Wildlife & Hunting

Small Game Season Offers Big Hunting Opportunities
Tuesday December 13, 2011
JACKSON – With squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons opening, there are many opportunities to enjoy some time in the fall woods. For many hunters in Mississippi, small game hunting was their first hunting experience and it remains a popular pastime.

Light Goose Conservation Order Resumes
Tuesday January 24, 2012
JACKSON- Waterfowl hunters are reminded that even though the regular waterfowl season ends on January 29, additional light goose hunting opportunity will be available for late winter and early spring.

WMA Turkey Hunting Applications Available January 15
Friday January 13, 2012
Beginning January 15th the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks will begin accepting applications for turkey hunting on select Wildlife Management Areas.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend: February 4th- February 5th
Tuesday January 24, 2012
JACKSON- Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) would like to remind everyone of the youth waterfowl hunting weekend on February 4th - 5th, 2012.

Big Bucks for Mississippi in 2011
Tuesday January 24, 2012
JACKSON - The early spring that occurred in 2011 was kind to many Mississippi deer hunters. William T. McKinley, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Deer Program Biologist said, “Recent research has shown that an early spring green-up allows deer more time to recover from the stress of the rut and cold winter, which helps deer devote more energy to body and antler growth.”

Abundant Acorn Crop Contributes to Reduced Deer Sightings in 2011
Tuesday January 24, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi’s 2011-2012 deer season has been interesting to say the least. Prior to the season, MDWFP Deer Program Biologists were concerned with meeting hunters’ expectations due to an abundant statewide acorn crop.

MDWFP To Hold Wildlife Management Area Public Meetings
Monday January 30, 2012
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is holding a series of six public meetings to discuss Wildlife Management Area (WMA) activities. The meetings will showcase regional WMA harvest data, habitat work, infrastructure improvements, and information about MDWFP. All WMA users, adjacent landowners, hunting clubs, and concerned citizens are invited to attend.

Crappie Tracking at Enid Lake
Monday January 30, 2012
The location of the four-year cooperative crappie tracking project conducted by the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has moved from Sardis to Enid Lake. The goal is to learn more about the spawning areas of crappie in our local reservoirs.

Turkey Season Changes on South Delta WMAs
Wednesday February 01, 2012
JACKSON - Flood events along the Mississippi River have had significant consequences for wild turkey populations within the Delta. Although most adult birds survived flood waters by moving to higher ground or treetops for extended periods; flood events during 2008, 2009, and 2011 all occurred during the spring nesting season. Wild turkeys nest on the ground; therefore, very little reproduction occurred in the Delta during these years. Conversely, reproduction was above average across the region during 2010.

Howard Miller WMA Closed During Light Goose Conservation Order
Thursday February 02, 2012
JACKSON – The Light Goose Conservation Goose Order hunt will be closed on Howard Miller Wildlife Management Area (WMA) according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). Howard Miller WMA regulations state that the area will be open during this special opportunity in accordance with Federal regulations However, due to pending farming practices that will improve waterfowl habitat, this area will be closed to hunting beginning February 6th.

Wildlife Management Area Public Meetings – South Delta and Southwest MS
Thursday February 09, 2012
JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) public has two meetings scheduled for next week. These meetings will showcase regional WMA harvest data, habitat work, infrastructure improvements, and information about MDWFP. All WMA users, adjacent landowners, hunting clubs, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

Wildlife Management Area Public Meetings – North Delta and Southeast MS
Tuesday February 14, 2012
JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has two public meetings scheduled for next week. These meetings will showcase regional WMA harvest data, habitat work, infrastructure improvements, and information about MDWFP. All WMA users, adjacent landowners, hunting clubs, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

Youth Turkey Season Offers Excitement for Young Hunters
Monday February 27, 2012
JACKSON – The 2012 youth spring turkey season will begin on private lands and authorized state and federal lands on Thursday, March 8th. This special season, which is available to hunters ages 15 and under, coincides with spring break for many of Mississippi’s school systems. This opportunity is an excellent chance to introduce young hunters to the thrill of pursuing springtime gobblers.

Anticipation Builds for the Opening of Spring Turkey Season
Monday February 27, 2012
JACKSON – Excitement among turkey hunters in many parts of the state is building as the 2012 spring turkey season gets closer. The 2012 spring turkey season will open on March 15th and will run through May 1st. Two years ago, MDWFP biologists reported that the 2010 hatch was well above average, which should translate into an abundance of 2-year-old gobblers to greet hunters this year. “Two-year-olds are the age group that generally account for the highest percentage of the harvest, so when that age group is up, so too are harvest rates,” stated Dave Godwin, the MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Coordinator. Adam Butler, MDWFP Turkey Program biologist, indicated that this increase in reproduction yielded a spike in jake observations last season, and these birds have been carried over for the 2012 season. “This should be one of the better seasons we’ve had in awhile,” said Butler.

MDWFP Continues Assistance Program for Wetland Habitat on Private Lands in Mississippi
Monday March 19, 2012
JACKSON- Mississippi Partners for Fish and Wildlife (MPFW), a partnership which includes Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) federal agencies, conservation organizations, and private companies, is working to improve wetland habitat on privately-owned lands for waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife. MPFW is now seeking applications for new private land wetland projects until May 1, 2012.

Wild Turkey Report Available Thanks to Volunteer Hunters
Monday March 19, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP, in partnership with the Mississippi Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, is pleased to announce the release of its annual report on the status of Mississippi’s wild turkey population. This full-color publication, entitled “Spittin’ & Drummin’,” is available for download at http://www.mdwfp.com/turkey. The Wild Turkey Report contains a wealth of information regarding trends in turkey numbers from around the state, habitat management advice for hunters and landowners, and other accounts of conservation efforts relating to wild turkeys.

New Sportsman’s License/Prints are Available
Tuesday April 03, 2012
Jackson – With turkeys gobbling and fish biting, now is a great time to be outdoors in Mississippi. If you plan to go hunting or fishing this spring make sure you have a valid license, such as the 2012-13 Sportsman License.

MDWFP Announces Longleaf Pine Field Day
Monday April 09, 2012
JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and its partners will host a field day for private landowners interested in learning more about the benefits of longleaf pine. The event will be held at a private property in Lawrence County nearSilver Creek, Mississippi on May 10th, 2012. Topics will include management of longleaf pine, economic and wildlife benefits, cost-share programs, and more. The workshop will run from 9am to 3pm, with lunch provided for field day participants.

Delay Mowing to Avoid Disturbing Wild Turkey Nests
Thursday April 19, 2012
JACKSON – Late April through early June is the peak nesting season for wild turkeys and several other ground-nesting birds. These species prefer to nest in overgrown pastures, hay fields, road edges, and ditch banks, which can make them vulnerable to mowing and haying. In order to avoid impacting these species, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) recommends delaying mowing of these areas until after July 1st. For land enrolled in certain federal conservation cost-share programs, contracts may require that mowing be delayed until August 15th.

