reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-20 - Requirement of satisfactory completion of hunter education course; resident apprentice hunting license; resident combination small game hunting and fishing license

(1)
It is unlawful for any person born on or after January 1, 1972, to procure any Mississippi hunting license, except a resident apprentice hunting license and a resident combination small game hunting and fishing license, unless the person has been issued certification of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department.
(2)
It is unlawful for any person to issue any Mississippi hunting license, except a resident apprentice hunting license and resident combination small game hunting and fishing license, to any person born on or after January 1, 1972, unless the purchaser has provided valid certification of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department.
(3)
It is unlawful for any person to fraudulently obtain a hunter education certification.
(4)
The department may revoke any hunting license or hunter education certification upon determination that the holder was not entitled to issuance or obtained the license or certification by any fraudulent means.
(5)
It is unlawful for any person born on or after January 1, 1972, to hunt with a resident combination small game hunting and fishing license, unless the person has been issued certification of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department.
(6)
The hunter education course required for purposes of licensure shall be deemed to be satisfied by any student who enrolls in and successfully completes a school-based hunter safety course provided in accordance with Section
49-7-20.2
.
Laws, 1985, ch. 445, § 1; Laws, 1995, ch. 409, § 5; Laws, 2006, ch. 486, § 3, eff. 7/1/2006.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 364, HB 1577,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2013, ch. 501, HB 1001, 2, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-20.1 - Child hunter safety; hunter education course; supervision by adult who holds valid Mississippi license for species being hunted

(1)
(a)
To reduce hunting accidents of children under license age, to protect the safety of these children and to promote hunter safety, a child at least twelve (12) years of age and under sixteen (16) years of age must have a certificate of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department before hunting in this state.
(b)
A child at least twelve (12) years of age and under sixteen (16) years of age may hunt without having the certificate of hunter education required under this subsection if the child is in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when hunting.
(2)
A child under the age of twelve (12) must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when the child is hunting.
(3)
A licensed hunter supervising a child as provided in this section must hold a valid Mississippi license for the species being hunted.
(4)
There is no penalty for a violation of this section, but to protect the safety of the child a conservation officer may require the child to end the hunt and may unload the firearm and may take the firearm and the child to an adult.
Laws, 2000, ch. 405, § 1; Laws, 2006, ch. 486, § 1; Laws, 2007, ch. 484, § 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-20.2 - Course on hunter safety may be added to school curriculum or after-school program for students in grades 7 through 12; minimum requirements of course

(1)
Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, each school district may offer a course on hunter safety as a component of its curriculum during the day, or as part of an after-school program for students in Grades 7 through 12. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, may prepare and make available to school boards resources on hunter safety that may be used as guidelines for the development of courses authorized under this section.
(2)
The hunter safety course must be designed to expose students to firearm safety and to provide, at a minimum, instruction in:
(a)
The capabilities of firearms;
(b)
Respecting and handling firearms responsibly; and
(c)
Managing and controlling firearms.
(3)
The hunter safety course must be taught by a well trained individual who is credentialed to provide instruction in the safe handling of firearms. The school district may arrange for any employee of the district or alternatively, an individual who is not employed by the district, to teach the hunter safety course, provided that the person administering the instruction holds certification or another credential that evidences the person's training to provide firearms safety instruction.
(4)
The hunter safety course authorized under this section may not be construed to authorize a student, school district employee, firearms safety instructor or any other person who is not otherwise permitted by law or school board policy to carry a weapon on school property or possess a firearm on school property. In training students to handle firearms properly, operable weapons and live ammunition may not be used. Access by any person to the inoperable weapons and ammunition used in the course must be limited to those times that students are in class under the supervision of both the firearms safety instructor and physical education teacher.
(5)
No less than one (1) week before the course authorized under this section is scheduled to be taught, the school district must provide written notice to the parents of those students. The notice must inform the parents that a hunter safety course, including training in the proper handling of firearms, will be taught to students as part of the physical education class. The notice must advise parents of the right and the appropriate process to review the materials to be used in the course. Upon the request of any parent, the school must excuse the parent's child from the hunter safety course without detriment to the student.
Added by Laws, 2020, ch. 364, HB 1577,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-22 - Multiyear licenses; fees; additional license fee for person issuing license

