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SPOTLIGHT ONHunting Season Dates
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Delta, Northeast, East Central, Southwest, and South Delta zones
Youth Season (15 and under): Opens Nov. 7
Antlerless Primitive Weapon (Private lands only): Nov. 9 - 20
Gun Season (with dogs): Nov. 21 - Dec. 1
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Southeast Zone
Youth Season (15 and under): Opens Nov. 7
Gun Season (with dogs): Nov. 21 - Dec. 1
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Rabbit and Squirrel: Open through Feb. 28
Bobwhite Quail Season: Nov. 26 - March 6
Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat: Nov. 1 - Feb 28 (food, sport, and pelt)
Trapping: Nov. 1 - March 15
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Dove
North Zone: Oct. 24 - Nov. 21
South Zone: Oct. 10 - Nov. 8
Shooting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise - sunset
Snipe: Nov. 14 - Feb. 28
Gallinules (Common and Purple): Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Rails: Clapper and King: Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Rails: Sora and Virginia: Nov. 26 - Dec. 31
Crows: Nov. 7 - Feb. 28
Ducks, Mergansers, and coots: Nov. 27 - Nov. 29
Geese: Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross', and Brant: Nov. 13 - Nov. 29
Light Goose Conservation Order: Oct. 1 - Nov. 12
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Migratory bird hunters need to be sure their hunting license is current along with their Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. Also, waterfowl hunters need to have a current state and federal waterfowl stamp. If you are an auto-renew license holder, you should have received an email from MDWFP that includes a link directing you to take the annual HIP survey for HIP certification. Lifetime license and exempt license holders are still required to have HIP certification. You can get HIP certified by logging into our online license portal, contacting MDWFP at (601) 432-2055 during normal business hours, or calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT after hours.
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Tackling CWD: There are multiple reasons why CWD needs to be managed in Mississippi
MDWFP will operate a minimum of 46 CWD drop-off freezers for hunters across Mississippi to acquire samples in the upcoming season. Hunters drop off the head of a harvested deer, provide contact information, and remove the receipt from the submission card. Additionally, MDWFP will be working with numerous taxidermists across the state. Hunters can view their test results online. MDWFP will personally contact any hunter submitting a positive animal.
Read the full MS Outdoors article
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Mandatory CWD sampling days
Hunters need to be aware that there are mandatory CWD sampling weekends for three separate regions of the state on three separate weekends during deer season. The first mandatory sampling weekend will take place Nov. 21 and 22 for CWD management zones. During these weekends, temporary freezer sites and physical check stations will be made available in addition to permanent freezer locations.
For more information on CWD in Mississippi and submitting CWD samples visit www.mdwfp.com/cwd.
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Forgotten Oxbow: Fall is harvest time on Lake Whittington
Although Lake Whittington is no secret to local people, it is one of Mississippi’s forgotten jewels in terms of bass fishing. The lake is located in Bolivar County, about a 45-minute drive north of Greenville by vehicle. It can be accessed from late winter through early fall by a fee ramp open to the public, or from the river via canal when the river is at least 18- to 20-feet deep at the Greenville ramp gauge. The launch ramp will be closed on Nov. 8 and reopen Feb. 1. 2021.
Read the full MS Outdoors article
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Fisheries biologists sample fish populations at Lake Claude Bennet
MDWFP fisheries biologists sampled Lake Claude Bennett last month and found good numbers of healthy largemouth bass and crappie. Lake Claude Bennett is a 71-acre state fishing lake located in Jasper County. The lake has ample amounts of bank access and multiple fish attractors have been added over the years. Anglers are encouraged to harvest small bass to help promote a balanced fish population. Camping and pavilion rentals are available.
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Be aware of regulations pertaining to CWD management zones
Supplemental feeding is banned in any CWD management zone (salt licks, mineral licks, and feeders). Direct contact with prions is the most effective means of transmitting CWD. Research indicates saliva may have the highest concentration of prions. Thus, to minimize the concentration of deer and the potential spread of CWD, supplemental feeding is banned within any CWD management zone.
Carcasses cannot be transported outside of any CWD Management Zone. Research has shown that decomposed carcasses of infected animals can also contribute to the transmission when prions bind to soil and plant material. Thus, the movement of carcasses may introduce CWD into previously uninfected areas. Only the below products may leave the CWD Management Zone:
- Cut/wrapped meat (commercially or privately)
- Deboned meat
- Hides with no head attached
- Finished taxidermy
- Antlers with no tissue attached
- Cleaned skulls or skull plates (no brain tissue)
All information pertaining to CWD management in Mississippi, including sample drop-off locations, management zones, supplemental feeding bans, and other rules and regulations can be found at www.mdwfp.com/cwd.
