Conservation Corner: January 29, 2001

Wildlife Mississippi Donates Decoy Deer
by James L. Cummins

It's shortly after 2:00 a.m. Two men with 3-day old beards climb into their truck and drive to the eastern part of the county. They swing the front end of the 4 X 4 into a field, spilling the fifth of whisky that is riding shotgun. The darkness of night is interrupted by 200,000 candlepower beams which emanate from the passengers's side.

In the field is a small buck deer. The driver slips his rifle out the window. The eerie sound of the crack of the rifle breaks the silence of the night. But the buck does not move. In disbelief the man chambers another round and fires again. The deer remains motionless. They notice the blue lights and sirens from both entrances of the field.

Two conservation officers with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks were on the scene. These game thieves now realize why the deer did not move. What they thought was a real deer, was instead, a decoy. This scenario is played out all to often in Mississippi. The success on this particular night lies in the hands of the conservation officers as they have caught these violators in the act. If found guilty in a court of law, these men face substantial fines and jail time.

The fine for shooting from a public right of way is $100 to $500 plus court costs. Shooting from a motor vehicle may draw an additional fine of $25 to $100 plus court costs. Spotlighting deer is much more serious, carrying a penalty of $2,000 to $5,000 plus court costs, mandatory confiscation of all equipment except the motor vehicle, 5 days imprisonment in a county jail and loss of hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for three years.

The use of decoy deer has had a huge impact on deer poaching in Mississippi. The decoy gives officers the ability setup in a safe area and the opportunity to witness any illegal acts.

In an effort to assist conservation officers throughout Mississippi, the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation began its Decoy Deer Program in January of 1998. Through this program, decoy deer are constructed and then donated to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' officers. "Since the inception of this program the Foundation has donated 47 decoys and will continue to replace the ones which are worn out," said Peyton Self, President of the Foundation.

The public must become more involved by communicating and working with officers in the field. Those sportsmen who wish to stay anonymous may still assist conservation officers by calling the 1-800-BE-SMART hotline to report violations and illegal activities.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.