(1)
The commission may authorize the issuance of a multiyear license not to exceed four (4) years of any license issued by the commission. The fee for a multiyear license shall be commensurate with the total of the annual fees for the annual license for the number of years of the multiyear license.
(2)
A person authorized to issue licenses by the department may collect and retain for issuing each license the fee authorized under Section
49-7-17
.
Laws, 2007, ch. 472, § 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-23 - Sale of hunting and fishing licenses by constables designated as deputy conservation officers

The executive director may designate constables as deputy conservation officers, and constables so designated may be permitted to sell hunting and fishing licenses and may retain the fee provided in Section
49-7-17
for issuing each such license.
Codes, 1942, § 5857; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 221; Laws, 1974, ch. 569, § 19; Laws, 1978, ch. 465, § 10; Laws, 1988, ch. 435, § 11; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 63, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-25 - Records and reports

Each officer authorized to issue licenses shall keep in a book to be supplied to him by the commission, a correct and complete list, in numerical order, of all licenses, resident or nonresident, issued by him. He shall enter at the close of each week the name and residence of each individual to whom a license was issued during that week, and shall on or before the tenth day of each month, forward to the executive director, on blanks furnished to him by the executive director, a complete list of all licenses so granted, with the name and address of each licensee, and shall pay over to the executive director all sums collected by him for licenses during the preceding month, and at the end of the license year shall render a final report and return to the executive director all license stubs and all unused or mutilated license blanks. Thereupon the executive director shall cause the account of the officer to be audited and a final statement furnished such officer on the condition of the account.
Codes, 1942, § 5880; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 64, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-26 - Development of tagging and reporting program for deer and turkey to collect harvest data and monitor bag limit compliance; penalties for violation of turkey or deer tagging program

(1)
(a)
The department may develop, implement and regulate a tagging and reporting program to collect harvest data and monitor bag limit compliance by any means as provided in this section.
(b)
The department may charge a fee for the tagging program.
(c)
The department shall provide an annual report to the Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
(2)
(a)
The department may establish a tagging and reporting program for deer harvested by nonresidents.
(b)
A nonresident who violates any law or regulation of the nonresident deer tagging program shall be subject to the fine and forfeiture penalties provided for a nonresident hunting without a license under Section
49-7-21
. In addition, a nonresident shall be assessed the administrative fee prescribed in this section.
(3)
(a)
The department may establish a tagging and reporting program for turkey.
(b)
A person who violates any law or regulation of the turkey tagging program is guilty of a Class III violation and shall be subject to the fines provided in 49-7-101. In addition, a person shall be assessed the administrative fee prescribed in this section.
(4)
(a)
A person convicted of a first violation of the tagging program shall be assessed an administrative fee of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), which shall be imposed and collected upon conviction. A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation shall be assessed an administrative fee of not less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) nor more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), which shall be imposed and collected upon conviction.
(b)
The clerk of the court shall collect and deposit the administrative fees with the State Treasurer, in the same manner and in accordance with the same procedure, as nearly as practicable, as required for the collection and deposit of state assessments under Section
99-19-73
.
(c)
The administrative fees shall be credited to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and may be expended by the department upon appropriation by the Legislature.
(5)
Each deer or turkey taken or possessed in violation of the tagging program is a separate offense.
Laws, 2009, ch. 510, § 3, eff. 7/1/2009.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-29 - Wholesale minnow dealers

