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.

During the 2012-13 hunting season, archery and primitive weapon deer hunting will be available through a draw hunt system open only to Mississippi residents 16 years of age or older.  For each 3-day hunt, 12 hunters will be selected and randomly assigned to one of 6 designated hunt units on the WMA.  There will only be 2 hunters allowed in each hunt unit.  During each 3-day hunt, the bag limit will be 1 antlerless deer per day and 1 legal buck per hunt.  Legal bucks must have an inside spread of at least 16 inches or one main beam measuring at least 20 inches.

Hunters may apply for hunts at www.mdwfp.com/draws from August 31 - September 10; there will be a $5 fee to apply.  Individuals randomly selected to hunt will be required to purchase an additional permit.  Hunters that do not complete full payment by September 19 will forfeit their reservation to hunt and an additional drawing will be held. The public notice for the 2012-13 hunting regulations on Canemount WMA can be downloaded from www.mdwfp.com.