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First Deer Certificate
Harvesting your first deer is a special moment in the life of a young hunter. Make that moment even more memorable with a First Deer Certificate. You can receive your own certificate by going to the First Deer Certificate page on www.mdwfp.com by entering in your harvest information, and submitting a photo.
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Tree stand safety can save your life
While required on WMAs, MDWFP urges all hunters to wear and know how to properly use a full-body harness while hunting anywhere from an elevated position. Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of injury and fatalities to hunters. Using a safety harness can save your life.
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Wild Mississippi Podcast: How to harvest your first deer on public land
The Wild Mississippi Podcast is a product of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, bringing stories and information from the outdoors to you.
In this episode, we sat down with MDWFP's Northeast Regional Wildlife Management Biologist and public lands hunter Nathan Blount. Nathan details the skills and techniques needed to harvest your first white-tailed deer on public land in Mississippi.
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New episodes of Mississippi Outdoors
Season 31 of Mississippi Outdoors TV continues with new episodes premiering every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on Mississippi Public Broadcasting. You can also watch episodes on MDWFP's YouTube page at www.youtube.com/c/mdwfponline.
November episode guide
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Nov. 5 - Deviney WMA Dove hunt, Red Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
Nov. 12 - Muscadine Farms WMA Youth Dove hunt, Spot On Charters Red Snapper fishing
Nov. 19 - Adams Co. Alligator hunt, Grenada Lake Crappie fishing
Nov. 26 - Claiborne Co. Alligator hunt, Red Snapper fishing
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Coming Soon: State Parks license plate
For just $30 you can be one of the first 300 outdoor enthusiasts to pre-order the Mississippi State Parks Specialty Tag. Once 300 tags have been pre-ordered, you will be notified to pick up your tag at the tax collector in your county of residence.
$20 from each tag goes directly to improving and maintaining your Mississippi State Parks which offers fishing, boating, and various nature trail opportunities, such as hiking, mountain biking, ATV, and equestrian. This continued support helps us ensure the preservation of our natural resources for generations to come.
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Report your deer harvest through Game Check
This season MDWFP encourages you to report your white-tailed deer harvest though Game Check on the MDWFP Hunting and Fishing App, or on our website at www.mdwfp.com/gamecheck. With the participation of hunters, Game Check allows MDWFP biologists to see harvest information on a county-by-county basis, providing a better understanding of Mississippi's white-tailed deer herd.
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Streamline your hunt with the WMA Check-In App
Skip the check-in station on Wildlife Management Areas by using our WMA Check-In app. The app can be downloaded on Android and iOS. WMA users will be able to check-in and check-out of WMAs using the app. WMA users who prefer to check-in from their home computer can do so by visiting apps.mdwfp.com/wma.
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Find your next outdoor adventure with the brand new MS State Park App
Download the official Mississippi State Parks’ mobile app to reserve your future camping site or last-minute getaway. Search for available camp and RV sites, cabins, and more. View campground details, reviews, and photos of each park in one place.
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Hunter's Special Cabin Rates
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Select Mississippi State Parks offer discounted lodging rates to sportsmen during the hunting season. Many of our parks are conveniently located near WMAs and National Wildlife Refuges, providing an affordable "hunting camp" experience. Discounted lodging rates will be offered to hunters through February 2021.
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Story Trail Stroll: Gobble, GobbleMDWFP's Museum of Natural Science
The Story Trail Stroll is a featured children’s book installed along the museum’s green trail. Visitors can take a refreshing walk on the trail and read a page of the book at each stroll stop. By the time you have completed the trail loop, you have read the story. This month’s featured book, “Gobble, Gobble,” will help visitors learn about turkeys in a fun and engaging way. Social distancing measures, timed arrival reservations, and face mask requirements are in place to help you have a safe visit.
For more information, call: 601-576-6000 or visit https://www.mdwfp.com/museum/ to make your timed reservations.
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NOVEMBER 23, 24, 25Talkin' TurkeyMississippi Museum of Natural Science
10 a.m. - Noon, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The Museum’s Education Department is creating displays, demonstrations, and even a trivia game (Jeop-Birdy!) about everyone’s favorite holiday bird: Turkeys! Join us to learn about turkey anatomy and calls, turkey hunting, and the turkey dance. Social distancing measures, timed arrival reservations, and face mask requirements are in place to help you have a safe visit.
For more information, call: 601-576-6000 or visit https://www.mdwfp.com/museum/ to make your timed reservations.
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