MS HB818

Amends Mississippi Code Section 49-7-77 to authorize the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to close or shorten hunting and trapping seasons in specific locations when game or fur-bearing animals are forced from their natural habitat by high water, fire, natural disasters, or other exigent circumstances.

Makes it unlawful to hunt, trap, take, frighten, or kill game or fur-bearing animals displaced from their natural habitat by high water, fire, natural disasters, or other exigent circumstances until they return to their habitat.

Provides all quail are protected from hunting when ground is snow-covered or when forced from habitat by high water or fire until able to return.

Establishes that violations of the season closure or shortening under departmental authority constitute a Class II offense with hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges suspended for at least three years from conviction date.

Violations of the general prohibitions against hunting displaced animals constitute a Class III offense punished under existing penalty provisions.