Governor Ensures MDWFP’s Continued Participation in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs
Thursday April 19, 2012
Jackson – Gov. Phil Bryant yesterday signed into law legislation that will protect Mississippi sportsmen’s investment in conservation. The assent legislation in H. B. 848 meets the most basic requirement for participation in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) programs. These essential programs, administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, currently provide around $10 million in federal assistance annually to support MDWFP operations. WSFR funding comes from manufacturers’ excise taxes on sporting arms and ammunition, fishing equipment, and boats and motors.

Minimize Deer Damage to Gardens and Landscaping
Tuesday April 24, 2012
JACKSON- With spring upon us, many Mississippians are planting gardens and working hard to beautify their property. However, white-tailed deer find many garden and landscape plants very appealing and can often force gardeners to battle deer for their prized plants. To manage the problem, MDWFP suggests a few tips that may save your plants this spring and summer.

Spring Turkey Season Continues Until May 1
Wednesday April 25, 2012
JACKSON –Mississippi turkey hunters still have time remaining in the 2012 spring season, which closes on May 1, 2012. Hunters throughout most regions of the Magnolia State are reporting great success during the 2012 turkey season. A good statewide hatch in 2010 resulted in an increase in the great number of 2-year old gobblers hunters have encountered this spring. “Two-year old gobblers are usually the most vocal and tend to be more susceptible to harvest” says MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Leader Adam Butler. In addition to increased number of birds, generally favorable weather conditions have also helped make the 2012 season one to remember.

Learn More About Deer Management at Copiah County WMA
Friday April 27, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP, in partnership with the Southwest Mississippi Quality Deer Management Association branch, is hosting a Deer Management Field Day on May 19th at Copiah County WMA near Hazlehurst. The half-day event will feature presentations and field tours by MDWFP biologists on a range of topics including deer harvest strategies and habitat management practices.

MDWFP Recognizes Dove and Wood Duck Banders of the Year
Tuesday May 01, 2012
The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks recently recognized the 2010 and 2011 Mourning Dove and Wood Duck Bander of the Year at their April meeting in Jackson. “The MDWFP and our partners work hard to band wood ducks and mourning doves each year” stated MDWFP Wildlife Bureau Director Ed Penny, “and these awards recognize the individuals that band the most birds each year. Ducks and doves are captured, then fitted with aluminum leg bands and released.” Important information about migration and survival is obtained when these birds are harvested and reported by hunters.

MDWFP and MSU to Host Deer Management Workshops
Tuesday May 01, 2012
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and Mississippi State University are planning four workshops throughout the state to teach participants how to better manage their land for white-tailed deer. The workshops are in two-day sets, and participants may register for one or both days. Workshops will be held June 1 in Vicksburg at Hinds Community College and June 2 at Mahannah Wildlife Management Area north of Vicksburg. The workshops on the MSU campus will be July 13 and 14 at the College of Forest Resources’ Thompson Hall.

Dove Fields Being Prepared at Black Prairie WMA
Tuesday May 01, 2012
Spring turkey season is now a memory, so that means it is time for the MDWFP to begin preparing dove fields at Black Prairie WMA. While it may seem like a long time until early fall and the beginning of dove season, now is the time to begin planting sunflowers to prepare for the opening day of dove season. The opening day of dove season is a special tradition in Mississippi, and MDWFP seeks to provide a unique hunting opportunity for youth at Black Prairie. The opening day at Black Prairie is open only to youth hunters 15 years of age and younger. Youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult when hunting and all hunters must possess a WMA User Permit unless they are exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license.

Using the Axe, Match, and Plow at Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area
Monday May 14, 2012
MDWFP wildlife biologists are using the modern versions of an axe, match, and plow to create and maintain quality wildlife habitat at Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area (CRNWMA). These tools, which were identified so long ago by famous conservationist Aldo Leopold, and used by farmers throughout Mississippi’s history, have been replaced by modern forest management methods, drip torch, and tractor. Located west of Sardis in Panola County, nearly all of its 4,000 acres are intensively managed for a host of game and non-game species of wildlife. Since the WMA was acquired by MDWFP, its upland forests have been thinned, controlled seasonal fire has been reintroduced across the WMA, and native grasses are now reestablished in former agricultural fields.

Bird Watching Opportunities at Pearl River WMA
Thursday May 31, 2012
JACKSON - For many years, local birders and waterfowl enthusiasts have enjoyed the waterfowl sanctuary at Pearl River WMA. Pearl River WMA is only a short drive from Jackson and is a great place to come and enjoy the outdoors. The observation tower, located just off Highway 43 on Ross Barnett Reservoir, overlooks one of the managed wetlands and is a prime location to view waterfowl during the winter and spring months. Beginning in mid-June, the tower will be temporarily closed for improvements.

Mississippi Alligator Travels 30 Miles to Louisiana
Monday May 14, 2012
JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) was recently notified by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) about a nuisance alligator near Lake Providence, Louisiana. While there was nothing illegal or unusual about the nuisance alligator complaint, the LDWF agent alligator trapper noticed some tags located in the alligator tail and on its hind feet. The tags were identified as those attached to alligators in Mississippi as part of a monitoring project being conducted by MDWFP. The alligator, identified as White 4, was originally captured and tagged by MDWFP in Warren County, approximately 1 mile south of Eagle Lake on March 18, 2009. At the time of capture, it was 7 feet 7 inches long. When this alligator was captured near Lake Providence, LA on April 11, 2012, it was 9 feet 2 inches long. Since the time of original capture in Mississippi, White 4 had traveled at least 30.6 miles and had grown 6.3 inches per year.

Improving Old Field Habitat at Divide Section WMA.
Tuesday June 05, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) wildlife managers are working to improve wildlife habitat within old fields at Divide Section Wildlife Management Area (DSWMA) in northeast Mississippi. Since 2011, approximately 50 acres have been improved through a combination of selective herbicides and native warm season grass establishment.

Mississippi Alligator Hunting Season Expands - Applications Now Accepted
Wednesday June 06, 2012
JACKSON – Alligator hunting applications will be accepted June 1-15 for the 2012 alligator season on public waterways. Applications may be purchased only from the MDWFP website, www.mdwfp.com/draws. Applicants must be residents of Mississippi and at least 16 years of age.

MDWFP Conducts Annual Alligator Surveys
Tuesday June 12, 2012
JACKSON – Biologists and Conservation Officers from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) are conducting annual alligator surveys throughout the state to monitor alligator populations. These surveys are conducted at night along established routes, some as long as 34 miles in length, on 16 major river systems and lakes. Alligator population data obtained from these surveys were instrumental in successfully removing the American alligator from the endangered species list in 1987. In addition, the survey data have helped support the most recent expansion of alligator hunting opportunities. The deadline for applying for a 2012 alligator hunting permit is June 15th.

Waterfowl Management at Trim Cane WMA
Wednesday June 13, 2012
JACKSON - The primary management objective at Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is to provide quality habitat for waterfowl. To meet this objective, wildlife managers develop short and long-term management plans, which incorporate the latest management techniques. Though waterfowl season may seem like a long way off, wildlife managers have already begun spraying noxious weeds and planting supplemental crops within the seven waterfowl impoundments on the WMA. Improving the habitat quality within these impoundments ensures that quality food sources are available this coming winter. Nuisance species such as beaver and nutria can negatively affect water levels and natural drainage patterns within impoundments. Thus, managers also work hard to control these species throughout Trim Cane WMA.

