§ 4084. Game

(a) Rules concerning wild game may:

(1) establish open seasons; however, rules regarding taking of deer adopted under this subdivision shall, unless there is a scientific reason not to do so, make provision for: a regular rifle hunting season of no fewer than 16 consecutive days; an archery season; and a muzzle loader season;

(2) establish daily, season, and possession limits;

(3) establish territorial limits for any rule under this subchapter;

(4) prescribe the manner and means of taking any species or variety, and including reporting and tagging of game;

(5) establish restrictions on taking based upon sex, maturity, or other physical distinction of the species or variety pursued; and

(6) designate Wildlife Management Units for various species or varieties.

(b)(1) On or before July 1 of each year, the Commissioner shall publish a report showing all the Wildlife Management Units and proposed deer seasons. The reports shall include supporting data for the proposed actions.

(2) Each January, the Commissioner shall publish an annual deer report.

(c) The Board may alter the outer boundary of a Wildlife Management Unit no more frequently than every 10 years without approval of the General Assembly; however, the Board shall have authority to subdivide established Wildlife Management Units.

(d), (e) [Repealed.]  (Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1979, No. 68, § 3, eff. May 8, 1979; 1979, No. 148 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 24, 1980; 1983, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 13, 1984; 1985, No. 29, §§ 1, 2; 1985, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 16, 1986; 1987, No. 10, § 1; 1989, No. 24, § 2; 1991, No. 230 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 1997, No. 99 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2003, No. 136 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2013, No. 78, § 4; 2013, No. 116 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2015.)