MS HB1577

School districts may offer a hunter safety course for grades 7-12 beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, either during the school day or as an after-school program.

Course must include instruction on firearm capabilities, responsible firearm handling, and firearm management and control, taught by a certified firearms safety instructor.

Operable weapons and live ammunition are prohibited in the course; only inoperable weapons may be used under direct supervision of both the instructor and a physical education teacher.

Parents must receive written notice at least one week before the course and may opt their child out without penalty.

Successful completion of a school-based hunter safety course satisfies the hunter education requirement for obtaining a Mississippi hunting license for persons born after January 1, 1972.