Written by: Chandler Strickland
Edits by: Pierce Young
Private land ownership plays a crucial role in Mississippi’s wildlife landscape. More than 80% of the state’s forested lands are privately owned, and nearly 9 out of 10 deer harvested each season are taken from private properties. This highlights a key point: the health of Mississippi’s deer herds and the success of deer hunting statewide depend almost entirely on the management decisions made on private lands.
As the agency responsible for managing the state’s wildlife resources held in the public trust, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) works closely with landowners and leaseholders to support effective deer management and sustainable hunting practices. Here are some of the ways MDWFP can assist private land managers:
- On-Site Property Evaluations: MDWFP wildlife biologists can visit your property or hunting club to assess habitat conditions, herd health, and hunting opportunities. They provide personalized recommendations to help meet your deer management goals, whether your focus is improving herd quality, increasing harvest opportunities, or enhancing habitat.
- Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP): Through DMAP, landowners receive guidance on establishing strategic harvest plans that keep deer populations within healthy, sustainable levels. This ensures that deer herds remain productive, balanced, and able to withstand seasonal stresses.
- Habitat and Nutrition Planning: MDWFP provides information and recommendations for food plots, habitat improvements, and year-round nutritional support. Proper habitat management ensures that deer of all ages and life stages have access to the resources they need for growth, reproduction, and overall health, especially during critical periods such as winter or after the rut.
- Access to Cost-Share Programs: Many state and federal programs exist to assist landowners in improving wildlife habitat, conducting forest stand improvements, or controlling invasive species. MDWFP can help guide landowners through the process to maximize the benefits of these programs for both habitat and herd health.
By working together, private landowners and MDWFP can ensure that Mississippi’s deer herds remain healthy, productive, and thriving for generations of hunters to enjoy.
For more information about the Private Lands Program and DMAP, visit: