I am writing to you as a concerned constituent and deer hunter to express my support for HB 816, a vital piece of legislation that would require hunters to report their white-tailed deer harvest. This bill represents an important step toward improving wildlife management and ensuring that our state's deer populations remain healthy, sustainable, and well-managed.

As you may know, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) plays a critical role in maintaining healthy wildlife populations across our state. HB 816 would provide MDWFP with valuable data by requiring hunters to submit their harvest numbers. This information would enable the department to track the number of whitetail deer being harvested each year, ultimately helping to inform decisions related to bag limits, deer population management, and ensuring the health of our wildlife resources for generations to come.

As a hunter, I know firsthand how essential it is to maintain a balanced and healthy deer herd for the enjoyment of all those who appreciate our state’s natural resources. The ability to report harvests would allow MDWFP to make data-driven, science-based decisions that can help preserve the deer population while ensuring that hunting continues to be a meaningful and enjoyable tradition for all of us.

I urge you to support HB 816 and take action to ensure that Mississippi’s deer populations are managed in a way that promotes long-term sustainability and hunting opportunities. By supporting this bill, you would be helping to protect our natural resources and guarantee that future generations of hunters can enjoy the same rich wildlife experiences that we do today.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. I respectfully ask that you consider supporting HB 816 in the legislature, and I look forward to seeing our state move forward with better wildlife management practices.