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An Act Regarding the Authority of the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife To Issue Permits to Beagle Clubs To Trap Snowshoe Hares
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  it is important to clarify as soon as possible the authority of the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to issue permits as described in this legislation; 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 §12261  is enacted to read:
§ 12261.   Trapping snowshoe hares by beagle club
The commissioner may issue a permit to a beagle club to take live snowshoe hares subject to the following conditions.
 
1.   Traps labeled.     A trap must be plainly labeled with the name of the beagle club and the telephone number of a contact person.
 
2.   Traps checked daily.     A trap must be checked at least once in every calendar day.
 
3.   Use of snowshoe hares.     Snowshoe hares may be used to stock running areas of the beagle club to which the permit is issued pursuant to this section. Snowshoe hares may not be transported out of the State or sold or given to any other beagle club or entity.
 
4.  Cottontail rabbits.     A cottontail rabbit caught in a trap must be released immediately.
 
5.  Trapping season for snowshoe hares.     The trapping season for trapping allowed under this section starts September 1st and ends April 30th of each calendar year.
 
6.  Reporting of trapped cottontail rabbits.     A beagle club that is issued a permit pursuant to this section shall file with the department no later than July 1st of each calendar year a report of cottontail rabbits trapped.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill clarifies the authority of the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to issue a permit to a beagle club to take live snowshoe hares for use by that beagle club.