| MDWFP & U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Sardis Lake to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Sardis Lake, and the First Security Bank of Batesville are hosting a youth fishing rodeo at Cypress Point Recreation Area at Sardis Lower Lake on Saturday, June 1st. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. To reach the Cypress Point Recreation Area take the North Batesville exit at I-55 and proceed East on Highway 35. |
| History of Ford’s Well JACKSON - The North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Visitor Education Center (VEC) adjacent to Enid Lake will host a program on the history of Enid Lake on June 1 at 2 p.m. The “History of Ford’s Well” will focus on an area located on the south side of Enid Lake. Ford's Well was dug in 1898 and became popular in the early 1900s because of the high mineral content of its water which was touted as a cure for many ailments. Visitors enjoy the area today as they dig into the past and enjoy recreational opportunities like the Spyglass Hill horseback trail. |
| June 1-2 Designated as Free Fishing Weekend in Mississippi JACKSON—Each year the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) designates the first weekend in June as “Free Fishing Weekend” in Mississippi. On June 1-2, 2013, any person may sport fish without a fishing license or a state lake fishing or boating permit. |
| Public Access Improvements at O’Keefe WMA JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is continuing improvements to access roads at O’Keefe Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located near Webb in Quitman and Tallahatchie counties. Road improvements began last summer, but were not completed due to weather conditions. MDWFP strives to provide adequate public access on state owned WMAs. |
| Mississippians Urged to Wear Life Jacket as Part of Safe, Responsible Boating JACKSON— As the weather warms up, families and friends gather together to enjoy the outdoors on the water – boating, fishing, jet skiing, and more. It is important to remember the safety precautions to take during all of these recreational water activities. |
| MDWFP & The Seth Harris Cancer Foundation to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and The Seth Harris Cancer Foundation are hosting a youth fishing rodeo at Lake Claude Bennett on Saturday, May 25. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under; registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Lake Claude Bennett is located south of Highway 18 on Highway 503 near Rose Hill. |
| Eagle Lake receives Florida-strain Largemouth Bass JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) stocked 120,000 Florida-strain largemouth bass fingerlings into Eagle Lake on May 15. The bass were reared at MDWFP’s Turcotte Fish Hatchery near Canton. Eagle Lake is a 4,700-acre oxbow lake in Warren County that is widely known for excellent bass, crappie, and bream fishing. |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Forrest County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop at Paul B. Johnson State Park group camp on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:00 p.m. The Park is located 15 miles south of Hattiesburg on Highway 49. “This workshop will allow biologists and private pond owners the opportunity to discuss management options to improve fish populations and habitat,” according to MDWFP fisheries biologist Jeremy McCain. “We talk to people each year that want to manage their ponds effectively and this is a great way for us to provide how-to information that can help pond owners achieve their goals.” |
| Campground Renovation Upcoming at Neshoba County Lake JACKSON – One of Mississippi’s most popular fishing destinations is about to get a facelift. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) will be upgrading Neshoba County Lake’s campground. The project is scheduled to start in mid May, and includes 22 sites that provide water, sewer, and 100 amp electrical services. In addition, a new bathhouse will be constructed to accommodate campers. The project is expected to be completed by late November. |
| Northeast Mississippi Florida Largemouth Bass Stockings JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) stocked over 100,000 Florida-strain largemouth bass fingerlings into Bay Springs Lake and Lock C on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and Lake Lamar Bruce. The fish were reared at MDWFP’s Turcotte Fish Hatchery near Canton. Bay Springs and Lock C are popular bass fishing destinations among tournament and recreational anglers. Lake Lamar Bruce is still under renovation and closed to the public. It is scheduled to open in 2015 which will allow the bass to establish a strong population. “Florida-strain largemouth bass are typically more aggressive and grow larger than northern-strain largemouth bass” said MDWFP Fisheries Biologist Tyler Stubbs. “The goal of the Florida-strain bass stockings is to help improve fishing quality.” |
| New Directors of Conservation Programs, Wildlife Bureau at MDWFP JACKSON – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) recently made changes in two of its leadership positions within the agency. Ed Penny will become Director of Conservation Programs, and Chad Dacus will become Wildlife Bureau Director. Penny, who previously served as Wildlife Bureau Director and Waterfowl Program Coordinator, is now responsible for implementing the agency’s strategic plan and long-term conservation goals. Additionally, Penny will oversee the agency’s outreach and education efforts, and will also serve as liaison with its many natural resource partners. |
