HB336: relative to seasons for hunting by crossbow.

CHAPTER 123

HB 336 – FINAL VERSION

12Mar2015… 0084h

6May2015… 1676EBA

2015 SESSION

15-0262

10/05

HOUSE BILL 336

AN ACT relative to seasons for hunting by crossbow.

SPONSORS: Rep. Webb, Rock 6; Rep. Hopper, Hills 2; Rep. Duarte, Rock 2; Rep. Spillane, Rock 2; Rep. Lachance, Hills 8; Rep. Itse, Rock 10; Rep. McNamara, Hills 38; Rep. Parent, Merr 26; Rep. Cook, Rock 11; Rep. Potucek, Rock 6; Sen. Watters, Dist 4

COMMITTEE: Fish and Game and Marine Resources

AMENDED ANALYSIS

This bill allows the executive director of fish and game to adopt rules for taking black bear by crossbow and for taking game animals and game birds during the regular firearms season for the species.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

12Mar2015… 0084h

6May2015… 1676EBA

15-0262

10/05

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fifteen

AN ACT relative to seasons for hunting by crossbow.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

123:1 Fish and Game; Rulemaking; Crossbow. Amend RSA 208:7-a to read as follows:

208:7-a Taking [Deer] Game by Crossbow; Rulemaking.

I. The executive director of fish and game, with the consent of the commission, may adopt rules under RSA 541-A to allow for the taking of deer by crossbow during the regular firearms season, for persons holding a valid firearms deer tag, or as specified in RSA 206:23-c. [Such]

II. The executive director of fish and game, with the consent of the commission, may adopt rules under RSA 541-A to allow for the taking by crossbow of any game bird or any game animal, other than deer, during the regular firearms season set for that species.

III. Rules may include, but not be limited to, conditions or limitations as to the portions of the state crossbows may be used, the manner and method of taking with a crossbow, mandatory education requirements for the use of a crossbow, and any additional licensing requirements and associated fees.

123:2 Fish and Game; Black Bear; Crossbow. Amend RSA 208:22, V to read as follows:

V. Wild black bear may be taken by the aid and use of dogs, as permitted pursuant to RSA 208:22, I; by firearms; by crossbow; or by bow and arrow of at least 40 pound pull. No person shall take bear by the aid or use of a jack or artificial light, trap, snare, or set gun or .22 or smaller caliber rimfire firearm, unless otherwise provided in this section.

123:3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.

Approved: June 8, 2015

Effective Date: August 7, 2015