MDWFP Extends Alligator Hunting Application Period
Wednesday June 20, 2012
JACKSON - By Executive Order, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has extended the period open to persons interested in purchasing applications for lottery-based public water alligator hunting permits. Due to technical difficulties with the MDWFP’s website on June 15, some interested persons were not able to submit their application. The MDWFP will re-open the application process on June 25, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 midnight. There are 6 public water alligator hunting zones available. Applicants may apply for any or all zones. There is a charge of $10 per zone application. Applicants must be residents of Mississippi and at least 16 years of age to apply. A credit card or debit card and an email address are required to purchase applications. To purchase and submit applications, please visit www.mdwfp.com.

Bird Banding Efforts Ongoing in Mississippi
Wednesday June 20, 2012
JACKSON - MDWFP’s wildlife biologists and conservation officers recently completed a rocket netting workshop at the Turcotte Education Center near Ross Barnett Reservoir. The purpose of this workshop, taught by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and USDA Wildlife Services, was to instruct personnel who band wood ducks how to safely capture and handle birds.

MDWFP Revises Nuisance Wildlife Regulations
Thursday June 21, 2012
JACKSON - At its May 16, 2012 meeting, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks adopted new regulations concerning nuisance wildlife in Mississippi. Due to their often destructive behavior on private lands, beaver, coyote, fox, nutria, skunk, and wild hogs are classified as "nuisance animals" in Mississippi. These current regulations, as set forth in Public Notice LE-06 3779, allow private landowners to manage nuisance animals throughout the year with special exceptions and restrictions. These new regulations are important to help control Mississippi's wild hog population. Wild hogs, a non-native species in Mississippi, cause extensive damage to crops, timber, pastures, and native wildlife habitats and compete with native wildlife for food resources.

Governor’s Signature Edition Mississippi Duck Stamp and Print Available
Tuesday July 10, 2012
JACKSON –Waterfowl hunters can get an early start on the season by purchasing their 2012/2013 Mississippi Duck Stamp. The stamp is available for purchase and features an image of a drake green-winged teal, photographed by award-winning photographer Joe Mac Hudspeth, Jr. While being the smallest of North American Ducks, the green-winged teal is highly prized by duck hunters, as it is the second most commonly harvested bird behind the mallard.

Waterfowl Breeding Populations Increase in 2012
Monday July 16, 2012
JACKSON- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service recently completed their annual waterfowl population surveys on the breeding grounds to monitor waterfowl populations and to help set hunting season frameworks. Overall, North American breeding waterfowl populations increased 7 percent from 2011 to just over 48 million birds.

Private Lands Prescribed Burning Program Accepting Applications Now
Tuesday July 17, 2012
JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is continuing its partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide cost-share for prescribed burning on private lands. During 2011, the “Fire on the Forty” program provided cost-share funding for prescribed burning on more than 10,000 acres in North and South Mississippi. Similar funding levels are expected this year, and applications will be accepted from more counties.

Mississippi’s Early Migratory Game Bird Seasons Announced
Thursday July 19, 2012
JACKSON - The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks approved dates for the 2012-2013 early hunting seasons for migratory game birds on July 18, 2012. Early migratory game bird hunting seasons set at the July meeting include dove, resident Canada geese, early teal, snipe, woodcock, and rails. This year, early seasons will be similar to recent years.

Largest Black Bear Ever Caught in Mississippi
Friday July 20, 2012
ISSAQUENA COUNTY, MS (WLBT) - The biggest black bear ever documented in Mississippi was captured last week in Issaquena County by state wildlife officials.

WMA User Permit Required for Visitors to Pascagoula River WMA
Monday July 23, 2012
JACKSON – Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all across Mississippi and surrounding states. The Pascagoula River, its tributaries, oxbow lakes, and over 35,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forests provide ample recreation opportunities for visitors to the WMA. Whether hunting, fishing, canoeing, or just enjoying a family picnic on a sandbar; Pascagoula River WMA offers something for everyone.

Deer Hunting Opportunities for Youth and Handicapped Hunters on Trim Cane WMA
Friday July 27, 2012
JACKSON - Deer season is only a couple months away. Hunters are beginning to get deer hunting fever as they plan their hunts. Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is primarily managed for waterfowl hunting; however there are some unique deer hunting opportunities for youth and handicapped hunters. The WMA is an 891-acre tract located about four miles north of Starkville in Oktibbeha County. Outside of the waterfowl impoundments, habitat on Trim Cane is managed primarily in an early successional stage which provides excellent deer habitat.

Deer, Early Teal, and Rabbit Hunting Applications Available August 1st
Friday August 03, 2012
Deer, Early Teal, and Rabbit Hunting Applications Available August 1st JACKSON – Beginning August 1st, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks began accepting draw permit applications for early season teal and deer hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Applicants must apply online at www.mdwfp.com from August 1 – 31. There will be a charge of $5 for each permit application. Permitted early season teal hunts will be available at Howard Miller and Muscadine Farms WMAs. Permitted rabbit hunts will be available at Nanih Waiya WMA.

Liberal Frameworks Available for Mississippi Waterfowl Hunters
Friday August 03, 2012
Jackson – States in the Mississippi Flyway will again have the opportunity for liberal waterfowl frameworks during the 2012-13 hunting season. In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Mississippi Flyway Council approved the liberal alternative for duck seasons during its July meeting. This means Mississippi waterfowl hunters will again have the opportunity to hunt 60 days with a 6-duck daily bag limit for the 2012-2013 waterfowl hunting season.

Private Land Dove Field Permits Available August 6
Friday August 03, 2012
Jackson – Hunting permits for Private Land Dove Fields will be available for purchase beginning at 8:00 a.m. on August 6, 2012. The Private Land Dove Field Program is a popular program in which MDWFP biologists work with private landowners to prepare fields and manage public access on private lands. In 2012, these private fields will be located in Alcorn, Tate, Madison, Kemper, Jones, and Lincoln Counties. These fields were planted to a variety of crops favored by doves, including sunflowers, millet, and corn. Permits allow hunters to hunt three days per week (Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday) during the first two dove seasons. These permits provide an excellent opportunity to introduce youth to hunting, as each permit allows up to two youth to hunt with an adult hunter at no additional cost.

Mississippi’s Waterfowl Seasons Announced
Wednesday August 15, 2012
Jackson- The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks approved the dates and bag limits for the 2012-2013 waterfowl hunting seasons at its August 15 meeting in Jackson. Duck, merganser, and coot seasons will be November 23 - November 25, 2012; November 30 - December 2, 2012; and December 5, 2012 - January 27, 2013. The daily bag limit will be a total of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 4 scaup, 2 pintail, 1 canvasback, 1 mottled duck, and 1 black duck. The merganser daily bag limit will be a total of 5 mergansers, only 2 of which may be hooded mergansers. Coots will have a 15-bird daily bag limit. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit for ducks, mergansers, and coots.

