Hunting; provide exeception for recovering mortally wounded animals at night with use of light.
Impact
By incorporating FLIR and thermal imaging devices into the existing restrictions against nighttime hunting, HB979 aims to enhance wildlife protection and bolster conservation efforts. The law enforces stricter penalties for violators, including the forfeiture of hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges for those convicted of using illegal methods to hunt. Specifically, individuals over 21 who violate these provisions will be barred from hunting for three years and must pay a reinstatement fee of $500 to regain their privileges.
Summary
House Bill 979 seeks to amend Section 49-7-95 of the Mississippi Code to include forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and thermal imaging devices among the prohibited methods for hunting game at night. The bill clarifies that individuals who hunt, take, or kill an animal during legal hunting hours can use lighting devices to recover mortally wounded animals without violating the law. Moreover, it establishes clearer guidelines regarding the use of tracking dogs when retrieving white-tailed deer that have been shot and wounded legally.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment surrounding HB979 is one of cautious support, especially from conservation groups and wildlife advocates who see the necessity of tightening regulations on hunting practices to protect animal populations. However, there are concerns regarding the enforcement of the bill, particularly around the challenges of monitoring and proving violations involving thermal imaging technology and the potential impact on ethical hunting practices.
Contention
Notable points of contention include debates about the appropriateness of using technology in hunting and whether the hunting community feels sufficiently consulted during the bill's drafting. While supporters argue that the law is crucial for maintaining fair hunting practices, there have been objections from some hunters who feel the regulations are too restrictive and could hinder their legitimate efforts to recover wounded animals. Additionally, the penalties for violations may be perceived as excessively punitive, especially for first-time offenders.
Hunting; permits to control nuisance wildlife; written permission; headlighting; prohibiting nuisance control at night for persons convicted within certain period of time. Effective date.
Wildlife; permits to control nuisance wildlife; written permission; headlighting; prohibiting nuisance control at night for persons convicted within certain period of time. Effective date.
Hunting and fishing license; authorize Native Americans to receive free of charge upon providing a tribal identification card at the time of license issuance.