(1)
This section shall be known as the "Mississippi Wholesale Minnow Dealers Law."
(2)
Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
The term "wholesale minnow dealer" means any person selling minnows to a person for resale.
(b)
The term "person" means any person, firm or corporation.
(c)
The term "minnow" shall only mean golden shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), goldfish (Carassius auratus), common carp or Israeli carp (Cyprinus carpio), emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides), western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) and gulf killfish (Fundulus grandis).
(3)
The department shall license wholesale minnow dealers, as required under this section. However, bona fide residents of Mississippi growing minnows on their own property within the State of Mississippi shall be exempt from these license requirements.
(4)
It is unlawful for any person except those exempted by subsection (3) to sell minnows at wholesale within the State of Mississippi without a commercial fishing license.
(5)
A resident wholesale minnow dealer shall certify that he is a resident of the state and shall apply to the department for a commercial fishing license.
(6)
A nonresident wholesale minnow dealer shall apply to the department for a nonresident commercial fishing license. This nonresident license fee shall be set by the department.
(7)
Each sale of minnows in violation of this section shall be punishable as a Class I violation as provided in Section
49-7-141
.
(8)
A copy of the commercial fishing license shall be carried at all times in each vehicle which transports minnows into or within the State of Mississippi. Each violation of this subsection shall be punishable as a Class I violation as provided in Section
49-7-141
. However, no person charged with violating this subsection shall be convicted if he produces in court, or files with the clerk of the court before the date of appearance, proof that he held a valid commercial fishing license at the time that he was charged with a violation.
Codes, 1942, § 5872.7; Laws, 1962, ch. 191, §§ 1-8; Laws, 1978, ch. 465, § 11; Laws, 1985, ch. 452, § 2; Laws, 1989, ch. 377, § 4; Laws, 1993, ch. 463, § 9; Laws, 2001, ch. 494, § 1, eff. 7/1/2001.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-30 - Season for nongame gross fish

The season for taking nongame gross fish by hand or rope shall be from May 1 to July 15.
Laws, 2001, ch. 349, § 2, eff. 3/11/2001.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-31.1 - Open season on deer; requirements for wearing hunter orange during any firearm season; exceptions; penalties

(1)
When hunting deer during any firearm season on deer, every hunter, whether hunting with a firearm, bow and arrow or any other weapon, must wear in full view at least five hundred (500) square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or solid unbroken fluorescent pink, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(2)
Hunters shall not be required to wear the five hundred (500) square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or solid unbroken fluorescent pink required under subsection (1) of this section when:
(a)
Hunting from a deer stand that is elevated twelve (12) feet or more above the ground; or
(b)
Hunting in a fully enclosed blind.
(3)
A violation of this section is a Class III violation and is punishable as provided in Section
49-7-101
.
Laws, 2005, ch. 529, § 1, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 422, HB 1206,§ 2, eff. 4/23/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 305, HB 526,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 310, HB 720, 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-31.2 - Open season for game birds

The open season for game birds shall be as follows:
(a)
On bobwhite quail: The season shall open on Thanksgiving Day and run through the first Saturday in March next following. When the open season ends on a Friday, the commission shall have the authority to extend the season until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday.
(b)
On pheasant: There shall be no open season on pheasant.
(c)
On wild turkey: The commission may fix the spring season between March 1 and May 15. In addition, the commission may fix special fall either-sex seasons. When the open season ends on a Friday, the commission shall have the authority to extend the season until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday.
(d)
On migratory birds: The open season for migratory birds shall be the season prescribed by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty regulations.
Laws, 2005, ch. 529, § 2, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 308, SB 2723,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2020.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-31.3 - Open season for game animals other than deer

The open season on game animals except deer shall be as follows:
(a)
On squirrel: The season shall open on October 1 and run through February 28 next following. In addition, the commission is authorized to set a season that shall open not earlier than May 15 and run not later than June 1 next following. When the open season ends on a Friday, the commission shall have the authority to extend the season until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday.
(b)
On rabbits: The season shall open on the Saturday nearest October 15 and run through February 28 next following, and when rabbits are depredating or destroying crops, the owner of the crops or his tenants may shoot the rabbits with guns. When the open season ends on a Friday, the commission shall have the authority to extend the season until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday.
Laws, 2005, ch. 529, § 3, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 308, SB 2723,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 388, SB 2369, 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-31.4 - Open season on fur-bearing animals; hunting raccoons and bobcats with dogs; additional open season on raccoons

