MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
By: Senator(s) Montgomery
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-4-41, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE COMMISSION ON WILDLIFE, FISHERIES AND PARKS TO ALLOW THE USE OF CORN TO FEED WILD DEER THROUGHOUT THE YEAR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 49-4-41, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
49-4-41. (1) (a) The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall regulate the feeding of wild animals and game birds outside of wildlife enclosures and shall have plenary authority in matters related to such feeding of wild animals and game birds; however, the commission shall allow the use of corn to feed wild deer throughout the year.
(b) The authority to regulate feeding shall not apply to planted food plots and natural habitat management.
(c) The authority to regulate feeding under this section shall not apply to wildlife enclosures.
(2) The commission may take any action it deems necessary and may use its emergency powers to prevent, control or eradicate disease resulting from the feeding of wild animals and game birds.
(3) A violation of this section or any regulation of the commission promulgated to prevent, control or eradicate disease 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, 2014.