An Act To Increase Opportunities for Hunters, Anglers and Sporting Camps by Extending the Seasons on Upland Game

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this Act must become effective before the end of the 90-day period in order for the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to adopt rules relating to the open season on the hunting of upland game before the 2019 season; 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,

Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §10954  is enacted to read:

§ 10954.  Start of open season on upland game

The open season on upland game must begin on the last Saturday in September. The commissioner, by rule, shall determine the length of the open season on upland game.

As used in this section, "upland game" means snowshoe hare, gray squirrel, ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail.

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