Wildlife

MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS Title 40: Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Part 2: Wildlife Part 2, Chapter 1: Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) Rule 1.1 BASIC REGULATIONS FOR ALL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAs). Disclaimer: State wildlife management areas (WMAs), fishing lakes, and parks, are managed to be as close to a natural condition as possible, while providing access and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Any number of animals, plants, and insects, some of which may be dangerous to humans, may be found on state WMAs, lakes, and parks. Please enjoy the opportunities we offer to interact with nature, but be mindful of your surroundings. Should you have any questions about specific locations, please call us at 601-432-2199 or visit www.mdwfp.com. To report a wildlife violation, call 1-800-BESMART. A. Safety Precautions: 1.

Target shooting is prohibited, except on designated ranges.

2.

No hunting or shooting within 200 yards of any building.

3. No alcoholic beverages allowed. Persons intoxicated or careless with firearms shall be removed immediately. 4. No shooting across WMA boundary lines. Unless they have been tampered with, all WMA boundary lines are marked. Lands adjacent to any WMA may be private lands. Crossing onto adjacent private lands may subject the hunter to criminal liability for trespassing. Stands, blinds, or other hunting positions should be placed so that the hunter does not shoot across any boundary line and onto adjacent private property. Hunters shall obey all markers and related signs on the WMA. A violation of this provision may also subject the hunter to charges for a violation of WMA hunting regulations and possible loss of hunting privileges on a WMA. B. Hunter Orange/Fluorescent Pink: When hunting deer or hogs during any firearm season for deer on a WMA, including during special hunts, hunters must wear in full view a minimum of 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink. When hunting quail or rabbit on a WMA, hunters must wear a fluorescent orange or pink vest or cap. During any Youth Hunt for Deer, ALL deer hunters on the area must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink when hunting or walking to / from a stand / blind unless otherwise stated below. Hunters shall not be required to wear five hundred (500) square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink when: Hunting from a deer stand that is elevated twelve (12) feet or more above the ground; or hunting in a fully enclosed blind.

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C. Firearms: Shoulder fired weapons must be unloaded and cased while in a vehicle on a WMA. Shoulder-fired weapons in an ORV/ATV are not required to be cased. The case must be a container specifically designed for firearms and must be zipped, snapped, buckled, tied or otherwise fastened with no portion of the weapon exposed. D. Legal Weapons: Unless otherwise stated in individual WMA regulations, the following are legal weapons for all WMAs. 1. Primitive Weapons: Primitive weapons are those defined by 40 Mississippi Administrative Code Part 4, Chapter. 1, Rule 1.3 and Archery Equipment. 2. Archery Equipment: Longbows, recurves, compounds, and crossbows are legal archery equipment. 3. Turkey: Only archery equipment and shotguns with #2 shot or smaller may be used for turkey hunting. 4. Small Game: Legal weapons for small game hunting (excluding waterfowl) during Daylight hours are shotguns using #2 shot or smaller, rifles and air rifles, or handguns no larger than .22 rimfire (which includes .22 magnums), muzzleloading rifles .40 caliber or smaller, and archery equipment. E. All Vehicles within, entering, or leaving a WMA are subject to being checked at roadblocks or checkpoints for compliance with hunting and fishing and/or WMA laws and regulations. F. All Persons 15 Years of age or younger, while hunting on a WMA, must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age, when hunting. A licensed hunter supervising a child as provided in this section must hold a valid Mississippi license for the species being hunted. G. Youth Hunt Eligibility: Persons eligible to participate in specially designated youth hunts are those who are fifteen (15) years of age or younger. H. Youths hunting during Primitive Weapon Deer Hunts on a WMA may carry and use any firearm allowed in the “legal weapons for deer hunting” descriptions for that specific WMA. I. During permitted draw hunts for deer and turkey, for selected hunters 21 years old or older, one youth aged 15 years old or younger may accompany or hunt with the permitted adult hunter. The adult and youth combined harvest shall not exceed the permit bag limit. The drawn hunter may have one non-permitted licensed guest 16 years of age or older. This guest is not allowed to harvest deer or turkey. J. Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on WMAs during closed seasons except by field trial permit. K. Roads/Vehicles: During all WMA deer firearms seasons, no loaded shoulder-fired weapons allowed within 100 feet of the center line of any road or designated vehicle trail within a 2

WMA. No motorized, regardless of size or type, vehicles allowed off-road or on any roads blocked or posted as closed. No ATV/ORV allowed on any public road open to licensed motorized vehicles. No loaded weapon may be in possession when operating an ORV/ATV. ORVs/ATVs may be used on the WMA by any Federal or State employee, Law Enforcement Officers, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty. Vehicles blocking any gate, road, trail, levee, right-of-way, boat ramp, or permit station are prohibited and may be towed at the owner's expense. See individual wildlife management area regulations for exceptions to this rule. L. Horses: Horses are defined as any equine species, or livestock, that may be ridden. No horses allowed on any levees within a WMA unless otherwise stated. On areas where horses are allowed, all horse riders must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink during any open hunting season. M. Food Plots/Agricultural Leases: No horses, ATVs/ORVs or other vehicles allowed on wildlife food plots or on un-harvested crop land. N. Harassment of wildlife, including spotlighting, is prohibited. O. Tree Stands and Blinds: It shall be illegal to construct or to hunt from any permanent stands or blinds. Destroying, defacing, cutting, driving nails or spikes into, or otherwise damaging any standing live tree, natural feature, or plant is prohibited. Portable stands (including tripods and ground blinds) that are not removed from the area daily must have the hunter's name and phone number permanently and legibly written on or attached to the stand. Stands left on the area do not reserve hunting locations. Portable stands may not be installed on the management area prior to 7 days before deer season opens, nor left longer than 7 days after deer season closes. Stands not in compliance with these regulations may be confiscated and disposed of by the MDWFP. P. Fall-Arrest Systems: While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or while hunting from a tree stand on a WMA, hunters must use a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to industry standards. Tree saddle users must remain connected to the tree at all times by means of a lineman’s belt or tether. Q. Baiting and Feeding: No bait or feed is allowed on WMAs at any time. No food plots may be placed on WMAs except by area personnel. R. During Deer Seasons Without Dogs, the use of organized drivers and standers is prohibited. S. During Raccoon, Opossum, and Bobcat Seasons, hunting is allowed without dogs during daylight hours and with dogs from one-half hour after sunset until 4 a.m. T. Beavers, Coyotes, and Hogs may be killed during daylight hours only during any open season on a WMA with weapons and ammunition legal for that season.

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U. Posting of Regulations: Area Managers shall post regulations, and changes thereto, at each check-in station and at the area headquarters. All posted draw hunt procedures and rules must be followed. V. Boundary Signs: It shall be the responsibility of WMA personnel to properly identify boundaries with agency signs at intervals no greater than 300 feet. Signs shall be replaced as needed. W. Guides/Outfitters: No person or group of persons may act as a guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity for which they are paid or promised to be paid by any other individual or individuals for services rendered. Commercial dog training is prohibited. X. Transporting or Releasing into the wild or capture and removal of any live animal or plant is prohibited without Commission approval. Y. Other Seasons: Hunting seasons for animals not listed in individual WMA regulations are the same as statewide seasons. AA. Handicapped Hunter Access: Individuals with disabilities who meet the criteria stated in Rule 1.4, may receive special permitted privileges on all Wildlife Management Areas, except on lands owned by the U.S. Forest Service, which may be subject to other rules. Special privileges to eligible hunters may include: access to handicapped-exclusive areas, special facilities, or access to any open portion of the WMA by ATV/UTV, or other power-driven mobility device. Users must provide documentation or other credible assurance of his or her disability in order to determine eligibility for these special privileges. Contact the Jackson Office at 601-432-2199 for information on obtaining a special privilege permit. BB. Applicants Selected to Hunt on a WMA during Permitted Draw Hunts must follow all rules included in the draw hunt application and posted at the WMA. CC. Littering: Littering is prohibited, including spent shotgun shells. DD. No one shall use metal detectors on any Wildlife Management Area. EE. WILD HOGS: Wild hogs are classified as nuisance animals and hunters are encouraged to kill them at every lawful opportunity. The opportunity to kill hogs on WMAs is provided only for population control purposes and not for sport. Wild hogs may be killed during daylight hours only during any open WMA hunting season with weapons and ammunition legal for that season. Trapping (including snaring) of hogs is prohibited. FF. BEARS: Black bears may be present on a WMA. Bears are State protected as an Endangered species. Hunting or disturbing bears is prohibited. Please report any bear sightings on your daily visitor use permit card. Sightings may also be reported at www.mdwfp.com. GG. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles may not be launched from or landed on MDWFP-Owned Wildlife Management Areas. 4

HH. Trail cameras must have the hunter’s name and phone number permanently and legibly written on or attached to the camera. II. WMA Check-In: All visitors must check-in before using the WMA and check-out upon leaving the WMA and may do so by using the MDWFP WMA Check-In Application. All harvested game must be reported using the WMA Check-In Application or the Daily Visitor Use Card. JJ. CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 36 will be followed. KK. CWD Sampling: All antlerless deer harvested on WMAs within a CWD Management zone must be submitted for sampling. LL. Tracking and/or Retrieval of Wounded Deer: If blood-trailing/tracking dogs are used, no more than two (2) dogs may be used. If the deer being tracked is discovered alive, but wounded, the hunter or tracker may dispatch the deer by using a handgun with a barrel no longer than six (6) inches chambered in a caliber no larger than .45 caliber. WMA annual user permit and WMA check-in and out required. All off-road motorized vehicle/ATV/UTVs rules apply. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§39-7-11, 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2025. Rule 1.2 NON-STATE OWNED, NON-COE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Bienville, Representative Richard L. Dick Livingston AND Dale O. Windham WMA at Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Chickasawhay, Choctaw, John Starr, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, Upper Sardis, and Wolf River Wildlife Management Areas: SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

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For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, John Starr, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, and Upper Sardis.

Oct. 15 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Youth Deer Gun

Primitive Weapon

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Chickasawhay, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, and Wolf River. Saturday two weeks prior to opening day Antlerless deer and legal of Gun season through the Friday prior bucks. to Thanksgiving. Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Legal Bucks with Dogs: Dec. 1 Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Leaf River, Mason Creek, and Tallahala. Legal Bucks without Dogs: Chickasawhay, Choctaw, Little Biloxi, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, and Wolf River. Antlerless deer and legal bucks without Dogs: Upper Sardis and John Starr. Dec. 2 – 15 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Red Creek: Legal bucks only.

Gun

Dec. 16 – 23

Gun

Dec. 24 until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

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Legal bucks only: Caston Creek, Chickasawhay, Choctaw, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, and Wolf River. Antlerless deer and legal bucks: Bienville, Caney Creek, Chickasaw, John Starr, Tallahala, and Upper Sardis Legal bucks with dogs: Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Leaf River, Mason Creek, and Tallahala. Legal bucks without dogs: Chickasawhay, Choctaw, Little Biloxi, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, and Wolf River. Antlerless deer and legal bucks without dogs: Upper Sardis and John Starr.

Dec. 24 – 31

Primitive Weapon

Jan. 1 until 47 days of regular gun hunting for the entire deer season. Day after the final day of Gun season Jan. 31.

Day after the final day of Gun season – Feb. 15.

Legal bucks without dogs: Bienville. Legal bucks with dogs: Bienville. Legal bucks only: Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Sandy Creek, and Tallahala. Antlerless deer and legal bucks: Upper Sardis and John Starr. Legal bucks only: Chickasawhay, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, and Wolf River. Bienville, Chickasaw, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasawhay, John Starr, Leaf River, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, Upper Sardis, and Wolf River. Choctaw, Little Biloxi, and Mason Creek

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

YOUTH TURKEY

Last Saturday and Sunday in March

TURKEY – PERMIT ONLY

March 15 – March 31.

TURKEY

April 1 – May 1

TURKEY (for WMAs without permitted hunts)

March 15 – May 1

TURKEY (for WMAs without permitted hunts) YOUTH SQUIRREL

Apr. 1 – May 1

Choctaw, Little Biloxi, and Mason Creek

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Chickasawhay, Choctaw, John Starr, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red

March 15 – Mar. 31 – Non-Residents by permit only through the Non-Resident Public Land Draw.

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See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Leaf River, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, and Upper Sardis. Chickasaw, Chickasawhay, John Starr, Red Creek, and Wolf River.

May 15 – June 1

Creek, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, Upper Sardis, and Wolf River.

RABBIT RACCOON

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 Jul. 1 – Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPPOSUM, & BOBCAT TRAPPING WATERFOWL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 See Federal Regulations.

Friday and Saturday nights only.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons participating in hunting, fishing, or trapping on these wildlife management areas, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. Exceptions: Turkey Fork Lake, Davis Lake, Puskus Lake, and Choctaw Lake where no WMA user permits are required. 2. All persons using the following wildlife management areas, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit: John Starr and Wolf River. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. C. CLOSED AREAS: 1. Chickasaw: Areas with boundaries marked with white paint around Davis Lake area, Girl Scout Camp area, Prairie U. M. Church, and area west of Chickasaw WMA work center are designated as NO SHOOTING/NO HUNTING AREAS. 2. Choctaw: Area with boundary marked with white paint around Choctaw Lake and Campground is designated as NO SHOOTING/NO HUNTING AREAS. 3. John Starr: Areas with boundaries marked with red paint around Dorman Lake, School Forest hunter check station, campground on St. Mark Road, and ranger residence are designated as NO SHOOTING/NO HUNTING AREAS.

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D. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day and one of the three (3) bucks may be any antlered deer on Upper Sardis. ALL harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. E. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be recorded on DAILY VISITOR USE PERMIT card or the WMA Check-In App before leaving the area. All deer harvested must be checked at a self-service data collection station by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. All heads from antlerless deer must be deposited in a Little Biloxi WMA CWD collection freezer or a collection freezer inside the Harrison CWD Zone. F. LEGAL BUCKS: 1. Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Chickasawhay, Choctaw, John Starr, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, Upper Sardis, and Wolf River: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck, EXCEPT FOR Mason Creek, and Caston Creek where, during gun seasons with dogs, a legal buck is a buck with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. 2. Bienville, Caney Creek, Leaf River, and Tallahala: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck, EXCEPT FOR Bienville and Leaf River where, during gun seasons with dogs, a legal buck is a buck with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. G. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. 1. Caney Creek: a. AREA I (Deer Hunting Without Dogs Area): That portion of the WMA north of I-20, south of Hwy. 80, and east of Hwy. 501. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. b. AREA II (Deer Hunting With Dogs Area): That portion of the WMA south of I-20 and north of Morton-Marathon Road (Road 506). Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. In addition, hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 – Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. c. AREA III (Deer Hunting Without Dogs Area): That portion of the WMA south of Morton-Marathon Road (Road 506). Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 – Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game.

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2. Caston Creek: a. DEER HUNTING WITHOUT DOGS AREA: The portion of the area west of Forest Service Road 155. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 – Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. b. DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA: The portion of the area east of Forest Service Road 155. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. In addition, hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 – Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game i. From November 1 – January 31, all dog hunting groups or individuals hunting with dogs must obtain a permit to use dogs to hunt any animal or to train dogs on areas open to deer hunting with dogs on Homochitto National Forest. There is no cost for this permit. A permit will be issued to the dog hunting group. All hunters hunting with this group must be listed on the permit prior to hunting; except youth 15 years of age and younger. All hunters hunting with dogs or with the dog hunting group must have the permit on their person while hunting. ii. Five (5) guest permits will be available in addition the individuals listed on the permit. Guest permits will be valid for 4 consecutive days and must be filled out with the date, hunter’s name, hunting license number, and signed by the hunter prior to use. All guests must have the permit on their person while hunting. Guest permits must be turned in to the USFS Meadville office for replacement guest permits to be issued. When guest permits are turned in, a season permit will be issued for these individuals and replacement guest permits will be issued to the group. iii. Permit numbers must be visually displayed on the back window of all vehicles in the hunting group A permit number will be provided with each individual permit issued. Hunters must display this permit number using 3-inch, block numbers in contrast to the background color. iv. Permits will be available from the U.S. Forest Service Meadville office. Office location: 1200 Highway 184 East, Meadville, MS 39653. Office hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm (Monday – Friday). v. Dogs must wear a functional tracking collar and be identified at all times with the permit number and the owner's contact information. Dogs must be kept on the Homochitto National Forest lands that allow deer hunting with dogs. vi. An administrative review panel of MDWFP and U.S. Forest Service officials may, upon two (2) convictions or documented evidence of two (2) violations of this regulation within a 3-year period, revoke the dog hunting permit for a period of Twenty (20) days open to hunting deer with dogs. Upon three (3) convictions or documented evidence of three (3) violations of this regulation within a 3-year period, the dog hunting permit may be revoked for a period of one (1) year.

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vii. Any person who files a false affidavit in justice court alleging a violation or violations of this rule, provides false information regarding a violation of this rule, or facilitates a situation which will cause a violation of this rule to occur may be subject to prosecution for perjury and, if found guilty, punished under the provisions of Miss. Code Ann. §97-9-19, and/or be subject to a civil suit for false prosecution by the person accused of the violation. 3. Chickasaw: a. DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA: That portion of the WMA located north of Hwy. 32. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only from Feb. 1 - Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. b. DEER HUNTING WITHOUT DOGS AREA: That portion of the WMA located south of Hwy. 32. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only from Feb. 1 - Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. 4. Leaf River: a. DEER HUNTING WITHOUT DOGS AREA: Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 16 - Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. b. DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA: That portion of the WMA west of Forest Service Road 315. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. In addition, hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 16 – Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. 5. Little Biloxi, Wolf River, and Red Creek: Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 16 – Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. 6. Mason Creek: Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. In addition, hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 16 – Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game. 7. Sandy Creek and Upper Sardis: Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 - 28 with weapons legal for small game. 8. Tallahala: a. DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA: The portion of the WMA north of Forest Service Road 506 and west of Cedar Creek. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. In addition, hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1- Feb. 28 with weapons legal for small game.

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b. DEER HUNTING WITHOUT DOGS AREA: Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 – 28 with weapons legal for small game. 9. Bienville: Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. In addition, hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 – 28 with weapons legal for small game. 10. Chickasawhay, Choctaw and John Starr: Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. H. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting for March 15 – March 31 is allowed by special permit only on Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Leaf River, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, and Upper Sardis. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. I. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs or buckshot, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting, EXCEPT FOR Chickasaw, Chickasawhay, Choctaw, John Starr, Little Biloxi, and Upper Sardis where only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting and no buckshot is allowed. J. NO HUNTING: 1. Caney Creek: No parking or hunting from I-20. K. OFF-ROAD VEHICLES/ATVs: Off-road vehicle use, including electric bicycles, will be governed by U. S. Forest Service regulations or the regulations below: 1. John Starr/Wolf River: ORVs/ATVs/electric bicycles are allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 2. Little Biloxi: Off-road vehicle use will be governed by U. S. Forest Service regulations. On Weyerhaeuser property within the wildlife management area, ORVs/ATVs/electric bicycles are allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. 3. Upper Sardis: Off-road vehicle use will be governed by U. S. Forest Service regulations. Off-road vehicle use will be governed by U. S. Army Corps of Engineers regulations on property owned by the Corps within Upper Sardis WMA. No motorized vehicles, including electric bikes, are allowed off-road nor on closed roads on U.S. Forest Service-owned portion of Upper Sardis WMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-owned portion of Upper Sardis WMA west of Twin Culverts Road/Riverside. Use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on the COE-owned portion of Upper Sardis WMA east of Twin Culverts Road/Riverside for hunting and fishing access only. 12

L. HORSES: Hunting from horseback is allowed. 1. John Starr and Wolf River: During WMA deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hours. 2. Little Biloxi: USFS Portion: Hunting from horseback is allowed. Weyerhaeuser Portion: During deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hours. M. CAMPING: Camping is allowed subject to U.S. Forest Service regulations or the regulations below: 1. Wolf River: a. Camping is allowed in designated areas only. b. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. c. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. d. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 2. John Starr: a. Camping is allowed in designated campsites only. b. Campers must obtain a permit from MSU Forest Operations (662) 3252191. 3. Little Biloxi: a. USFS Portion: Camping is allowed subject to U.S. Forest Service regulations. b. Weyerhaeuser Portion: No camping allowed. N. HUNTING PERMITS: John Starr: All hunters must obtain a hunting permit from the College of Forest Resources, Forest Operations Office, and (662) 325-2191. History: Updated May 2024. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.3 WMA FACILITY RENTAL. 13

A. The following fees will be charged for rental of the facilities at Black Prairie WMA, or Hell Creek WMA: $150.00 for one day and $50 for each additional day. B. Reservations will be made through WMA personnel. C. All fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable and non-transferable. D. Money order or cashier’s check made out to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks in the appropriate amount must be received before the reservation is final. E. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on WMA property. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.4 SPECIAL USE REGULATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. A. The following criteria will determine the eligibility of individuals to be issued a special use permit for the purpose of accessing special use areas for individuals with disabilities on wildlife management areas. Permits for individuals who meet the following criteria may be issued by Wildlife Management Area or District Office personnel without physician certification. 1. Individuals who are paraplegic or hemiplegic. 2. Individuals who are permanently dependent upon a wheelchair for mobility. 3. Individuals who require permanent use of braces, full prosthesis (one or both legs), or crutches for walking. 4. Individuals who have a complete single leg amputation. B. Permits for individuals who suffer from chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions may be issued by Wildlife Management Area or Regional Office personnel upon written certification by a physician licensed to practice in the State of Mississippi that the individual meets the following criteria: 1. The individual suffers significantly from lung disease to the extent that forced expiratory volume for one second when measured by a spirometer is less than one liter, or the oxygen tension is less than sixty millimeters of mercury on room air at rest. 2. The individual suffers significantly from cardiovascular disease to the extent that functional limitations are classified in severity as Class 3 or 4, according to the standards accepted by the American Heart Association on 05/03/88. History: Updated April 2014.

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Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.5 OFF-ROAD VEHICLES ON US FOREST SERVICE WMAS. A. The current Memorandum of Understanding dated April 10, 2002, between the U.S. Forest Service and the MDWFP establishes the Forest Service as having authority to regulate access on wildlife management areas within National Forest Lands. B. Off-road vehicle (ORV) use will be governed by the U.S. Forest Service under 36 CFR §261, Subparts A and B, and 36 CFR §295. Anyone operating ORVs/ATVs should be familiar with the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) published annually by the U.S. Forest Service. The MVUM explains when and where ORVs/ATVs may be used. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available at the local U. S. Forest Service office and online at www.fs.usda.gov/main/mississippi/maps-pubs. C. ORVs / ATVs are allowed on designated roads or trails, and for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. No loaded weapon may be in possession while operating an ORV/ATV. History: Updated April 2014. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.6 WMA USER PERMITS. A. In addition to any required license, all users must carry on their person an Annual, Individual, or Family Wildlife Management Area User Permit, while using any Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Wildlife Management Area that is operated on property not owned by the U.S. Forest Service. Users exempt from purchasing a hunting or fishing license (Miss. Code Ann. §§49-7-5 and 49-7-9) are exempt from purchasing the WMA User Permits. B. For Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Wildlife Management Areas operated on property owned by the U.S. Forest Service, all users participating in hunting, fishing, or trapping activities, must carry on their person an annual Wildlife Management Area User Permit in addition to any required license. Exemptions stated above will also apply. C. Exemptions for educational purposes may be granted at the discretion of the Executive Director. D. Wildlife Management Area User Permits: 1. Resident Annual WMA User Permit

$ 15.00

2. Non-Resident Annual WMA User Permit

$ 30.00

History: Updated April 2020 15

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.7 CANAL SECTION WMA AND JOHN BELL WILLIAMS WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Canal Section and John Bell Williams WMAs - Itawamba, Monroe, Prentiss, and Tishomingo Counties.