Dove Hunting Opportunity Available on Copiah County WMA
Tuesday August 21, 2012
JACKSON – Copiah County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will once again offer dove hunting opportunities this year. WMA personnel have professionally prepared two dove fields on the area. Dove hunting at Copiah County WMA is allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon until sunset during the first North Zone dove season, September 1 – 23.

Alcorn County Dove Field Ready for Opening Day
Tuesday August 21, 2012
Jackson - MDWFP still has a limited number of permits available for the Alcorn County dove field. The field, which has been in the MDWFP’s Private Lands Dove Field Program for several years, is located near Corinth and has a good history of holding doves. The 17-acre field was planted to browntop millet with strips of sunflowers. The millet will be managed to coincide with attracting doves for opening weekend, and the sunflowers will continue to attract doves for the remainder of the first two dove seasons.

Kemper County Dove Field Ready for Opening Day
Tuesday August 21, 2012
Jackson - MDWFP still has some permits left for its Kemper County dove field. The field has been in the MDWFP’s Private Lands Dove Field Program since 2005, longer than any other field. The 90-acre field, located just east of Scooba, was planted to browntop millet and corn, and naturally-occurring foods like crab grass and broad-leaf signal grass are also found on the field. The millet and other grasses will be managed to provide a clean place for the doves to land and feed.

Lincoln County Dove Field Ready for Opening Day
Tuesday August 21, 2012
Jackson - MDWFP still has some permits available for its Lincoln County dove field. The 33-acre field, which has been in the MDWFP’s Private Lands Dove Field Program for several years, is located southwest of Brookhaven near Bogue Chitto. The field is part of a working cattle farm and will be planted to winter grazing cover, which has produced good dove hunting in the past. Hay bales will be distributed across the field for hunters to use as cover.

Canemount WMA Set to Open for 2012-13 Hunting Season
Wednesday August 22, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP recently acquired the Canemount Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Claiborne County, near Port Gibson. The Canemount property includes approximately 3,500 acres of hardwood forests and has a long history of trophy deer management. The previous owner worked with MDWFP biologists through the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) since 1991 and managed the property as a commercial hunting operation. This region of Mississippi has historically produced some of the largest deer in the state and deer population densities are high. Those hunters seeking a unique hunting opportunity should look no further than Canemount WMA.

Turkey Brood Survey Indicates Best Hatch in a Decade
Tuesday August 28, 2012
JACKSON – Each year from June to August, MDWFP conducts a survey to monitor wild turkey reproduction across the state. The brood survey, as it is commonly known, enlists numerous observers who note all turkeys seen during the three-month survey period. The resulting information allows turkey biologists to measure reproductive success and gives hunters an objective look at how turkeys are faring across the Magnolia State.

Mississippi’s Alligator Hunters Prepare for Season Opener
Tuesday August 28, 2012
JACKSON – Over 1,100 permitted hunters and their guests recently attended MDWFP’s mandatory alligator training courses to prepare for the permitted alligator hunts on public waterways and private lands in 2012. These mandatory courses, held at Jones County Junior College, Delta State University, and Roosevelt State Park were led by MDWFP biologists and conservation officers. Course topics included alligator ecology, research projects, legal capture and dispatching methods, skinning and processing, proper documentation, and boating safety.

Waterfowl Habitat Improvements Underway at Tuscumbia WMA
Tuesday August 28, 2012
JACKSON – Waterfowl habitat improvements are underway at Tuscumbia Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Tuscumbia WMA, located in Alcorn County west of Corinth, provides public hunting opportunities and habitat for a variety of wildlife. Personnel at Tuscumbia WMA manage 7 waterfowl impoundments adjacent to the Tuscumbia River that provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland birds. Ongoing improvements include renovating a drainage ditch and designated low-water crossings. These improvements will enhance water management capabilities and public access for managers and WMA users.

Mississippi’s Dove Season is Quickly Approaching
Wednesday August 29, 2012
Jackson - One of the most popular hunting days of the year is quickly approaching. This year, opening day of Mississippi’s dove season is Saturday, September 1. Conservation officers with MDWFP will be present throughout the state to ensure safety and compliance with all state and federal hunting regulations. During their final preparations for opening day, hunters need to consider the following:

Mississippi’s Early Canada Goose Season Opening Soon
Thursday August 30, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi hunters will get their first chance to hunt waterfowl when the early Canada goose season opens September 1. This hunting opportunity was developed to help manage Mississippi’s population of resident Canada geese. The season will close on September 15, giving hunters a two week opportunity topursue these birds.

MDWFP Hosts Wildlife Management Area Public Meetings
Tuesday September 04, 2012
JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a series of six public meetings across the state to discuss Wildlife Management Area (WMA) activities. These meetings, held during the spring and fall, will showcase regional WMA harvest data, wildlife habitat and infrastructure improvements, and regulation changes adopted for the 2012-13 hunting season. All WMA users, adjacent landowners, hunting clubs, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

MDWFP Improves Public Access at Sky Lake WMA
Thursday September 06, 2012
Jackson - MDWFP is continuing improvements to ATV trails and roads at Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located near Belzoni in Humphreys and Leflore Counties. Sky Lake WMA is one of 10 WMAs owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and managed by the MDWFP. The USACE acquired 3,569 acres at Sky Lake WMA to mitigate for terrestrial wildlife losses associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of the Upper Yazoo and Upper Steele Bayou Levee Projects. Consisting of cleared agricultural land when it was originally acquired, the land has since been reforested by the USACE with native species of bottomland hardwoods.

Mississippi’s Early Teal Season Opens September 15
Thursday September 06, 2012
JACKSON – The fall’s first duck hunting opportunity for Mississippi will begin when the early teal season opens on September 15. Teal season is growing in popularity as hunters learn how fun it can be to pull out their decoys and calls and watch blue-winged teal rocket through the air.

Mississippi Squirrel Seasons Coming Soon
Wednesday September 12, 2012
JACKSON – With the first hint of cooler fall weather, many Mississippi hunters begin thinking about getting into the woods and hunting squirrels. Squirrel hunting is a great way to spend time with family or introduce youth and new hunters to the outdoors.

Wildlife Management Area Public Meeting in East Central Mississippi
Monday September 17, 2012
JACKSON –MDWFP is hosting a public meeting on September 18 at Black Prairie WMA near Brooksville, MS. The meeting, which is scheduled from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., will showcase WMA harvest data, habitat work, and infrastructure improvements for East Central WMAs. All WMA users, adjacent landowners, hunting clubs, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

Wildlife Management Area Public Meetings in the South Delta and Southwest Mississippi
Tuesday September 18, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP is hosting public meetings on September 25 for the South Delta WMAs at Hinds Community College in Vicksburg and on September 27 for the Southwest WMAs at Percy Quinn State Park in McComb. The meetings, which are scheduled from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., will showcase WMA harvest data, habitat work, and infrastructure improvements on WMAs in the South Delta and Southwest Mississippi. All WMA users, adjacent landowners, hunting clubs, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.

