Hunting Bill 1282

Hunting Bill passes easily in House...

Jackson (AP) - Legislation to restructure deer hunting seasons has been passed by the Mississippi House.

The bill, passed 86-30 Thursday, now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

The bill, among other things, would move primitive weapons to Nov. 1; add more gun hunting, extending it through Jan. 31; and remove up to three weeks of exclusivity previously enjoyed by bow hunters.

The hunting season structure under the bill would become:

* Archery only; Oct. 1-Oct.31.
* Primitive weapons: Nov. 1-the Friday preceding Thanksgiving.
* Gun, with dogs: Saturday prior to Thanksgiving - Dec.1.
* Gun, without dogs (still season): Dec. 2-Dec 23.
* Gun, with dogs: Dec. 24-closing on the day that a total of 39 days of dog hunting has been allowed.
* Gun, without dogs: Opens the day after the close of dog season and ends Jan. 31.

Under the bill, state wildlife officials could extend the season to Feb. 15 in southeast Mississippi and set special youth hunting seasons throughout the state.

The bill is House Bill 1282.