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see CLOSED AREAS, LEGAL BUCKS, DOG RESTRICTIONS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, YOUTH/HANDICAP DEER HUNTING, ARCHERY ONLY AREA, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

October 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Deer

Saturday two weeks prior to Antlerless deer and legal bucks. opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Dec. 1

Legal Bucks only.

Primitive

Dec. 2 – 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Dec. 16 – 23

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Weapon Gun

16

Gun

Dec. 24 – until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

Legal Bucks only.

Primitive

Day after the final day of Gun season - Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

See ACKER LAKE TURKEY HUNTING

TURKEY – PERMIT ONLY

March 15 – March 31.

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Weapon

TURKEY

April 1 – May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28

RACCOON

July 1 – Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 – Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Same as statewide seasons.

YOUTH WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with the statewide Youth Waterfowl Season.

Friday and Saturday nights only.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday.

17

B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or using the WMA Check-In App and any required license. 2. CLOSED AREAS: a. No deer or hog hunting from the Tenn-Tom Waterway Levee. b. No loaded centerfire rifles or primitive weapons allowed on the TennTom Waterway levee. c. Hunters must be past the toe of the levee before loaded weapons for deer hunting are allowed. 3. HIGH WATER: All hunting seasons (excluding waterfowl season) are closed for 24 hours from south of Walker’s Levee boat ramp road to north of Ironwood Bluff Road on the WMA when the 5 a.m. Tombigbee River gauge at Fulton reads 16.0 ft or higher. Also, hunting seasons (excluding waterfowl season) are closed for 24 hours for all areas of the WMA lying north of HWY 278, south of HWY 6, west of the Tombigbee River and east of Town Creek when the 5 a.m. Tombigbee River gauge at Bigbee reads 17.0 ft. or higher. River gauge readings may be obtained from www.mdwfp.com/wma. 4. ARCHERY ONLY AREAS: Archery only deer hunting areas include the portions of the WMA between the Tenn-Tom Waterway and the waterway levee from AB3 Waterfowl Impoundment south to Hwy. 45/25 at Aberdeen and between the Tombigbee River and the Tenn-Tom Waterway from Hwy. 6 south to the intersection of the old Tombigbee River and the Tenn-Tom Waterway. 5. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 7. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at a check station and recorded on WMA Daily Visitor Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. ALL antlerless deer heads harvested on John Bell Williams WMA must be deposited in a CWD Collection freezer.

18

8. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. b. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. c. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 9. YOUTH/HANDICAP DEER HUNTING: a. Only youth and handicapped hunters are allowed to deer hunt on the Acker Lake Tract. b. Only youth and handicap hunters will be allowed ATV access on the Acker Lake Handicap Hunting Area each day of the deer seasons. Only handicapped hunters will be allowed vehicular access is only allowed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays during the gun and primitive weapon seasons. c. All handicap hunters must pre-register by contacting the Jackson Office (601-432-2199). 10. ACKER LAKE TURKEY HUNTING: a. Only youth and handicapped hunters will be allowed to turkey hunt this area on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. b. Only handicapped hunters will be allowed ATV and vehicular access on those days and youth hunters will be allowed ATV access. c. On Wednesday through Saturday of each week, all hunters are allowed to hunt. d. All handicap hunters must pre-register by contacting the Jackson Office (601-432-2199). 11. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting from March 15 – 31 is allowed by special permit only on Canal Section and John Bell Williams. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 12. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. The AB3 Waterfowl Impoundment and Matubby Creek Island are closed to all firearms. EXCEPTION: Only archery equipment is allowed for deer hunting in the ARCHERY ONLY DEER HUNTING AREA. 19

13. WATERFOWL: The WMA may be hunted each day from one-half hour before sunrise until 12 p.m. All decoys, boats, and blinds must be removed from the hunting area by 1 p.m. each day. 14. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs/WATERCRAFT: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are not allowed on Canal Section WMA. ORVs/ATVs are allowed on John Bell Williams WMA only for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Watercraft left unattended must be registered or have the owner’s name and phone number permanently and legibly written and attached to the hull. Watercraft not in compliance with these regulations or if left unattended more than 30 days may be confiscated and disposed of by MDWFP. 15. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to hard surface roads. No hunting from horses allowed on Canal Section or John Bell Williams WMAs. 16. CAMPING: No camping allowed. History: Updated May 2024. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.8 COPIAH COUNTY WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Copiah County Wildlife Management Area. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

20

Shotgun / Primitive Weapon / Handgun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving – Jan. 7

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Archery/Youth Gun/Muzzleloader

Jan. 8 - 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY – Permit Only

March 15 – Apr. 17

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMIT in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

TURKEY

Apr. 18 - May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sept. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1- Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

QUAIL

Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 21

2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at WMA Headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Visitor Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting from March 15 – Apr. 17 is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. Exception: youth deer hunters, 15 years of age or younger, are allowed to use centerfire rifles. 8. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed only for the retrieval of harvested deer and hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 9. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed on entire area during nighttime hunting hours. 10. CAMPING: No camping allowed. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2023. RULE 1.9 DIVIDE SECTION WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Divide Section Wildlife Management Area in Tishomingo and Prentiss Counties. 22

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DOG RESTRICTIONS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, YOUTH/HANDICAP DEER HUNTING, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Deer

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 1

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive

Dec. 2 – 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 16 – 23

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 24 – until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive

Day after the final day of Gun season - Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

See JACKSON CAMP PENINSULA TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

TURKEY – Permit Only

March 15 – March 31

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS and JACKSON CAMP PENINSULA TURKEY

Weapon

Weapon

23

HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

TURKEY April 1 – May 1 YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28

RACCOON

July 1 – Sept. 30

RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 – Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Same as statewide seasons.

DOVE

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Friday and Saturday nights only.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 24

4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at a check station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App or by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurement, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. ALL antlerless deer heads harvested on Divide Section WMA must be deposited in a CWD Collection freezer. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. YOUTH/HANDICAPPED DEER HUNTING: Only youth and handicapped hunters are allowed to deer hunt on the Jackson Camp Peninsula. Only youth and handicapped hunters on the Jackson Camp Peninsula will be allowed ATV access each day of the deer seasons. Only handicapped hunters will be allowed vehicular access on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays during the gun and primitive weapon seasons. All handicapped hunters must pre-register by contacting the Jackson Office (601-432-2199). 7. JACKSON CAMP PENINSULA TURKEY HUNTING: Only youth and handicapped hunters will be allowed to turkey hunt this area on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Handicapped hunters will be allowed ATV and vehicular access on those days, and Youth hunters will be allowed ATV access. On Wednesday through Saturday of each week, all hunters are allowed to hunt but access will be by foot traffic only. All handicapped hunters must pre-register by contacting the Jackson Office (601-432-2199). 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are not allowed. 10. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons; at all other times horseback riding is restricted to hard surface roads. No hunting from horses. 11. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 12. WATERFOWL: The WMA may be hunted each day from one-half hour before sunrise until 12 p.m. All decoys, boats, and blinds must be removed from the hunting area by 1 p.m. each day. 13. DOVE HUNTING: Dove hunting is allowed from 2 P.M. – sunset during the first season. No entry prior to 1 p.m. on opening day. The number of hunters on the dove field is limited to 35. After the first season, dove hunting follows statewide season dates. 25

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2024. RULE 1.10 LAKE GEORGE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Lake George Wildlife Management Area in Yazoo County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

October 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to the opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 1

WITHOUT DOGS. Legal bucks only.

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 16 – Jan. 31

WITHOUT DOGS. Legal bucks only.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct.1 – Feb.28 May 15 – June 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

Friday and Saturday nights only.

26

WATERFOWL

Same as statewide seasons.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations.

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct.15 - Feb. 28

QUAIL

Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March. Season Closed

TURKEY

Open after waterfowl season.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) and on legal bucks is two (2). All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. During the Youth G u n Hunt ONLY, hunters 15 years of age or younger may harvest any antlered buck. During ALL other hunts, a youth hunter must harvest a buck with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited.

27

6. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 7. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: Off road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles is allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 8. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hunting hours. 9. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 10. HIGH WATER LEVEL CLOSURE: ALL activities, EXCEPT for waterfowl hunting, will close when the Steele Bayou landside gauge reaches 90.0 feet and shall remain so until the Steele Bayou level falls to or below 88.0 feet. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2023. RULE 1.11 LEROY PERCY WMA REGULATIONS. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, hereby declares that part of the property known as “Leroy Percy State Park,” located in Washington County, is and shall be, a wildlife management project or refuge to be managed as a Wildlife Management Area, under the authority of MISS. CODE ANN. Section 49-5-13. A. Regulations for Leroy Percy Wildlife Management Area in Washington County.

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

Archery

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. October 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

28

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to the opening day of Primitive Weapon season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Archery/Youth Gun

Jan. 1 - 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct.1 - Feb. 28

RACCOON

May – June Jul. 115 - Sep. 30 1

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide season.

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Feb. 1 - 28

YOUTH DOVE with Guardian

First Saturday in September

DOVE

Friday and Saturday nights only.

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

Open after waterfowl season.

TURKEY

Season Closed 29

See Federal Regulations

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. CLOSED AREA: Primitive weapon deer hunting is limited to south of Highway 12 and north of Highway 12 east of Black Bayou. Archery hunting allowed in any open hunting zone during deer seasons. No hunting allowed north of Hwy. 12, west of Black Bayou and east of the no hunting boundary signs that are west of the park lodge. 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the Leroy Percy State Park lodge and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting during the Youth Gun deer hunt. Other deer seasons are restricted to archery and primitive weapons. Rifles or handguns may not be used in the small game and archery area west of the park lodge. 8. DOVE: Opening Saturday is reserved for youth hunters and guardians only. Guardians accompanying youth may hunt dove on the youth with guardian hunt. A guardian is defined as a person 21 years of age or older with a valid hunting license. One guardian is allowed per youth. All youth and guardians must hunt together in one of the 25 designated hunting locations. After the youth hunt, during the first season, hunting is allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays only. Dove season is open with state framework after the first season. Hunting hours are from 2 p.m. until sunset on opening day. Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset after opening day. 30

9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are only allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 10. BOATS: No motorized boats allowed in Black Bayou within the WMA boundary. 11. HORSES: No horses allowed. 12. CAMPING: Camping is allowed under State Park regulations. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2023 RULE 1.12 MAHANNAH WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Mahannah Wildlife Management Area in Issaquena and Warren Counties.

SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, SPECIAL BUCK TAGS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct.

1

Oct. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun –

Nov. 1

Nov. 2

Antlerless deer and any antlered buck.

Primitive Weapon

Nov. 6

Nov. 30

Antlerless deer and legal bucks

– Permit Only

31

– Permit Only Gun - Permit Only

Dec. 1

Dec. 31

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks.

Archery/

Jan. 1

Jan. 14

Legal bucks only.

Senior Adult – Permit Only

Jan. 15

Jan. 16

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits.

TURKEY

Permit Only

YOUTH SQUIRREL SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Sept. 24

Sept. 30

Oct. 1

Dec. 31

Saturdays only, except closed on Nov. 1

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Jan. 1

Feb. 28

Daily.

SQUIRREL

May 15

June 1

Daily.

RACCOON

Jul.

1

Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1

Dec. 26

Friday nights only.

Jan. 1

Feb. 28

Daily.

FISHING

Feb 1

Sept 30

Daily.

Oct 1

Jan 31

Saturdays only. Fishing not allowed in waterfowl and timber hunting units.

Youth Gun

TRAPPING WATERFOWL Permit Only Except for youth. Veterans, and active military

Jan.

1

See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Feb. 28 See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

32

waterfowl hunts, and the post season light goose conservation order. YOUTH, VETERANS, AND ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with the statewide Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Season

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations.

Open after waterfowl season.

QUAIL

Nov. 29

Dec. 31

Saturdays and Wednesdays Only.

Jan. 1

Mar. 7

Daily.

DOVE

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Migratory Bird Hunting in Special Instructions.

WOODCOCK and SNIPE

Same as Statewide Seasons.

Saturdays and Wednesdays only prior to Dec. 31. Daily from Jan. 1 to the close of the season. See Migratory Bird Hunting in Special Instructions.

Mahannah WMA Will Be Closed To ALL ACTIVITES On Tuesdays from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. SCOUTING IS ALLOWED ON SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold.

33

2. CLOSED AREA: The Waterfowl Sanctuary, enclosed by the East Sanctuary Road on the east, Anderson Tully Road on the south and the main levee on the west, is closed to ALL ENTRY. 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits except that during permit hunts on deer the legal buck bag limit is one per hunt and 1 adult gobbler per permitted hunt. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. The bag limit during the Senior Adult Hunt will be 1 legal buck and 1 antlerless deer per hunt. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. ALL antlerless deer heads harvested on Mahannah WMA must be deposited in the Mahannah or Phil Bryant CWD Collection freezer. 5. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting, except for the youth gun hunt and the January archery hunt, is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. During the Youth Only Hunt ONLY, hunters 15 years of age or younger may harvest any antlered buck. During ALL other Permit Only hunts, and the Archery/Youth Gun season (Jan. 1 – Jan 14), a youth hunter must harvest a buck with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 8. TURKEY HUNTING: Turkey hunting is allowed by permit only. 9. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 10. WATERFOWL: All waterfowl hunts, except for the waterfowl youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunts, and the post season light goose conservation order, are draw hunts only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Shooting hours end at 12 p.m. Waterfowl hunters must be out of the assigned unit and back to Anderson-Tully Road by 1 p.m. except during the youth, Veterans, and Active Military waterfowl hunt which shall run concurrent with the statewide waterfowl youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunt. No boats, blinds, or decoys are to be left out overnight. No persons may leave the Anderson-Tully Road or launch a boat until the waterfowl draw process has been completed. Waterfowl draw hunts will be conducted for Mahannah/Buck Bayou on Mondays. Wednesdays, and Saturdays only. 34

11. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles is allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. During all WMA deer firearms seasons, no loaded shoulder fired weapons allowed within 100 feet of any road within Mahannah WMA, including ATV trails. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. No ATV/ORV/Electric Bicycle or boat may be left on the WMA overnight. 12. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed on entire area during nighttime hunting hours. 13. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. The camping area is located next to the Mahannah WMA Headquarters. 14. SCOUTING is allowed daily prior to Oct. 1, and on any Saturdays, Wednesdays, and on any small game hunting days thereafter. Only those persons drawn to hunt, and waterfowl hunters during waterfowl season, will be allowed on the area during permitted hunts. 15. HIGH WATER: ALL activities, EXCEPT for waterfowl, woodcock, and snipe hunting, will close when the Mississippi River gauge at Vicksburg reaches forty-three (43.0) feet and shall remain so until the Mississippi River level falls to or below 41.0 feet and/or when the Steele Bayou landside gauge reaches 82.0 feet and shall remain so until the Steele Bayou level falls to or below 80.0 feet. Small game hunting during high water is restricted to the area north of Anderson Tully Road and east of the Waterfowl Sanctuary. Closings will be posted at www.mdwfp.com/wma. 16. MIGRATORY BIRD HUNTING: Dove hunting will be allowed daily from 2 p.m. until sunset during the first dove season. No entry prior to 1:00 p.m. on opening day. During waterfowl season, only permitted waterfowl hunters may hunt in the designated waterfowl impoundments.

History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13 RULE 1.13 MALMAISON WMA REGULATIONS. 35

A. Regulations for Malmaison Wildlife Management Area in Grenada, Carroll, and Leflore Counties. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Deer

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Dec. 1

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive

Dec. 2 – Dec. 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 16 – Dec. 23

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 24 – until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive

Day after the final day of Gun season – Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Weapon

Weapon YOUTH TURKEY

Last full weekend in March.

TURKEY

Apr. 1 – May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 – 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

36

May 15 – June 1 RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28

RACCOON

July 1 – Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 – Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Friday and Saturday nights only.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurement, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 37

7. WATERFOWL: a.

Waterfowl hunting closes at noon.

b.

The Greentree Reservoir and the state-owned portion of the

McIntyre Scatters: i. Parking areas and boat ramps are closed 1½ hours after sunset until 2 p.m. ii. Access to these areas is prohibited prior to 4a.m. iii. Waterfowl hunters must be out by 1 p.m. iv. Hunters are allowed no more than 25 shotshells per person. v. No boats or waterfowl hunting gear are permitted on the area, except in camping areas or roadways, later than 30 minutes after sunset. vi. Hunting equipment, including but not limited to boats and decoys, may not be left unattended. vii. All boat access in the Greentree Reservoir is prohibited during the two weeks before the opening day of regular waterfowl season. During the regular waterfowl hunting season boat access in the Greentree Reservoir is allowed from 4 a.m. until 1 p.m. daily. viii. The WMA boundary lines in the McIntyre Scatters are marked. Lands adjacent to the WMA are privately-owned lands. Hunters are cautioned to stay on the WMA side of the posted boundary, and not trespass onto adjoining private lands. Crossing onto adjoining private lands, to include floating past the marked boundary lines in a boat or other floating hunting blind or apparatus, may subject the hunter to criminal liability for trespass. Additionally, placement of stands, blinds or other hunting positions/apparatus on or near the boundary line, may place the hunter within shotgun range of hunters on adjacent private property. Therefore, hunters should set their hunting positions a safe distance from the line. Additional signs or markers are near the boundary line and in close proximity to active hunting areas on the adjacent private lands, to make WMA hunters aware of those active sites. Stands, blinds, or other hunting positions should be placed so that the WMA hunter does not shoot across any boundary line and onto or over adjacent private property. All rules of safety and proper hunting etiquette shall be observed at all times. A violation of this provision may also subject the hunter to charges for a violation of these WMA hunting regulations, and possible loss of hunting privileges on this WMA, as provided in 40 Miss. Admin. Code, Part 2, Rule 1.1.E. 8. NO WAKE ZONES: No boat shall exceed idle speed when motoring through these areas. a. The state-owned portion of the McIntyre Scatters.

38

b. In the greentree reservoir, from the boat ramp down the main channel to a point extending 700 yards from the boat ramp. 9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are only allowed on WMA levees for retrieval of harvested deer and hogs and for handicapped access. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 10. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses allowed during nighttime hours. 11. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2023. RULE 1.14 MARION COUNTY WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Marion County Wildlife Management Area in Marion County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, DOG RESTRICTIONS and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

October 15 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

39

Shotgun / Primitive Weapon / Handgun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 1

Legal bucks only.

Shotgun / Primitive Dec. 2 - Dec. 15 Weapon / Handgun

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Shotgun / Primitive Dec. 16 - Jan. 3 Weapon / Handgun

Legal bucks only.

Archery/ Youth Gun

Jan. 4 – Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Archery/ Youth Gun

Feb. 1 - Feb. 15

Legal bucks only.

YOUTH TURKEY

Last Saturday and Sunday in March

TURKEY

Apr.1 – May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 15 - June 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sept. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

QUAIL

Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. 40

B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. CLOSED AREA: The land areas within the road and firebreak boundary around Lake Bill Waller and Lake Columbia are closed to all hunting. 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. Exception: youth deer hunters, 15 years of age or younger, are allowed to use centerfire rifles. 8. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed only for the retrieval of harvested deer and hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 9. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hunting hours. 10. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 11. NO HUNTING: No hunting from or within 100ft. of pipeline rights-of-way during any deer firearm season west of Game Reserve Road. 41

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2024 RULE 1.15 OKATIBBEE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Okatibbee Wildlife Management Area in Lauderdale and Kemper Counties.

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to the opening day of Primitive Weapon/Shotgun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Jan. 28

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Handicapped Hunt

Jan. 29 - Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. See HANDICAPPED HUNT in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY

March 15 – May 1

Weapon/Shotgun

March 15 – Mar. 31 – NonResidents by permit only through

42

the Non-Resident Public Land Draw. YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 15 - June 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Friday and Saturday nights only.

Shooting hours end at 12 p.m.

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

QUAIL

Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March.

DOVE

Same as statewide seasons.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated.

43

3. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the check station near the WMA Headquarters building and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. HANDICAPPED HUNT: To apply, hunters must register at the WMA Office prior to Jan. 1. This is a three day hunt starting at 12 p.m. on Jan. 29 and ending at 12: p.m. on Jan. 31. Eligible handicapped hunters must meet the criteria specified in 40 Miss Admin Code Part 2, Rule 1.4. During the Handicapped Hunt, weapons will be hunter’s choice. Hunters may be accompanied by someone to assist, but not participate in the hunt. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only shotguns with slugs and primitive weapons may be used for deer hunting, EXCEPT that youth may use centerfire rifles during the youth deer hunt and during the shotgun/primitive weapon season. 8. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 9. HORSES: No horses allowed. 10. CAMPING: No camping allowed. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2023. RULE 1.16 O’KEEFE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for O’Keefe Wildlife Management Area in Quitman County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

44

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Deer

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Primitive Weapon season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 16 - Dec. 31

Legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon

Jan. 1 - Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

TURKEY

Closed

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 15 - June 1

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sept. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Friday and Saturday nights.

Same as statewide seasons. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

45

YOUTH, VETERANS, and ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Open after waterfowl season.

DOVE

See Federal Regulations.

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. CLOSED AREAS: 1) The portion of the WMA in Tallahatchie County. 2) No deer hunting in flooded greentree reservoir prior to 1 p.m. FOR INFORMATION ON FLOODED GREENTREE RESERVOIR, see map at permit stations or at www.mdwfp.com. 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. All heads from antlerless deer harvested on O’Keefe WMA must be deposited in the O’Keefe WMA CWD collection freezer.

46

5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. b. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. c. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 8. WATERFOWL: Waterfowl hunting closes at 12 p.m. Waterfowl hunters must vacate the WMA by 1 p.m., except during the Youth, Veterans, and Active Military waterfowl hunt which shall run concurrent with the statewide waterfowl Youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunt. Hunters may not leave the parking area prior to 5 a.m. Hunters are allowed no more than 25 shotgun shells per person in the waterfowl hunt areas, except during the Post Season Light Goose Conservation Order Hunts. No gas boat motors allowed in the greentree reservoir. All decoys, boats, and blinds must be removed from the hunting area by 1 p.m. each day. 9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles is allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 10. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Squirrel hunting from horses is allowed in February on entire area. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hours. 11. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 12. DOVE: Hunting hours for opening day are 2:00 p.m. until sunset. No entry prior to 1:00 p.m. on opening day. During the remaining statewide season framework, dove hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.17 OLD RIVER WMA REGULATIONS. 47

A. Regulations for Old River Wildlife Management Area in Pearl River County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 15 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 1

Legal bucks only.

Primitive

Dec. 2 - Dec. 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 16 - Dec. 23

Legal bucks only.

Gun

December 24 until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

Legal bucks only.

Primitive

Day after the final day of Gun Season through February 15

Legal bucks only.

Weapon

Weapon YOUTH TURKEY

Season Closed.