(1)
The commission may fix the open season on fur-bearing animals between November 1 and March 15 next following and fix the open season for hunting opossums, raccoons and bobcats with dogs and guns by licensed hunters from October 1 to March 15 next following; but raccoons and bobcats may be run, hunted, chased or pursued throughout the year with dogs by licensed hunters.
(2)
The commission may establish an additional open season on raccoon from July 1 through October 1, and the bag limit on raccoon during the additional open season shall be one (1) per party, per night.
(3)
When the open season on fur-bearing animals, including any additional open season on raccoon, ends on a Friday, the commission shall have the authority to extend the season until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday.
Laws, 2005, ch. 529, § 6, eff. 7/1/2005.
Amended by Laws, 2024, ch. 422, HB 1206,§ 1, eff. 4/23/2024.
Amended by Laws, 2020, ch. 308, SB 2723,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2020.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 391, SB 2143, 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-31.6 - Velvet hunting season; special hunts during velvet hunting season outside of open season on deer

(1)
The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall establish and regulate special hunts during velvet hunting season, outside of the regular open season on deer. Velvet hunting season shall begin on September 10, and end no later than September 20, and shall be for no less than three (3) consecutive days in length, and for no more than five (5) consecutive days in length, and only hunting with bow and arrow or crossbows shall be allowed during such season. The special season shall be open on private lands and any Wildlife Management Areas as deemed appropriate by the department. Only bucks that meet the antler criteria for the respective deer management unit may be harvested. There shall be mandatory reporting of the harvested animal.
(2)
The commission shall establish a special hunting permit for velvet hunting season. Such special hunting permit for velvet hunting season shall be authorized for a time period beginning on September 10, and ending no later than September 20, and shall be valid for no less than three (3) consecutive days in length, and for no more than five (5) consecutive days in length. The commission shall, set the cost of permits.
Added by Laws, 2022, ch. 408, HB 1035,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2022.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-32 - Restrictions on hunting with dogs during turkey season

The commission may establish closed seasons on the running, hunting, chasing or pursuing with dogs of raccoon, fox or other wild animals or wild birds during turkey season in designated areas.
Laws, 1975, ch. 327, § 2(1); Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 65, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-33 - Use of scents, lures, sound devices or supplemental feed for hunting and trapping

(1)
It is unlawful to hunt, trap or kill any wild bird or wild animal of any kind with the aid of bait, recordings of bird or animal calls, or electrically amplified imitations of calls of any kind, except a person:
(a)
May use electrically amplified sound devices for hunting crow;
(b)
May use liquid scents for any animal or bird;
(c)
May use lures for trapping fur-bearing animals, according to regulations adopted by the commission;
(d)
May take nuisance animals as provided in Section
49-7-31.5
; and
(e)
May take deer with the use of supplemental feed.
(2)
The commission, in its discretion, may relax the restrictions regarding the use of lures or sound devices if a condition arises or exists, as decided by the State Board of Health or county board of health, that may endanger persons or livestock in a certain community, county or area.
Codes, 1942, § 5897; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1942, ch. 253; Laws, 1944, ch. 234, § 7; Laws, 1971, ch. 322, § 1; Laws, 1984, ch. 417; Laws, 1996, ch. 486, § 3; Laws, 2005, ch. 523, § 1; Laws, 2007, ch. 499, § 3; Laws, 2007, ch. 600, § 4; Laws, 2010, ch. 365, § 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-33.1 - Taking deer with the use of supplemental feed

