MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

By: Representative Robinson (84th)

House Bill 697

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE RESTRICTIONS ON THE HUNTING OR CATCHING OF ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLES AND TO DELETE RESTRICTIONS ON THE HUNTING OR CATCHING OF COMMON SNAPPING TURTLES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-7-47, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-7-47.  (1)  The commission may control, regulate and manage the taking of all alligator * * * snapping turtles.

     (2)  Residents and nonresidents shall be required to purchase a combination hunting and fishing license to hunt, kill or catch any alligator * * * snapping turtle for sporting purposes.

     (3)  Residents and nonresidents shall be required to obtain a special permit to hunt, kill, catch or possess any alligator  * * * snapping turtle 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 and common snapping turtles.  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.

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