Hunters may soon be required to purchase a turkey stamp before killing the wild birds in Mississippi.
Lawmakers in both chambers of the state legislature have agreed to send Senate Bill 2280, authored by Republican Sen. Ben Suber, to Gov. Tate Reeves’ desk. The bill establishes a wild turkey stamp program, mandating hunters 16 and older to purchase a specific permit to hunt turkeys in the state in addition to other necessary hunting licenses.
The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks would be tasked with launching the wild turkey stamp and its electronic equivalent, allowing the Magnolia State to join 16 of its peers in instituting the program.
For Mississippi residents, the turkey stamp would cost $10. The cost goes up to $100 for non-residents looking to hunt the feathered game in the Magnolia State. All revenue from the sale of stamps would be earmarked for conservation projects strictly seeking to restore, maintain, or preserve wild turkey habitats. These projects must first be approved by the state’s wildlife commission.
“The money raised by that turkey stamp is designated to be used solely for turkey conservation within the state,” National Wild Turkey Federation state chair Frank Dantone said on SuperTalk Outdoors with Ricky Mathews. “A lot of our current turkey revenue and turkey funds go into public [wildlife management areas], but this turkey stamp is going to benefit both private and public properties. It’s a no-lose proposition.”
Those hunting without a turkey stamp would be cited for a misdemeanor and subject to various fines. However, if proof that a stamp was purchased before the hunt is produced, fines and punishments will be waived. Exceptions would also be in place for disabled hunters or those in possession of a lifetime sportsmen’s license, meaning individuals meeting that criteria would not be required to purchase a turkey stamp.
If the governor signs the bill into law, it will go into effect on July 1.