(1)
(a)
The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall allow the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed and may place any reasonable conditions or restrictions on such taking.
(b)
The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall establish a zone or zones of contiguous counties for the management and implementation of a program to allow the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed.
(c)
The commission shall allow the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed on private lands only.
(2)
The commission shall take any action it deems necessary and use its emergency powers to prevent the introduction of disease, to control disease, to eradicate disease, and to manage the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed.
(3)
(a)
The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall study and analyze all relevant data and issues with regard to the taking of deer with the supplemental feed program, including, but not limited to, the impact that the program has upon the health and density of deer populations and other wildlife, its effect on surrounding habitat, the effectiveness of wildlife law enforcement, the extent to which hunters who participate in the program are successful in harvesting deer and are supportive of the program, the perception of the program by the general public, and the extent to which the program has a favorable impact on economic development and tourism.
(b)
The department shall file annual progress reports with the Legislature. The department shall file a final report with recommendations on the feasibility of continuing the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed.
(4)
A violation of this section or any regulation of the commission promulgated under this section shall be punishable as a Class II violation as defined in Section
49-7-143
, and if the violator is a nonresident, then upon conviction, he or she shall lose the opportunity to obtain a nonresident license as defined in Section
49-7-8
.
Laws, 2007, ch. 600, § 3; Laws, 2010, ch. 365, § 2, eff. 7/1/2010.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-34 - Hunting enclosures; permits; regulations; penalties for violation

(1)
The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall not prohibit the operation of a hunting enclosure for hunting or pursuing rabbit, fox or coyote, but the commission may prescribe regulations and require a permit for the operation of such hunting enclosures. Application for the permit shall be submitted to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The department shall inspect and approve such hunting enclosure before issuing a permit. The permit fee shall be a reasonable amount, to be determined by the commission.
(2)
Such hunting enclosure shall consist of an area fully enclosed by a fence. Such fence shall be constructed in such a manner as may be prescribed by the commission.
(3)
A person who violates this section or any regulation pertaining to hunting enclosures is guilty of a Class II violation and is punishable as provided in Section
49-7-143
, Mississippi Code of 1972, and may, at the discretion of the commission, have his permit revoked for a period of twelve (12) months. A second or subsequent violation shall be punished by the maximum allowable fine as provided in Section
49-7-143
.
Laws, 1993, ch. 591, § 1; Laws, 2007, ch. 516, § 1, eff. 7/1/2007.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-35 - Game season beginning on Sunday

Whenever the time fixed by statute for the beginning of a game season shall fall on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday.
Codes, 1942, § 5882.5; Laws, 1966, ch. 267, § 1, eff. 5/17/1966.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-38 - Certain persons authorized to hunt with bow and arrow or crossbow during any open season on deer, turkey or small game

(1)
Any person who is exempt from having a hunting license and any person licensed to hunt deer with a bow or primitive weapon may hunt with a crossbow or bow and arrow during any open season on deer, turkey or small game.
(2)
When hunting during any gun season on deer, the hunter must comply with Section
49-7-31.1
.
Laws, 1985, ch. 340; Laws, 1994, ch. 398, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 343, § 1; Laws, 2004, ch. 532, § 1; Laws, 2005, ch. 525, § 1; Laws, 2008, ch. 468, § 1, eff. 7/1/2008.
Amended by Laws, 2013, ch. 343, SB 2048, 1, eff. 7/1/2013.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-38.1 - Special hunting permit for youth under age 18 who have life threatening illnesses

(1)
The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall establish a special hunting permit for youth under the age of eighteen (18) who have a life threatening illness. This permit may be for any number of days in length but only for the class of persons deemed to have a life threatening illness by the commission. This special hunting permit for youth having a life threatening illness may occur anytime during the calendar year and for any game bird or game animal. However, the commission may not allow these permits during any time that conflicts with laws governing the taking of federally protected birds or species. The commission shall select participants, set the cost of permits, if any, the number of permits to be issued and the length of the special permits.
(2)
The commission may establish and regulate special youth hunts for all nonmigratory game birds and animals outside of the open season on wildlife management areas and on private lands for youth under the age of eighteen (18) who are deemed to have a life threatening illness. This permit may be for any number of days in length but only for the class of persons deemed to have a life threatening illness by the commission. The commission shall select participants, set the cost of permits, if any, the number of permits to be issued and the length of the special permit.
Laws, 2010, ch. 339, § 1, eff. 7/1/2010.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-39 - Special hunt for youth and persons with disabilities in Natchez State Park; primitive weapon season in Natchez State Park; commission may establish such hunts in other state parks; commission may authorize special youth hunts for nonmigratory birds; special hunting season for youth to run concurrently with primitive weapon season on deer

