JACKSON – Mississippi State Senator Ben Suber introduced two new bills Monday which would raise funds for turkeys and habitat management. A similar turkey stamp bill was already introduced in the house by Rep. Bill Kinkade. 

Suber is the new chairman of the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks committee. Under his version of the turkey stamp bill, residents would pay $10 for a stamp to hunt wild turkeys while non-residents would pay $100. According to SB2280, Proceeds would go towards the Department’s tag program, restoring, protecting and enhancing turkey habitat on public and private lands, funding scientific research and increasing access to turkey hunting opportunities. 

Senate Bill 2281 would create a new habitat stamp. All nonresident hunters, anglers or trappers over the age of 16 would be required to purchase the stamp. Nonresidents would be charged a fee of $200. Residents would not be required to purchase a stamp. The stamp shall expire one year after purchase. 

Funds raised by the habitat stamp would go towards restoring, protecting and enhancing wildlife populations or their habitat on public and private lands in Mississippi. Additionally, the stamp would fund scientific research, increase access to public fishing, trapping and hunting opportunities and can be used as matching funds or as fiscal leverage to secure grants and awards. 

In the house, Rep. Kinkade’s bill passed out of committee with a substitute amendment. HB553 would require resident hunters to purchase the stamp for $10 and non-residents $100.