| Haley Haygood of Franklin County Awarded Archery Scholarship Jackson - Franklin County High School’s Haley Haygood is the first competitor from the Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) Program to sign a college scholarship in the sport. Haygood recently signed an academic and archery scholarship with the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. The University of the Cumberlands is the first university in the country to offer athletic scholarships in the sport of archery. |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Harrison County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop at the Lyman Community Center on Highway 49 in Gulfport. The workshop will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. This workshop will allow biologists and private pond owners the opportunity to discuss management options to improve fish populations and habitat,” according to MDWFP fisheries biologist Jeremy McCain. “We talk to people each year that want to manage their ponds effectively and this is a great way for us to provide how-to information that can help pond owners achieve their goals.” |
| Visitor Education Center (VEC) at Enid Lake to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a youth fishing rodeo at the VEC adjacent to Enid Lake on Saturday, May 18. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under; registration begins at 7:00 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing gear, catfish bait, and stringers. |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Lauderdale County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop in Lauderdale County. The workshop will be held at the East Mississippi Electric Power Association Office located at 2128 Highway 39 North in Meridian on Thursday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. An hour-long presentation will include topics on pond construction, fish stocking, vegetation control, fertilization, fish harvest, and more. A question-and-answer period will follow. Those interested in attending the workshop are asked to register by calling the MDWFP regional office at (601) 859-3421. |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Oktibbeha County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop in Oktibbeha County. The workshop will be held in the Oktibbeha County Extension Office located at 106 Felix Long Drive in Starkville on Tuesday, May 14, at 6:00 p.m. Topics that will be covered include pond construction, fish stocking, vegetation control, fertilization, fish harvest, and more. A question-and-answer period will also allow pond owners to receive advice on specific problems they are experiencing with their ponds. Those interested in attending the workshop are asked to register by calling the Oktibbeha County Extension Office at (662) 323-5916. |
| MDWFP and the Olive Branch Parks and Recreation to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo at George M. Harrison Municipal Park JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and the Olive Branch Parks and Recreation Department are hosting a youth fishing rodeo at the George M. Harrison Municipal Park (Soccer Complex) on Saturday, May 18. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. The George M. Harrison Municipal Park is located at the intersection of 8700 Church Road and Highway 305. |
| Monster Fish Caught in the Upper Pearl River JACKSON – Two local commercial fishermen caught one of the biggest fish of their fishing careers this weekend on the upper Pearl River in Leake County. Fishermen Michael Pigg and Tony Foster were checking their hoopnets on Sunday, May 5, when an extraordinarily large Smallmouth Buffalo was caught. The fish was 48 inches long and weighed 81.5 pounds. This may not be the only big buffalo that is caught this spring. According to Mr. Pigg, “The Smallmouth Buffalo are spawning, and big fish are in the same area. We may catch an even bigger one.” |
| MDWFP and the City of Carthage to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), the Mississippi State University Extension Service and the City of Carthage are hosting a youth fishing rodeo at McMillan Park pond on Saturday, May 18. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under; registration begins at 7:30 a.m. McMillan Park is located on Highway 16 in Carthage. |
| Bream Fishing Heating Up in Northeast Mississippi (1) JACKSON –The bream bite has started to turn on. “Bream begin to move into their shallow spawning locations when the water temperature approaches 70 degrees. That’s where most lakes in this region are now.” said Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) fisheries biologist Tyler Stubbs. Bream nest in colonies of circular depressions in shallow water when they spawn. These areas resemble a honeycomb, making bream beds easy to find. “Most anglers are catching bream with crickets or redworms on the bottom or under a cork in 2 to 6 feet of water.” continued Stubbs. |
| MDWFP to Honor Fallen Conservation Officers JACKSON—The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), on May 16, will honor and remember those conservation officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind. An Officer’s Memorial Service will be held at 9:00 a.m. at the MDWFP main office located at 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS. |
