Why It Matters: HB 999 would establish a dedicated source of revenue for the Fund by dedicating sales tax on outdoor gear under the North American Industry Classification System Tax Code Section 451110. This added security in funding through 2025 would enhance the Fund’s capability to contribute to projects benefiting fish and wildlife, their habitats, and opportunities…
Why It Matters: Mississippi HB 998 and HB 1206 would have codified three key tenets of the most successful wildlife management model in the world, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation: (1)Wildlife resources are held in the public trust, or in other words, wildlife resources are owned by the public and managed by the government for…
Why It Matters: With the creation of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund and the subsequent $10 million appropriation from the State General Fund, Mississippi received additional dollars to further qualify for federal conservation programs to benefit fish and wildlife resources along with hunters and anglers. HB 999 would establish a consistent source of revenue for…
Why It Matters: Every year across the country, many bills are introduced that aim to provide certain segments of the population with free or discounted hunting and fishing licenses. While many of these bills are well intended, the passage of these bills can negatively impact conservation funding for state fish and wildlife agencies. Highlights: On…
Why It Matters: States have recognized the importance of providing positive outdoor recreation experiences for youth. It is no secret that hunter numbers are declining across the board so taking kids hunting and doing whatever possible to provide them with positive experiences only serves to benefit recruitment, retention, and reactivation efforts as well as provide…
On June 28, the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council held their annual Mid-Year Meeting in Tupelo, Mississippi. NASC Executive Council Member and Mississippi State Rep. Scott Bounds said, “”I was proud to host my colleagues on the NASC Executive Council in Tupelo, Mississippi for our Annual Mid-Year Meeting. There aren’t many places…
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Why It Matters: With the passage of HB 606 and SB 2780 and pending the signature of Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Tate Reeves, Mississippi will have additional dollars to qualify for federal conservation programs to benefit Mississippi’s fish and wildlife resources along with it hunters and anglers. For example, Mississippi could…
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Highlights Why It Matters: States, including Mississippi, without a dedicated conservation funding mechanism may leave millions of dollars on the table every year because they cannot provide the match funding for various federal conservation programs. The Mississippi Caucus’ inaugural Sporting Clays Classic provided a great opportunity for Caucus members…
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator On February 10, legislation that would create the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (Fund) and dedicate sales tax on outdoor gear for conservation purposes passed the Mississippi House of Representatives (House) by a vote of 117-2. National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Executive Council Member and Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus…
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator Recently, the bicameral and bipartisan Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (Caucus) announced the addition of two new Caucus Co-Chairs, Senator Sampson Jackson and Senator Neil Whaley. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation welcomes Senator Jackson and Senator Whaley to their leadership roles for the Caucus. Their guidance and expertise, alongside Caucus Co-Chair…
Contact: Mark Lance, Southeastern States Coordinator On January 18, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Executive Council Member and Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (Caucus) Co-Chair Representative Scott Bounds introduced legislation that would dedicate sales tax on outdoor gear for conservation purposes. Caucus Members Representative Trey Lamar, Representative Bill Kinkade, and Representative Tom Miles co-sponsored the…
Contact: John Culclasure, Southeastern States Assistant Director On October 13, the Mississippi State University (MSU) Collegiate Sportsmen and Women’s Coalition hosted its inaugural interest meeting on the campus of MSU. The meeting was attended by over 25 in-person attendees along with several guests that attended virtually. The MSU Collegiate Sportsmen and Women’s Coalition, which was formally approved…