Senate Bill 2767

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-51, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE PROHIBITION ON THE SALE OF GAME ANIMALS, BIRDS, AND FISH; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-7-51, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-7-51. (1) It is unlawful for any person to buy or sell or to offer for sale, exchange for merchandise, or other consideration, within this state, any game birds, game animals, or game fish, or parts thereof, named in this chapter, whether taken within or coming from without the state, except as specifically permitted by law or regulation. However, the skins and sinew of deer and products crafted, fashioned or made from deer antlers not in velvet may be bought and sold at any time in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Mounted game animals, birds and fish may not be sold or purchased. A violation of this subsection is a Class I violation and is punishable as provided in Section 49-7-141.

(2) Any person who buys, sells, offers for sale, exchange for merchandise, or other consideration, any wild bird, wild animal or fish that has been taken illegally is guilty of a Class I violation and punished as provided in Section 49-7-141.

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