MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
By: Senator(s) Posey, Albritton, Burton, Carmichael, Chassaniol, Cuevas, Davis, Dearing, Fillingane, Flowers, Gollott, Harden, Hewes, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (15th), King, Kirby, Lee (35th), Lee (47th), Mettetal, Michel, Moffatt, Morgan, Nunnelee, Pickering, Robertson, Ross, Thames, Tollison, Walley
AN ACT TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE PRIVILEGE OF HUNTING, TRAPPING AND FISHING IN THIS STATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds that hunting, trapping and fishing are time-honored traditions in the State of Mississippi. From the time prior to statehood, many have enjoyed the bounty of Mississippi's natural resources whether hunting, trapping or fishing the forests and streams of Mississippi for subsistence or recreation. Indeed, hunting, trapping and fishing activity is a vital part of this state's effort to conserve, manage and protect its abundant populations of wild animals, birds and fish. To that end, the Legislature adopts the following as the public policy of the State of Mississippi.
SECTION 2. Hunting, trapping and fishing are vital parts of the heritage of the State of Mississippi. It shall be the public policy of the State of Mississippi to protect and preserve these activities. The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, acting by and through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, may regulate hunting, trapping and fishing activities in the State of Mississippi, consistent with its powers and duties under the law. No court of this state may enjoin, suspend, curtail or abrogate any hunting, trapping or fishing activity which is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state or the regulations of the commission, except upon a showing, by clear and convincing evidence, of an immediate threat to the public health, safety and welfare, or other imminent peril. It is, and shall be, the public policy of this state to promote hunting, trapping and fishing and other outdoor recreational opportunities and to preserve these activities for all generations to come.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.