MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Game and Fish

By: Representative Ellzey

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-95, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE A SEPARATE PENALTY FOR PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN WHO ARE FOUND GUILTY OF HEADLIGHTING DEER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 49-7-95, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-7-95. (1) Any person over the age of eighteen (18) who hunts or takes or kills any deer by headlighting or by any lighting device shall, upon conviction thereof, be guilty of a Class I violation and shall be punished as provided in

Section 49-7-141. Be it further provided that violators over the age of eighteen (18) of this section, upon conviction, shall forfeit all hunting, trapping and fishing privileges for a period of not less than three (3) consecutive years from the date of conviction and shall attend such courses prescribed by the commission. This section shall not apply to any deer killed in an accident with any motor vehicle.

(2) Any person under the age of eighteen (18) who hunts or takes or kills any deer by headlighting or by any lighting device is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction or adjudication of guilt, shall be punished by a minimum fine of not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), no part of which shall be suspended, and not less than twenty-four (24) hours or more than thirty-two (32) hours of community service during hours when the person is not employed and if not attending school or a combination of fine and community service as determined by the court.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.