Maine § 12260. - Trapping bear

Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 12260. — Trapping bear, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12260.. Trapping bear

1.  Open and closed season.  There is an open season on trapping bear from September 1st to October 31st annually.

A. The commissioner may shorten the open season on bear in any part of the State as long as:  

(1) The demarcation of the areas with a shortened season follows recognizable physical boundaries such as rivers and railroad rights-of-way; and  

(2) The decision is made and published prior to February 1st of any year.   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

B. The commissioner may terminate the open season on bear at any time in any part of the State if, in the commissioner's opinion, an immediate emergency action is necessary due to adverse weather conditions or severe hunting or trapping pressure.   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

2.  Unlawful trapping of bear.  A person may not catch a bear in a trap and cause or allow another person to kill or register that bear. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime.

3.  Setting bear traps.  Setting traps for bear is governed by this subsection.

A. A person may use a cable trap with a closing diameter of not less than 2 1/2 inches to trap bear in the State during the open season on bear.   [PL 2003, c. 414, Pt. A, §2 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF).]

B. A person may not set a bear trap other than a cable trap or a cage-type trap as authorized by the commissioner.   [PL 2011, c. 253, §26 (AMD).]

A person who violates this subsection commits a Class E crime.  

4.  Trapping bear after having killed one. 

5.  Exceeding bag limit on bears. 

6.  Trapping bear near dumps.  Trapping bear near dumps is governed by this subsection.

A. The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, shall establish a line of demarcation at least 500 yards from sites permitted or licensed for the disposal of solid waste.   [PL 2003, c. 614, §9 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §223 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 655, Pt. B, §422 (AFF).]

B. A person may not trap within the demarcation area established under paragraph A. The commissioner, or the commissioner's agent, is exempt from this prohibition for the purpose of live trapping of nuisance bears.  

(1) A person who violates this paragraph commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 may be adjudged.  

(2) A person who violates subparagraph (1) after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within the previous 5-year period commits a Class E crime.   [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §22 (COR).]

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 12260.

What does Maine Revised Statutes § 12260. cover?

Section 12260. ("Trapping bear") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maine § 12260.?

A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 12260." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maine law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.

How does Maine § 12260. apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.