TURKEY

Season Closed.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 48

May 15 - June 1 RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct.1 - Feb. 28

See BOBCAT in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

See TRAPPING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA Headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. No buckshot is allowed. 7. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed only on designated trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use 49

of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. EXCEPTION: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are not allowed on that portion of the area within the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 8. HORSES: During WMA deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hours. 9. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. After 14 consecutive days, all camping equipment must be removed for a minimum of 72 hours. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 10. HIGH WATER: Hunting seasons (excluding Waterfowl season) are closed on the WMA when the Pearl River gauge at Bogalusa reads 18.0 ft or higher. Horseshoe Lake Road will be closed when the river gauge at Bogalusa reads 16.0 ft or higher. Roads will be re-opened when conditions are suitable for vehicle use that will minimize road damage. River stages can be obtained from the internet at www.mdwfp.com/wma, the local newscast, or by calling 985-6490357. 11. TRAPPING: Trapping is not allowed on that portion of the WMA within the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. 12. BOBCAT: The harvest of bobcat is not allowed on that portion of the WMA within the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. 13. TREE REMOVAL: No timber or firewood may be cut or removed from area without written permission from Area Manager, to include the removal of live, dead, floating or submerged timber. 14. SLAT BOXES: No slat boxes are allowed in or may be transported through the WMA. 15. WATERCRAFT: Watercraft left unattended must be registered or have the owner’s name and phone number permanently and legibly written and attached to the hull. All watercraft left unattended in ALL waterways within the WMA boundaries must be registered or have the owner’s name and phone number permanently and legibly written and attached to the hull. Watercraft left unattended in all area waterways for more than 30 days may be confiscated and disposed of by the MDWFP. ORVs/ATVs/Watercraft not in compliance with these regulations or left unattended on the area more than 30 days may be confiscated and disposed of by the MDWFP. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.

50

History: Updated May 2024. RULE 1.18 PASCAGOULA RIVER WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area in George and Jackson Counties. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, and AREA RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 15 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 1

WITH DOGS in DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA only. Legal bucks only.

Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - Dec. 15

Legal bucks only.

Gun

Dec. 16 - Dec. 23

WITHOUT DOGS. Legal bucks only.

Gun

December 24 until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

WITH DOGS in DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA only. Legal bucks only.

Primitive Weapon Day after the final day of Gun Season through February 15 YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY

March 15 – May 1

51

Legal bucks only.

March 15 – March 31 – NonResidents by permit only through the Non-Resident Public Land Draw. YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 15 - June 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL RABBIT

Same as statewide seasons. Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. AREA RESTRICTIONS: a. DEER HUNTING WITHOUT DOGS AREA: That portion of the WMA located in Jackson County east of the Pascagoula River and north of Big Slough. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hog hunting with dogs allowed during daylight hours only Feb. 16 – 28 with weapons legal for small game. b. DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA: That portion of the WMA located in George County and the portion located in Jackson County west of the Pascagoula River and south of Big Slough. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. 52

Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dog season. In addition, hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 16 – 28 with weapons legal for small game. 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA Headquarters or at the first self-service data collection station encountered and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger, any antlered buck is a legal buck, except during gun seasons with dogs, when a legal buck is a buck with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. 6. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs or buckshot, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 7. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs/WATERCRAFT: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles is only allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Deer hunting is not allowed from designated ORV/ATV trails. ORVs/ATVs/Watercraft left unattended in the Big Swamp must be stored at one of the three designated storage areas. These areas must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. ORVs/ATVs left unattended must have the owner’s name and phone number permanently and legibly written and attached to the handlebars. Watercraft left unattended must be registered or have the owner’s name and phone number permanently and legibly written and attached to the hull. ORVs/ATVs/Watercraft not in compliance with these regulations or left unattended on the area more than 30 days may be confiscated and disposed of by the MDWFP. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 8. HORSES: During WMA deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hours. 9. CAMPING: Camping is allowed only in designated areas, or on sandbars and along rivers and creeks, provided such camp is visible from a boat. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. All campsites must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 53

10. HIGH WATER: Hunting seasons (excluding waterfowl season) are closed when the Pascagoula River gauge at Merrill reads 18.0 ft or higher or Graham Ferry reads 15.0 ft or higher. Deep Slough and Graham Lake Roads in Jackson County will be closed when the river gauge at Graham Ferry reads 12.0 ft or higher. Roads will be re-opened when conditions are suitable for vehicle use that will minimize road damage. River stages can be obtained from www.mdwfp.com/wma or by calling 228-769-6508. The earliest daily reading will determine WMA closure for the entire day. 11. HOUSEBOATS: Houseboats are not allowed to be anchored, secured, or otherwise attached to any lands or structure within WMA boundaries. 12. TREE REMOVAL: No timber or firewood may be cut or removed from the WMA without written permission from the Area Manager, to include the removal of live, dead, floating, or submerged timber. PASCAGOULA RIVER WMA – LAND BETWEEN THE CREEKS UNIT REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Pascagoula Wildlife Management Area – Land between the Creeks Unit SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct.

15

Oct. 30

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only Youth Gun

Nov. 1

Dec. 1

– Permit Only

Dec. 19

Dec. 28

Gun

Dec. 5

Dec. 14

– Permit Only

Jan. 16

Jan. 25

54

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun -

Jan. 2

Jan. 11

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

March 8

April 5

See YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

April 10

April 26

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept 24

Sept 30

SQUIRREL

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

Senior Adult by permit only YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only TURKEY – Permit Only

See SQUIRREL HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

NO OTHER SEASONS shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. The Commission may expand, shorten, restrict or otherwise alter, the hunting opportunities set forth herein, in order to best manage the animal population(s) on the management area. Any changes in hunting opportunities may be affected by Executive Order. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: a. Deer: One (1) antlerless deer and one (1) legal buck per permitted hunt. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. Youth are allowed harvest of one (1) antlerless deer during specified seasons. b. Turkey: One (1) legal turkey per permitted hunt. c. Squirrel: Ten (10) per day. 55

3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All harvested deer must be checked at the Unit deer data station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 5. YOUTH DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Youth deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: During the Land between the Creeks Unit Youth Only Hunt, ONLY hunters 15 years of age or younger may harvest any antlered buck. During ALL other Permit Only hunts, a youth hunter must harvest a buck with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. 7. TURKEY HUNTING: Turkey hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 8. YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING: Youth turkey hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 9. SQUIRREL HUNTING: Squirrel hunting is allowed only during the youth squirrel season Sep. 24 – 30 and from Feb. 1 – Feb. 28 10. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except squirrel hunting with dogs is allowed during squirrel season. 11. LEGAL WEAPONS: Centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, centerfire handguns, primitive weapons, and archery equipment may be used for deer hunting. Buckshot is prohibited. 12. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs are allowed to be driven to designated parking areas and for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. During Turkey Season, electric carts may be used on any WMA road open to motorized vehicles for turkey hunting access during turkey season only. During all WMA deer firearms seasons, no loaded shoulder fired weapons allowed within 100 feet of any road within a WMA. Access to the unit via watercraft is prohibited during permitted deer and turkey hunts. The landings at Carter Landing (Black Creek) and Holly Landing (Red Creek) may be accessed by watercraft for non-consumptive purposes. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 56

14. HORSES: Horseback riding is allowed on roads outside of any open hunting season. 15. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated camping areas during permitted draw hunts only. 16. SCOUTING is allowed daily from May 2 – October 14 and Feb. 1 – March 14. From October 15 – Jan 31 scouting is allowed Wednesdays only and from March 15 – May 1 is allowed on Thursdays only. Only those persons drawn to hunt and/or accompanying adult for youth will be allowed on the area during permitted deer hunts. During permitted turkey hunts, only the hunter and their partner will be allowed on the area. 17. FISHING: Fishing is only allowed on Saturdays and Sundays from May – August in Doyle’s Pond. 18. TREE REMOVAL: No timber or firewood may be cut or removed from the WMA without written permission from the Area Manager, to include the removal of live, dead, floating, or submerged timber. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2025. RULE 1.19 PEARL RIVER WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Pearl River Wildlife Management Area in Madison County.

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, LEGAL WEAPONS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

October 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to the opening day of Primitive Weapon

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

57

season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. Primitive Weapon

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Jan. 31.

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY

March 15 – May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL SQUIRREL

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

March 15 – Mar. 31 – NonResidents by permit only through the Non-Resident Public Land Draw. Sept. 24 - 30

Oct.1 - Feb. 28 May 15 - June 1

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct.15 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Same as statewide seasons.

See SPECIAL YOUTH AREA, HANDICAPPED AREA, AND WATERFOWL IMPOUNDMENTS in Special Instructions. No waterfowl hunting west of Pipeline Road except for youth hunters during waterfowl season.

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. 58

B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. CLOSED NO ACCESS AREA: The area around Turcotte Lab and the Hunter Safety Shooting Area within the Waterfowl Refuge is a NO ACCESS AREA. 3. SPECIAL YOUTH AREA, HANDICAPPED AREA, AND WATERFOWL IMPOUNDMENTS: Hunting in the Youth Area is allowed by youth hunters only with the following exceptions: deer hunting during the archery season, raccoon hunting, and trapping is allowed. Waterfowl hunting is allowed by youth hunters during the entire waterfowl season. Waterfowl hunting is allowed in the waterfowl impoundments by special permit. Hunting in the Special Handicapped area is restricted to handicapped hunters only. Contact the Jackson Office at 601-432-2199 for access to the Special Handicapped area. 4. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 5. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the selfservice deer check stations located on the Madison County Pipeline Road, on Rocks Road, and on Beach Bluff Road and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of 10 inches or more OR a main beam of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only Feb. 1 - 28 with weapons legal for small game. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only archery equipment and primitive weapons may be used by adults for deer hunting. Youth Hunters 15 years of age and younger may use centerfire rifles, primitive weapons, or shotguns with slugs during the youth season and primitive weapon season for deer. 9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed only for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be 59

ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 10. HORSES: No horses allowed. 11. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 12. FISHING: No fishing allowed in the waterfowl impoundments or in Fisheries Experimental Ponds. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2023. RULE 1.21 SHIPLAND WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Shipland Wildlife Management Area in Issaquena County

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

Archery

Youth Gun

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Saturday two weeks prior to the opening day of Primitive Weapon season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Dec. 1.

Archery

Legal bucks only.

Dec. 2 – 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Dec. 16 – 31

Legal bucks only.

Jan. 1 – 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

60

/ Youth Gun TURKEY

Permit Only.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct.1 - Feb.28

See TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

May 15 - June 1 RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Same as statewide seasons.

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct.15 - Feb.28.

DOVE POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE COSERVATION ORDER

Friday and Saturday nights only.

Hunting hours the first season are 2:00 pm until sunset. See Federal Regulations.

Open after waterfowl season.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) and on legal bucks is two (2), and 1 adult gobbler per permitted hunt. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 61

3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA Headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. TURKEY HUNTING: Turkey hunting is allowed by permit only. 7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting during the youth deer hunt. Other deer seasons are restricted to archery and primitive weapons. 8. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 9. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hunting hours. 10. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 11. HIGH WATER: Hunting seasons (excluding waterfowl season) are closed when the Mississippi River gauge at Vicksburg reads 41.0 ft or higher and re-open when the gauge reads 39.0ft or lower. River stages can be obtained from www.mdwfp.com/wma. The earliest daily reading will determine WMA closure for the entire day. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2024. RULE 1.22 STONEVILLE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Stoneville Wildlife Management Area in Washington County. 62

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct.1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to the opening day of Primitive Weapon through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving – Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 – 30

SQUIRREL

Oct.1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1

RACCOON

July 1 – Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide season.

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 – Feb. 28

TURKEY

Season Closed

See Federal Regulations

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 63

A. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to the Delta Branch Experiment Station hunting permit, completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App, and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. HUNTING PERMITS: All hunters over 15 years of age must have a Delta Branch Experiment Station hunting permit in their possession while hunting on the area. All hunters 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult with a permit in their possession. Permits are available from the Delta Branch Experiment Station in Stoneville (662-686-9311). 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the selfservice deer check station located near the west entrance of the WMA and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. The hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only from Feb. 1 – 28 with weapons legal for small game. 7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting during the youth deer hunt. Other deer seasons are restricted to primitive weapons. 8. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 9. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hunting hours. 10. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 64

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2023. RULE 1.23 SUNFLOWER WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Sunflower Wildlife Management Area in Sharkey County. SPECIES DEER

Archery Youth Deer

Gun Primitive Weapon Gun Gun Primitive Weapon TURKEY

SEASON

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Dec. 1 Dec. 2 –15 Dec. 16 –23 Dec. 24 – until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season. Jan 23 – 31 Permit only

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 – 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1 Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 Jul. 1 – Sep. 30 Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

RABBIT RACCOON RACCOON, OPPOSUM, & BOBCAT TRAPPING WATERFOWL

Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 Same as statewide seasons.

65

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Legal bucks. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Legal bucks. Legal bucks with dogs Legal bucks. See TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Friday and Saturday nights only.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH, VETERANS, and ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with the statewide Youth Waterfowl Season

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: A. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons participating in hunting, fishing, or trapping on this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits except that the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) and on antlered deer is two (2), and 1 adult gobbler per permitted hunt. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be recorded on DAILY VISITOR USE PERMIT card before leaving the area. All deer harvested must be checked at a self-service data collection station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA CheckIn App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbones). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during any deer with dogs season. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during Feb. 1 – 28 with weapons legal for small game. 6. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs or buckshot, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 7. WATERFOWL: Shooting hours end at 12:00 noon in the greentree reservoir, except during the youth, veterans, and active military waterfowl hunt which runs concurrent to statewide seasons. 8. NO HUNTING from or within 100ft of the toe of the greentree reservoir levees or from or within 100ft of pipeline rights-of-ways during deer firearm seasons. 66

9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails, and only for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Before operating ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles, users must obtain an ATV/UTV permit from the U.S. Forest Service and be familiar with the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) published annually by the U.S. Forest Service. The MVUM explains when and where ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles may be used. Permits and MVUMs are available from the Delta Ranger District office in Rolling Fork, MS, and MVUMs online at www.fs.usda.gov/main/mississippi/maps-pubs. 10. HORSES: Hunting from horseback is allowed. 11. CAMPING: Camping is allowed subject to U.S. Forest Service regulations. 12. HIGH WATER LEVEL CLOSURE: ALL activities, EXCEPT for waterfowl hunting, will close when the Steele Bayou landside gauge reaches 90.0 feet and shall remain so until the Steele Bayou level falls to or below 88.0 feet. History: Updated May 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.24 TWIN OAKS WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Twin Oaks Wildlife Management Area in Sharkey County. SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, SPECIAL BUCK TAGS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct. 1

Oct. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Nov. 1

Nov. 2

Antlerless deer and any antlered buck.

Primitive

Nov. 6

Dec. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only

67

Weapon – Permit Only Archery

Jan. 1

Jan. 14

Legal bucks only.

/ Youth Gun YOUTH TURKEY

Permit Only

TURKEY PERMIT ONLY

Permit Only

YOUTH SQUIRREL SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Sept. 24

Sept. 30

Oct. 1

Dec. 31

Jan. 1

Feb. 28

SQUIRREL

May 15

June 1

Daily.

RACCOON

Jul.

Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1

Dec. 27

Friday nights only.

Jan. 1

Feb. 28

Daily.

TRAPPING

Jan. 1

Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

See Federal Regulations.

1

YOUTH, Open concurrent with the VETERANS, and statewide Youth, Veterans, and ACTIVE MILITRY Active Military Waterfowl Season WATERFOWL

Saturdays only, except closed on Nov. 1 Daily.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations.

Open after waterfowl season.

QUAIL

Nov. 29

Saturdays only.

Dec. 27

68

Jan. 1 DOVE WOODCOCK SNIPE

Mar. 1

Daily.

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Woodcock hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal woodcock season. Snipe hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal snipe season.

Twin Oaks WMA Will Be Closed To ALL ACTIVITES On Tuesday from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. SCOUTING IS ALLOWED ON SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide season bag limits, EXCEPT that for permitted deer hunts the daily bag limit is one legal buck per permit and one doe per day, and 1 adult gobbler per permitted hunt. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA Headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting, except for the youth gun hunt and the Jan. 1 – Jan. 14 archery/youth gun hunt, is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. During the Youth Permit Only Hunt, hunters 15 years of age or younger may harvest any antlered buck. During all other Permit Only hunts and the Archery/Youth Gun Season (Jan. 1 – Jan. 14), a youth hunter must harvest a buck with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 69

7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only archery equipment and primitive weapons may be used for deer hunting. Exception: Youth deer hunters, 15 years of age or younger, are allowed to use centerfire rifles during the youth gun and primitive weapon seasons. 8. WATERFOWL: Through Dec. 31, waterfowl hunting will be allowed on Saturdays during the legal waterfowl season. After Dec. 31, waterfowl hunting is allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays during the legal waterfowl season EXCEPT that the Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl season shall be open concurrent with the statewide season. Shooting hours end at 12 p.m. 9. DOVE: Dove hunting is allowed daily during legal dove season prior to Oct. 1. Dove hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during the legal dove season after Oct. 1. 10. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 11. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hunting hours. 12. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 13. SCOUTING: Scouting is allowed daily prior Sept. 30, and on any Saturdays, Wednesdays, and on any small game hunting days thereafter. Only those persons drawn to hunt will be allowed on the area during permitted hunts. 14. HIGH WATER LEVEL CLOSURE: ALL activities, EXCEPT for waterfowl hunting, will close when the Steele Bayou landside gauge reaches 90.0 feet and shall remain so until the Steele Bayou level falls to or below 88.0 feet. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.25 WARD BAYOU WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

70

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 15 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 1

WITH DOGS IN DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA only. Legal bucks only.

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Legal bucks only.

Gun

Dec. 16 - 23

WITHOUT DOGS. Legal bucks only.

Gun

December 24 until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

WITH DOGS IN DEER HUNTING WITH DOGS AREA only. Legal bucks only.

Primitive Weapon

Day after the final day of Gun Season through February 15.

Legal bucks only.

YOUTH TURKEY - Permit Only

March 8 – May 1

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by permit only. See SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 15 - June 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sept. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

71

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

See Federal Regulations.

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the selfservice data collection station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger, any antlered buck is a legal buck, except during gun seasons with dogs, when a legal buck is a buck with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer and small game hunting with dogs is allowed EXCEPT in the Still Hunting Only Area. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Youth turkey hunting on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from March 8 - May 1 will be allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts.

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7. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 8. WATERFOWL HUNTING: Waterfowl hunting in and entering into any ponds west of the hill road from the WMA headquarters to the large power line is prohibited. 9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on sandbars. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 10. HORSES: During WMA deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hours. 11. CAMPING: Camping is allowed only on sandbars and along rivers and creeks, provided such camp is visible from a boat. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. All campsites must be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 12. HIGH WATER: Hunting seasons (excluding waterfowl season) are closed on the WMA when the river gauge at Graham Ferry reads 15.0 ft. or higher. Ward Bayou Road will be closed from the Ward Bayou bridge eastward when the river gauge at Graham Ferry reads 12.0 ft. or higher. Roads will be re-opened when conditions are suitable for vehicle use that will minimize road damage. River stages can be obtained from www.mdwfp.com/wma or by calling 228-769-6508. The earliest daily reading will determine WMA closure for the entire day. 13. TREE REMOVAL: No timber or firewood may be cut or removed from area without written permission from the Area Manager, to include the removal of live, dead, floating, or submerged timber. 14. COMMERCIAL FISHING: Commercial fishing is not allowed within the WMA. 15. CLOSED SANDBARS: Sandbars within the WMA boundaries are closed for the protection of nesting endangered species. No overnight camping allowed during this time. No dogs allowed on sandbars. 16. HOUSEBOATS: Houseboats are not allowed to be anchored, secured, or otherwise attached to any lands or structure within WMA boundaries. 17. NATURE TRAILS: Use of designated nature trails is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset only.

73

18. ROADS: The gate at Kirkwood Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from June 1 – October 1. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2023. RULE 1.26 BOB M. DEARING NATCHEZ STATE PARK WMA REGULATIONS. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks hereby declares that part of the property known as “Natchez State Park,” located in Adams County, is and shall be a wildlife management project or refuge to be managed as a Wildlife Management Area, under the authority of MISS. CODE ANN. Section 49-5-13. A. Regulations for Natchez State Park in Adams County. SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, ELIGIBLE HUNTERS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct. 2

Jan. 25

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Oct. 9

Oct. 12

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Oct. 18

Nov. 16

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Nov. 20

Jan. 25

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Dec. 11 Dec. 18

Dec. 14 Dec. 21

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only Handicapped Gun – Permit Only Youth Gun – Permit Only Primitive Weapon – Permit Only Primitive Weapon Group Hunt – Permit Only

74

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

Saturdays and Sundays only. See YOUTH SQUIRREL HUNTING in Special Instructions.

YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only

Mar. 8

May 1

See YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in Special Instructions.

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. HUNTING AREA: See map at mdwfp.com/wma. 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits EXCEPT the bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed two (2) per year and on antlerless deer is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per year. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. PERMIT STATIONS: All hunters must check-in at the Park office or via the MDWFP WMA Check-In App. 5. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be brought to the check station for biological data collection and recorded on the WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 6. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 7. ELIGIBLE HUNTERS: a. Youth: Mississippi resident hunters 15 years of age or younger. 75

b. Handicapped: Any hunter who is quadriplegic, paraplegic, or disabled, requiring mobility support from braces and/or crutches. c. Primitive Weapon: Restricted to Mississippi residents. d. Archery: Restricted to Mississippi residents. 8. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 9. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 10. YOUTH SQUIRREL HUNTING: See Map for areas open to youth squirrel hunting. 11. YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING: Youth turkey hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 12. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only primitive weapons and archery equipment may be used for deer hunting, except for during the Youth and Handicap Gun hunts when archery equipment, centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, or centerfire handguns may be used. Only shotguns may be used during the youth squirrel hunt. 13. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed only for the retrieval of harvested deer and hogs. Exception: handicapped hunters may access hunting area with ATVs/Electric Bicycles during handicapped hunt only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 14. PARKING: Hunters must park in designated parking areas only. 15. HORSES: During deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. 16. CAMPING: Camping is allowed under State Park regulation. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.27 NANIH WAIYA WMA REGULATIONS.

76

A. Regulations for Nanih Waiya Wildlife Management Area in Neshoba and Winston Counties. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to the opening day of Primitive Weapon season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Dec. 1.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 – 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 16 – Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY

March 15 – May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL SQUIRREL

March 15 – 31 – Non-Residents by permit only through the NonResident Public Land Draw. Sept 24 - 30

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28. May 15 - June 1

RACCOON

Jul.1 - Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

77

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct.1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov.1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

See Federal Regulations.

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28

QUAIL

Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March.

DOVE

See Federal Regulations.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits EXCEPT: the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA Headquarters building or at a check station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours Feb. 1 - 28 with weapons legal for small game.

78

6. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only archery equipment, centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 7. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated graveled roads for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 8. HORSES: No horses allowed. 9. CAMPING: Primitive camping is allowed. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2023. RULE 1.28 BLACK PRAIRIE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area in Lowndes County. SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Youth Gun

Nov. 1

Nov. 2

– Permit Only

Dec. 22

Dec. 27

Gun

Nov. 6

Nov. 9

– Permit Only

Nov. 13

Nov. 16

Nov. 20

Nov. 23

Nov. 27

Nov. 30

79

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 12

Dec. 16

– Permit Only

Jan. 16

Jan. 18

Oct. 1

Oct. 31

Dec. 17

Dec. 21

Jan. 5

Jan. 9

Jan. 19

Jan. 23

TURKEY

Apr. 3

Apr. 5

– Permit Only

Apr. 10

Apr. 12

Apr. 17

Apr. 19

Apr. 24

Apr. 26

Oct. 15

Oct. 31

Nov. 3

Nov. 5

Nov. 10

Nov. 12

Nov. 17

Nov. 19

Dec. 1

Dec. 5

Dec. 8

Dec. 11

Dec. 17

Dec. 21

Dec. 28

Jan. 2

Jan. 12

Jan. 15

Jan. 19

Jan. 23

Jan. 26

Jan. 30

Feb. 2

Feb. 13

Feb. 16

Feb. 20

Feb. 23

Feb. 28

Archery Only

SQUIRREL and RABBIT

80

Legal bucks only.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

RACCOON

Jul. 1

Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1

Feb. 28

TRAPPING

No trapping allowed.