Apply Now for Rabbit Hunts at Trim Cane and Nanih Waiya WMAs
Wednesday September 19, 2012
JACKSON - Applications are now available for draw permit rabbit hunts with dogs at Nanih Waiya and Trim Cane WMAs. To participate inthese hunts, applicants must apply online at www.mdwfp.com before October 15th. As with other permitted hunts, there is a charge of $5 for each permit application.

Waterfowl Impoundment Improvements Completed at Canal Section WMA
Monday September 24, 2012
JACKSON – Two levee breeches within the waterfowl impoundments at Canal Section WMA were repaired in July. These breeches, which were discovered by managers this past March appeared to have been caused by a combination of tree root growth and burrowing animals. Additional improvements included tree removal along additional sections of exterior and interior levees and replacement of two water-control structures. These infrastructure improvements will ensure the continued management of wintering waterfowl habitat and improve hunting opportunities within the impoundments.

New Record Weight Alligator Harvested in Mississippi
Monday September 24, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP confirmed the new record for heaviest alligator on Saturday, September 22. The new record alligator was harvested by the hunting party of Tom Grant of Boyle, MS on a private hunting club near Fitler, Mississippi in Issaquena County. The new weight record of 697.5 pounds exceeds the previous record of 690.5 pounds, which was held by Brian Jackson of Brandon on private lands in Issaquena County in 2011.Grant’s alligator becomes the new record for weight of a male alligator taken by an alligator hunter in Mississippi.

MDWFP Reminds Hunters About Tree Stand Safety
Wednesday September 26, 2012
JACKSON – Many Mississippians are looking forward to the opening of deer archery seasons during October. During this time of year, many hunters are making final preparations for the upcoming hunting season, including placing and checking deer stands. Since treestand-related accidents are the leading cause of injury in hunting, MDWFP recommends that anyone hunting from an above-ground treestand know how to properly use and wear a full-body harness. Remember the most important part of your hunt is making it home safely to your family and loved ones.

Longleaf Pine Projects Ongoing at Marion County WMA
Monday October 01, 2012
JACKSON – Marion County WMA, located south of Columbia, Mississippi is the only state-owned WMA in Mississippi that is predominately forested with longleaf pine. Recently, MDWFP was awarded a State Wildlife Grant from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance wildlife habitat in Marion County WMA’s longleaf pine forests. Funds from this grant have been used by MDWFP personnel to improve its system of firebreaks on Marion County WMA to allow for an expansion of prescribed burning.

Private Lands Prescribed Burning Program Seeks Applications
Tuesday October 02, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP is continuing the Fire on the Forty partnership with the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that provides cost-share for prescribed burning on private lands. This successful program reimburses landowners in selected focal counties up to 50% of costs for implementing and performing a prescribed burn. These focal counties include: Prentiss, Monroe, Lowndes, and Noxubee in North Mississippi, and Amite, Pike, Walthall, Marion, Lamar, and Pearl River in South Mississippi.

MDWFP to Assist with Longleaf Pine Field Day in Jones County
Wednesday October 03, 2012
Jackson – Private landowners interested in learning more about longleaf pine should attend a field day at Jones County Junior College on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The field day is presented by MDWFP, National Wild Turkey Federation, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Mississippi State Extension Service, Mississippi Forestry Commission, Jones County Junior College, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Topics will include management of longleaf pine, economic and wildlife benefits, availability of cost share programs; the day will also include field tours to sites in Jones County.

Mississippi Rabbit Season Opens October 13
Thursday October 04, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi’s rabbit hunting season begins October 13, 2012 and closes February 28, 2013. The bag limit is 8 rabbits per day. Rabbit hunting is a fun and exciting way to spend time with family and friends and is great way to introduce new people to hunting. Areas with an ample mixture of grasses, legumes and other broadleaf plants, and low brushy cover typically produce the greatest numbers of rabbits. “We expect rabbit populations to be mostly abundant where they have good habitat,” said Rick Hamrick, MDWFP Small Game Biologist. “In many areas with suitable habitat, numbers of rabbits observed seem to be up from previous years. Last winter was mild, and vegetation growing conditions this summer have been mostly favorable. We believe those factors contributed to greater survival and reproduction this year.”

Homochitto National Forest Hunting with Dogs on the Homochitto National Forest
Thursday October 04, 2012
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) will continue to enforce regulations (Public Notice of Rule Number W17 3434) concerning hunting with dogs on the Homochitto National Forest. The regulations were first adopted at the beginning of last year’s hunting season.

WMA Waterfowl Draw Hunts Available on October 15th
Friday October 05, 2012
Jackson - MDWFP will begin taking applications for waterfowl draw hunts on five Wildlife Management Areas (WMA’s) on October 15th. These five WMAs are: Charlie Capps WMA, Howard Miller WMA, Mahannah WMA, Muscadine Farms WMA, and Sky Lake WMA.

Prairie Restoration Efforts on Black Prairie WMA
Wednesday October 17, 2012
Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area is a 5,200 acre area located in Lowndes County within the Blackland Prairie soil region. Over the past couple years, habitat management practices have been focused on restoring native prairie habitats on Black Prairie WMA. These habitat management practices will help restore native habitats and improve wildlife habitat on the area for an array of game and non-game species.

Small Game Can Be a Great Start for New Hunters
Wednesday October 17, 2012
JACKSON – Squirrel and rabbit seasons are upon us, and there are many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy time hunting. For many Mississippi hunters, small game hunting was their first hunting experience. However, recent survey data suggests that fewer new hunters are hunting small game, and they are missing a great opportunity to develop a new hunting passion.

Youth Gun Deer Season Opens November 3rd
Thursday November 01, 2012
JACKSON – Deer season for youth hunters 15 years of age or younger begins Saturday, November 3rd across Mississippi. Youth get the first chance with firearms at our state’s exceptional deer herd. Youth may use any modern firearm and may harvest one buck with hardened antlers and one doe per day, not to exceed three bucks and five does the entire deer season. The spread and main beam antler criteria do not apply to youth hunters.

Special Primitive Weapons Hunt Opens Today
Monday November 05, 2012
The Special Primitive Weapons season for white-tailed deer will open today in Delta and Hills Deer Management Zones. The Special Primitive Weapons Hunt is for antlerless deer only on private lands and open public lands from November 5 – 16. This hunting opportunity is not available on MDWFP Wildlife Management Areas. This special season is provided to allow hunters additional hunting opportunities to meet antlerless harvest objectives prior to the rut.

White-tailed Deer Gun Season Opens November 17th
Tuesday November 06, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi’s white-tailed deer hunting season with guns opens November 17th and runs through November 30th. Hunting with dogs is allowed during this season. Legal deer include either-sex on private lands and legal bucks on open public lands.

