Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant Signs NRA-Backed Pro-Hunting Reform into Law

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant (R) signed an important pro-hunting bill into law yesterday that will expand the opportunities for hunters to use crossbows in all hunting seasons – including archery.  Thanks to the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, the bill sponsor Senator Giles Ward (R-Louisville) and House Committee on Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks Chairman Scott Bounds (R-Philadelphia), Senate Bill 2048 passed in the state Senate unanimously and in the state House of Representatives by a 116 to 1 vote.

Starting July 1, 2013, both residents and non-residents will be allowed to hunt with any bow they choose during the early archery season as well as during the other deer, turkey and small game seasons.  Prior to SB 2048, bow hunters who hunted during firearms deer season – whether using compound, longbows or recurves – were required to obtain permission from the state Wildlife Agency in order to do so.  However, SB 2048 eliminates that requirement as well as the duplicative license required in order to hunt with a crossbow.

Thanks to all NRA members who contacted their state lawmakers in support of this legislation to continue the Magnolia State’s rich hunting heritage.