Friday and Saturday nights only.

DOVE See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. The WMA is closed to hunting during special event dates (see SPECIAL EVENTS section below). B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits EXCEPT: a. Turkey - A bag limit of one (1) legal gobbler per permit. b. Rabbit - party limit of 8 rabbits per day. c. Deer - One legal buck and three antlerless deer per year. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting will be allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Hunters must check in a 1½ year old or older doe during their permitted gun hunt to be issued a permit to harvest one (1) legal buck. This buck permit will be valid for the duration of the permitted hunt and during the legal bucks only deer hunt (Dec. 12 – 16). 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the Area Headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunters who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 81

5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting will be allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only archery equipment, centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 9. SPECIAL EVENTS: a. Hunting dog field trials and other special events will be allowed by special use permit only. These permits may be obtained from the MDWFP, see Area Manager for additional information. b. Special events will be restricted to the following dates: Sept. 6 – 7, Nov. 27 – 30, Dec. 6 – 7, Dec. 12 – 16, Dec. 22 – 27, Jan. 3 – 4, Jan. 10 – 11, Jan. 16 – 18, Jan. 24 – 25, Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, Feb. 14 – 15, Feb. 21 – 22. c. The WMA is closed to hunting during special event dates. Anyone participating in permitted special events must obey conduct rules as designated and posted by club or group permitted to hold event. 10. DOVE HUNTING: A youth dove hunt will be held on a designated field Sept. 1, 2025, from 2 p.m. - sunset. Youth dove hunters must register prior to the special youth dove hunt. Dove hunting will be allowed on designated fields after the Sept. 1 youth hunt and the Sept. 3 permitted adult dove hunt, from 2 p.m. - sunset, on Wednesdays and Saturdays only, during the first season only. The number of hunters on the dove field is limited to 75. All drawn hunters for the permitted adult hunt must arrive to the dove field parking area by 12:00 p.m. to check in. Nonpermitted hunters may come to the dove field parking area by 12:00 p.m. and enter a random drawing for any openings created by the permitted hunters not showing up. 11. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 12. HORSES: During WMA deer seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hours.

82

13. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 14. FISHING: Fishing is allowed. Boats prohibited. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.29

HELL CREEK WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Hell Creek Wildlife Management Area in Union and Tippah Counties. SPECIES

OPENING

CLOSING

DATE

DATE

DEER

COMMENTS

For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMIT, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL WEAPONS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Gun

Oct. 2

Oct. 5

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only

Oct. 9

Oct. 12

Antlerless deer and legal bucks

Oct. 16

Oct. 19

Antlerless deer and legal bucks

Dec. 13

Dec. 21

Legal bucks only.

Dec. 26

Dec. 29

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Oct. 6

Oct. 8

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Oct. 13

Oct. 15

Oct. 20

Dec. 12

Dec. 30

Jan. 31

Gun – Permit Only Senior Adult Gun – Permit Only Archery Only

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Youth Gun

Nov. 15

Dec. 3

Dec. 30

Jan. 2

Jan. 13

Jan. 15

Jan. 19

Jan. 29

YOUTH TURKEY -

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Permit Only

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Oct. 20

Oct. 22

Nov. 17

Dec. 3

Dec. 30

Jan. 2

Jan. 13

Jan. 15

Jan. 19

Jan. 29

Feb. 5

Feb. 11

Feb. 16

Feb. 28

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24

Sept. 30

SQUIRREL

May 15

June 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1

Sep. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1

Feb. 28

TRAPPING QUAIL

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

No Trapping Allowed Nov. 18

Nov. 20

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Friday and Saturday nights only.

– Training Only

Quail

YOUTH DOVE DOVE

Nov. 25

Nov. 27

Dec. 30

Jan. 2

Jan. 26

Jan. 29

Feb. 16

Feb. 28

Nov. 27

Dec. 3

Jan. 22

Jan. 29

Feb. 16

Mar. 4

Statewide opening day

See BAG LIMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMIT: Same as statewide bag limits EXCEPT: a. Rabbit - party limit of 6 rabbits per day. b. Quail - party limit of 15 quail per day. c. Deer - One (1) legal buck per day, not to exceed two (2) per year and on antlerless deer is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per year. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting will be allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Hunters on the October permitted gun hunt must check in a doe that is 1½ years or older to be issued a permit to harvest (1) legal buck. This buck permit will be valid for the duration of the permitted hunt and during the legal bucks only deer hunt (Dec. 13 – Dec. 21). Senior Gun hunt permits will be valid for (1) legal buck and (1) doe, with no doe harvest prerequisite. 85

4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at a check station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting from is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 9. SPECIAL EVENTS: a. Hunting dog field trials and other special events will be allowed by special use permit only. These permits may be obtained from the MDWFP, see Area Manager for additional information. b. Special events will be restricted to the following dates: Oct. 23 – Nov. 14, Dec. 4 – 7, Jan. 3 – 12, Jan. 16 – 18, Jan. 30 – Feb. 4, Feb. 12 – 15, Mar. 5 – 8, Mar. 12 – 15. c. The WMA is closed to all firearm hunting during special event dates. Anyone participating in permitted special events must obey conduct rules as designated and posted by club or group permitted to hold event. 10. BIRD DOG TRAINING: During bird dog training dates, a person may not use area facilities more than 4 consecutive days. 11. DOVE HUNTING: A youth dove hunt will be held on a designated field on the statewide opening day from 2 p.m. - sunset. After the youth dove hunt, dove hunting will be allowed from 2 p.m. – sunset during the first season, except during scheduled deer gun hunts. After the first season, dove hunting is allowed during the statewide season dates, except during special event days. See SPECIAL EVENTS. 12. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be 86

ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 13. HORSES: During WMA deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles. Raccoon hunting from horses allowed on entire area during nighttime hours. 14. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 15. FISHING: Fishing is allowed on area ponds. Fishing is subject to special regulations posted at each pond. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: April 2025. RULE 1.30 TRIM CANE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area in Oktibbeha County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

Dec. 1 - Jan. 31

See HANDICAPPED, SENIOR, and YOUTH DEER HUNTING and LEGAL BUCKS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

Trapping prohibited during area rabbit hunts.

Waterfowl - Permit Only

See federal regulations.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Handicapped, Youth, and Senior Adult by permit only

DOVE RABBIT

See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

See BAG LIMIT and RABBIT in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Permit Only

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed.

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B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMIT: Same as statewide bag limits EXCEPT: Rabbit - a party limit of 8 rabbits per day and the bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck and on antlerless deer is one (1). All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. WATERFOWL: a. All waterfowl hunts, except for the waterfowl youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunts and the post season light goose conservation order, are draw hunts only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. b. Waterfowl hunts will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Dates for the special youth, Veterans and Active Military hunt will be the same as the statewide special youth waterfowl hunt. Each permitted hunter will be allowed two hunting guests. c. All hunters must be checked in and out by area personnel. d. All hunters must remain inside their assigned hunt station areas at all times. e. On the morning of area waterfowl hunts, non-permitted hunters may come to the WMA Headquarters and enter a random drawing at 5 a.m. for any openings created by permitted hunters not showing up. f. Shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise until 12 p.m. g. All hunters and equipment must be removed from area by 1 p.m. Spent shot shells must be removed from area. 4. RABBIT: a. Rabbit hunting will be allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. b. Selected hunters can bring 4 guests during each hunt. 5. HANDICAPPED, SENIOR ADULT, and YOUTH DEER HUNTING:

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a. Handicapped, Youth, and Senior Adult hunting is by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. b. To be eligible, handicapped applicants must have a physical condition which makes them fully dependent on a wheelchair for mobility. c. Handicapped and Youth hunts will be held on Saturdays beginning at 1:00pm and all selected participants must check in and out at the headquarters. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 7. DOVE HUNTING: Dove hunting is allowed on designated fields from 2 p.m. – sunset on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the first season only. No entry prior to 1:00pm on opening day. The number of hunters on the dove field is limited to 40. 8. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Dogs are allowed for rabbit and waterfowl hunting only. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 9. LEGAL WEAPONS: Handicapped and Youth deer hunt participants may use centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, or primitive weapons during any hunt date. 10. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting access only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 11. HORSES: No horses allowed. 12. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 13. NON-HUNTING USE/SCOUTING: During Waterfowl seasons, non-hunting use/scouting is allowed by foot traffic only on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2024. RULE 1.31 UPPER SARDIS WMA - AREAS INCLUDED. The Upper Sardis Wildlife Management Area shall consist of all U. S. Army Corps of Engineer lands in Lafayette and Marshall Counties which are east of the Graham Lake Boat Ramp road,

89

south of the Little Tallahatchie River Canal and west of the Union County line and all National Forest land in Lafayette County. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.32 HARVEY MOSS WMA at TUSCUMBIA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Harvey Moss Wildlife Management Area at Tuscumbia in Alcorn County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

UNIT 1

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DOG RESTRICTIONS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, BAG LIMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Primitive Weapon – Oct. 1 – 30 Permit Only

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Archery

Nov. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Deer

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Dec. 1

Antlerless deer and legal bucks only.

Primitive Weapon

Dec. 2 - 15

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 16 - 23

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun

Dec. 24 - until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

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Primitive Weapon

Day after the final day of Gun season - Jan. 31

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY – Permit Only

March 15 – Apr. 17

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMIT in

Apr. 18 - May 1

TURKEY

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 May 15 - June 3

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sept. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Friday and Saturday nights only.

See TRAPPING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH, VETERANS, ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with the statewide Season.

RABBIT

Oct. 31 - Feb. 28

UNIT 2

91

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER HUNTING - Unit 2, DOG RESTRICTIONS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, BAG LIMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Primitive Weapon – Oct. 1 – 30 Permit Only

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Archery

Nov. 1 – Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY – Permit Only

March 15 – Apr. 17

TURKEY

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMIT in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Apr. 18 - May 1

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sept. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL, RACCOON, OPPOSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - the day prior to the opening day of waterfowl season.

SQUIRREL

May 15 – June 1

RABBIT

Oct. 31 to the day prior to the opening day of waterfowl season.

Feb. 1 - 28

Feb. 1 - 28 DOVE

Rabbit season is closed during statewide Youth Waterfowl Season.

See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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TRAPPING WATERFOWL

Feb. 1 - 28

See TRAPPING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

– Permit Only YOUTH, VETERANS, and ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with the statewide Season.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. Permitted deer hunt bag limits – 2 does and 1 buck per permit, no daily bag limit. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at a check station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. ALL antlerless deer heads harvested on Tuscumbia WMA must be deposited in a CWD Collection freezer or submitted to WMA staff for CWD sampling. 5. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting will be allowed by special permit only from Oct. 1 – 30. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Hunters must check in a doe that is 1½ years old or older during their permitted primitive weapon hunt to be issued a permit to harvest (1) legal buck. This buck permit will be valid for the duration of the permitted 93

hunt. 6. DEER HUNTING – UNIT 2: Once the waterfowl draw hunts begin, archery and youth gun hunting will be allowed only on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. On Wednesday and Saturday, archery hunting, youth gun hunting, and scouting will be allowed after 1 p.m. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. b. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. c. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 9. TRAPPING: All kill type traps must be at least 50% submerged in water. 10. WATERFOWL: a. UNIT 1: Open with state seasons and bag limits. Shooting hours on Unit 1 are one-half hour before sunrise until 3 p.m., except during the waterfowl youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunt which runs concurrent with state seasons. Waterfowl hunters must wear fluorescent orange or pink cap or vest to and from hunt site. Waterfowl scouting is allowed during any open hunting season. b. UNIT 2: All waterfowl hunts, except for the waterfowl youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunts and September teal season, are draw hunts only. The waterfowl youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunt shall run concurrent with the statewide season. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. c. All hunters must remain inside their assigned hunt station areas at all times. d. All hunters must be checked in and out by area personnel. e. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until 12 p.m. f. All hunters and equipment must be removed from area by 1 p.m. g. Spent shot shells must be removed from area. h. Waterfowl scouting is allowed during any open hunting season, except on Wednesdays and Saturdays during waterfowl season. 94

11. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting from March 15 – Apr. 17 is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 12. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: UNIT 1: Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles is allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. UNIT 2: For permitted waterfowl hunters, ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails to access assigned waterfowl impoundments during waterfowl permit hunts. Otherwise, ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are only allowed for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 13. HORSES: No horses allowed. 14. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 15. DOVE HUNTING – Unit 2: Dove hunting is allowed from 2 p.m. – sunset during the first season. After the first season, dove hunting follows statewide season dates. 16. HIGH WATER: All hunting seasons are closed when the Tuscumbia River gauge at Corinth reads 14.0 ft. or higher. River stages can be obtained from www.mdwfp.com/wma. The earliest daily reading will determine WMA closure for the entire day. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.34 MUSCADINE FARMS WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Muscadine Farms Wildlife Management Area in Washington County. 1. Muscadine Farms Tract: SPECIES SEPTEMBER TEAL – PERMIT ONLY WATERFOWL – PERMIT ONLY

SEASON

COMMENTS

See SEPTEMBER TEAL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

See WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

95

YOUTH/VETERAN, and ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide season.

OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

Same as Statewide Seasons. See OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

TRAPPING

Feb. 1 - 28

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

Open after waterfowl season.

See Federal Regulations

YOUTH DOVE

Sept. 6

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

DOVE

Sept. 7 – last day of the 1st statewide dove season

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS: All other migratory game birds may be hunted in assigned units while on permitted waterfowl hunts during the legal season for the species. Outside of the regular waterfowl season, migratory game birds may be hunted daily on the WMA during the legal season for those species. NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. 2. Washington and Po-Lutken Tracts: SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER -PERMIT ONLY

Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. Youth draw. Washington Tract ONLY.

RABBIT

One youth with accompanying adult every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Nov. 1 – Jan. 31. Feb. 1 – Feb. 28

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Oct. 31 Feb. 1 – Feb. 28

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QUAIL

Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March.

WOODCOCK

See Federal Regulations.

DOVE

See Federal Regulations. See LEGAL SHOT and SHOOTING HOURS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is two (2) and one (1) any antlered buck. ALL harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. LEGAL SHOT: Only non-toxic shot may be used for hunting waterfowl on this area. Any weapon may be used for the Permitted YOUTH DEER Hunts. 4. SEPTEMBER TEAL HUNTING PERMITS: September teal hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 5. WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS: All waterfowl hunts, except for the youth/veteran/active military hunts, are draw hunts only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Duck draw hunts will be conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Retrievers are allowed during migratory bird hunts on Muscadine Farms Tract. All other dogs are prohibited on Muscadine Farms Tract.

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b. On Washington and Po-Lutken Tracts, small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. c. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs and/or deer with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles prohibited. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 8. HORSES: No horses allowed. 9. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 10. SHOOTING HOURS: Shooting hours for waterfowl end at 12 p.m. Waterfowl hunters must check-out by 1 p.m. For first season dove hunting shooting hours are from 2 p.m. until sunset. All other migratory bird shooting hours are the same as statewide seasons. 11. NON-HUNTING USE OF THE AREA/SCOUTING: During Waterfowl seasons, non-hunting use of the area is allowed by foot traffic only on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. 12. DOVE: A special youth dove hunt will be held on a designated field Sept. 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. until sunset. No dove hunting shall be allowed prior to the special youth dove hunt. Youth dove hunters must apply online at www.mdwfp.com and register at the WMA Headquarters on Sept. 6 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dove hunting will be allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays only from Sept. 7, 2025 at 2 p.m. until sunset for the remainder of the first statewide dove season. Dove hunters may not enter the WMA prior to noon. All other migratory game birds may be hunted in assigned units while on permitted waterfowl hunts during the legal season for the species. Outside of regular waterfowl season, migratory game birds may be hunted daily on the WMA during the legal season for those species. 13. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be recorded on DAILY VISITOR USE PERMIT card or the WMA Check-In App before leaving the area. All deer harvested must be checked at a self-service data collection station by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 14. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting on the Washington Tract ONLY is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2025. 98

RULE 1.35 YOCKANOOKANY WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Yockanookany Wildlife Management Area in Attala County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – 14

TURKEY

March 15 – March 31.

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS IN SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

– Permit Only TURKEY

April 1 – May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28

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See DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

RACCOON

Jul. 1 – Sept. 30

RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 – Feb. 28

WATERFOWL DOVE

Friday and Saturday nights only.

Same as statewide seasons. See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits except that for permitted turkey hunts the daily bag limit is one gobbler per permit, and the bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, and on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA entrance and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting, except for the archery and youth gun hunt, is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only Feb. 1 - 28 with weapons legal for small game. 100

7. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting Mar. 15 – 31 is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Deer seasons other than youth hunts are restricted to archery and primitive weapons. 9. DOVE HUNTING: Dove hunting is allowed from 2 p.m. – sunset on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the first season. After the first season, dove hunting follows statewide season dates. No entry prior to 1:00pm on opening day. The number of hunters on the dove field is limited to 40. 10. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles is allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 11. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hunting hours. 12. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 13. CLOSED AREA: The area North of Hwy 12 shall be closed to hunting, fishing, and trapping. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2023. RULE 1.36 CHARLES RAY NIX WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Charles Ray Nix Wildlife Management Area in Panola County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, PRIMITIVE WEAPON DEER HUNTING PERMITS, HANDICAPPED DEER HUNTING AREA, and 101

LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery

Oct. 1 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Deer

Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Primitive Weapons-Permit Only season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon Saturday prior to Thanksgiving – the day before Thanksgiving. – Permit Only First Friday in December continuing for 36 days.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Archery

Day after the end of the Primitive Weapon – Permit Only season Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only

All full weekends in April.

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28

/ Youth Deer

May 15 – June 1 RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28

RACCOON

Jul. 1 - Sept. 30

RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

Friday and Saturday nights.

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QUAIL DOVE

First Monday in November through the third Sunday in February. See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA Headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. PRIMITIVE WEAPON DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting during the primitive weapon season is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 6. HANDICAPPED DEER HUNTING AREA: Only handicapped hunters are allowed to hunt in this area during deer season. Handicapped hunters may hunt with a rifle in the handicapped area from the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving – the day before Thanksgiving and the first Friday in December – January 31. This area will be open to all other hunters outside of deer season. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. b. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. 103

c. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 8. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Youth turkey hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 9. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only archery equipment and primitive weapon may be used for deer hunting. Youth hunters may use centerfire rifles or shotguns with slugs for deer during youth gun and primitive weapon seasons. Handicap hunters may use centerfire rifles or shotguns with slugs for deer in the handicapped area during the handicapped rifle season. 10. DOVE HUNTING: Hunting hours for opening day are 2:00 p.m. until sunset. No entry prior to 1:00 p.m. on opening day. During the remaining statewide season framework, dove hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. 11. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting access only from Sept. 1 – May 1. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 12. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses allowed on entire area during nighttime hours. 13. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 14. CLOSED AREA: The area designated as the shooting range shall be closed to hunting, fishing, and trapping. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2024. RULE 1.37 SKY LAKE WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area in Humphreys and Leflore Counties. SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

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COMMENTS

DEER

Archery

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Oct. 2

Nov. 1

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday only.)

Youth Gun

Nov. 6

Nov. 8

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday only.)

Primitive Weapon

Nov. 13

Jan. 24

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday only.)

– Permit Only

– Permit Only TURKEY

SEASON CLOSED

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24

Sept. 30

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday only.

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1

Jan. 31

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday only.

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

Daily

RACCOON

Jul. 1

Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct. 1

Jan. 31

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday only.

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

Daily

TRAPPING

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday only. Shooting hours end at 12 p.m.

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See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERAN/ ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide season

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations

Open after waterfowl season.

RABBIT

Oct. 15

Jan. 31

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday only.

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

Daily

Nov. 26

Jan. 31

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday only.

Feb. 1

Mar. 1

Daily

QUAIL

B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. Visitors to the Sky Lake Boardwalk and Visitor’s Center are exempt from the WMA User Permit. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at a selfservice deer check station located on Sky Lake WMA and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting, except for the youth gun hunt, is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts.

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5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 15 inches OR one main beam length of at least 18 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. b. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. c. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. SMALL GAME HUNTING: Small game seasons for species not listed will be open on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during their respective statewide season dates until January 31. After January 31 these seasons will be open daily. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting during the youth deer hunt. Other deer seasons are restricted to archery and primitive weapons. 9. WATERFOWL: Waterfowl hunting closes at 12 p.m. All hunt participants, spent shot shells, and equipment must be removed from the WMA by 1 p.m., except during the Youth/Veteran/Active Military waterfowl hunt which shall run concurrent with the statewide waterfowl youth, Veteran and Active Military hunt. 10. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric bicycles is allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 11. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed during nighttime hunting hours. 12. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. 13. SCOUTING: Scouting is allowed daily from February 1 – September 30 and on Sunday – Wednesday from October 1 – January 31. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.38 HOWARD MILLER WMA REGULATIONS. 107

A. Regulations for Howard Miller Wildlife Management Area in Issaquena County. SPECIES

SEASON

YOUTH DEERPERMIT ONLY WATERFOWL

See YOUTH DEER PERMIT in YOUTH DEER- PERMIT ONLY SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS See WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

– Permit Only SEPTEMBER TEAL SEASON

COMMENTS

See SEPTEMBER TEAL SEASON PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

– Permit Only YOUTH/VETERAN/ ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

Open concurrent with statewide season.

See OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations

TRAPPING

Feb. 1 - 28

DOVE

Open after waterfowl season.

See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold.

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2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits. Bag limits for Permitted YOUTH DEER hunt is one (1) antlerless deer and one (1) any-antlered buck per permit. 3. LEGAL SHOT/WEAPONS: Only non-toxic shot may be used for hunting waterfowl on this area. Any weapon may be used for the Permitted YOUTH DEER hunts. 4. WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS: All waterfowl hunts, except for the youth/veteran/Active Military hunts, are draw hunts only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Waterfowl draw hunts will be conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only. 5. OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS: a. All other migratory game birds may be hunted in assigned units while on permitted waterfowl hunts during the legal season for the species. b. Outside of the regular duck season, migratory game birds may be hunted daily on the WMA during the legal seasons for those species. 6. NON-HUNTING USE / SCOUTING: ATV use from October 1 – November 15 is prohibited. During Waterfowl seasons, non-hunting use/scouting is allowed by foot traffic only on Sundays and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. and all visitors may ONLY park at the front entrance parking area. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Retrievers allowed during migratory game bird hunts. All other dogs prohibited. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 8. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting access only. No vehicles allowed on levees. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 9. HORSES: No horses allowed. 10. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 11. SHOOTING HOURS: a. Shooting hours for waterfowl end at 12 p.m., except during the youth, Veterans, and Active Military waterfowl hunt which shall run concurrent with the statewide waterfowl youth, Veterans, and Active Military hunt. b. Waterfowl hunters must check-out by 1p.m. c. All other migratory bird shooting hours are the same as statewide seasons. 109

12. DOVE: Dove may be hunted during the first statewide season east of the main gravel road. Shooting hours for dove are from 2 p.m. until sunset. No entry prior to 1:00 p.m. on opening day. 13. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be recorded on DAILY VISITOR USE PERMIT card or the WMA Check-In App before leaving the area. All deer harvested must be checked at a self-service data collection station by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.39 THEODORE MARS WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Theodore A. Mars, Jr. Memorial Wildlife Refuge in Pearl River County. SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS

DEER

Youth Archery

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL DEER, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Youth Gun

Oct. 15 – Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season. Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season - Feb. 15

YOUTH TURKEY

March 8 – May 1

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept 24 - 30

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING

Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

RABBIT

Saturday nearest Oct. 15 - Feb. 28

110

QUAIL

Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be recorded on the DAILY VISITOR USE PERMIT card or WMA Check-In App. 4. LEGAL DEER: Antlerless deer and bucks with hardened antlers visible above the natural hairline are legal for harvest. 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. b. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. c. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs or buckshot, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 7. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated trails and for the retrieval of harvested deer or hogs only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 8. HORSES: Horseback riding is allowed on designated roads and trails outside of deer hunting season. 9. CAMPING: No camping allowed. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. 111

History: Updated May 2024. RULE 1.40 CHARLIE CAPPS WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Charlie Capps Wildlife Management Area in Bolivar County. SPECIES WATERFOWL – Permit Only Except for youth/veteran/Activ e Military Waterfowl hunts.