| 2013 Youth Art Contest JACKSON - Students across Mississippi are invited to get outdoors and participate in the 2013 North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Youth Art Contest. Each student must submit a portfolio that includes artwork and an entry form to the Visitor Education Center (VEC). The deadline for entries is May 15, 2013. |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Jones County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop in Sandersville at the Sandersville Community Center on Thursday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m. “This workshop will allow biologists and private pond owners the opportunity to discuss management options to improve fish populations and habitat,” according to MDWFP fisheries biologist Jeremy McCain. “We talk to people each year that want to manage their ponds effectively and this is a great way for us to provide how-to information that can help pond owners achieve their goals.” |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Carroll County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop in Carroll County. The workshop will be held at the Carroll County Extension Office at 105B Washington Street in Carrollton on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m. An hour-long presentation will include topics on pond design, fish stocking, harvest, vegetation control, liming, and fertilization. A question-and-answer period will follow. Those interested in attending the workshop are asked to register by calling the MDWFP North Region Office at (662) 840-5172. |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Coahoma County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop at the Coahoma County Extension office in Clarksdale at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013. “This free workshop is designed to better equip pond owners and future pond owners to maximize the potential of their ponds,” according to MDWFP fisheries biologist Nathan Aycock. “Whether it’s how to control algae, how to improve the fishing, or anything in between, we want to help you enjoy your pond as much as possible.” |
| MDWFP and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service are hosting a youth fishing rodeo at the Gator Pond on the Chickasawhay Wildlife Management Area southeast of Laurel on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under, and registration begins at 9:00 a.m. |
| MDWFP to Host Pond Management Workshop in Pike County JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a pond management workshop in Pike County at the MDWFP South Region office in Magnolia on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. An hour-long presentation will include topics on pond design, fish stocking, fish harvest, vegetation control, and more. A question-and-answer period will follow. Those interested in attending the workshop are asked to register by calling the MDWFP South Region office at (601) 783-2911. |
| Trace State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a youth fishing rodeo at Trace State Park in Belden on Saturday, May 11, 2013. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under; registration begins at 8:00 a.m. |
| MDWFP Commission Approves Alligator Hunting Seasons for 2013 JACKSON – On April 18, 2013, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks finalized regulations for the 2013 Mississippi alligator hunting seasons on public waters and private lands. The public waters season will expand this year to include more opportunities on specific public waterways statewide. A total of 920 lottery-based permits will be available within 7 hunting zones across the state for the 10-day season which runs from August 30 – September 9. Applications for permits can be purchased electronically at www.mdwfp.com/draws from June 3 – 17. Applicants must be residents of Mississippi and at least 16 years of age. Drawn applicants must attend a mandatory training course. During the 2012 public waters season, more than 4,100 Mississippi residents submitted applications for the 810 available permits, and 513 alligators were harvested. |
| Handgrabbing Season Opens May 1 JACKSON – A tradition unlike any other begins May 1. Grabbling, handgrabbing, handfishing, or noodling, whatever you call it, catching catfish with your hands is a popular way of fishing for a lot of Mississippians. The season opens May 1 and runs through July 15. |
| 2013 - 2014 Hunting Season Rules Proposed JACKSON – Staff from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks presented proposed rules for the 2013-14 hunting season to the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks at its monthly public meeting on April 17. These proposed rules included white-tailed deer, turkey, and small game hunting seasons, as well as changes to Wildlife Management Area rules. |
| Camp Fish to be held at Turcotte Education Center JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting Camp Fish 2013 at the Turcotte Education Center in Madison County. The camp will be held June 17-20 and is open to kids ages 11 to 15. The camp’s purpose is to introduce Mississippi’s youth to fisheries conservation, management, and sport fishing. |
| Legion State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a youth fishing rodeo at Legion State Park, Lake Toppasha in Louisville, MS on Saturday, May 4, 2013. The fishing rodeo is open to youth 15 years and under, and registration begins at 7:00 a.m. |
| Treating Cogongrass on Wildlife Management Areas JACKSON – With spring in full swing, trees are leafing out and flowers are blooming. This is a great time to identify different plant communities and locate any invasive plant species. Cogongrass is an aggressive, invasive species that will out-compete all native plant species and take over a landscape. Cogongrass is not only an invasive plant species, but it has no wildlife value. This grass can be easily identified by its white fluffy flowers and seed head, which makes spring time the optimal season for locating cogongrass areas. These areas of cogongrass are targeted for eradication across Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Mississippi. |
| MDWFP and City of Byram host Youth Fishing Day at Lake Dockery JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and the City of Byram will host a youth fishing day at Lake Dockery on Saturday, May 4, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fishing will be open to youth ages 15 and under that are accompanied by an adult with a valid Mississippi fishing license. |
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