MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2020 Regular Session

To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

By: Representative Hood

House Bill 1309

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-38, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO ALLOW PERSONS EXEMPT FROM HAVING A HUNTING LICENSE BY REASON OF DISABILITY TO USE AN AIR BOW DURING ANY OPEN SEASON ON DEER, TURKEY OR SMALL GAME; 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)  (a)  Any person 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.

          (b)  A person exempt from having a hunting license by reason of total service-connected disability, as adjudged by the Veterans Administration, or who has been adjudged to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration, or who is paraplegic or a multiple amputee, may hunt with an air bow during any open season on deer, turkey, or small game.  For the purposes of this section, "air bow" means a device that uses compressed air to propel arrows.

     (2)  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, 2020.