SEASON

COMMENTS

See WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERA N/ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide season.

SEPTEMBER TEAL

Open concurrent with statewide season

OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

May hunt teal on any available open water. Excluding Conservation League Lake See OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations

TRAPPING

Feb. 1 –28

FISHING

Feb. 16 – Oct. 31

Open after waterfowl season.

See FISHING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

112

1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits. 3. LEGAL SHOT: Only non-toxic shot may be used for hunting waterfowl. 4. WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS: All waterfowl hunts, except for the youth/veteran/Active Military hunts and early teal season, are draw hunts only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Early teal season hunting is allowed in the borrow area only (see map at www.mdwfp.com/wma). 5. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Retrievers allowed during migratory game bird hunts. All other dogs are prohibited. b. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 6. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting access only. No vehicles allowed on impoundment levees. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 7. HORSES: No horses allowed. 8. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 9. SHOOTING HOURS: Shooting hours for waterfowl end at 12 p.m. Waterfowl hunters must check-out by 1 p.m., except during the youth, Veteran, and Active Military waterfowl hunt which shall run concurrent with the statewide waterfowl youth, Veteran, and Active Military hunt. 10. OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS: All other migratory game birds may be hunted in assigned units while on permitted waterfowl hunts during the legal season for the species. Outside of the duck season, migratory game birds may be hunted daily on the WMA during the legal season for that species. 11. NON-HUNTING USE OF THE AREA: During Waterfowl seasons, nonhunting use of the area is allowed by foot traffic only on Sundays and Tuesdays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.

113

12. FISHING: a. No fishing from November 1 – February 15. b. Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset. c. Only bank fishing and non-motorized boats may be used. d. Daily Creel Limits: i. Largemouth bass: 5 per day. ii. Crappie: 20 per day. iii. Bream: 100 per day. iv. Catfish: 10 per day. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.41 WILLIAM C. (BILLY) DEVINEY WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for William C. (Billy) Deviney Wildlife Management Area in Sunflower County. SPECIES WATERFOWL – Permit Only

SEASON

COMMENTS

See WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERAN /ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide season.

SEPTEMBER TEAL

Open concurrent May hunt teal on any available open water, with statewide including the waterfowl sanctuary. season Open daily during statewide goose seasons through the Friday after Thanksgiving.

GEESE: Canada, white-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’, and Brant

114

DOVE

See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS

See OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

Open after waterfowl season.

TRAPPING

Feb. 1 –28

See Federal Regulations

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. LYONS TRACT Deer

For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery

Oct. 1 – Jan. 15

Small Game, Woodcock, and Snipe

Jan. 16 - End of statewide season.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated.

115

3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the selfservice data collection station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 4. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger, any antlered buck is a legal buck

5. LEGAL SHOT: Only non-toxic shot may be used for hunting waterfowl on this area. 6. WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS: All waterfowl hunts, except for the youth/veteran/active military hunts, are draw hunts only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: a. Retrievers are allowed during migratory game bird hunts. b. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs and/or deer with the use of dogs is prohibited. c. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed on the Lyon Tracts Only. 6. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting access only. No vehicles allowed on impoundment levees. Off-road use of ORV/ATV/Electric Bicycles is allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 7. HORSES: No horses allowed. 8. CAMPING: No camping allowed. 9. SHOOTING HOURS: Shooting hours for waterfowl end at 12 p.m. Waterfowl hunters must check-out by 1 p.m., except during the waterfowl youth hunt which shall run concurrent with the statewide waterfowl youth hunt. 10. BEARS: Black bears may occur on this WMA. Hunting or disturbing bears is prohibited. Please report any bear sightings on your daily visitor use permit.

116

11. NON-HUNTING USE OF THE AREA: During Waterfowl seasons, nonhunting use of the area is allowed by foot traffic only on Sundays and Tuesdays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. 12. DOVE HUNTING: The opening day dove hunt will be a permit only hunt on the designated field beginning at 2:00pm. Hunters must show up to the dove field parking area by 12:00pm to check in. Non-permitted hunters may come to the dove field parking area by 12:00pm and enter a random drawing for any openings created by permitted hunters not showing up. No entry prior to 1:00 p.m. on opening day. Following the opening day hunt, dove hunting will be allowed daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset, first season only. History: Updated May 2024. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. RULE 1.42 MCHENRY WMA REGULATIONS. BE IT ORDERED, that the property owned by the MDWFP known as “McHenry,” located in Stone County, is hereby declared a wildlife management project or refuge to be managed as a Wildlife Management Area, under the authority of MISS. CODE ANN. Section 49-5-13 and shall be open for shooting range operations only. It shall remain closed to hunting, fishing, and trapping. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2014 RULE 1.43 CANEMOUNT WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Canemount Wildlife Management Area in Claiborne County. SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct.

1

Nov. 2

117

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only Gun

Nov. 20

Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks

Nov. 6

Nov. 16

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Mar. 14

Mar. 15

See YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

March 16

May 1

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

May 15

June 1

See SQUIRREL HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

– Permit Only Youth Gun – Permit Only YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only TURKEY – Permit Only SQUIRREL

NO OTHER SEASONS shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. The Commission may expand, shorten, restrict or otherwise alter, the hunting opportunities set forth herein, in order to best manage the animal population(s) on the management area. Any changes in hunting opportunities may be affected by Executive Order. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: a. Deer: Three (3) antlerless deer and one (1) legal buck per permitted hunt. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. b. Turkey: One (1) legal turkey per permitted hunting party. c. Squirrel: Same as statewide bag limits.

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3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All harvested deer must be checked at the WMA headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. ALL heads from antlerless deer harvested on Canemount WMA must be deposited in the Canemount WMA CWD collection freezer. 4. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 5. YOUTH DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Youth deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Hunting with dogs is prohibited, except Squirrel Hunting with dogs is allowed during squirrel season. 8. TURKEY HUNTING: Turkey hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 9. YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING: Youth turkey hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 10. SQUIRREL HUNTING: Squirrel hunting is allowed from February 1 – 28 and May 15 – June 1. 11. LEGAL WEAPONS: Centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, centerfire handguns, and archery equipment may be used for deer hunting. 12. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Electric carts may be used on any WMA road for turkey hunting access during turkey season only. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 13. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited.

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14. CAMPING: No camping is allowed. 15. SCOUTING is allowed daily prior to Oct. 1. From October 1 – January 31, the area is closed to all activities Monday - Wednesday. Scouting is allowed on Friday prior the youth turkey hunt and Thursdays only during permitted turkey hunts. Only those persons drawn to hunt will be allowed on the area during permitted deer hunts. During permitted turkey hunts, only the hunter and their partner will be allowed on the area. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated April 2025. RULE 1.44 RIVERFRONT WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Riverfront Wildlife Management Area in Bolivar County.

SPECIES

SEASON

DEER

Archery –

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Nov. 1 – 30

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Permit only Primitive Weapon Dec. 1 – Dec. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit only Small Game

Jan. 1 – Feb. 28

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to 120

completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2.

HUNTING AREA: See map at mdwfp.com/wma.

3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except: Deer: One (1) legal buck per hunt and one (1) antlerless deer per day, not to exceed three (3) antlerless deer per hunt. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the WMA Headquarters and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only primitive weapons and archery equipment may be used for deer hunting. 9. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 10. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited. 11. CAMPING: Camping is prohibited on this area. 12. SCOUTING: Deer scouting is allowed daily Oct. 1 – 13 and on Thursdays only during permitted deer hunts. Only those persons drawn to hunt will be allowed on the area during permitted deer hunts.

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13. HIGH WATER: The WMA will be closed when the Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City reads 26 feet or higher and will reopen when the Mississippi River gauge at Arkansas City drops below 26 feet. The earliest daily reading will determine WMA closure for the entire day. River stages can be obtained from www.mdwfp.com/wma. The earliest daily reading will determine WMA closure for the entire day. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Updated May 2024. RULE 1.45 COSSAR STATE PARK REGULATIONS. The unimproved part or parts of the property owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers known as “George P. Cossar State Park,” located in Yalobusha County, is hereby declared a wildlife management project or refuge to be managed as a Wildlife Management Area, under the authority of MISS. CODE ANN. Section 49-5-13 and shall be open for white-tailed deer and squirrel hunting. A. Regulations for Cossar State Park in Yalobusha County. SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Group Deer Hunts – Permit Only Senior Adult Hunt – Permit Only

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see HUNTING AREA, BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, ELIGIBLE HUNTERS, LEGAL BUCKS, DOG RESTRICTIONS, and LEGAL WEAPONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Wednesdays – Sundays in December.

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Wednesdays – Sundays in January.

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed unless stated in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

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1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. HUNTING AREA: See map at mdwfp.com/wma. 3. BAG LIMITS: Deer - Same as statewide bag limits EXCEPT the bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per permitted hunter and on antlerless deer is one (1) per day. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. Squirrel – May be hunted during the permitted hunt. Statewide bag limit applies. Park regulations apply, including those regarding pets. 4. PERMIT STATIONS: All hunters must check-in at the park office. 5. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be brought to the check station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them for biological data collection. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 6. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 7. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 10 inches OR one main beam length of at least 13 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 8. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 9. LEGAL WEAPONS: Archery equipment, muzzleloading rifles, and shotgun with slugs. 10. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed only for the retrieval of harvested deer. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 11. PARKING: Hunters must park in designated parking areas only. 12. CAMPING: Camping is allowed under State Park regulation.

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Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Revised May 2024 RULE 1.46 “PHIL BRYANT” WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Phil Bryant Wildlife Management Area in Issaquena and Warren Counties. 1.

Backwoods Unit.

SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Archery Group Draw – Permit Only

Oct.

1

Nov. 2

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Gun Group Draw – Permit Only

Nov. 5

Jan. 14

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks.

Senior Adult – Permit Only

Jan. 15

Jan. 16

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits.

TURKEY

Permit Only.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24

Sept. 30

SQUIRREL & RABBIT – Group Draw

Oct. 1

Jan. 14

See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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Open to hunters drawn during group draw hunts.

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

Daily.

SQUIRREL

May 15

June 1

Daily.

RACCOON

Jul.

1

Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

Daily.

TRAPPING

Jan.

Feb. 28

WATERFOWL – Group Draw Permit Only

Open concurrent with state waterfowl season for hunters drawn during the group draw.

WATERFOWL

15

Open on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from Jan. 15 – Jan. 31. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERAN/ ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide youth and veteran/Active Military waterfowl days.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

WOODCOCK – Group Draw Only

Open concurrent with Statewide Season.

Open to hunters drawn during group draw hunts.

WOODCOCK

Jan. 15

Daily.

SNIPE – Group Draw Only

Open concurrent with Statewide Season.

Open to hunters drawn during group draw hunts.

SNIPE

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

Daily

FISHING – Group Draw

Oct. 1

Jan. 14

Open to hunters drawn during group draw hunts.

FISHING

Jan. 15

Sept. 30

Daily

Jan. 31

Backwoods units are closed to scouting from Oct. 1 – January 14.

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2.

Buck Bayou Unit.

SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct.

1

Oct. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun –

Nov. 1

Nov. 2

Antlerless deer and any antlered buck.

Primitive Weapon

Nov. 6

Nov. 30

Antlerless deer and legal bucks

Gun - Permit Only

Dec. 1

Dec. 31

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks.

Archery/

Jan. 1

Jan. 14

Legal bucks only.

Senior Adult – Permit Only

Jan. 15

Jan. 16

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits.

TURKEY

Permit Only.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24

Sept. 30

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Oct. 1

Dec. 31

– Permit Only

– Permit Only

Youth Gun

See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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Saturdays only, except closed on Nov. 1

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Jan. 1

Feb. 28

Daily.

SQUIRREL

May 15

June 1

Daily.

RACCOON

Jul.

1

Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Oct.

1

Dec. 31

Friday nights only.

Feb. 28

Daily.

TRAPPING

Jan.

WATERFOWL Permit Only - Except for youth/veteran/Active Military waterfowl hunts, the September teal season, and the post season light goose conservation order.

Jan. 1 1

Feb. 28 See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERAN/ ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with the statewide Youth/Veteran/Active Military Waterfowl Season

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations.

Open after waterfowl season.

WOODCOCK

Same as Statewide Seasons.

Woodcock hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal woodcock season.

SNIPE

Same as Statewide Seasons.

Snipe hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal snipe season.

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FISHING

Jan. 15

Sept. 30

Daily

Oct. 1

Jan. 14

Saturdays only.

The Buck Bayou Unit Will Be Closed To ALL ACTIVITES On Tuesdays from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. SCOUTING IS ALLOWED ON SATURDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS. 3.

Ten Point Unit.

SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct.

1

Nov. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Dec. 1

Dec. 21

Antlerless deer and legal bucks

Youth and Handicapped Gun – Permit Only

Dec. 25

Jan. 11

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Senior Adult – Permit Only

Jan. 15

Jan. 16

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits.

TURKEY

Permit Only

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24

– Permit Only Gun – Permit Only

See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Sept. 30

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SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Oct. 1

Jan. 14

Open only on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

Daily.

SQUIRREL

May 15

June 1

Daily.

RACCOON

Jul.

1

Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

Daily.

TRAPPING

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

WATERFOWL

Open on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during statewide waterfowl seasons. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERAN/ ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open Concurrent with statewide seasons.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

WOODCOCK

Same as Statewide Seasons.

Woodcock hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal woodcock season. Open daily from Jan. 15 - 31

SNIPE

FISHING

Same as Statewide Seasons.

Jan. 15

Sept. 30

Oct. 1

Jan. 14

Snipe hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal snipe season. Open daily from Jan. 15 – Feb. 28 Daily Open only on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

Scouting is allowed daily prior to Oct. 1, and on any small game hunting days thereafter. Only those persons drawn to hunt are allowed on the unit during permitted hunts.

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4.

Goose Lake Unit.

SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery Only

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct.

1

Jan. 14

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Senior Adult – Permit Only

Jan. 15

Jan. 16

Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits.

TURKEY

Permit Only.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24

Sept. 30

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Oct. 1

Jan. 14

Open only on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

SQUIRREL & RABBIT

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

Daily.

SQUIRREL

May 15

June 1

Daily.

RACCOON

Jul.

1

Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only.

RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT

Jan. 15

Feb. 28

Daily.

– Permit Only

See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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TRAPPING

Jan.

15

Feb. 28

WATERFOWL -

Open on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during statewide waterfowl seasons. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERAN/ ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL

Open concurrent with statewide seasons.

See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

WOODCOCK

Same as Statewide Seasons.

Woodcock hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal woodcock season. Open daily from Jan. 15 - 31

SNIPE

FISHING

Same as Statewide Seasons.

Jan. 15

Sept. 30

Oct. 1

Jan. 14

Snipe hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal snipe season. Open daily from Jan. 15 – Feb. 28 Daily

Open only on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Scouting is allowed daily prior to Oct. 1, and on any small game hunting days thereafter. Only those persons drawn to hunt are allowed on the units during permitted hunts. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. BAG LIMITS: Season bag limit of 3 deer, of which only 1 may be a legal buck. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits. The bag limit during the Senior Adult Hunt will be 1 legal buck and 1 antlerless deer per hunt. Bag limit for turkeys is 1 adult gobbler per permitted hunt. Backwoods Unit: Group bag limit of 4 legal bucks and 8 antlerless deer. All harvested deer count towards the Phil Bryant WMA and statewide bag limits.

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3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at a WMA check station and recorded on WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them before leaving the WMA. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. Deer harvest on Goose Lake Unit must be checked in at either the Hwy 61 Boat Ramp or Ten Point Unit data collection station. Deer harvested on Buck Bayou Unit must be checked in at the Buck Bayou Visitor Permit station at the Buck Bayou parking area, see map for location. Once the jawbone is removed, ALL antlerless deer heads harvested on Phil Bryant WMA must be tagged and deposited in the Mahannah or Phil Bryant CWD Collection freezer. 4. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 5. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. During the Buck Bayou Unit Youth Only Hunt ONLY, hunters 15 years of age or younger may harvest any antlered buck. During ALL other Permit Only hunts, a youth hunter must harvest a buck with an inside spread of at least 16 inches OR one main beam length of at least 20 inches. 6. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Small game hunting with dogs is allowed during any small game season. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 7. TURKEY HUNTING: Turkey hunting will be allowed by special permit only. 8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting. 9. WATERFOWL: You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Shooting hours end at 12 p.m. for all hunt units. Ten Point and Goose Lake Units are open to waterfowl hunting, no draw, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays during the statewide waterfowl season. Shooting hours end at 12 p.m. for all hunt units. Waterfowl hunters must check-out by 1 p.m. except during the youth/veteran waterfowl hunt which shall run concurrent with the statewide waterfowl youth/veteran hunt. No boats, blinds, or decoys are to be left out overnight. Waterfowl hunting shall open daily on the Ten Point and Goose Lake units during the waterfowl season while the Steele Bayou Landside Gauge is at or above 82.0 feet. Backwoods Unit: Only open to waterfowl hunting to those drawn for the group hunts from opening day of waterfowl season – Jan. 14. Backwoods unit is open to waterfowl hunting on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from Jan. 15 – 31 and during the Youth/Veteran Waterfowl days. From Jan 15 – 31, shooting hours will end at 12 p.m. and waterfowl hunters must check-out by 1 p.m. Buck Bayou Unit: All waterfowl hunting will be managed through the Mahannah WMA waterfowl hunting process. No persons may leave Anderson-Tully Road or launch a boat until the waterfowl 132

draw process has been completed for the Buck Bayou and Mahannah Units. Waterfowl draw hunts will be conducted for Mahannah / Buck Bayou on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays ONLY. 10. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed on designated roads or trails for hunting and fishing access only. Off-road use of ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles is allowed for retrieval of harvested deer or hogs. During all WMA deer firearms seasons, no loaded shoulder fired weapons allowed within 100 feet of any road within WMA, including ATV trails. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. Goose Lake: ORVs/ATVs are prohibited on Goose Lake Unit. 11. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited during WMA deer and turkey seasons. At all other times, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles and designated ATV trails. Raccoon hunting from horses is allowed on entire area during nighttime hunting hours. 12. CAMPING: Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping equipment may not be left unattended for more than 24 hours. All camping equipment and garbage must be removed before final departure. Camping for Goose Lake Unit is ONLY allowed at the Ten Point or Mahannah WMA Campgrounds. Backwoods: Camping for Backwoods Unit 4 is only allowed at the Mahannah WMA campground. 13. SCOUTING: a. Backwoods: No scouting allowed from Oct. 1 – Jan. 14. Open daily from Jan. 15 – Sept. 30. b. Buck Bayou: SCOUTING is allowed daily prior to Oct. 1, and on any Saturdays, Wednesdays, and on any small game hunting days thereafter. Only those persons drawn to hunt, and waterfowl hunters during waterfowl season, will be allowed on the area during permitted hunts. c. Ten Point and Goose Lake Units: Scouting is allowed daily prior to Oct. 1, and on any small game hunting days thereafter. Only those persons drawn to hunt are allowed on the units during permitted hunts. 14. HIGH WATER: Phil Bryant WMA will be closed to all activities, except waterfowl hunting, when the Mississippi River gauge at Vicksburg reaches 43 ft. and shall remain so until the Mississippi River level falls to or below 41.0 ft. and/or when the Steele Bayou landside gauge reaches 82.0 ft. and shall remain closed until the Steele Bayou level falls to or below 80ft. Waterfowl hunting shall open daily on the Ten Point and Goose Lake units during the waterfowl season after 82 feet on the Steel Bayou Landside Gauge. Previously drawn hunters for the Backwoods unit may only waterfowl hunt during Mahannah permitted waterfowl hunts.

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15. PARKING: Buck Bayou visitors must park in the Buck Bayou Unit parking area only. See map for location. Visitors from Buck Bayou Unit and Mahannah WMA may not park at Backwoods Units Campsites between October 1-January 31. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. History: Revised April 2025. RULE 1.47 Calling Panther Lake WMA Regulations A. Regulations for Calling Panther WMA in Copiah County. SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

DEER

Archery

COMMENTS For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, LEGAL WEAPONS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

Oct. 1

Jan. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

SQUIRREL

Feb. 1

Feb. 28

Shotguns only.

YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only

Mar. 8

Last Sunday in April.

See YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in Special Instructions.

