A Mississippi turkey stamp may mean hunters pay more, but the money is for the birds
If a bill introduced in the Mississippi Legislature makes its way to the Governor's desk, turkey hunters may see yet another change in regulations.
House Bill 1298 was introduced by Rep. Bill Kinkade, R-Byhalia, chairman of the the House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee. It calls for the creation of a turkey stamp, similar to a federal waterfowl stamp, that would come at a cost of $10 for resident turkey hunters and $100 for non-residents.
"I realize the demand on our turkeys is so great," Kinkade said. "Our wildlife is plentiful and it's sought-after. I started asking myself, being an avid turkey hunter, how many turkey hunters are in the state and nobody could answer that."
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Without knowing how many turkey hunters are in the state, Kinkade said it's difficult for biologists to make management decisions. Kinkade said the bill will not only answer that question, it will provide a dedicated funding source for turkey conservation, developing a long-term management plan and provide revenue to get matching grant funds for turkey conservation.
Kinkade said 16 other states have turkey stamps. When it comes to cost, he said other states are similar.
"There's a lot of positives to a turkey stamp in this state," Kinkade said. "I think it will be a great program."
Money earmarked for turkey conservation has had support among hunters for many years. In a 2015 survey conducted by The Clarion-Ledger on harvest reporting and tagging of turkeys, 54% of the 309 who participated said they supported tagging, harvest reporting and a small additional fee that would be used for turkey population improvement.
While that survey centered on harvest reporting and tagging, of which both have since been approved, it showed that turkey hunters were willing to pay extra if assured the money went to turkey conservation.
Dyllan Davis thinks hunters feel the same today.
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Turkey hunters supportive of earmarked fees
"That's great, in my opinion," said Davis of Florence. "Especially since we can see where it's going.
"I think turkeys are overlooked. I don't think the turkey habitat is near what it should be. I think people concentrate more on deer habitat. I would think just about any turkey hunter you talk to would have the same opinion."
Johnny McKinion, regional director of the National Wild Turkey Federation, also supports the bill.
"I love it," McKinion said. "I think it's a great idea."
McKinion agreed it will help biologists know how many turkey hunters are in the state which will help in making management decisions.
"Everybody that is concerned about turkeys has been wanting to give the biologists in the state what they need to study these birds," McKinion said.
He sees money for conservation as a bonus.
"That's one step in the right direction," McKinion said. "What's even better is that money goes toward turkey conservation."
Passage of the bill is in the early stages. It must make it through the House and Senate before going to the Governor for final approval.
Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS turkey stamp may give better data, more money for conservation
