MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Wildlife and Fisheries

By: Senator(s) Posey

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-59, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF SPOTLIGHTS FROM A PUBLIC ROAD AFTER A CERTAIN TIME; TO PROVIDE CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-7-59, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-7-59. (1) It is unlawful for any person to hunt any wild animal or wild bird during the night from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise, either with or without the use of a light, except:

(a) Beavers, bobcats, fox, opossums and raccoons; and

(b) Coyotes by a landowner, agricultural leaseholder or his designated agent on lands owned or leased by the owner or leaseholder.

(2) The commission shall prescribe the weapons that may be used to hunt game under subsection (1).

(3) It is unlawful for a person to shine a light from a public road onto the adjoining lands of another during the night from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise. This subsection does not apply to the normal use of headlights of a vehicle traveling on a public road, to law enforcement, emergency or utility personnel in the performance of their duty, or to a lessee on lands leased by the lessee.

(4) A violation of this section is a Class II violation and is punishable as provided in Section 49-7-143.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2000.