You’ve made the shot—now what? This page provides the tools, guidance, and resources every Mississippi hunter needs after a successful harvest. Whether you're processing at home, submitting biological data, or giving back through meat donations, these next steps matter.
Harvest reporting may be voluntary, but it plays a critical role in the future of deer hunting in Mississippi. Each report helps biologists track population trends, make informed management decisions, and ensure healthy herds across the state.
By taking just a few minutes to report your harvest, you’re supporting science-based conservation and helping protect the tradition for future generations.
New to processing your own deer? This full-length, step-by-step video—created by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks in partnership with Mossy Oak and Mississippi State University—is your go-to guide.
Whether you’re saving money, gaining confidence, or simply want to honor the harvest from start to finish, this video walks you through every step of at-home deer processing in a clear, practical way.
Like the experts in this video explain—you don’t need all the fancy equipment to get started. All you really need is a sharp knife and the willingness to try.
For more information on the equipment and products used in this video read this blog from Mossy Oak: https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/how-to/best-tools-for-processing-your-own-meat.
After the shot, your deer can do more than fill your freezer—it can help shape the future of deer management in Mississippi. Through the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), hunters and clubs collect important biological data like weights, antler measurements, and jawbones for aging. This information gives our wildlife biologists the insight they need to monitor herd health, guide management decisions, and ensure quality hunting for years to come.
Want to participate? Join DMAP and follow the program’s simple steps for collecting and reporting your data.
Want to learn how to collect biological data on your own? Check out the informational poster here.
If your freezer is full but you're still looking to help manage the deer population, consider donating your harvest. Many hunters say they'd harvest more deer if they had somewhere for the extra meat to go—your neighbors, local food shelters, elderly community members, and single-parent households could all benefit from this generous act.
Use the resources below to find a participating processor through Hunter’s Harvest or contact your local MSU Extension office for donation opportunities in your area.
Hunter's Harvest: https://mswildlife.org/hunters-harvest/
MSU Extension Regional Offices: https://extension.msstate.edu/county-offices