– Permit Only

NO OTHER SEASON shall be open and no other animals shall be hunted or disturbed. B. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: 1. WMA USER PERMIT: All persons using this wildlife management area, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must carry on their person an annual statewide Wildlife Management Area User Permit. This permit is required in addition to

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completing the daily visitor use permit or by using the WMA Check-In App and any required license and may be purchased wherever licenses are sold. 2. NO HUNTING AREA: See WMA map for areas closed to all hunting. 3. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits EXCEPT the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per year. All harvested deer count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated. 4. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be brought to the check station for biological data collection and recorded on the WMA Daily Use Permit Card or WMA Check-In App by the hunter who harvested them. If WMA personnel are not available to check the deer, the hunter is responsible for collecting and legibly recording ALL biological data (weight, antler measurements, and jawbone). Instructions and equipment will be provided. 5. DEER HUNTING PERMITS: Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 6. LEGAL BUCKS: Legal bucks are those with an inside spread of at least 12 inches OR one main beam length of at least 15 inches. For hunters 15 years of age or younger any antlered buck is a legal buck. 7. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Squirrel hunting with dogs is allowed. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited. 8. YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING: Youth turkey hunting is allowed by special permit only. You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. 9. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only archery equipment may be used for deer hunting. Only shotguns may be used for squirrel hunting. 10. OFF-ROAD MOTORIZED VEHICLES/ATVs: ORVs/ATVs/Electric Bicycles are allowed only for the retrieval of harvested deer and hogs. Additionally, electric bicycles may be ridden on marked foot-traffic trails only by users 65 years of age and older. They may not be ridden on any leveed roads or trails. 11. HORSES: Horseback riding is prohibited. 12. CAMPING: Camping is allowed under State Lake regulation (40 Miss Admin Code Part 3 Chap 2.1). 13. FISHING: Fishing is allowed under State Lake regulation (40 Miss Admin Code Part 3 Chap 2.1). 135

14. BOAT ACCESS: Hunting access by boat is allowed. A state lake boat launching permit is required. Boats must follow state and coast guard regulations. History: Updated May 2024. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13. Part 2, Chapter 2: White-tailed Deer RULE 2.2 WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS. Note: MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-35, provides, “Whenever the time fixed by statute for the beginning of a game season shall fall on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday.” A. 2024 – 2025 WHITE-TAILED DEER HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS: 1. Velvet Season (effective July 1, 2022): Consecutive Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between September 10 – 20 on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and specified Wildlife Management Areas. Dates for 2025 shall be September 12-14. a. Archery: Longbows, recurves, compound bows, and crossbows. There is no minimum or maximum draw weight. There is no minimum length arrow. Fixed or mechanical broadheads may be used. b. Only legal bucks for the respective Deer Management Unit may be harvested. c. The bag limit is one (1) legal buck and count towards the annual antlered deer bag limit. d. Hunters (including license exempt hunters) must report their harvest by 10:00 PM the day of harvest. Hunters can report via the MDWFP smartphone application or MDWFP web portal. e. All hunters, unless exempt or have a lifetime license, must possess a valid Velvet Season Permit. The cost of the resident permit shall be ten dollars ($10). f. All harvested bucks must be submitted for CWD sampling to a MDWFP CWD drop-off freezer or to an MDWFP participating taxidermist within 5 days of harvest. 2. Delta Deer Management Unit – Areas west of I-55 and north of I-20 plus areas south of I-20 and west of U.S. Highway 61. OPEN PUBLIC LANDS include National Forests, Corps of Engineers lands, etc., that have statewide seasons without special regulations. 136

a. Archery: October 1 – November 21 (Either-sex on private land and open public land)

b. Early Primitive Weapon: November 10 – 21 (ANTLERLESS DEER ONLY on private land) i. This special deer hunt is established pursuant to the authority granted the Commission in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-37(2), (3), & (4). ii. All deer hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink while this special hunt is in effect. iii. ONLY ANTLERLESS DEER MAY BE HARVESTED WITH PRIMITIVE WEAPONS DURING THE EARLY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS HUNT. c. Gun (with dogs): November 22 – December 1 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) d. Primitive Weapon: December 2 – 15 (Either-sex on private and open public land) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) e. Gun (without dogs): December 16 – 23 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) f. Gun (with dogs): December 24 – January 21 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) g. Archery /Primitive Weapon: January 22 – 31 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) 3. Hills Deer Management Unit – All areas except the Delta, North Central, and Southeast Deer Management Units. OPEN PUBLIC LANDS include National Forests, excluding the Holly Springs National Forest, Corps of Engineers lands, etc., that have statewide seasons without special regulations. a. Archery: October 1 – November 21 (Either-sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs National Forest) b. Early Primitive Weapon: November 10 – 21 (ANTLERLESS DEER ONLY on private land) i. This special deer hunt is established pursuant to the authority granted the Commission in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-37(2), (3), & (4). ii. All deer hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink while this special hunt is in effect.ONLY 137

ANTLERLESS DEER MAY BE HARVESTED WITH PRIMITIVE WEAPONS DURING THE EARLY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS HUNT. c. Gun (with dogs): November 22 – December 1 (Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs National Forest; legal bucks only on open public land) d. Primitive Weapon: December 2 – 15 (Either-sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs National Forest) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) e. Gun (without dogs): December 16 – 23 (Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs National Forest; legal bucks only on all other open public land) f. Gun (with dogs): December 24 – January 21 (Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs National Forest; legal bucks only on open public land) g. Archery /Primitive Weapon: January 22 – 31 (Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs National Forest; legal bucks only on open public land) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) 4. Southeast Deer Management Unit - Areas south of U.S. Highway 84 and east of MS Highway

35. OPEN PUBLIC LANDS include National Forests, Corps of Engineers lands, etc., that have statewide seasons without special regulations. a. Archery: October 15 – November 21 (Either-sex on private land and open public land) b. Gun (with dogs): November 22 – December 1 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) c. Primitive Weapon: December 2 – 15 (Either-sex on private and open public land) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) d. Gun (without dogs): December 16 – 23 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) e. Gun (with dogs): December 24 – January 21 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) f. Archery / Primitive Weapon: January 22 – January 31 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) and February 1 – 15 (Legal bucks only on private land and open public land) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) 5. North Central Deer Management Unit – All portions of Alcorn, Benton, Desoto, Marshall, 138

Tate, and Tippah counties. OPEN PUBLIC LANDS include National Forests, Corps of Engineers lands, etc., that have statewide seasons without special regulations. a.

Archery: October 1 – November 21 (Either-sex on private land

and open public land) b. Early Primitive Weapon: November 10 – 21 (ANTLERLESS DEER ONLY on private land) i. This special deer hunt is established pursuant to the authority granted the Commission in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-37(2), (3), & (4). ii. All deer hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink while this special hunt is in effect. iii. ONLY ANTLERLESS DEER MAY BE HARVESTED WITH PRIMITIVE WEAPONS DURING THE EARLY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS HUNT. c.

Gun (with dogs): November 22 – December 1 (Either-sex on

private land; legal bucks only on open public land) d. Primitive Weapon: December 2 – 15 (Either-sex on private and open public land) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) e. Gun (without dogs): December 16 – 23 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) f. Gun (with dogs): December 24 – January 21 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) g. Archery /Primitive Weapon: January 22 – 31 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land) (Weapon of choice may be used on private land; see Legal Weapons C.4 below) 6. Youth Deer Hunts: a. Northeast, North Central, East Central, Southwest, Hills, and Delta Deer Management Units: Private lands: November 8 – January 31. b. Southeast Deer Management Unit: Private lands: November 8 – February 15. c. Authorized state and federal lands: Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. 139

d. Authorized state and federal lands include Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U. S. Corps of Engineers managed lands which designate the youth deer season in their regulations and open U. S. Forest Service National Forest lands. e. Persons eligible to participate in Youth Deer Hunts i. Children who are fifteen (15) years of age or younger. ii. A child at least twelve (12) years of age and under sixteen (16) years of age must have a certificate of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department before hunting in this state or be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when hunting. iii. A child under the age of twelve (12) must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when the child is hunting. iv. A licensed hunter supervising a child as provided in this section must hold a valid Mississippi license for the species being hunted. v. Youth may carry and use any firearm with which they can safely hunt, and in compliance with other applicable laws, rules and regulations. vi. Both youth and adults must wear 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink, except while the hunters are in a fully enclosed deer stand / blind or hunting from a deer stand that is elevated twelve (12) feet or more above the ground. All hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink while traveling to and from the stand / blind. vii. Archery hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink while these special hunts are in effect, except when the hunter is in a fully enclosed deer stand / blind or hunting from a deer stand that is elevated twelve (12) feet or more above the ground. During these hunts, archery hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange or pink while traveling to and from the stand/blind. viii. Bucks and antlerless deer may be harvested during the Youth Deer Hunts. ix. Hunters fifteen (15) years of age and younger may harvest any antlered buck regardless of antler size for all three (3) of their three (3) buck bag limit. B. BAG LIMITS. 1. Antlered Buck Deer: Legal bucks must meet the following antler 140

criteria within the appropriate deer management unit. a. Hills Deer Management Units Legal Buck: The bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 31). Southeast Deer Management Unit Legal Buck: The bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season (Oct. 15 – Feb. 15). Two antlered buck deer must have either a minimum inside spread of ten (10) inches OR a minimum main beam length of thirteen (13) inches. One of the three (3) bucks may be any antlered deer on Private Land and on the Holly Springs National Forest. b. Delta Deer Management Unit Legal Buck: The bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 31). Two antlered buck deer must have either a minimum inside spread of twelve (12) inches OR a minimum main beam length of fifteen (15) inches. One of the three (3) bucks may be any antlered deer on Private Land. c. North Central Deer Management Unit: On private lands, the bag limit on antlered buck deer is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed four (4) per annual season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 31). The bag limit on antlered buck deer on the portions of Holly Springs National Forest that lies within the North Central Deer Management Unit is one (1) buck per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 31). Legal bucks may be any antlered deer. d. Statewide: Hunters fifteen (15) years of age and younger may harvest any antlered buck regardless of antler size for all three (3) of their three (3) buck bag limit. 2. Antlerless Deer: The bag limit on antlerless deer is five (5) per annual season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 31), unless otherwise stated below: a. Antlerless deer are defined as any female deer and any male deer without hardened antler above the hairline. Spotted fawns are not to be killed. b. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Army managed lands are authorized to harvest antlerless deer on days designated by Federal Regulations. Contact local National Wildlife Refuge, Corps of Engineers, or U.S. Army for details. c. Holly Springs National Forest, Tombigbee National Forest, Bienville National Forest, and Homochitto National Forest: Bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day, not to exceed five (5) per annual season. d. Southeast Deer Management Unit, including Desoto National Forest: Bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day, not to exceed three (3) per annual season. e. North Central Deer Management Unit: Bag limit on antlerless deer 141

is ten (10) per annual season (Oct. 1 – Jan. 31). C. Legal Weapons for use during the following seasons: 1. Archery: Longbows, recurves, compound bows, and crossbows. There is no minimum or maximum draw weight. There is no minimum length arrow. Fixed or mechanical broadheads may be used. 2. Primitive Weapons: primitive firearms as defined in Part 4, Rule 1.3 of this title and Archery as defined above. 3. Gun: There are no caliber or magazine capacity restrictions on firearms. Primitive firearms as defined in Part 4, Rule 1.3 of this title and Archery as defined above may be used during the gun seasons. 4. During any open season on deer with primitive weapons after November 30, a person may use any legal weapon of choice, including air bows and pre-charged pneumatic weapons, on private lands ONLY, if the person is: a. The title owner of the land; b. The lessee of the hunting rights on the land; c. A member of a hunting club leasing the hunting rights on the land; or d. A guest of a person specified in subparagraph (a), (b) or (c). e. If the person is required to have a hunting license, the person must have a primitive weapon license, Sportsman's License, or a Lifetime Sportsman's License. D. Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP): 1. Management Buck Tags: a. Any antlered buck deer may be taken by permit if it is necessary to manage deer on lands under the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) or on Wildlife Management Areas. b. Any antlered deer harvested under this permit must be identified with a tag immediately upon possession. c. Antlered buck deer taken by permit shall not be subject to the daily bag limit or the annual bag limit on antlered deer. 2. Doe Tags: a. The annual and daily bag limit on antlerless deer shall not apply to private lands under the DMAP or the Fee-based Antlerless Program (FMAP) as approved by the Department. b. All harvested antlerless deer that exceed an individual hunter’s daily 142

or annual bag limit must be tagged prior to moving with a DMAP or FMAP tag provided by the Department. E. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). In an effort to detect and contain CWD, MDWFP enacts the following tools: 1. DMAP CWD Management Tags: a. MDWFP may issue either-sex DMAP CWD Management Tags to participating private lands within a 3-mile radius of any known CWD positive animal. b. The DMAP CWD Management Tags may be used during any open deer season with no weapon restrictions. c. Any deer harvested with the DMAP CWD Management Tags shall not be subject to the daily or annual bag limit. d. Use of the tags requires the following: i. Applications must be submitted prior to tags being issued. ii. The tag must be affixed to the deer prior to moving. iii. All deer harvested with these tags must be submitted for CWD sampling within seven (7) days. iv. At the conclusion of deer season, all properties receiving tags must submit a report prior to March 1 to MDWFP that details total annual deer harvest from the property, including the total number of tags used. F. Hunting with Dogs on Homochitto National Forest: 1. From November 1, – January 31, all dog hunting groups or individuals hunting with dogs must obtain a permit to use dogs to hunt any animal or to train dogs on areas open to deer hunting with dogs on Homochitto National Forest. 2. There is no cost for this permit. A permit will be issued to the dog hunting group. 3. All hunters hunting with this group must be listed on the permit prior to hunting; except youth 15 years of age and younger. 4. All hunters hunting with dogs or with the dog hunting group must have the permit on their person while hunting. 5. Five (5) guest permits will be available in addition the individuals listed on the permit. Guest permits will be valid for 4 consecutive days and must be filled out with the date, hunter’s name, hunting license number, and signed by the hunter prior to use. 6. All guests must have the permit on their person while hunting. 143

7. Guest permits must be turned in to the USFS Meadville office for replacement guest permits to be issued. When guest permits are turned in, a season permit will be issued for these individuals and replacement guest permits will be issued to the group. 8. Permit numbers must be visually displayed on the back window of all vehicles in the hunting group. 9. A permit number will be provided with each individual permit issued. Hunters must display this permit number using 3-inch, block numbers in contrast to the background color. 10. Permits will be available from the U.S. Forest Service Meadville office. Office location: 1200 Highway 184 East, Meadville, MS 39653. Office hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm (Monday – Friday). 11. Dogs must wear a functional tracking collar and be identified at all times with the permit number and the owner's contact information. Dogs must be kept on the Homochitto National Forest lands that allow deer hunting with dogs. 12. A person who violates any of the provisions of this regulation is guilty of a Class III offense, as provided in Miss. Code Ann. §49-7-101, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than Twenty Five ($25.00) nor more than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, will be enforced. 13. In addition thereto, an administrative review panel of MDWFP and U.S. Forest Service officials may, upon two (2) convictions or documented evidence of two (2) violations of this regulation within a 3-year period, revoke the dog hunting permit for a period of Twenty (20) days open to hunting deer with dogs. Upon three (3) convictions or documented evidence of three (3) violations of this regulation within a 3-year period, the dog hunting permit may be revoked for a period of one (1) year. 14. Any person who files a false affidavit in justice court alleging a violation or violations of this rule, provides false information regarding a violation of this rule, or facilitates a situation which will cause a violation of this rule to occur may be subject to prosecution for perjury and, if found guilty, punished under the provisions of Miss. Code Ann. §97-9-19, and/or be subject to a civil suit for false prosecution by the person accused of the violation. History: Updated April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31, and 49-7-41.

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Rule 2.3 FULLY-ENCLOSED HUNTING BLINDS. A. For the purposes of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-31.1(1), a “fully enclosed blind,” is defined as: 1. Any elevated stand with three or more connected sides that hides or conceals the hunter from casual observation; or 2. Any ground level shooting house or blind having four connected sides and a roof, which hides or conceals the hunter from casual observation. B. It is the intent of the Commission that this definition shall apply to tripod type stands, ladder stands, blinds and/or "shooting houses” or any other stand, whether located on the ground or elevated above ground, that can be covered so as to hide the hunter from view of game or other hunters. C. Hunters shall not be required to wear five hundred (500) square inches of solid unbroken hunter orange when: 1. Hunting from a deer stand that is elevated twelve (12) feet or more above the ground; or 2. Hunting in a fully enclosed blind. D. Although hunters are not required to wear the 500 square inches of hunter orange while hunting in the above described stands, they must comply with the requirement when traveling to and from the stands. History: Updated April 2014 Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-31.1. RULE 2.4 SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING OF WILD ANIMALS OUTSIDE OF WILDLIFE ENCLOSURES. A. To properly manage wildlife in Mississippi, MDWFP Biologists recommend a complete wildlife management program which includes: 1. Habitat management practices to improve overall habitat conditions; 2. Supplemental plantings that provide year-round forage; 3. Education of hunters and land managers; 4. Deer herd management to balance sex ratio, age structure, and population numbers within available habitat; and 5. Not allowing feeding to replace a complete wildlife management program. 145

B. It shall be unlawful to feed any wild animals except as provided in this rule. C. Supplemental Feeding of Wild Animals: It shall be lawful to feed wild animals, on private lands, subject to the following restrictions: 1. Feed may only be provided from above ground covered feeders or stationary spin cast feeders. 2. Any type of feed or food product may be used in feeders: 3. Feeders may be placed no closer than 100 yards from the outermost boundary of an area of sole ownership or exclusive hunting rights. 4. Feed may not be poured, piled, or placed directly on the ground. 5. Salt/mineral stations, blocks, and/or licks may be established. These stations, blocks, and/or licks may not contain any corn or grain products. 6. For bobwhite quail management, from May 2–September 1, milo, grain sorghum, and/or wheat may be evenly broadcast at a rate not to exceed 50 pounds per acre. 7. Feeding of migratory birds is regulated pursuant to Federal regulations set forth at 50 CFR 20.11 and 20.21(i). D. Applicability to Wild Turkey. 1. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-33 makes it unlawful to, “ to hunt, trap or kill any wild bird or wild animal of any kind with the aid of bait… .” The statutes authorizing the taking of white-tailed deer with the aid of supplemental feed DO NOT authorize the same for wild turkey. 2. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-101(4) provides that, “Any person killing any turkey out of season, and any person baiting turkeys is guilty of a Class II violation and shall be punished as provided in Section 49-7-143.” [$100 - $500 fine, plus jail time]. [emphasis added]. See also, 40 MISS. ADMIN. CODE, Part 2, Rule 3.3. for more information. E.

This Regulation Does Not Apply To:

1. Food plots, standing crops, grain crops properly shucked on the field where grown, or grains found scattered solely as the result of normal agricultural planting or harvesting. 2. Lands where shelled, shucked, or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed has been distributed or scattered as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures, or as a result of manipulation of a crop or other feed on the land where grown for wildlife management purposes. Manipulation of crops or other feed for wildlife management

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purposes does not include the adding, distributing, or scattering of grain or other feed (i.e., sweet potatoes, turnips, etc.) once it has been removed from or stored on the field where grown. 3. Licensed trappers trapping furbearers or nuisance animals with the aid of lure as provided by Miss. Code Ann. §49-7-33 and 40 Admin Code Part 2, Chapter 7, Rule 7.1 (Nuisance Animal Regulations). 4. Persons lawfully permitted to hunt or trap game animals, furbearers, nuisance animals, or game birds by an Animal Control Permit set forth in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-1-39 as issued by the MDWFP. 5. “Backyard” bird/squirrel feeders, placed within the curtilage of the home, are exempt from the provisions of this rule. 6. Feeders within wildlife enclosures. F. SPECIAL USE PERMIT: 21-day Wildlife Survey Permit: 1. A permit is available to photographers and for camera surveys at no cost. The permit shall be for a specific property for a period of not more than 21 consecutive days. To obtain a permit contact the district office where the property is located and provide the person’s name, property location, number of camera stations, start and end date. 2. Any feed or any feeding method may be used during the permitted period. 3. This permit is only valid outside the deer and turkey hunting seasons. 4. All feed must be completely removed 10 days prior to hunting. 5. Feeding of migratory birds is regulated pursuant to Federal regulations set forth at 50 CFR 20.11 and 20.21(i). 6. A violation of this rule shall be a violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-4-41, which is a Class II violation, and punishable as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-143. G. NOTHING SET FORTH IN THIS RULE, SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS AUTHORIZING OR ALLOWING THE TAKING OF DEER OR ANY OTHER GAME ANIMAL OR BIRD, WITH THE AID OF BAIT. H.

Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone

1. Supplemental feeding of white-tailed deer outside of enclosures is prohibited within any MDWFP-defined CWD Management Zone. I. A violation of this rule shall be a violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-4-41, which is a Class II violation, and punishable as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-143. 147

History: Revised January 2019. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-33, 49-7-33.1, 49-7-101, and 49-7-143. RULE 2.5 SPECIAL HUNTS FOR YOUTH AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES A. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, in a partnership with any conservation organization or non-profit organization, may hold an annual deer hunt for disabled youths outside the open season on deer. B. Youths eligible to participate in this special hunt are those 17 years of age and younger. History: Revised July 2013. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-38.1, and 49-7-39. RULE 2.6 REHABILITATION OF WHITE-TAILED DEER. Public Notice W 3806 is hereby amended. A. Persons or organizations may be issued an Administrative Possession Permit for the purpose of rehabilitating native wildlife for eventual release back into the wild. B. As specifically pertains to white-tailed deer, possession of and rehabilitation activities shall be conducted at and restricted to the physical geographic location designated on the 142 Administrative Possession Permit. Possession and rehabilitation activities at organizational members' residences, businesses, satellite facilities, or other physical locations not designated on the Administrative Possession Permit are prohibited. C. Exceptions to this rule are: 1. Temporary possession by a licensed veterinarian who is providing medical care to an injured, orphaned, or diseased animal. 2. Temporary possession by an individual who is transporting an animal to the Permittee's designated rehabilitation facility, to a licensed veterinarian for medical care, or for release into the wild. D. Violation of this rule shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punished as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-101. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4 RULE 2.7 PROHIBITION ON CERVID CARCASS IMPORTATION/EXPORTATION, TO PROTECT MISSISSIPPI FROM CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE. A. For the purpose of this rule, cervids include any member of the Cervidae family, including white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, mule deer and caribou. 148

B. It is unlawful to: 1. Import, transport, or possess any portion of a cervid carcass originating from any state, territory, or foreign country (outside of the State of Mississippi). 2. Transport any portion of a cervid carcass outside of an MDWFP-defined CWD Management Zone. 3. Transport any portion of a cervid carcass outside of an MDWFP-defined CWD Management Zone from Arkansas or Louisiana lands east of the Mississippi River that lie within that zone. 4. Export, carry, move, transport, or otherwise cause any portion of a cervid carcass originating from inside the State of Mississippi, and inside of an MDWFP-defined CWD Management Zone, across, over, or into any state, territory, or foreign country, outside the boundaries of the State of Mississippi. C. This rule does not apply to: 1. Meat from cervids that has been completely deboned. 2. Antlers, antlers attached to cleaned skull plates or cleaned skulls where no tissue is attached to the skull. 3. Hunters may only transport a deer head outside of a MDWFP-defined CWD Management Zone to a permitted taxidermist participating in the CWD collection program. A CWD sample number must be obtained from the participating taxidermist prior to transporting the deer head outside of the MDWFP-defined CWD Management Zone. This sample number must accompany the deer head while in transport and be available for inspection by Law Enforcement upon request. The deer head must be delivered to the participating taxidermist within 5 days of receiving the sample number. 4. Cleaned teeth. 5. Finished taxidermy and antler products. 6. Hides and tanned products. 7. Any portions of white-tailed deer originating from land outside of a MDWFP defined CWD Management Zone between the Mississippi River levees in Arkansas and Louisiana. History: Revised May 2021. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-58, and 49-7-58.2. RULE 2.8

PROHIBITION ON USE OF NATURAL CERVID URINE

A. For the purpose of this rule, cervids include any member of the Cervidae family, including white-tailed deer, elk, moose, red deer, sika deer, fallow deer, mule deer and caribou.

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Chronic Wasting Disease scientific research indicates infection prions are found in bodily fluids of cervids. B.

C. Beginning, July 1, 2019, it shall be unlawful to use scents or lures that contain natural cervid urine, biofluids, or biological material, for hunting purposes.

D. This prohibition shall not apply to any natural cervid urine product that has been certified as coming from a facility that has not tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease, as long as the testing protocols include, but are not limited to, requirements that the producing facility: 1. complies with testing protocols adopted by the Archery Trade Association (ATA), to include record-keeping requirements and testing of the natural urine product; 2.

does not allow importation of live cervids;

3. requires that all cervids exported from the facility be tested for chronic wasting disease upon death, and the results are reported to the facility; 4. is inspected annually by an accredited veterinarian, including inspection of the herd and applicable records; and 5. maintains a fence that is at least eight (8) feet high around the facility and, if the facility is located within thirty (30) miles of a confirmed positive detection of an occurrence of chronic wasting disease, is double-fenced to prevent direct contact between captive and wild cervids. E.

Synthetic scents or lures may be used for hunting purposes.

History: Revised August 2019.

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-58. Part 2, Chapter 3: Wild Turkey RULE 3.1 WILD TURKEY SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS. A. Spring Season: March 15 - May 1, unless March 15 falls on a Sunday and the seasonshall be March 14 – May 1. B.