Youth Squirrel Hunting Opportunity Available at Natchez State Park
Tuesday November 06, 2012
JACKSON – Youth hunters will have the opportunity to hunt squirrels on Natchez State Park for the first time ever this season. Natchez State Park, located off Highway 61 in Adams County, is known for its quality deer and youth turkey hunting. However, beginning this season, squirrel hunting will be added to the list of opportunities available at Natchez State Park.

Wildlife Habitat Improvements Completed at Charles Ray Nix WMA
Thursday November 08, 2012
JACKSON – Wildlife habitat improvements were recently completed at Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Charles Ray Nix WMA is located a few miles west of Sardis in Panola County and offers approximately 4,000 acres of grassland and woodland habitat.

Wild Hog Management Workshop Scheduled for December 4
Thursday November 08, 2012
JACKSON – A Wild hog Management Workshop will be held December 4 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in Raymond at Mississippi State University’s Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. The Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center is located at 1320 Seven Springs Road in Raymond, MS. The program is provided by the MSU Extension Service, USDA’s Wildlife Services, and MDWFP.

Quail Season Opens Thanksgiving Day
Thursday November 15, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi’s statewide bobwhite quail hunting season will open November 22, 2012 and continue through March 2, 2013. There is a daily bag limit of eight quail.

Aerial Waterfowl Surveys Begin November 17
Thursday November 15, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP Waterfowl Program Biologists will take to the air beginning November 17 as the first in a series of 4 winter waterfowl surveys gets underway. The remaining surveys are scheduled for December 18-20, January 2-5, and January 22-25 depending on weather conditions. These surveys are conducted to provide biologists with an index of the numbers ofwaterfowl wintering in the Mississippi Delta region. Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Biologist, said “This survey method, developed in cooperation with Mississippi State University, uses sound science to provide reliable estimates of populationsthat are otherwise very difficult to survey. This method has been adopted by several other states in recent years.”

Deer Primitive Weapon Season Opens December 1st
Monday November 26, 2012
JACKSON – The Primitive Weapon Season for deer in all deer management zones will open Saturday, December 1st and extend through Friday, December 14th. Antlerless deer and legal bucks are eligible for harvest. Participating hunters may take both an antlerless deer and a legal buck during the same day.

Volunteers Assist on East Central Wildlife Management Areas
Monday November 26, 2012
JACKSON – Managing the state’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) is a non-stop job, and sometimes it is nice to have an extra hand. There is a variety of tasks that volunteers can assist with across the WMA system in Mississippi.

North Mississippi WMA Waterfowl Habitat Forecast
Tuesday November 27, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP personnel have worked diligently through the summer to manage waterfowl habitat on its Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in North Mississippi. Managed moist-soil vegetation and supplemental plantings of millet and milo should provide wintering waterfowl with abundant food resources in impoundments at Tuscumbia, Canal Section, Sardis Waterfowl, and the Graham Lake portion of Upper Sardis WMA. Additionally, recent removal of woody vegetation within some impoundments at Tuscumbia has improved waterfowl habitat on this WMA. According to WMA biologists, there is a moderate acorn crop within the green tree reservoir at John Bell Williams WMA, and depending upon water levels, will provide an abundance of food for waterfowl.

Hunters Encouraged to “Take a Friend Hunting” This Season
Wednesday December 05, 2012
JACKSON—The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has again launched its “Take a Friend Hunting” campaign. The initiative is aimed at encouraging hunters to pass down the tradition of hunting by introducing someone new to the sport.

Graham Lake Road Reopens on Pascagoula River WMA
Wednesday December 05, 2012
JACKSON – Graham Lake Road on the Pascagoula River WMA has reopened after being closed several weeks due to flood damage. Graham Lake is a popular oxbow lake located just north of Wade-Vancleave Road near the Pascagoula River bridge. Flooding from Hurricane Isaac caused a section of the road near the bank of the river to completely wash into the river. MDWFP temporarily closed the road until needed repairs could be completed. Just recently, contractors hired by MDWFP re-routed the existing road away from the river bank to protect it from further damage.

Deer Gun Season Re-opens on December 15
Thursday December 06, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi’s white-tailed deer hunting season with guns re-opens December 15th and runs through December 23rd. Hunting with dogs is not allowed during this season. Legal deer include either-sex on private lands and legal bucks only on open public lands. Open public lands may include National Forests and Corps of Engineers lands that have statewide seasons without special regulations. For seasons and bag limits on WildlifeManagement Areas (WMAs), please see the individual WMA regulations at www.mdwfp.com/wma.

3rd White-tailed Deer Gun Season Opens December 24
Tuesday December 18, 2012
JACKSON – Mississippi’s 3rd white-tailed deer gun hunting season will open December 24th and will run through January 17th. Hunting with dogs is allowed during this season. Legal deer include either-sex on private lands and legal bucks only on open public lands. Open public lands may include National Forests and Corps of Engineers lands that have statewide seasons without special regulations. For seasons and bag limits on WildlifeManagement Areas (WMAs), please see the individual WMA regulations at www.mdwfp.com/wma.

MDWFP December Waterfowl Aerial Survey Complete
Thursday December 27, 2012
JACKSON – MDWFP recently completed the December 2012 Aerial Waterfowl Survey. Funded through a partnership with Delta Wildlife, MDWFP conducts these surveys several times each winter to estimate wintering waterfowl abundance. Mallards, northern shovelers, and gadwalls were the most frequently observed species. When compared to previous surveys, December 2012 duck estimates and available flooded habitat were relatively low. Mallards (122,779) and other dabblers (176,950) followed the same trend, with estimates below the past 4-year averages for this time of year. Mild winter weather conditions and the lack of flooded habitat most likely contributed to these relatively low estimates. However, the estimate of diving ducks (171,542) was greater than the recent 4-year average for December.

Hunting Opportunities Abound at Charles Ray Nix WMA
Thursday January 03, 2013
JACKSON - January is an excellent month for archery, youth, and rabbit hunters at Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Located a few miles west of Sardis in north Mississippi, this WMA offers approximately 4,000 acres of grassland and woodland habitat.

Wildlife Management Area Turkey Hunting Applications Available Online January 15th
Friday January 11, 2013
JACKSON – Beginning January 15th , MDWFP will begin accepting applications for turkey hunting on selected Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Individuals may apply online at www.mdwfp.com, and the application deadline is February 15th. Permitted turkey hunts were implemented to provide a quality turkey hunting experience and are available on 16 WMAs. There will be a charge of $5 for each permit application; these proceeds contribute to managing WMAs. Applicants for the Sardis Waterfowl WMA, Ward Bayou WMA, Theodore Mars WMA, and Natchez State Park turkey hunts must be 15 years of age or younger.

Late Primitive Weapon and Archery Season for Deer Opens January 18th
Thursday January 17, 2013
JACKSON – Archery/Primitive Weapon Season for deer opens Friday, January 18th and runs through Thursday, January 31st in all deer zones. Antlerless deer and zone legal bucks are eligible for harvest in the Hill and Delta Zones on both private and open public land. In the Southeast Zone antlerless deer and zone legal bucks are eligible for harvest on private lands, and only legal bucks can be harvested on open public land. Open public lands may include National Forests and Corps of Engineers lands that have statewide seasons without special regulations.

