MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 Regular Session

To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

By: Senator(s) Ward, Gollott, Massey, Moran

Senate Bill 2048

(As Passed the Senate)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-38, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT PERSONS EXEMPT FROM LICENSING AND PERSONS LICENSED TO HUNT DEER WITH A BOW OR PRIMITIVE WEAPON MAY HUNT WITH A BOW DURING ANY OPEN SEASON ON DEER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-7-38, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-7-38.  (1) * * *  The commission may issue a special license to hunt deer, turkey and small game with a crossbow to any person sixty‑five (65) years of age or older or to any person having a disability which totally and permanently prevents the person from using a longbow or other conventional archery equipment as first certified by one (1) physician duly licensed to practice medicine in the state.  The commission shall designate the fee for the license.  The commission shall set the crossbow season for small game.  A special licensee under this section may take deer or turkey hunt with a crossbow during the respective seasons any open season on deer and turkey. Any person sixteen (16) years of age or older who is exempt from having a hunting license and any person licensed to hunt deer with a bow or primitive weapon may hunt with a crossbow or bow and arrow during any open season on deer, turkey or small game.

     (2) * * *The commission may issue a crossbow permit to hunt with a crossbow during the open seasons on deer with guns and primitive weapons.  A person required to have a hunting license must have a license to take deer and turkey in order to obtain a crossbow permit.  The commission shall establish a fee for the permit. When hunting during any gun season on deer, the hunter must comply with Section 49-7-31.1.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2013.

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