(1)
The commission shall establish a special hunting season for youth under the age of sixteen (16) and for handicapped persons in the Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park. The commission shall also establish a primitive weapon season in the Bob M. Dearing Natchez State Park. The selection of participants in the primitive weapon season shall be by public drawing from all qualified applications. The commission shall set the number of permits to be issued and the length of the special seasons.
(2)
The commission may also establish a special hunting season for youth and handicapped persons or a primitive weapon season as provided in this section in any other state park under the jurisdiction of the department but shall only do so upon the recommendation of the staff of the department as approved by the commission. The commission shall select participants and set the number of permits to be issued and the length of the special seasons.
(3)
The commission may establish and regulate special youth hunts for all nonmigratory game birds and animals outside of the open season on wildlife management areas and on private lands.
(4)
The commission shall establish and regulate a special hunting season for youth under the age of sixteen (16) to run concurrently with the primitive weapons season on deer.
Laws, 2005, ch. 529, § 5 eff. 7/1/2005; Laws, 2008, ch. 552, § 1, eff. 7/1/2008.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-40 - Special hunt by handicapped persons in natural area at Arkabutla Lake

The commission may adopt regulations to provide for a special hunt by handicapped persons in the natural area at Arkabutla Lake designated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The hunt and any such regulations must be approved by the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The following restrictions apply to any such hunt:
(a)
The hunt shall be open to wheelchair-bound physically disabled persons;
(b)
Selection of participants shall be by public drawing from all qualified applications received;
(c)
No more than thirty (30) permits shall be issued;
(d)
The hunt shall not exceed a total of six (6) days;
(e)
A hunting license shall not be required of resident or nonresident applicants;
(f)
Any other actions the commission and the U.S. Corps of Engineers deem necessary for a safe and productive hunt.
Laws, 1993, ch. 367, § 1; Laws, 1997, ch. 361, § 1, eff. 7/1/1997.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-41 - Bag limits

(1)
The commission may set the bag limits for game animals, birds and fish, unless the bag limits are established by the Legislature by statute.
(2)
The commission shall have plenary authority to set the bag limits for white-tailed deer, and promulgate any regulations necessary to facilitate the exercise of that authority, consistent with best management practices, scientific data and subject to all existing applicable laws, rules and regulations of this state or the United States of America.
(3)
The bag limit on antlerless deer set by the commission as authorized in this section shall not apply to private lands under the deer management assistance program or the fee-based antlerless program as approved by the department.
Codes, 1942, § 5908; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 197; Laws, 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1956, ch. 153; Laws, 1966, ch. 266, § 1; Laws, 1970, ch. 288, § 1; Laws, 1975, ch. 375; Laws, 1990, ch. 448, § 1; Laws, 1992, ch. 453, § 2; Laws, 1994, ch. 633, § 3; Laws, 1995, ch. 592, § 2; Laws, 1999, ch. 502, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 527, § 1; Laws, 2003, ch. 368, § 1; Laws, 2005, ch. 522, § 1; Laws, 2009, ch. 510, § 2, eff. 7/1/2009.
Amended by Laws, 2014, ch. 306, HB 719, 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-42 - Training bird dogs through use of release pens and tamed and identified quail

It is lawful at all times for any person, upon the issuance of a permit by the commission, to train bird dogs through the use of release pens and tamed and identified quail. The tamed quail shall be identified through the use of tags or dye. Permits shall be issued upon approval of the commission and upon payment of the sum of Three Dollars ($3.00) each. The permits shall be displayed openly upon each release pen. A permit shall be valid for a period of one (1) year from the date of issuance. The training of bird dogs and the taking of birds shall be conducted under the rules and regulations of the commission. The tamed and identified quail may be recaptured through the use of release pens when the pens have been properly identified by a permit attached thereto.
Laws, 1975, ch. 391; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 66, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-43 - Regulation of certain Mississippi lands purchased by federal government