Turkey Hunting Applications Available for Canemount WMA
Thursday January 17, 2013
Canemount Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located near Port Gibson in Claiborne County. Canemount WMA includes approximately 3,500 acres of hardwood forests and turkeys are abundant. Turkey hunters looking for a truly special hunting opportunity with a good chance of seeing and harvesting a gobbler should look no further than Canemount WMA.

Youth Turkey Hunting Applications Available for Canemount WMA
Friday January 18, 2013
Canemount Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located near Port Gibson in Claiborne County. Canemount WMA includes approximately 3,500 acres of hardwood forests and turkeys are abundant. Hunters looking for a truly special youth turkey hunting opportunity with a good chance of seeing and harvesting a gobbler should look no further than Canemount WMA.

White-tailed Deer Season Still Going Strong in Southeast Mississippi
Tuesday January 22, 2013
While the deer hunting season in most of Mississippi comes to an end January 31st, that’s not the case for Southeast Mississippi hunters. Hunters in the Southeast Deer Management Zone are still able to hunt February 1-15 during open primitive weapon, archery, crossbow, and youth gun seasons.

Prescribed Burning About to Begin in North Region WMAs
Tuesday January 22, 2013
Beginning in early February, prescribed burning will begin on designated areas on Charles Ray Nix, Sardis Waterfowl, Hell Creek, Divide Section, and Canal Section Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). Prescribed burning conducted by the U.S. Forest Service may also take place on portions of Chickasaw and Upper Sardis WMAs. The seasonal, controlled use of fire is essential to enhancing and maintaining habitat for numerous game and non-game species of wildlife. Use of prescribed fire during late winter and early spring stimulates the growth of vegetation that serves as both food and cover for native wildlife while minimizing potential damage to timber.

MDWFP and MSU to host Gamebird Workshops
Tuesday January 22, 2013
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) and Mississippi State University (MSU) will host two workshops to teach participants how to better manage their land for bobwhite quail and wild turkeys. The one-day workshops will be held March 1, 2013 at Thompson Hall on the MSU Campus and March 8, 2013 at the Forrest County Extension Office in Hattiesburg. Topics to be covered include turkey and quail biology, habitat management, and the incorporation of wildlife management into profitable forestry and agricultural practices. Landowners will also learn about the impacts of predation on gamebird populations as well as the answers to commonly asked questions about pen-raised quail, supplemental feeding, food plots, and state laws that pertain to feeding.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend: February 2 – February 3
Wednesday January 23, 2013
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) would like to remind everyone that all Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with waterfowl hunting opportunity will be open for the youth waterfowl hunting weekend on February 2 – 3, 2013. Adult hunters are encouraged to take a youth (under the age of 16) and introduce them to the rich heritage of waterfowl hunting.

There’s Still Time to Take Advantage of Small Game Seasons
Friday January 25, 2013
JACKSON - With deer season coming to an end in many parts of Mississippi, and turkey season still several weeks away, there remains a wealth of available hunting opportunities. Late winter is a great time to take advantage of the state’s small game seasons and experience just how much fun small game hunting can be. There are many devoted small game hunters who are well aware of these opportunities, but many other sportsmen often forget about the joys of pursuing late-season squirrels and rabbits. Statewide squirrel and rabbit seasons remain open until February 28, 2013, and quail season remains open until March 2, 2013.

Prescribed Fire Workshop at Marion County WMA on February 16
Friday January 25, 2013
JACKSON - The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, in cooperation with the Mississippi Prescribed Fire Council (MPFC), will host a prescribed burning workshop at Marion County Wildlife Management Area near Columbia, MS on Saturday, February 16, 2013. The MPFC partnership exists to promote the safe and legal use of prescribed burning for forest and wildlife management among private landowners and is comprised of federal, state, private organizations, and landowners.

Prescribed Fire Workshop at Black Prairie WMA on March 2
Friday February 01, 2013
JACKSON - Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, in cooperation with the Mississippi Prescribed Fire Council (MPFC), will host a prescribed burning workshop at Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Lowndes County on Saturday, March 2, 2013. The MPFC partnership exists to promote the safe and legal use of prescribed burning for forest and wildlife management among private landowners and is comprised of federal, state, private organizations, and landowners.

Small Game Hunting Opportunities at O’Keefe WMA
Tuesday February 05, 2013
Jackson - February is an excellent time to get out and enjoy small game hunting, and O’Keefe Wildlife Management Area (WMA) offers great opportunities for late season squirrel hunting. Located near Lambert, in Quitman County, O’Keefe WMA is 5,914 acres in size and is one of the largest remaining tracts of contiguous bottomland hardwood forest in the Mississippi Delta.

Wildlife Habitat Projects on South Mississippi WMAs Begin In February
Friday February 08, 2013
JACKSON – As deer season comes to an end each year in South Mississippi, the season for wildlife habitat improvements is beginning. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) personnel will start prescribed burning on selected areas of state-owned WMAs in early February. The seasonal, controlled use of fire is essential to enhancing and maintaining habitat for numerous game and non-game species of wildlife. Prescribed burning reduces competition from undesirable woody plant species, reduces potential of wildfire, reduces disease risk for longleaf pine seedlings, and promotes growth of desirable herbaceous vegetation favorable to many wildlife species.

Cleveland Hunter Sentenced For Migratory Bird Violations
Tuesday February 12, 2013
OXFORD, Miss. Felicia C. Adams, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi, Luis Santiago, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Chief of Law Enforcement Steve Adcock announced that:

Late Season Birding Opportunities at Trim Cane WMA
Tuesday February 12, 2013
JACKSON – Waterfowl hunting season may have ended, but great birding opportunities are still available on Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Trim Cane WMA is located approximately 3 miles North of Starkville off Hwy 389, and has approximately 300 acres of wetland habitat for you to come and explore.

Reforestation Project at Mahannah WMA
Friday February 22, 2013
JACKSON - After recent changes in farming operations at Mahannah Wildlife Management Area (WMA), a reforestation plan has been developed and implemented to improve wildlife habitat on less-desirable farm lands. Approximately 100 hundred acres of poorly drained and marginal farm land at Mahannah WMA has recently been reforested with a mixture of bottomland hardwoods species.

Youth Hunters Get First Shot At Spring Turkey Season
Wednesday February 27, 2013
Jackson – The 2013 youth spring turkey season will begin on private lands and authorized state and federal lands on Friday, March 8th. This special season coincides with spring break for many of Mississippi’s school systems, and provides an excellent opportunity to introduce young hunters to the thrill of pursuing springtime gobblers.

Spring Turkey Season Opens March 15th
Wednesday March 06, 2013
JACKSON – It’s time for Mississippi’s turkey hunters to practice their yelping and dust off their shotgun, because the spring turkey season will open March 15th and runs through May 1st. Opportunities to pursue spring gobblers are plentiful across the Magnolia State, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is anticipating that hunting success should be good in 2013. “Turkey populations are up across most of the state,” reported Dave Godwin, MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Coordinator. “Much of Mississippi experienced good hatches in 2 of the last 3 years, so hunters should not have any trouble interacting with birds this spring,” continued Godwin.

