C. In 1996 and 1997, no more than 1,500 permits; and

Sec. 6. 12 MRSA §7463-A, sub-§2-A, ¶D, as enacted by PL 1997, c. 490, §2, is amended to read:

D. In 1998 and in each year thereafter 1999, no more than 2,000 permits.;and

Sec. 7. 12 MRSA §7463-A, sub-§2-A, ¶E is enacted to read:

E.__In 2000 and in each year thereafter, no more than 3,000 permits.

Sec. 8. Two-year trial basis; report. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall submit a report together with any necessary implementing legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at the end of each hunting season for the years 1999 and 2000. The department shall report to the committee the results of having an open deer hunting season as opposed to a restricted hunting season.

SUMMARY

This bill allows a person who has killed a deer during the special archery season for deer to hunt and kill a 2nd deer with a firearm during the regular firearm season for deer. The bill also repeals the regulation of the taking of antlerless deer and permits hunters to take any deer. The bill requires the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at the end of the hunting season for the years 1999 and 2000 on the results of having an open deer hunting season as opposed to a restricted hunting season. The bill also increases the moose hunting permits from 2,000 to 3,000.