So if a hunter decides to shoot a wild hog in the fading light and shoots a black bear by mistake, by your logic it would be ok? I believed it was a hog, I know I shot it, but it really isn't my responsibilty to identify what I am shooting, duh... That is how hunting accidents happen. What if it had been a 500 pound brown calf? All I am saying is they shot a Red Deer, which is livestock not wildlife that is not a game animal in season. I doubt criminal charges will be brought against anyone in this case but some food for thought for those who just think they can start blasting away at 500 pound animals of unknown species....it could be construed as a felony.
http://www.mscode.com/free/statutes/97/041/0015.htm
MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972
As Amended
SEC. 97-41-15. Malicious or mischievous injury to livestock; penalty; restitution.
(1) Any person who shall maliciously, either out of a spirit of revenge or wanton cruelty, or who shall mischievously kill, maim or wound, or injure any livestock, or cause any person to do the same, shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction, shall be committed to the custody of the State Department of Corrections for not less than twelve (12) months nor more than five years, and fined an amount not less than One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00), nor more than Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00).
(2) In addition to any such fine or imprisonment which may be imposed, the court shall order that restitution be made to the owner of any animal listed in subsection (1) of this section. The measure for restitution in money shall be the current replacement value of such loss and/or the actual veterinarian fees, special supplies, loss of income and other costs incurred as a result of actions in violation of subsection (1) of this section.
(3) For purposes of this section, the term "livestock" shall mean horses, cattle, swine, sheep and other domestic animals produced for profit.
SOURCES: Codes, Hutchinson's 1848, ch. 64, art. 7(1); 1857, ch. 64, art. 201; 1871, Sec. 8708; 1880, Sec. 2917; 1892, Sec. 1022; 1906, Sec. 1099; Hemingway's 1917, Sec. 825; 1930, Sec. 849; 1942, Sec. 2075; Laws, 1981, ch 448, Sec. 1; 1993, ch. 438, Sec. 2, eff from and after July 1, 1993.