Non-Resident Draw Hunt 1.

All non-residents must be drawn to hunt open public lands prior to

April 1. 150

2. Open public lands include National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Corps of Engineers lands, etc., that have statewide seasons without special regulations. This includes MDWFP-operated Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) that are open with no special season or draw hunts during this time. 3. Drawn non-resident hunters may be accompanied by one licensed guest, aged 16 years or older. This guest is not allowed to harvest a turkey. 4. During the Non-Resident Draw Hunt, one youth aged 15 years old or younger may accompany or hunt with the permitted adult hunter. The adult and youth combined harvest shall not exceed the permit bag limit. C. BAG LIMIT: 1 adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6 inch or longer beard per day, 3 per spring season. 1. EXCEPTION: HUNTERS 15 YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER, may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 3 per spring season. 2.

An adult gobbler is defined as a gobbler with at least one of the

following characteristics: a.

A tail fan that has an unbroken, rounded contour to the outer

perimeter of the tail feathers; b.

Spurs at least 1/2 inch long,

c.

A beard at least 6 inches long, or

d. 9th and 10th primary wing feathers with white barring extending to the outer tips of the feathers. D.

Youth Turkey Hunt

1. March 8 - 14, unless March 8 fall on a Sunday and the season shall be March 7 – 13, on private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for turkeyhunting. 2.

BAG LIMIT: See Spring Season bag limit.

3. Authorized state and federal lands include Mississippi Department of Wildlife,Fisheries, and Parks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U. S. Corps of Engineers managed lands which designate the youth turkey season in their regulations and open U. S. Forest Service National Forest lands. 4.

Persons eligible to participate in this special hunt are: 151

a.

Those who are fifteen (15) years of age or younger.

b. A child at least twelve (12) years of age and under sixteen (16) years of age must have a certificate of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department before hunting alone in this state; otherwise they must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when hunting. c. A child under the age of twelve (12) must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when the child is hunting. d. A licensed hunter supervising a child as provided in this section must hold a valid Mississippi license for the species being hunted. e. A licensed non-resident must be drawn in the non-resident public lands draw in order to supervise a youth on open public lands or WMAs during the youth season. History: Revised May 2024. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-31.2. RULE 3.2 LAWFUL MEANS FOR TAKING WILD TURKEY. Public Notice 3420 is hereby amended. BE IT ORDERED, that the hunting of turkeys during the spring gobbler season shall be restricted to shotguns with shot no larger than number two (2), and compound, recurve, and long bows. Provided, however, that any quadriplegic may hunt turkey with a rifle. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-31.2. RULE 3.3 HUNTING OF WILD TURKEY OVER BAIT PROHIBITED. Public Notice 2382 is hereby amended. A. No person, at any time, shall take, catch, kill or attempt to take, catch, or kill any wild turkey by means, aid or use, directly or indirectly, of any bait such as shelled, shucked or unshucked corn or of wheat or other grain, or any other feed whatsoever that has been so deposited or scattered so as to constitute an attraction or enticement to, on, or over the area where such person or persons are attempting to kill or take them; provided, however, that wild turkeys may be taken over grains resulting from normal agricultural practices. B. No person, at any time, shall take, or kill, or attempt to take or kill any wild turkey with the aid or use of a dog or live decoy. C. No person, at any time, shall take, kill, or attempt to take or kill any wild turkey with the aid of records or tapes or sound reproducing devices or electrically amplified imitation turkey calls of any kind. 152

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-33

RULE 3.4. MANDATORY TAGGING AND HARVEST REPORTING FOR WILD TURKEYS A. The MDWFP harvest reporting system shall be known as “Game Check” to maintain uniform terminology across states. B. When hunting spring turkey, all hunters, regardless of license exemption status, shall obtain a valid turkey harvest tag issued by the MDWFP. This requirement will be enacted during the 2026 spring turkey hunting season. 1. Only harvest tags issued by the MDWFP shall be valid. The harvest tag may take a physical or electronic form.

2. Before moving a turkey from the point of harvest, hunters must invalidate the turkey harvest tag via a methodology approved by the MDWFP.

3. Hunters utilizing physical harvest tags must attach the invalidated tag to the bird’s leg before moving the carcass from the location of harvest; these must remain attached until the bird is processed. C. All hunters, regardless of license exemption status, must report their harvest to the MDWFP by 10:00 PM on the day of harvest. Reporting may occur via the MDWFP smartphone application, MDWFP web portal, or by telephone. D. A violation of this rule may be a Class III violation, punishable as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-101, and upon conviction, further subject to the administrative penalties provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-26(4). History: Revised May 2024. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-26. Part 2, Chapter 4: Small Game, Migratory Birds and other. RULE 4.1 SMALL GAME HUNTING AND TRAPPING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS. A. FROG: 153

1. Season: April 1 - September 30 2. Bag Limit: Only 25 may be taken in any one night. A valid hunting or fishing license is required. B. RACCOON: 1. Season: July 1 - September 30 2. Bag Limit: 1 per party per night C. OPOSSUM, RACCOON, AND BOBCAT: 1. First Season: October 1 - October 31 (sport hunting with dogs and guns for food & sport) 2. Bag Limit: 5 per day; 8 per party 3. Second Season: November 1 – March 15 (sport hunting with dogs and guns for food, sport, and pelt) 4. Bag Limit: No limit D. SQUIRREL: 1. Fall Season: a. Season: October 1 - February 28 b. Bag Limit: 8 per day 2. Spring Season: a. Season: May 15 – June 1 b. Bag Limit: 4 per day 3. Youth Squirrel Hunts (On private lands and authorized state and federal lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting) a. Season: September 24 – 30 b. Bag Limit: 8 per day c. Authorized state and federal lands include Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U. S. Corps of Engineers 154

managed lands which designate the squirrel youth season in their regulations and open U. S. Forest Service National Forest lands. d. Persons eligible to participate in this special hunt are: i. Those who are fifteen (15) years of age or younger. ii. A child at least twelve (12) years of age and under sixteen (16) years of age must have a certificate of satisfactory completion of a hunter education course approved by the department before hunting alone in this state; otherwise they must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when hunting. iii. A child under the age of twelve (12) must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age when the child is hunting. iv. A licensed hunter supervising a child as provided in this section must hold a valid Mississippi license for the species being hunted. 4. Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. E. BOBWHITE QUAIL: 1. Season: From Thanksgiving Day – the first Saturday in March next following. 2. Bag Limit: 8 per day F. RABBIT: 1. Season: The Saturday nearest October 15 - February 28 2. Bag Limit: 8 per day 3. Whenever the opening date set above falls on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday. G. TRAPPING SEASON: 1. Season: November 1 - March 15 2. Bag Limit: No Limit History: Updated April 2025

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Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31.3, and 49-7-31.4. RULE 4.2 REGULATIONS REGARDING THE HUNTING OF CROWS. Public Notice 3675 is hereby amended. A. Be it ordered, as prescribed by Federal Migratory Bird Regulations, that there be an open season for hunting crows with firearms, bow and arrow and falconry as follows: 1. Open Season: From the first Saturday in November through the last day of February next following. 2. Bag and Possession Limit: No bag or possession limit B. Hunting Methods: The use of mouth calls and electrically or mechanically operated sound reproducing devices and decoys is allowed for hunting crows. C. Be it further ordered that no Federal or State permit shall be required for the control of crows when found committing or about to commit depredations or nuisances as defined under the Federal Migratory Bird regulations 50 CFR Ch.1, Part 21, Subpart D, §21.43. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31.2, and 49-7-31.5. RULE 4.3 PRIVATE LANDS DOVE FIELD PROGRAM RULES AND REGULATIONS. Public Notice W 3759 is hereby amended. A. Hunting is allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays after 12:00 PM, during the first two dove seasons only. B. Hunters must hunt from a designated stand on the first two hunting days of the first dove season. A hunter's permit number will be their stand number for these two days. Hunters may be able to hunt from any designated stand location on a first-come-first-serve basis beginning on the third hunting day of the first season. Part 2, Chapter 5: Regulations regarding alligators. RULE 5.2 ALLIGATOR HUNTING SEASON FOR PRIVATE LANDS. A. An American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) hunting season, hereby referred to as the “Private Lands Alligator Hunting Season,” will be opened on private lands, according to restrictions below: B. Location: Open to all 82 counties. C. Dates: Starting at 12:00 Noon CDT on the last Friday in August and ending at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 24 days thereafter. D. Applicant restrictions and requirements:

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1. Only one (1) application may be submitted per property. 2. The applicant’s property must contain a minimum of 20 acres of privately owned permanent surface water in an open county to qualify for an Alligator Harvest Voucher. (Public water is not eligible). 3. Alligator Harvest Vouchers will be issued at the rate of one (1) voucher for the first 20 acres of surface water and one (1) additional voucher is available for each additional 100 acres of surface water in contiguous ownership by the applicant. 4. Upon receipt of the application, surface water acreage of the applicant’s property will be evaluated by the MDWFP. The rate of permit issuance may be increased or decreased based upon supporting biological information as provided by the Department. 5. Applicants must obtain and submit an application with the following information by July 1: a. A private lands alligator hunting permit application. b. Proof of ownership by providing a copy of the landowner’s current property tax receipt for the property for which the applicant is submitting. c. A copy of the property deed with a complete property description. d. In addition to the above, a leaseholder may submit applications signed by the landowner and must provide a copy of a current exclusive hunting rights lease agreement, and each of the following: i. A legible map or aerial photo of the property labeled with property boundaries; and ii. A county map indicating the general location of the applicant’s property within the county. 6. Applications: The application for the private lands alligator hunting season will be an online application process that will be available May 1 through July 1 of each year. The online application can be found at https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/wildlife-speciesprogram/alligator-program/private-lands-and-permits. E. Private Lands Alligator Harvest Voucher: 1. Each Private Lands Alligator Harvest Voucher (PLAHV) is valid upon the purchase of one (1) Private Lands Alligator Possession Permit (PLAPP), which is valid for the harvest of two (2) alligators per bag limit restrictions (see section H Bag Limit). A separate PLAPP is required for each PLAHV.

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2. Qualifying applicants will be mailed a PLAHV for each alligator hunting permit allowed for each property along with alligator hunting regulations and instructions. 3. The landowner may transfer any or all PLAHVs to anyone (Resident or Nonresident) 16 years of age or older. 4. Each PLAHV must be signed by the landowner and the transferee and completely filled out with the transferee’s personal information. 5. The PLAHV, properly signed, must be in the possession of the permitted hunter while hunting alligators. F. Training Course: The Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course is strongly encouraged. The Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course is provided online via the MDWFP Alligator Program Webpage at www.mdwfp.com/alligator. G. Harvest Reporting and Tagging: 1. Temporary Alligator Possession Tag(s) (TAPT) will be issued with the purchase of each PLAPP. 2. The TAPT must be attached to each alligator immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving or transporting. 3. An on-line Alligator Harvest Report is mandatory. Failure to complete a timely report will result in revocation of the properties application and subsequent hunting permits in the following year. 4. The Alligator Harvest Report must be submitted to the Department no later than 24 hours after the season closes. 5. Upon harvest validation, a federal CITES tag will be mailed to the hunter. The TAPT must remain attached to the alligator until the CITES tag is attached. 6. No alligator, alligator hide, or parts may be transported across state lines without proper licenses, permits, and tags. 7. No alligator hide, meat, or parts may be transported within the state without proper licenses, permits, and tags. 8. No alligator or alligator parts may be left in the possession of another person/buyer in another state without a federal CITES tag or number. 9. Violations of alligator tagging/reporting regulations may include federal violations.

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H. Bag limit: 1. Each PLAHV together with a PLAPP possessed by a person allows the harvest of two (2) alligators four (4) feet in length or longer. 2. Only one (1) alligator may exceed seven (7) feet in total length per permit. 3. All alligators must be pursued/hunted/taken from the property registered by the permitted landowner. 4. No alligators may be pursued/hunted/taken from public waters. I. Capture and Dispatch Methods: 1. The use of bait or baited hooks is prohibited. 2. During daylight hours: a. During daylight hours (from ½ hour prior to sunrise until ½ hour after sunset) unrestrained alligators may only be taken with: i. Center-fire rifles chambered in 0.277 in./7.035mm (.270/7mm) or larger and shotguns (12 or 10 gauge only) with slugs only. ii. “Bangsticks” chambered in .38 caliber or larger may be used. b. No firearm may be discharged across or into any public waters. c. Any dead or wounded alligators must be retrieved immediately. Hunters must make a reasonable prudent effort to retrieve any wounded alligator. Failure to do so is unlawful. d. No shotgun ammunition other than slugs, #6, #7, #7.5, #8, and #9 size shot or smaller may be in possession of the hunting party. e. Nighttime capture methods are also legal during daylight hours. 3. During nighttime hours: a. During nighttime hours (from ½ hour after sunset until ½ hour before sunrise) alligators must be captured alive prior to shooting or otherwise dispatching the animal. It is unlawful to kill an unrestrained alligator. b. Restrained is defined as an alligator that has a noose or snare secured around the head, neck, or leg in a manner that the alligator is controlled.

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c. Capture methods are restricted to handheld snares, snatch hooks (handheld or rod/reel), harpoons (with attached line/buoy), and bowfishing equipment (longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, or crossbows w/ line attached from bow to arrow or line/buoy, bowfishing arrow tips only, no broadheads, and no tips containing cartridges, or other explosive devices). d. All alligators must be dispatched or released immediately after capture. e. Any alligator that is captured with a harpoon or bowfishing equipment must be reduced to the bag and may not be released. f. Firearms used for dispatching an alligator during nighttime hours are restricted to long-barreled, shoulder-fired shotguns with only shot size #6, #7, #7.5, #8, or #9 ammunition and bangsticks chambered in .38 caliber or larger. All shotguns and bangsticks must be cased and unloaded at all times until a restraining line has been attached to the alligator. No rifles or pistols are allowed. g. No firearm or bangstick may be discharged within 100 yards of any residence, building, boat ramp, or occupied campsite. h. Any person or vessel that possesses equipment used to capture or harvest an alligator must be on a permitted property in the immediate vicinity of a person who possesses a valid Private Lands Alligator Possession Permit at any time while located in an area that may contain alligators. To do otherwise is illegal and considered hunting without a permit. J. License Requirements: 1. No one may pursue/hunt alligators on any private property unless the property is permitted by the Department. 2. Anyone hunting alligators on property permitted by the Department must be in the immediate vicinity of a holder of a Private Lands Alligator Possession Permit. K. Private Lands Alligator Hunting Permit (PLAPP): 1. The cost of the PLAPP is $100 for residents and $200 for non-residents. 2. The holder of a PLAPP must also purchase and have on their person a combination resident or nonresident hunting/fishing license and an Alligator Hunting License. Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator Hunting License. 3. The cost of the Alligator Hunting License is twenty-five dollars ($25). 4. To possess a PLAPP you must be a qualifying landowner with a PLAHV or have a PLAHV transferred to your name by a qualifying landowner including signed permission by the

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landowner as provided on the application (see section E. Private Lands Alligator Hunting Voucher). L. Resident Alligator Hunting Assistant: All residents in the hunting party who are sixteen (16) years of age or older are required to purchase and have on their person a combination-type hunting/fishing license and an Alligator Hunting License ($25). a. Residents 65 years of age or older may purchase a Senior Exempt Lifetime License ($5) in lieu of a combination-type hunting/fishing license. b. Residents who meet disability license exemptions, may purchase a Disabled Exempt License in lieu of a combination-type hunting/fishing license. c.

Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator Hunting

License M. Non-resident Alligator Hunting Assistant: Any non-residents in the hunting party who are sixteen (16) years of age or older are required to purchase and have on their person a Nonresident All Game-type Hunting License and an Alligator Hunting License ($25). Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator Hunting License. N. Any holder of a valid Alligator Hunting License may partake in any part of the alligator hunting process while in the immediate vicinity of a holder of a PLAPP on permitted property. O. All licenses are non-transferable and non-refundable. P. Any person who hunts or attempts to hunt alligators without obtaining a permit and/or license as per regulations set forth herein shall be guilty of a Class I violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-47 and upon conviction shall be punished according to MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-141. Q. Any violation of any other provision of this Rule shall be a Class III violation and

punishable as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-101. History: Revised March 2026 Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-47. RULE 5.3 ALLIGATOR HUNTING SEASON FOR PUBLIC WATERS. A. An American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) hunting season will be opened in the public waterways of the State of Mississippi and is hereby referred to as the following with described restrictions. 1. Legal public water for public water alligator hunting shall be any “public waterway”, as designated by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) 161

and all associated portions of each designated public waterway drainage that are not privately owned and which have navigable access from the designated waterway. 2. Legal public water, as described above, will be open for alligator hunting from 12 p.m. on the last Friday in August and ending at 12 p.m. on the Monday, 10 days thereafter, for persons issued special permits as described below. 3. PUBLIC WATERWAY HUNTING ZONE DESCRIPTIONS: a. Pearl River/Ross Barnett Zone - The public waters of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District only within the area north of a line from Fannin Landing to Channel Marker “A” to the Natchez Trace Overlook on the main lake of Ross Barnett Reservoir, and south of Lowhead Dam on the Pearl River (excluding all areas of the main lake that are west of the Natchez Trace, i.e. North Bay and Twin Harbors). All other portions of Ross Barnett Reservoir are closed to alligator hunting including Pelahatchie Bay. b. Northwest Zone – North of US Hwy. 82 and west of Interstate 55. c. West Central Zone – South of US Hwy. 82, west of Interstate 55, and north of Interstate 20. d. Northeast Zone – East of Interstate 55, north of Interstate 20, and excluding the area described as the Pearl River/Ross Barnett Zone. This zone does not include any portion of the Ross Barnett Reservoir, except portions of the Pearl River south of the spillway, north of Lowhead Dam, and Pelahatchie Creek east of Highway 471 are included in the Northeast Zone only. All other portions of Ross Barnett Reservoir are closed to alligator hunting including Pelahatchie Bay. e. Southwest Zone – South of Interstate 20 and west of Interstate 55. f. South Central Zone – South of Interstate 20, west of MS Hwy 49, east of Interstate 55. g. Southeast Zone – South of Interstate 20 and east of MS Hwy 49. 4. Public Waters shall include the following lakes of Mississippi within each of open hunting zones and no other land locked lakes shall be open: a. Lake Ferguson (Washington County) in the Northwest Zone b. Beulah Lake (Bolivar County) in the Northwest Zone c. Lake Bolivar (Bolivar County) in the Northwest Zone d. Lake Whittington (Bolivar County) in the Northwest Zone 162

e. Eagle Lake (Warren County) in the West Central Zone f. Chotard Lake (Warren and Issaquena Counties) in the West Central Zone g. Albemarle Lake (Issaquena County) in the West Central Zone h. Tennessee Lake (Issaquena County) in the West Central Zone i. Lake Washington (Washington County) in the West Central Zone j. Bee Lake (Holmes County) in the West Central Zone k. Little Eagle Lake (Humphreys County) in the West Central Zone l. Dump Lake (Yazoo County) in the West Central Zone m. Lake George (Yazoo County) in the West Central Zone n.

Tchula Lake aka “Tchula Run” (Holmes County) in the West

Central Zone o. Lake Mary (Wilkinson County) in the Southwest Zone p. Okatibbee Lake (Lauderdale County) in the Northeast Zone q. Crystal Lake (Rankin County) in the Northeast Zone 5. Public Waters shall include the following Bayous of Mississippi within the Southeast Zone: a. Graveline Bayou and all portions thereof and shall not to extend into the Mississippi Sound. (Jackson County). b. Fort Bayou and all portions thereof and shall not extend west of HWY 609 or Washington Ave. (Jackson County). B. APPLICATIONS: 1. Applications will be accepted by an electronic web-based process via the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) website only. a. Applicants must resident at least 16 years of age or older. b. Applicants who possess a Lifetime License are eligible to apply. c.

Applicants must possess a valid pre-requisite license to apply.

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d.

Dates of application acceptance will be announced on the

MDWFP website. e. An electronic processing fee may be charged. f. Persons are limited to one (1) application each. g. The applicant is responsible for providing a correct email address during the application process. h. The email address provided by the applicant will be the method of notifications from the MDWFP, to notify drawn applicants, and for important messages and documents. C. PERMITS: 1. Only residents of the State of Mississippi who are sixteen (16) years of age or older may purchase an Alligator Possession Permit (Permit) (see License Requirements). 2. Non-residents may participate as alligator hunting assistants (see License Requirements). 3. Persons must have a valid resident Mississippi hunting license and a Mississippi Alligator Hunting License to purchase a permit. 4. Any Lifetime License holder may purchase a Permit. 5. Alligator permits and/or licenses are required of anyone 16 years of age or older. There are no exemptions for over 65 years of age or physical disability. 6. Permits will be available for purchase only by persons who have successfully made application for a permit in a zone and have been drawn by the MDWFP alligator hunting permit drawing system. 7. All persons drawn for a permit will be notified by email, as provided by the applicant, and permits must be purchased electronically as directed by the Department. The applicant is responsible for providing a correct email address during the application process. 8. All permit sales require immediate payment prior to the deadline, as directed by the Department and all sales are non-refundable and non-transferable. 9. Persons are limited to one (1) permit per person. D. TRAINING COURSE:

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The Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course is strongly encouraged. The Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course is provided online via the MDWFP Alligator Program Webpage at www.mdwfp.com/alligator. E. HUNTING REGULATIONS: (All Zones) 1. Persons eligible: Only residents of the State of Mississippi who are sixteen (16) years of age or older may apply for an Alligator Possession Permit (see License Requirements). Non-residents may participate as alligator hunting assistants (see License Requirements). 2. Bag limit: Each person receiving an Alligator Possession Permit will be allowed to harvest two (2) alligators four (4) feet in length or longer, only one (1) of which may exceed seven (7) feet in length. 3. Capture and Dispatch Methods: a. Use of bait is prohibited. b. Alligators must be captured alive prior to shooting or otherwise dispatching the animal. It is unlawful to shoot or kill an unrestrained alligator. c. Restrained is defined as an alligator that has a noose or snare secured around the head, neck, or leg in a manner that the alligator is controlled. d. Capture methods are restricted to hand-held snares, snatch hooks (hand- held or rod/reel), harpoons (with attached line/buoy), and bowfishing equipment (longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, or crossbows w/ line attached from bow to arrow or line/buoy, bowfishing arrow tips only, no broadheads, and no tips containing cartridges, or other explosive devises). e. The use of fishing lures or other devices (with hooks attached) for the purpose of catching alligators in the mouth is prohibited. f. All alligators must be dispatched or released immediately after capture and prior to transporting. g. Any alligator that is captured with a harpoon or bowfishing equipment must be reduced to the bag and may not be released. h. Firearms used for dispatching an alligator are restricted to longbarreled, shoulder-fired shotguns with only shot size #6, #7, #7.5, #8, or #9 ammunition and bangsticks chambered in .38 caliber or larger. No pistols or rifles are allowed. i. All shotguns and bangsticks must be cased and unloaded at all times until a restraining line has been attached to the alligator. 165

j. No other firearm or ammunition may be in possession of the permittee or hunting party. k. No firearm or bangstick may be discharged within 100 yards of any residence, building, boat ramp, or occupied campsite. l. Any person or vessel that possesses equipment used to capture or harvest an alligator must be in the immediate vicinity of a person who possesses a valid Alligator Possession Permit at any time while located in the hunting area. To do otherwise is illegal and considered hunting without a permit. m. The possession of alcohol or alcoholic beverages is prohibited for any person in the act of alligator hunting, nor may it be contained in any vessel in the act of alligator hunting. It is prohibited to be in the act of alligator hunting while under the influence of intoxicating beverages. n. Nothing within this Rule shall supersede any other municipal laws, including discharge of firearms within a municipality. o. No person may hunt alligators within any public lake or pond that the governing entity does not specifically allow alligator hunting (i.e. state parks, state lakes, state wildlife management areas, federal refuges, municipal lakes and parks, etc.). However, public waterways, as designated by the MDEQ, that exist within MDWFP operated WMAs are not closed to alligator hunting, unless specifically noted. p. The use of drones, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), or any remotely operated vehicle or vessel to assist in the location, pursuit, and/or take of alligators is prohibited. F. HARVEST REPORTING AND TAGGING: 1. TAGGING: a. Two Temporary Possession Tags will be provided with the purchase of an Alligator Possession Permit. b. The Temporary Alligator Possession Tags are not valid without a current Alligator Possession Permit. c. A Temporary Alligator Possession Tag must be signed and attached to the alligator’s leg immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving or transporting. d. Alligators must have a federal CITES tag attached before transferring the alligator or alligator parts to the possession of another person/buyer in another state.