The executive director shall have authority to close all hunting and fishing within the lands contracted for with the federal government pursuant to the provisions of Section
49-5-23
for such period of time as may, in the opinion of the executive director, be necessary; shall have authority from time to time to prescribe the season for hunting or fishing therein, to fix the amount of fees required for special hunting licenses and to issue such licenses, to prescribe the number of animals and game, fish and birds that shall be taken therefrom and the size thereof, and to prescribe the conditions under which the same may be taken.
Any person violating any of the rules so promulgated by the executive director, or who shall hunt or fish upon such lands at any time, other than those times specified by the executive director, shall, upon conviction therefor be fined not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00), or imprisoned for not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days for each and every offense.
Codes, 1942, § 5926; Laws, 1938, ch. 179; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 67, eff. 4/30/2000.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-45 - Certain acts declared unlawful; dismissal upon proper proof of actions for failure to register or possess boat's registration card

(1)
It is unlawful for any person:
(a)
(i)
To hunt, chase, kill or to pursue with the intent to take, kill or wound any wild animal or wild bird in violation of this chapter;
(ii)
To hunt, take, kill or wound any game animal or game bird with a gun larger than 10 gauge;
(iii)
To hunt, take, wound or shoot at any game bird:
(A)
From any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached unless the motor has been completely shut off and its progress has ceased. A craft under power may be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds; however, crippled birds may not be shot from a craft under power; or
(B)
From any sinkbox or battery except in waters of the Gulf Coast.
(b)
To wound, drown, shoot, capture, take or otherwise kill any deer from a boat.
(c)
To lend or transfer or borrow or to use or display while hunting, trapping or fishing, a license or tag of another.
(d)
To aid in the securing of a license for or to knowingly issue a license for any person not legally entitled to same.
(e)
To hunt, trap or fish in this state after the right to do so has been denied by the commission or the license therefor has been revoked.
(f)
To hunt or trap any birds, game or wild animals during the closed season.
(g)
Any person violating paragraphs (b), or (f) is guilty of a Class II offense and shall be punished as provided in Section
49-7-143
.
(2)
Any citation issued to a boat operator for not registering or possessing the boat's registration card shall be dismissed, along with all related court costs if the boat operator can verify that the boat was properly registered prior to the date of violation. A boat operator may submit a copy of his or her boat's proper registration card, certified by the clerk or magistrate of the court holding the trial or hearing, along with all related court costs, to the court or magistrate before the date of the trial or hearing and the citation shall be dismissed under this subsection without the boat operator or the boat operator's counsel being present.
Codes, 1942, § 5883; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 197; Laws, 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1944, ch. 234, § 5; Laws, 1954, ch. 170; Laws, 1980, ch. 419; Laws, 1985, ch. 452, § 12; Laws, 1993, ch. 521, § 3; Laws, 1994, ch. 408, § 2; Laws, 1998, ch. 381, § 1, eff. 7/1/1998.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-47 - Restrictions on hunting or catching alligators

(1)
The commission may control, regulate and manage the taking of all alligators.
(2)
Residents and nonresidents shall be required to purchase a combination hunting and fishing license to hunt, kill or catch any alligator for sporting purposes.
(3)
Residents and nonresidents shall be required to obtain a special permit to hunt, kill, catch or possess any alligator for commercial purposes. The commission may establish a reasonable fee for an annual special sporting permit, not to exceed Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00), and may prescribe regulations governing commercial trade in alligators. Any reasonable fee established for an annual special commercial permit shall not exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00). Such permit shall be good from the date of its issuance to June 30 following its date.
(4)
Any person violating this section is guilty, upon conviction, of a Class I offense and is punishable as provided in Section
49-7-141
.
Codes, 1942, § 5883.5; Laws, 1962, ch. 186, §§ 1-4; Laws, 1985, ch. 452, § 13; Laws, 1987, ch. 430; Laws, 1989, ch. 359, § 1; Laws, 2000, ch. 516, § 68; Laws, 2004, ch. 341, § 1; Laws, 2006, ch. 369, § 1, eff. 7/1/2006.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-49 - Prima facie evidence of hunting, trapping, or fishing

