MS HB1637

Amends Section 49-7-79 to revise restitution requirements for unlawfully fishing on private waters, requiring offenders to pay $100 per fish taken from private lakes, ponds, or waterbodies to the landowner.

Adds new restitution assessment of $100-$500 per wild animal or wild bird unlawfully taken, with a maximum aggregate cap of $2,000 regardless of number of animals taken.

Directs court clerks to collect wild animal and bird restitution assessments and deposit them with the State Treasurer for credit to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' Fisheries and Wildlife Fund for wildlife and sport fish restoration purposes.

Maintains existing penalties for unlawful hunting, fishing, shooting, or trapping on another's land: $500-$1,000 fine for first offense and $1,000-$1,500 for subsequent offenses within five years.

Preserves requirement for forfeiture of hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges for one year following second or subsequent offense, with $500 reinstatement fee.