An Act to prevent hunting with a Gun in the Night by Fire Light.

I. WHEREAS many Persons under the Pretence of hunting for Deer in the Night by Fire Light, kill Horses and Cattle, to the Prejudice of the Owners thereof:

II. BE it therefore Enacted, by the Governor, Council, and Assembly, and by the Authority of the same, That if any Person or Persons shall be discovered hunting in the Woods with a Gun in the Night Time, by Fire Light, such Person or Persons so offending shall forfeit and pay for every Offence the Sum of Five Pounds, Proclamation Money, to be recovered by a Warrant from any Justice of the Peace in the County; one Half to the Informer, the other Half to the Use of the Parish where such Offence shall be committed: And upon due Conviction thereof before such Justice on Trial, it shall and may be lawful for such Justice thereupon to give Judgement, and award Execution against the Body, Goods or Chattels, of the Offender, and order such Offender to the County Gaol, there to remain one Month without Bail or Mainprize, or until the said Fine, and the Fees accruing thereon shall be paid.

III. AND be it further Enacted, by the Authority aforesaid, That if any Slave or Slaves shall be discovered hunting in Manner herein before mentioned, such Slave or Slaves shall, upon due Conviction thereof before any Justice of the Peace of the County, have and receive Fifty Lashes in his bare Back, well laid on; and the Gun or Guns found in the Possession of any Slave so hunting in the Night as aforesaid shall be forfeited to, and become Property of the Person or Persons that shall discover and prosecute any Slave or Slaves in Manner as aforesaid.