For the purpose of this chapter, the fact that any person shall be found in the possession of a trap, fishing tackle, or other device of any description whatsoever used for the purpose of taking wild animals, wild birds or fish in the natural habitat of such animals, birds, or fish, or in the possession of dead bodies of wild birds, wild animals or fish within the field, in the forests or on the public highways or on the waters of this state, shall be prima facie evidence that such person is or has been hunting, trapping, or fishing.
Codes, 1942, § 5884; Laws, 1932, ch. 123.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-51 - Sale of game birds, animals or fish

(1)
(a)
It is unlawful for any person to buy or sell or to offer for sale, exchange for merchandise, or other consideration, within this state, any game birds, game animals, or game fish, or parts thereof, named in this chapter, whether taken within or coming from without the state, except as specifically permitted by law or regulation.
(b)
It is lawful for the following items to be bought and sold in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the commission:
(i)
The skins and sinew of deer and products crafted, fashioned or made from deer bones or antlers not in velvet;
(ii)
Any part of a wild turkey, except the meat; and
(iii)
Any parts of nuisance animals.
(c)
Mounted game animals, birds and fish may not be sold, purchased or leased.
(d)
A violation of this subsection is a Class I violation and is punishable as provided in Section
49-7-141
.
(2)
Any person who buys, sells, offers for sale, exchange for merchandise, or other consideration, any wild bird, wild animal or fish that has been taken illegally is guilty of a Class I violation and punished as provided in Section
49-7-141
.
Codes, 1942, § 5885; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 197; Laws, 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1948, ch. 255, § 7; Laws, 1983, ch. 323, § 1; Laws, 1985, ch. 452, § 3; Laws, 1995, ch. 339, § 1; Laws, 1999, ch. 562, § 1; Laws, 2002, ch. 427, § 1; Laws, 2006, ch. 370, § 1; Laws, 2007, ch. 479, § 1, eff. 3/27/2007.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-54 - Importation and translocation of white-tailed deer into state prohibited; exception for university research facilities; commission to establish regulations governing importation with emphasis on disease prevention; penalties

(1)
It is unlawful to import and translocate live white-tailed deer into this state, except that university research facilities may import live white-tailed deer upon prior approval of the commission. The commission shall establish regulations governing the importation of white-tailed deer with emphasis on preventing the introduction of diseases.
(2)
A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class I violation and shall be punished as provided in Section
49-7-141
.
Laws, 2002, ch. 377, § 1; Laws, 2003, ch. 516, § 6, eff. 4/19/2003.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-55 - Unlawful to possess, etc

It shall be unlawful for any restaurant, hotel, club, or other public eating place to knowingly have in its possession, or to offer for sale to its patrons any game birds, game animals, or game fish enumerated in this chapter, whether taken within or coming from without the state, except that any such public eating place may prepare and serve game birds, game animals, or game fish to any persons who have legally killed or taken same.
Codes, 1942, § 5887; Laws, 1932, ch. 123.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-56 - Restaurants permitted to prepare and serve recreationally caught finfish to persons who caught the fish

It is lawful for any restaurant to possess, prepare and serve lawfully, recreationally caught marine finfish to the persons who caught the finfish.
Added by Laws, 2014, ch. 418, SB 2068, 1, eff. 7/1/2014.
Mississippi Code 1972 (2023) › Title 49 - CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY (§§ 49-NEW-001 — 49-39-7) › Chapter 7 - HUNTING AND FISHING (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-351) › IN GENERAL (§§ 49-7-1 — 49-7-149) › Section 49-7-57 - Possession of lawfully taken game animal, bird or fish; unlawful possession prohibited

Any game animal, bird or fish lawfully taken may be possessed during the open season and during the closed season. Any game animal, bird or fish unlawfully taken may not be possessed at any time.
Codes, 1942, § 5892; Laws, 1932, ch. 123; Laws, 1936, ch. 197; Laws, 1942, ch. 250; Laws, 1944, ch. 234, § 6; Laws, 1946, ch. 402, § 1; Laws, 1996, ch. 481, § 1; Laws, 2005, ch. 389, § 1, eff. 3/16/2005.