Deer hunting: Senate amends, passes, holds baiting bill

The Clarion-Ledger, 3/20/8

By one vote Wednesday, the Senate gave its blessing to a House bill that would allow hunting deer over bait in Mississippi.

After debating baiting for 1 1/2 hours, Senators voted 25-24 to pass H.B. 1089 with amendments, and then voted to have the measure held on a motion to reconsider.

Baiting supporters saw Wednesday’s action as both a victory and a defeat.

“I’m glad that the Senate finally voted to legalize baiting after all these years,” said Paul Rivers of Natchez. “I hope that they can work out the remaining differences between the House and the Senate and get this thing passed.”