MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

By: Senator(s) Michel, Flowers, Chaney, Mettetal, Davis, Jackson (15th), White, Williamson, Gollott, King, Dearing, Doxey, Pickering, Brown, Hyde-Smith, Ross, Hewes, Morgan, Clarke, Kirby, Nunnelee, Cuevas, Little, Carmichael, Lee (35th), Albritton

Senate Bill 2703

AN ACT TO CREATE THE RIGHT TO HUNT, FISH AND HARVEST GAME; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  (1)  The people have a right to hunt, fish and harvest game.  Hunting, trapping and fishing and the taking of wild game species are a valued part of our heritage and will be forever preserved for the people.  Fish and wildlife shall be managed by laws and regulations that provide persons with the continued opportunity to take, by traditional means and methods, species traditionally pursued by hunters, anglers and trappers.  Fish and wildlife management, including taking, shall be consistent with the state's duty to protect this heritage and its duty to conserve wild animals, birds and fish.  Hunting, fishing or trapping by sportsmen shall always be a preferred and available means of controlling all invasive or overpopulated species.  Any person who is licensed or exempt from licensure by state law or regulation to hunt, fish or trap and who is adversely affected by a failure to comply with this section shall have a private cause of action to enforce this section.  The right of the people to hunt, fish, trap and harvest game shall be subject only to such regulations and restrictions as the Legislature may prescribe by general law.

     (2)  It is the public policy of the state to promote the public and private acquisition, approval, construction and operation of shooting ranges and other facilities where persons may acquire and enhance their training and skills to hunt and harvest game safely, efficiently and humanely.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.