As bow-hunting season opens today, hunters are already talking about a controversial new law coming in a month. Starting November 1st, deer can be killed directly over bait - meaning deer feeders can be placed in plain view of a hunter's stand, as long as it's at least 100 yards away.
Outdoor journalist Bobby Cleveland doesn't like that at all.
"I don't think it's sporty or ethical. I think it cheapens the experience. We're losing hunters every year, and I don't think the way to replace them is by teaching them an easier way to do things, and not learning the full aspect in actually being a hinter instead of a killer," says Cleveland.
Shambeni Watts is an avid hunter. He says whether people realize it or not, supplemental feeding has always been done, and he is not against it.
"I don't think it's that big of a deal. Feed has always been used. It's just the manner in which you use it now. You're not going to be able to harvest all of the wildlife that will benefit from your supplemental feeding," Watts says.
Chad Dacus is Mississippi's Wildlife Bureau Director. He explains only one specific change has been made to the law.
"The rules on supplemental feeding has one thing that changed. Now the feeder can be in the line of sight. It still has to be 100 yards away from the hunter, but it can be within the line of sight," says Dacus.
Bow hunting season opens today. This new law will take effect in November, just in time for gun season.
