House Bill 1206

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-31.4, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE DATES ON OPEN SEASON FOR FUR-BEARING ANIMALS AND HUNTING OPOSSUMS, RACOONS AND BOBCATS WITH DOGS AND GUNS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-7-31.4, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-7-31.4. (1) The commission may fix the open season on fur-bearing animals between November 1 and March * * *1 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 * * *~~February 28~~ 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.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.