MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2014 Regular Session

To: Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

By: Representatives Morgan, Eaton

House Bill 720

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-7-31.1, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE EVERY HUNTER TO WEAR AT LEAST FIVE HUNDRED SQUARE INCHES OF SOLID UNBROKEN FLUORESCENT ORANGE WHEN ENGAGED IN DEER HUNTING WITH A FIREARM, BOW AND ARROW OR ANY OTHER WEAPON; TO PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR WHEN THE FLUORESCENT ORANGE SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED TO BE WORN; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  Section 49-7-31.1, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

     49-7-31.1.  (1)  When hunting deer during any * * *gun firearm season on deer, * * * a every hunter, whether hunting with a firearm, bow and arrow or any other weapon, must wear in full view at least five hundred (500) square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange, except as otherwise provided in this section. * * *  This requirement shall not apply to a hunter while the hunter is in a fully enclosed deer stand.

     (2)  Hunters shall not be required to wear the five hundred (500) square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange required under subsection (1) of this section when:

          (a)  Hunting from a deer stand that is elevated twelve (12) feet or more above the ground; or

          (b)  Hunting in a fully enclosed blind.

     ( * * *23)  A violation of this section is a Class III violation and is punishable as provided in Section 49-7-101.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2014.