Deer breeding bill falls short in Miss. Senate
A bill that would allow genetically enhanced deer on breeding farms in Mississippi failed to pass the Senate Tuesday, but a key committee chairman plans to bring the measure back up for more debate.
Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee Chairman Tommy Gollott, R-Biloxi, requested the bill be considered again after Tuesday’s 28-22 vote. The measure needed 30 votes, a three-fifths majority, to pass.
The bill would allow the import and export of farm-raised white tail deer, its semen, ova, and embryos. Farmers also could enclose the deer in pens and sell hunts, Gollott said.
He said Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama already engage in this kind of buying, selling, and hunting of white tail deer. Gollott said the practice could brings millions to Mississippi while helping small farmers. He provided lawmakers with information showing the industry had a $137 million economic impact in Louisiana, where 355 such farms exist.
“This will help the farmer out there who’s going to lose his farmland. It does not cost the state of Mississippi one dime,” Gollott said during the debate. “We can have those small farmers come out of poverty, make money and educate their children.”
Sun Herald
1/25/11