Whereas, the expanded archery deer hunting license law expires on April 1, 1999; and

Whereas, the continuation of the expanded archery season for deer hunting is an effective and safe deer management tool and is important to the cultural and economic interests of the State; 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 §7102-B, first ¶, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. I, §2, is amended to read:

An expanded archery deer hunting license authorizes the holder to hunt for deer with a bow and arrow during an expanded archery deer hunting season. Notwithstanding section 7102-A, subsection 6, paragraph C, subparagraph (3) or section 7458, a person who lawfully takes a deer with a bow and arrow during the expanded archery deer hunting season is not precluded from further hunting for deer during that year. The commissioner may adopt rules to allow an archery deer hunting license holder to take more than one deer in areas where deer populations or other considerations warrant the taking of additional deer.

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7102-B, sub-§5, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. I, §2, is amended to read:

5. Expanded archery deer hunting season. The commissioner may establish by rule an expanded archery deer hunting season. The season must be determined by the commissioner, except that it may only occur in September. The expanded archery deer hunting season begins on September 1st and ends on December 15th of each year.

Sec. 3. 12 MRSA §7102-B, sub-§8, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 471, §2, is repealed.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.