JACKSON — A senate bill which would create the Wild Turkey Stamp passed out of the Mississippi senate Monday afternoon and was transmitted to the house Tuesday morning. A motion to reconsider the bill was entered after it was initially passed on March 6.  

Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee Chairman Sen. Neil Whaley motioned to table the motion to reconsider and his move was sustained by the senate body. Monday was the deadline for motions to reconsider on the calendar of any legislation originating in their respective house. 

Senate Bill 2652 would require any turkey hunter 16 years or older to purchase a turkey stamp similar to the Mississippi duck stamp. 

Money raised from the purchase of Mississippi’s turkey stamp would fund habitat improvement projects and research on wild turkeys. Residents would pay $10 for the turkey stamp while the MDWFP commission would set the fee that non-residents have to pay. An amendment to the bill changed language which required non-residents to pay $200. 

SB2652 was referred to the House Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee Tuesday. House Bill 1298 would also create the Wild Turkey Stamp and is currently in the senate committee. The difference between SB2652 and HB1298 is the house bill sets the non-resident turkey stamp fee at $100. 

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Executive Director Lynn Posey said the turkey stamp bill was one of the more important pieces of legislation they hoped to get passed this year. MDWFP Commissioners voiced support of the turkey stamp last May.