licenses;
3. Antlerless deer and special deer season permits;
4. Moose permit;
5. Pheasant permit;
6. Waterfowl permit;
7. Falconry permit; and
8. Migratory bird permit.
It increases the fee for a resident and a nonresident hunting license from $25 to $38 and from $114 to $143, respectively. This bill also increases the fee on resident and nonresident hunting and fishing combination licenses from $42 to $55 and from $149 to $178, respectively, to reflect the increase in the hunting license fee.
This bill also provides that infant, junior and senior resident archery lifetime hunting licenses purchased prior to January 1, 2016 remain valid and provide the same hunting opportunities as the expanded infant, junior and senior resident lifetime hunting licenses.
It maintains the current firearm, bow and arrow and crossbow hunter education requirements.