The 2024 legislative session ended Saturday without a confirmation vote on outspoken Wildlife Commissioner Leonard Bentz.
Now that Benz is no longer commissioner, what will happen next?
“Today is the last day of session,” Sen. Neil Whaley (R-Potts), chairman of the Senate Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committee, said Saturday morning before the Senate convened. He said, “I have not been nominated for confirmation by the governor. In fact, there will be no nomination.”
Bentz's future on the Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Commission seemed uncertain. Mr. Bentz was appointed to the position by Governor Reeves in 2021 to fill the seat vacated after the resignation of former Secretary Clay Wagner.
Benz became known for being outspoken and sometimes aggressive, and for disagreeing with trained biologists and others.
Most recently, Benz made headlines when he was ticketed for illegally hunting turkeys using bait called crickets.
The remainder of Mr. Wagner's term expires in 2023, at which time Governor Reeves reappointed Mr. Bentz. The appointment had to be confirmed by the Senate during the 2024 session, but that did not happen.
more:Why did the Mississippi State Legislature kill the turkey hunting stamp bill? “It's embarrassing.”
What's next for the Mississippi Wildlife Commission?
That's a headache for some people.
MDWFP Deputy Director Larry Pugh said he does not know when a new director will be appointed.
“I don’t know,” Pugh said. “I've never been down this road before.
“In the 27 years I've been here, I've never seen anything like this. Since the governor has the authority to make appointments, I directed questions to the governor's office.”
The Clarion-Ledger reached out to Reeves' office Monday afternoon, but as of 11 a.m. Tuesday, no information was available about when the new commissioner would begin.
Benz's replacement may not be the only new face on the committee this year. Commissioner Bill Kosar's term ends at the end of June. Kosar has been a commissioner for about 10 years, but he doesn't know if he will be reappointed, he said.
“I haven't heard anything from the governor or anyone over there,” Kosar said. “I don't plan on being re-elected, but if I am, I'm ready to serve. It's been a lot of fun.”
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