Deer bait bill clears House; rep cries foul

Deer bait bill clears House; rep cries foul

House Bill 1089 would allow “the hunting of deer over grain or other supplemental food during any deer hunting season if the food is placed in a feeder that keeps the food covered or protected from the direct elements of weather and the feeder is located only upon private property.”

Senate members now must consider their version of a baiting bill, Senate Bill 2290. It’s similar to the House bill, but also requires a $50 permit to hunt over bait.

The 2007 Legislature had passed a bill and Gov. Haley Barbour signed it, giving the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks the authority to allow baiting.

The Commission hadn’t acted on the issue, and now it may not have to.

Clarion Ledger
2/23/8