Code of Maine Rules
01 - DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY
001 - AGRICULTURE - GENERAL
Chapter 223 - RULES FOR THE OPERATION OF COMMERCIAL LARGE GAME SHOOTING AREAS IN MAINE
Section 001-223-14 - CONFINEMENT

Universal Citation: 01 ME Code Rules ยง 001-223-14

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. Shooting zones must be enclosed by fencing or other barriers sufficient to contain the species of large game contained in that shooting zone, regardless of whether individual large game are currently offered for harvest.

B. The following standards for fencing and confinement of large game apply to all new large game shooting areas licensed after April 1, 2009, to any currently licensed large game shooting area that elects to expand the species of large game offered for harvest after April 1, 2009, and to any currently licensed large game shooting area that elects to modify or expand the fencing within shooting zones and sub-zones.

C. Domesticated Cervids

1. Perimeter fencing must be a minimum of 8 feet in height from the ground surface. Fencing material must be continuous around the perimeter, except at gates and other access points. Materials must be woven wire or chain-link, with hole spacing no more than 2 inches by 6 inches up to a minimum height of 24 inches above ground, and no more than 6 inches by 6 inches for the remainder of the height. Fence bottoms must be no more than 2 inches above grade in all locations, and should preferably be buried below the surface. Fencing may be attached to posts, or to existing trees at a distance that maintains clearances and rigidity of the structure.

2. Perimeter gates and other access points must be of solid materials capable of withstanding contact with large game contained therein. Gate height must be a minimum of 8 feet, and clearances around the sides and bottom must not exceed 2 inches. All perimeter gates must be capable of being locked.

3. An access lane of sufficient width to accommodate motorized equipment must be maintained around the perimeter fencing of each shooting area. The access lane may be placed immediately inside or outside the fence, and it must be kept free of trees and heavy brush.

4. Perimeter fences must be kept in good repair at all times. Fence integrity must be restored promptly wherever they are damaged by fallen trees or large game, so as to prevent escape from captivity. Gaps that are in excess of two inches between the ground and the bottom of a perimeter fence must be filled in with woody debris, soil or rock.

D. Domesticated Boar

1. Standards for the perimeter fence include those described for domesticated cervids in section 14.C.1. , above. In addition, all perimeter and interior fencing within shooting zones or sub-zones containing boar must be buried at least 12 inches into the ground, with the buried portion on the inside of the posts.

2. An access lane of sufficient width to accommodate motorized equipment must be maintained around the perimeter fencing of each shooting area. The access lane may be placed immediately inside or outside the fence, and it must be kept free of trees and heavy brush.

3. Perimeter fences must be kept in good repair at all times. Fence integrity must be restored promptly wherever they are damaged by fallen trees or large game, so as to prevent escape from captivity. All fences containing boar must remain buried at all times.

4. Interior fences surrounding sub-zones containing domesticated boar must be at least 6 feet in height. Standards for hole spacing are the same as standards described for the perimeter fencing for cervids in section 14.C.1. , above.

5. Domesticated boar less than 6 months of age must not be contained in any part of a shooting zone at any time, unless that area is encompassed by a primary and a secondary fence.

6. The secondary or double fence for perimeter and any interior fencing containing domesticated boar less than 6 months of age must be either of woven wire or chain-link construction with a minimum of 2 inches by 2 inches spacing up to a height of 36 inches of the ground surface. Secondary fences are to be secured to the posts of primary fences on the inside.

7. Standards for gates and other access points in shooting zones and sub-zones containing domesticated boar must be constructed as described for domestic cervids, in section 14.C.2 above, and must include the following modification:
a. The area beneath the gate, when in closed position must be equipped with a continuous, impervious, non-movable material at least 6 inches wide, sufficient to create barrier to digging beneath the fence that spans the entire distance between the gate posts. Materials for this barrier can be constructed of concrete, or wood. If constructed of wood, the barrier must be at least 4 inches thick to withstand traffic, and it must be anchored into the ground to prevent movement by boar.

E. Domesticated Bison

1. The standards for the confinement of domesticated bison within the shooting zone or sub-zones include those described for domesticated cervids, in section 14.C.1. above, except as follows:
a. As an alternative, domesticated bison may be confined within high voltage/low impedance electrical fencing. In this case, fence height must be at least 6 feet above ground level. Electric fences must consist of at least 5 strands of high tensile 12 gauge wire, and each strand must be equipped with materials sufficient to maintain necessary rigidity. Wire may be attached to suitable posts or to available trees, using proper insulators. Electric fences must be maintained in good condition and be kept free from debris at all times. Fences must remain charged sufficiently to deter breach by bison within any subzone containing these animals.

2. An access lane of sufficient width to accommodate motorized equipment must be maintained around the perimeter fencing of each shooting area. The access lane may be placed immediately inside or outside the fence, and it must be kept free of trees and heavy brush.

3. Perimeter fences must be kept in good repair at all times. Fence integrity must be restored promptly wherever they are damaged by fallen trees or large game, so as to prevent escape from captivity. Gaps that are in excess of two inches between the ground and the bottom of a non-electric perimeter fence must be filled in with woody debris, soil or rock.

4. Electric fencing alone is not suitable for containing domesticated cervids or domesticated boar, and LGSA licensees may not stock cervids and boar within shooting zones or sub-zones fenced solely with high tensile electric fencing.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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