Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7468, sub-§§4 to 6, as enacted by PL 1985, c. 95, §1, are amended to read:

4. Hunting permits. The commissioner may establish the number of wild turkey permits for each wild turkey hunting zone and may issue those permits annually. No more than 10% of the total wild turkey permits may be issued to nonresident or alien hunters. A person whose application is selected may obtain a wild turkey hunting permit upon presentation of proof that he possesses:

A. A valid Maine hunting license, if he is a resident of the State; or

B. A valid Maine big game hunting license, if he is a nonresident or alien.

5. Eligibility. Any Maine resident, nonresident or alien who is eligible to obtain a possesses a valid Maine big game hunting license is eligible to apply for a wild turkey hunting permit.

6. Application procedure. Eligible persons wishing to apply for a permit shall must file a written application for a permit on a form furnished by the commissioner. The application shall must be accompanied by an application fee of $5 $10 for residents and $10 $25 for nonresidents and aliens. The application fee may not be refunded. No A person may not file more than one application. Any person who submits more than one application shall be is disqualified from the selection of permittees.

Sec. 2. Effective date. This Act takes effect November 30, 1999.

SUMMARY

This bill requires applicants for turkey hunting permits to possess a valid Maine big game hunting license prior to applying and increases the application fee for residents, nonresidents and aliens. These changes will not take effect until November 30, 1999 for the turkey season beginning the first weekday in May 2000.