2014 Sportsman License and Prints Available
Wednesday March 06, 2013
Jackson - With turkeys gobbling and fish biting, now is a great time to be outdoors in Mississippi.

MDWFP Asks Turkey Hunters for Help in Data Collection
Thursday March 07, 2013
Jackson – Each year the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) relies on a dedicated group of turkey hunters to participate in the Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey (SGHS). During the SGHS, hunters become the agency’s eyes and ears in surveying the state’s wild turkey population. These individuals record all that they see, hear, and harvest during their springtime hunts, and provide this information to MDWFP wildlife biologists. Since 1996, the SGHS has provided the MDWFP with a comprehensive overview of the well-being of Mississippi’s turkey flock, and helps biologists better understand trends in turkey abundance, gobbling activity, hunter effort, harvest rates, age structure, and the characteristics of harvested birds.

Youth Turkey Hunting Opportunities Abound on Public Land
Friday March 08, 2013
JACKSON – This week, many of Mississippi’s turkey hunters are planning opportunities to introduce youth to the joys of hunting in the spring woods. A common question for many hunters is whether the public lands they frequent during the regular season are also open during the youth season. Specifically, there is some confusion due to the wording in the Mississippi Outdoor Digest that states that the youth turkey season occurs on private lands and “authorized state and federal public lands”. Many hunters wonder which state and federal lands are “authorized,” and some hunters fear that taking young hunters for an outing on their favorite National Forest may place them on the wrong side of the law.

Youth Turkey Hunting Opportunities Abound on Public Land (1)
Friday March 08, 2013
JACKSON – This week, many of Mississippi’s turkey hunters are planning opportunities to introduce youth to the joys of hunting in the spring woods. A common question for many hunters is whether the public lands they frequent during the regular season are also open during the youth season. Specifically, there is some confusion due to the wording in the Mississippi Outdoor Digest that states that the youth turkey season occurs on private lands and “authorized state and federal public lands”. Many hunters wonder which state and federal lands are “authorized,” and some hunters fear that taking young hunters for an outing on their favorite National Forest may place them on the wrong side of the law.

Live Webcam Offers Rare Glimpse into Black Bear Den
Monday March 18, 2013
JACKSON – Biologists with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), working in conjunction with researchers from Mississippi State University, recently completed their black bear den checks for 2013. This year’s den checks revealed two separate litters of cubs on private land in Bolivar County. A special video camera was installed at one of the dens which will allow the public a live peek at the life of a family of bears in Mississippi. “This is a very unique opportunity for people to witness something that most would never get to see in their lifetime,” says Brad Young, MDWFP Black Bear Program Leader. “To be able to spend time in the den of a black bear is obviously a rarity no matter where you live.”

Road Maintenance on Pascagoula River WMA to Begin as Flood Waters Recede
Monday March 18, 2013
JACKSON – As many local citizens are aware, recent heavy rains have resulted in the flooding of the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) for much of the past two months. Many WMA roads were damaged and will need to be repaired when the water recedes. In the upcoming weeks, WMA personnel will be assessing the damage and begin making repairs.

Spring Turkey Season Underway on East Central WMAs
Tuesday March 19, 2013
JACKSON – The 2013 spring turkey season opened on March 15 and will run through May 1. Many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across the state offer excellent spring turkey hunting opportunities; however, hunting regulations on some WMAs may differ. For example, within the Bienville National Forest, Bienville, Caney Creek, and Tallahala WMAs have permitted draw-only hunts from March 15 until March 28. Beginning March 29 until May 1, these WMAs are open for non-permitted hunts.

MDWFP Encourages Efforts to Control Wild Hogs
Tuesday March 19, 2013
JACKSON – Wild hog populations are threatening native wildlife habitats, timber, agriculture, water quality, roads, and levees not only in Mississippi, but all across the United States. Wild hogs are not native to North America and are classified as a “nuisance animal” in Mississippi by state law. Hog populations are rapidly expanding because of their prolific reproductive potential, lack of natural predators, and their ability to survive in virtually any type of habitat. Populations have also expanded throughout the United States by illegal transport and release into the wild. To respond to the severe problems created by wild hog populations, many states, including Mississippi, have passed laws making it illegal to import or transport live wild hogs and to release them into the wild. Anyone convicted of releasing wild hogs in Mississippi may be fined up to $5,000 and spend up to 5 days in jail.

Excellent Turkey Hunting on North Mississippi Wildlife Management Areas
Monday March 25, 2013
JACKSON – Magnolia State turkey hunters are fortunate to have a wealth of excellent public land turkey hunting opportunities on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in North Mississippi. Hunters that wish to hunt on WMAs are urged to check the area-specific regulations before going afield. Season dates and bag limits on some WMAs may differ from the statewide framework. “The hunting can be very good on some of these WMAs during the middle and latter portions of the season when hunting pressure tends to be lower,” noted MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Biologist Adam Butler.

2012 MDWFP Deer Report Now Available Online
Thursday April 18, 2013
JACKSON - The 2012 Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Deer Report is now available online at www.mdwfp.com\deer. The purpose of the annual report is to consolidate all deer-related data and to present it in a way that is useful for managers and hunters. The backbone of the Report is the data collected by thousands of Magnolia State hunters that participate in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).

Wildlife Habitat Projects Continue on Copiah County WMA
Monday April 22, 2013
JACKSON – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) personnel have been conducting prescribed burns on selected areas of Copiah County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) since early February. The seasonal, controlled use of fire is an essential practice to enhance and maintain habitat for numerous game and non-game species of wildlife. Prescribed burning reduces competition from undesirable woody plant species, reduces the potential of wildfire, reduces the disease risk for some tree species, and promotes the growth of desirable herbaceous vegetation favored by many wildlife species.

NMFH Tree ID Program
Monday April 22, 2013
The Visitor Education Center (VEC) adjacent to Enid Lake will host a Tree Identification program on Saturday, April 27th at 2:00 p.m.

2013 Wild Turkey Report Available Online
Monday April 22, 2013
JACKSON - The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks just released the 2013 version of its Wild Turkey Program report. The annual report, entitled “Spittin’ and Drummin’,” contains a wealth of information about Mississippi’s wild turkey resource and is available in digital format and may be downloaded on the MDWFP website. Turkey hunters will find much of the information available in report to be a valuable resource in understanding regional and statewide trends in turkey numbers, gobbling activity, habitat management, WMA hunting opportunities, and much more. Additionally, the annual newsletter of the Mississippi Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Magnolia State Turkey Talk, is included within “Spittin’ and Drummin’.”

Treating Cogongrass on Wildlife Management Areas
Thursday April 25, 2013
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.

2013 - 2014 Hunting Season Rules Proposed
Friday April 26, 2013
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.

MDWFP Commission Approves Alligator Hunting Seasons for 2013
Wednesday May 01, 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.

New Directors of Conservation Programs, Wildlife Bureau at MDWFP
Friday May 10, 2013
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.