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An Act To Establish a Youth Bear Hunting Day
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  the long-term health of Maine's hunting tradition is dependent on the recruitment of young hunters, the number of which has been on the decline; and
Whereas,  providing positive hunting opportunities for young hunters is essential to ensuring their long-term participation in the sport; and
Whereas,  allowing youth to hunt bear on a day before other bear hunters are in the field will provide a positive hunting experience; and
Whereas,  as August 31, 2015 is the opening day for hunting bear with a firearm, this Act must take effect before that date to establish a youth bear hunting day this year; 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 enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  12 MRSA §11251, sub-§2  is enacted to read:
 
2.  Youth bear hunting day.     There is a youth hunting day for hunting bear without a dog or dogs on the Saturday prior to the opening day of the bear hunting season established under subsection 1, paragraph A. A person who holds a valid junior hunting license may hunt bear with a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow during youth bear hunting day. An adult supervisor, parent or guardian accompanying a youth on youth bear hunting day may not possess a firearm, bow and arrow or crossbow while the youth is participating in the bear hunt.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
Effective 90 days following adjournment of the 127th Legislature, First Regular Session, unless otherwise indicated.