37-B.__Traditional muzzleloader.__"Traditional muzzleloader" means a firearm that:

A.__Is capable of being loaded only through the muzzle;

B.__Is ignited by a matchlock, wheel lock, flintlock or caplock with an exposed ignition mechanism;

C.__Has a rifled or smooth-bored barrel or barrels, with each barrel capable of firing only a single charge;

D.__Is charged with black powder or black powder replica only;

E.__Propels a lead ball, full-bore diameter lead bullet or charge of shot; and

F.__May have only open or aperture sights.

Sec. 5. 12 MRSA §7107-A, sub-§4, ¶B, as amended by PL 1997, c. 432, §21, is further amended to read:

B. The commissioner shall establish by rule the length of the special muzzle-loading season. The commissioner may establish seasons of different lengths in different regions of the State. The season may extend for no more than 12 hunting days in any part of the State. The commissioner may establish different seasons for basic muzzleloaders, primitive muzzleloaders and traditional muzzleloaders.

SUMMARY

This bill redefines "muzzle-loading firearm" by providing clear definitions of a basic muzzleloader, a primitive muzzleloader and a traditional muzzleloader. The bill strikes out language that limits the authority of the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to extend the muzzle-loading open season on deer for more than 12 days in any part of the State. The bill authorizes the commissioner to establish different seasons for the 3 types of muzzleloaders.