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2. ONLINE REPORTING: a. Each permittee must submit an on-line harvest report and survey via www.mdwfp.com. b. A report must be completed within 24 hours of harvest of any and each alligator. c. Failure to comply will result in loss of alligator hunting privileges the following year. d. Federal CITES tags will be mailed to permittees upon receipt of a completed Harvest Report. G. LICENSE AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: 1. Alligator Hunting Permittee: a. All alligator hunting permittees (permit holder) must purchase and have on their person an Alligator Hunting License and Alligator Possession Permit. b. In addition, a combination resident hunting/fishing license is required to purchase the Alligator Possession Permit and Alligator Hunting License. For the purpose of this Rule, all Lifetime Licenses are considered a combination hunting/fishing license. i. Residents 65 years of age or older may possess a Senior Exempt Lifetime License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. ii. Residents who meet disability license exemptions may possess a Disabled Exempt License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. iii. Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator Hunting License c. The cost of the Alligator Hunting License is twenty-five dollars ($25). d. The cost of the Alligator Possession Permit is two hundred dollars ($200). e. A “WMA User Permit” is required for all persons, unless otherwise exempt, who are accessing a public waterway via any Department operated Wildlife Management Area. f. All alligator licenses and permits are non-refundable and nontransferable. 2. Alligator Hunting Assistant: 167

a. Anyone, any age, resident or non-resident may participate as an alligator hunting assistant of a permit holder, as provided below: i. All residents in the hunting party who are sixteen (16) years of age or older are required to purchase and have on their person a combination hunting/fishing license and an Alligator Hunting License. For the purpose of this Rule, all Lifetime Licenses are considered a combination hunting/fishing license. There are no exemptions. ii. Any non-residents in the hunting party who are sixteen (16) years of age or older are required to purchase and have on their person a Non-resident-All Game Hunting License and an Alligator Hunting License. For the purpose of this Admin Rule, all Lifetime Licenses are considered a combination hunting/fishing license. There are no exemptions. iii. Residents 65 years of age or older may possess a Senior Exempt Lifetime License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. iv. Residents who meet disability license exemptions may possess a Disabled Exempt License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. v. Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator Hunting License b. A “WMA User Permit” is required for all persons, unless otherwise exempt, who are accessing a public waterway via any Department operated Wildlife Management Area. c. All alligator licenses and permits are non-refundable and nontransferable. H. Any person who hunts or attempts to hunt alligators without obtaining a permit and/or is not hunting within the immediate vicinity of a permit holder as per regulations set forth herein shall be guilty of a Class I violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-47 and upon conviction shall be punished as provided in MISS. CODE. ANN. §49-7-141. I. Any violation of any other provision of this Rule shall be a Class III violation and punishable as provided in MISS. CODE. ANN. §49-7-101. History: Revised April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-47. RULE 5.4 ALLIGATOR HUNTING SEASON FOR PELAHATCHIE BAY (Rankin County). A.

An American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) hunting season will be 168

opened in portions of Pelahatchie Bay on the Ross Barnett Reservoir in the State of Mississippi and is hereby referred to as the following with described restrictions. 1. SEASON DATES: As described below, an alligator hunting season will be open from 12 p.m. on the first Friday in May and ending at 12 p.m. on the following Monday and from 12 p.m. on the second Friday in May and ending at 12 p.m. on the following Monday, for persons issued special permits as described below: 2. PELAHATCHIE BAY HUNTING ZONE DESCRIPTION: Only the portions of the waterway of Pelahatchie Bay on Ross Barnett Reservoir between North Shore Parkway and Hwy 471. The following areas of Pelahatchie Bay are closed to vessels in the act of alligator hunting: a. All areas of the south shoreline and for 100 yards away from the shoreline between North Shore Parkway and Eagle’s Point Dr. b. All areas of the north shoreline and for 100 yards away from the shoreline between North Shore Parkway and Northwind Dr. c.

All other portions of Ross Barnett Reservoir are closed to alligator

hunting. B.

APPLICATIONS:

1. Applications will be accepted by an electronic web-based process via the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) website only. 2.

Applicants must resident at least 16 years of age or older.

3.

Applicants who possess a Lifetime License are eligible to apply.

4.

Applicants must possess a valid pre-requisite license to apply.

5.

Dates of application acceptance will be announced on the MDWFP

6.

An electronic processing fee may be charged.

7.

Persons are limited to one (1) application each.

website.

a.

Each applicant may apply with a qualifying partner.

b. If drawn, both applicants are eligible to purchase an Alligator Possession Permit, but both permittees must participate from within the same vessel.

169

8. The applicant is responsible for providing a correct email address during the application process. 9. The email address provided by the applicant will be the method of notifications from the MDWFP, to notify drawn applicants, and for important messages and documents. C.

PERMITS:

1. Only residents of the State of Mississippi who are sixteen (16) years of age or older may purchase an Alligator Possession Permit (Permit) (see License Requirements). 2. Non-residents may participate as alligator hunting assistants (see License Requirements). 3. Persons must have a valid resident Mississippi hunting license and a Mississippi Alligator Hunting License to purchase a Permit. 4.

Any Lifetime License holder may apply to purchase a Permit.

5. Alligator permits and/or licenses are required of anyone 16 years of age or older. There are no exemptions for over 65 years of age or physical disability. 6 Permits will be available for purchase only by persons who have successfully made application for a Pelahatchie Bay Alligator Permit and have been drawn by the MDWFP alligator hunting permit drawing system. 7. All persons drawn for a permit will be notified by email, as provided by the applicant, and permits must be purchased electronically as directed by the Department. 8. All permit sales require immediate payment prior to the deadline, as directed by the Department and all sales are non-refundable and non-transferable. a.

Persons are limited to one (1) permit per person.

b. Permits will be valid for only specific dates in May 2023 as determined by the Department. D.

TRAINING COURSE:

The Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course is strongly encouraged. The Mississippi Alligator Hunting Training Course is provided online via the MDWFP Alligator Program Webpage at www.mdwfp.com/alligator.

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E.

HUNTING REGULATIONS:

1. Persons eligible: Only residents of the State of Mississippi who are sixteen (16) years of age or older may apply for an Alligator Possession Permit (see License Requirements). Non-residents may participate as alligator hunting assistants (see License Requirements). 2. Bag limit: Each person receiving an Alligator Possession Permit will be allowed to harvest two (2) alligators six (6) feet in length or longer (both alligators may exceed six (6) feet in length). 3. At the time of application, customers may submit a partner to be drawn as a permitted hunting partner. a. Upon being drawn, both applicants are eligible to purchase an Alligator Possession Permit, however both drawn partners must participate from the same vessel. b. One drawn partner may hunt without the other partner being present, but both partners cannot hunt from separate vessels. 4. All vessels and participating hunters must launch and remove vessels from the Pelahatchie Shore Park boat ramp. No other ramps may be used. 5. a.

Capture and Dispatch Methods: Use of bait is prohibited.

b. Alligators must be captured alive prior to shooting or otherwise dispatching the animal. It is unlawful to shoot or kill an unrestrained alligator. c. Restrained is defined as an alligator that has a noose or snare secured around the head, neck, or leg in a manner that the alligator is controlled. d. Capture methods are restricted to hand-held snares, snatch hooks (hand-held or rod/reel), harpoons (with attached line/buoy), and bowfishing equipment (longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, or crossbows w/ line attached from bow to arrow or line/buoy, bowfishing arrow tips only, no broadheads, and no tips containing cartridges, or other explosive devises). e. The use of fishing lures or other devices (with hooks attached) for the purpose of catching alligators in the mouth is prohibited. f. All alligators must be dispatched or released immediately after capture and prior to transporting (No firearm may be discharged within 100 yards of any residence, building, boat ramp, boat house, or any public or private pier). 171

g. Any alligator that is captured with a harpoon or bowfishing equipment must be reduced to the bag and may not be released. h. Firearms used for dispatching an alligator are restricted to long- barreled, shoulder-fired shotguns with only shot size #6, #7, #7.5, #8, or #9 ammunition. No other ammunition may be in possession. No bangsticks are allowed. i.

No pistols or rifles are allowed.

j. All shotguns must be cased and unloaded at all times until a restraining line has been attached to the alligator. k. No other firearm or ammunition may be in possession of the permittee or hunting party. l. No firearm may be discharged within 100 yards of any residence, building, boat ramp, boat house, public or private pier, bridge, road, or occupied campsite. m. Any person or vessel that possesses equipment used to capture or harvest an alligator must be in the immediate vicinity of a person who possesses a valid Alligator Possession Permit at any time while located in the hunting area. To do otherwise is illegal and considered hunting without a permit. n. The possession of alcohol or alcoholic beverages is prohibited for any person in the act of alligator hunting, nor may it be contained in any vessel in the act of alligator hunting. It is prohibited to be in the act of alligator hunting while under the influence of intoxicating beverages. o. Nothing within this Rule shall supersede any other municipal laws, including discharge of firearms within a municipality. p. The use of drones, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), or any remotely operated vehicle or vessel to assist in the location, pursuit, and/or take of alligators is prohibited. F.

HARVEST REPORTING AND TAGGING: 1. TAGGING:

a. Two Temporary Possession Tags will be provided with the purchase of an Alligator Possession Permit. b. The Temporary Alligator Possession Tags are not valid without a current Alligator Possession Permit. 172

c. A Temporary Alligator Possession Tag must be signed and attached to the alligator’s leg immediately after being dispatched and prior to moving or transporting. d. Alligators must have a federal CITES tag attached before transferring the alligator or alligator parts to the possession of another person/buyer in another state. 2. ONLINE REPORTING: a.

Each permittee must submit an on-line harvest report and survey

via www.mdwfp.com. b. Each permit holder must be complete the online report prior to leaving the hunt zone each day of hunting effort. c.

Failure to comply will result in loss of alligator hunting privileges.

d. Federal CITES tags will be mailed to permittees upon receipt of a completed Harvest Report. G.

LICENSE AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: 1.

Alligator Hunting Permittee:

a. All alligator hunting permittees (permit holder) must purchase and have on their person an Alligator Hunting License and Alligator Possession Permit. b. In addition, a combination resident hunting/fishing license is required to purchase the Alligator Possession Permit and Alligator Hunting License. For the purpose of this Rule, all Lifetime Licenses are considered a combination hunting/fishing license. i. Residents 65 years of age or older may possess a Senior Exempt Lifetime License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. ii. Residents who meet disability license exemptions may possess a Disabled Exempt License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. iii.

Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator

Hunting License. c.

The cost of the Alligator Hunting License is twenty-five dollars

($25). 173

d.

The cost of the Alligator Possession Permit is one hundred dollars

e.

All alligator licenses and permits are non-refundable and non-

($100). transferable. 2. Alligator Hunting Assistant: a. Anyone, any age, resident, or non-resident may participate as an alligator hunting assistant of a permit holder, as provided below: i. All residents in the hunting party who are sixteen (16) years of age or older are required to purchase and have on their person a combination hunting/fishing license and an Alligator Hunting License. For the purpose of this Rule, all Lifetime Licenses are considered a combination hunting/fishing license. There are no other exemptions. ii. Any non-residents in the hunting party who are sixteen (16) years of age or older are required to purchase and have on their person a Non-resident-All Game Hunting License and an Alligator Hunting License. For the purpose of this Admin Rule, all Lifetime Licenses are considered a combination hunting/fishing license. There are no exemptions. iii. Residents 65 years of age or older may possess a Senior Exempt Lifetime License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. iv. Residents who meet disability license exemptions may possess a Disabled Exempt License in lieu of a combination hunting/fishing license. v.

Lifetime License holders are exempt from the $25 Alligator

Hunting License. b.

All alligator licenses and permits are non-refundable and non-

transferable. H. Any person who hunts or attempts to hunt alligators without obtaining a permit and/or is not hunting within the immediate vicinity of a permit holder as per regulations set forth herein shall be guilty of a Class I violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-47 and upon conviction shall be punished as provided in MISS. CODE. ANN. §49-7-141. I.

Any violation of any other provision of this Rule shall be a Class III violation 174

and punishable as provided in MISS. CODE. ANN. §49-7-101. History: Updated January 2024. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-47. Part 2, Chapter 6. Regulations regarding trapping and fur dealing. RULE 6.1 TRAPPING AND FUR DEALING. A. Lure. 1. Lure is allowed for trapping furbearers, beaver, nutria, coyote, and fox, provided that no more than two and one-half (2.5) cubic inches of such lure may be placed or located within twenty (20) feet of any trap. 2. All lure within twenty (20) feet of any trap must be covered and not visible from above. However, there are no lure restrictions when used inside live-cage type traps that do not exceed forty-two (42) inches in length, fifteen (15) inches in width, and twenty (20) inches in height. B. Tagging. 1. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks (MDWFP) shall provide federal CITES identification tags for bobcat and river otter upon which there are federal export quotas or controls. 2. All pelts, skins, or carcasses of river otter and bobcat must be tagged with a CITES tag prior to shipping or transporting out of Mississippi. 175 3. The MDWFP will charge a processing fee for CITES tags. 4. Trappers, fur dealers, or owners will bear the expense of each tag. 5. The MDWFP shall provide such tags for purchase at designated MDWFP locations. 6. CITES tags will be available during the trapping season and for thirty (30) days thereafter. 7. All unused issued CITES tags must be returned to the MDWFP within fortyfive (45) days after close of the trapping season for which they were issued. 8. Possession of unused CITES tags between forty-five (45) days after close of trapping season and the day prior to opening trapping season is prohibited.

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9. CITES tags are not transferable. C. Trapper Harvest Reports. 1. Each licensed trapper shall be required to complete and return a trapper harvest report or survey provided by the MDWFP by May 1st of each year following each trapping season. 2. Licensed trappers failing to satisfactory complete or return such report or survey may be denied trapping license renewal for the following year. D. Shipment of furs. All shipments of furs shall bear the name, address and trapper or fur dealer license number of the shipper. F. Trapper identification numbers. 1. Pursuant to Section 49-7-13, Mississippi Code of 1972, trappers are required to have an identification number attached to all traps by a metal tag or permanently inscribed, etched, or stamped. 2. The trapper identification number shall be assigned to each trapping license holder by the MDWFP. 3. Trappers shall be required to visit their traps at least every thirty-six (36) hours. 4. Any conservation officer shall be authorized to take up any traps not properly marked. 176 5. Trappers may obtain their trapper identification number by contacting the MDWFP at 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211-6374 or by telephone at 601-4322400. History: Updated April 2014. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-1, 49-7-8, 49-7-13, 49-7-16, 49-721, 49-7- 27, 49-7-31.4 and 49-7-31.5. Part 2, Chapter 7: Nuisance Animals RULE 7.1 GENERAL REGULATION FOR THE TAKING OF NUISANCE ANIMALS. A. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-1, as amended, classifies nutria, beaver, fox, skunks, coyotes and wild hogs, as “nuisance” animals. Pursuant to the authority stated therein, the Commission issues this regulation for the taking of nuisance animals: B. Nuisance animals may be hunted, trapped, taken, killed, chased, or pursued on 176

private lands. 1. Landowners and any leaseholders may hunt nuisance animals yearround at any time of day or night with no weapon/caliber restrictions on property titled in their name or otherwise owned, or leased by them. 2. Designated agents of the landowners / leaseholders may hunt nuisance animals year-round at any time of day or night with no weapon / caliber restrictions, provided they have written permission from the landowner or leaseholder in his or her possession, when hunting nuisance animals. Permission letters must be signed and dated by the landowner or leaseholder, shall include: a. the contact information of the landowner or leaseholder; b. the contact information of the permitted person; and c. a specific a date of expiration. 3. Persons hunting nuisance animals during any open gun season on deer will be required to wear, in full view, 500 square inches of solid unbroken hunter orange, unless they are hunting from a fully enclosed stand. 4. Nuisance animals may be hunted with the aid of electronic calls. 5. Any part of any nuisance animal that has been lawfully taken, may be sold year-round, with the exception of wild hog meat, as set forth elsewhere in this rule. The only nuisance animals that may be sold alive are coyotes and fox per 40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, Rule 8.1 (General Rules for Fox, Coyote and Rabbit Pens). C. On public lands, the governmental entity charged with the management of said lands may or may not allow the taking of nuisance animals subject to applicable laws, rules, or regulations. It is the hunter’s responsibility to check with the entity managing the property before hunting nuisance animals on those lands. E. Nuisance animals may not be hunted or pursued with dogs during the open spring turkey season. F. Live nuisance animals may not be possessed except: 1. Coyotes in permitted coyote enclosures; 2. Fox in permitted fox enclosures, or 3. Coyote and fox may be possessed by licensed fur trappers for the sole purpose of transporting and selling to a MDWFP licensed coyote/fox enclosure. Possession over 30 consecutive days for this purpose is prohibited. 177

4. Hogs for the purpose of slaughter in an enclosure no larger than 500 square feet in size and constructed in a manner that prevents the escape of any wild hog. G. For the purpose of this rule, “wild hogs” are hereby defined as any feral hog, wild swine, Russian boar, or any pig that is not a domesticated pet or livestock, or has a wildlooking appearance or behavior. 1. No person may transport on public roads or off of the property of record where captured or relocate within the state any live feral hog, wild swine, or Russian Boar within the State of Mississippi. 2. Wild hogs may not be caught or trapped and released into the wild at a location different from the location where the wild hog was caught or trapped, or otherwise transported live in the State of Mississippi. Wild hogs only may be released alive from the property of origin for the purpose of slaughter into an enclosure on the property of origin no larger than 500 square feet in size and constructed in a manner that prevents the escape of any wild hog. 3. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-140(1)(2) states, No person may import into the state or release into the wild, any live feral hog, wild swine or Russian Boar. A violation of this section, upon conviction, is punishable as a Class I violation. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-141 states, any person who has been convicted of a Class I violation shall be fined not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($ 2,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($ 5,000.00) and shall be imprisoned in the county jail for five (5) days. The person shall also forfeit all hunting, trapping and fishing privileges for a period of not less than twelve (12) consecutive months from the date of conviction. 4. Feed may be used to take wild hogs. Any food or food products may be used year round for the purpose of taking wild hogs with the following exceptions: a. Grain or grain products may be placed directly on the ground if placed inside any legally designed live capture-type trapping device for the sole purpose of trapping wild hogs. b. Otherwise, grain and grain products may only be used in accordance with 40 Miss. Admin. Code, Part 2, Rule 2.4 (Supplemental Feeding of Wild Animals Outside of Wildlife Enclosures). c. Use of feed and food products within any MDWFP defined CWD Management Zone is regulated and restricted. Trapping of wild hogs, within a MDWFP defined CWD Management Zone, with the aid of feed or food products requires an Animal Control Permit from MDWFP. 5. Any live cage-type trap used to trap wild hogs must be tagged or labeled in plain view (written in waterproof ink or stamped) with the owner or users name, 178

address, phone number and/or trapper license ID#. 6. All live cage-type traps must be checked every 36 hours. All non-targeted wild or domestic animals caught must be released immediately upon detection. 7. A wild hog live-cage-type trap is described as a permanent or mobile containment system made of any type material capable of confining the mobility of a wild hog until otherwise removed. Approved traps are those that consist of a trap door, slide gate, or similar mechanism, suspended net traps, and suspended cage traps that fall to the ground. These traps must have at least 50% of the roof open to allow non-targeted deer, turkey, or bear the ability to escape. 8. No meat or other part of a wild hog may be sold without having first been inspected and approved by the US Department of Agriculture and/or the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce pursuant to the laws, rules, and regulations of those entities. H. Licenses needed: 1. Persons trapping nuisance animals, other than wild hogs, must have a valid Mississippi trapping license, unless otherwise exempt. 2. Persons trapping wild hogs must possess a valid Lifetime, All Game, Sportsman, or Trapping License, unless otherwise exempt. 3. Persons hunting nuisance animals must possess a valid Lifetime, All Game, or Sportsman’s License, unless otherwise exempt. 4. Persons hunting nuisance animals with archery equipment and/or with primitive weapons during archery or primitive weapons season must possess either a valid Lifetime, Sportsman License, or an All Game Hunting License and the Archery/Primitive Weapon Permit, unless otherwise exempt. History: Revised May 2022. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31.5, and 49-7-140 Part 2, Chapter 8: Regulations regarding animals in captivity and enclosures. RULE 8.1 GENERAL RULES FOR FOX, COYOTE AND RABBIT PENS. Public Notice 3510.001 is hereby amended. A. Fox/Coyote Enclosures 1. Permit applications for enclosures shall be on a form prescribed by the 179

MDWFP and shall contain the following information: a. Owner of enclosure b. Size of enclosure (in acres) c. Location of enclosure 2. Enclosures for hunting, chasing, taking or pursuing fox and coyote shall consist of an area fully enclosed by fence. Such fence shall be constructed with a maximum of 2" x 4" wire mesh, a minimum of 2" x 4" wooden fence supports or 2" steel fence supports and the fence shall be a minimum of 6' in height, and such fence shall be electrified with two (2) strands of wire, one at the top and one on the bottom. 3. Enclosure owners are ultimately responsible for the humane treatment of all animals found inside their enclosures. Hunting enclosures shall contain one escape area for each forty (40) acres in the enclosure areas which are hound proof. These may be provided by maintaining thickets, brush piles, windrows or where natural cover is insufficient, by providing manmade escapes such as culverts or hound proof feeding stations. 4. Enclosure owners shall be required to make available to the animals in the enclosures: a. Food that is palatable, uncontaminated and nutritionally adequate to insure normal growth and maintenance. b. Water which is fresh, uncontaminated and available at all times. 5. Permits will be issued to the enclosure owner only after inspection by the Executive Director or his designee and upon receipt of the permit fee of $75.00 for a commercial enclosure or $10.00 for a private enclosure. Permits shall be valid for one year from date of issuance. 6. Enclosures may be inspected at any time by the Executive Director or his designee. 7. Commercial enclosures shall be defined as those where fees are charged for the use of such enclosure. 8. Private enclosures shall be defined as enclosures where no fee or fees are charged for use of the enclosure. 9. Commercial Permitted Enclosures are and shall be exempt from the field trial permitting requirements of Public Notice #2768.001. Additionally, no hunting 180

license shall be required of any person running dogs in a permitted enclosure. 10. Enclosure operators must keep a record of all animals purchased. Such records shall include: a. Number of animals purchased b. Name and address of person selling animals c. Dates of each transaction d. A copy of this record must accompany any renewal application. 11. All records shall be available and open for inspection by the Executive Director or his designee at all times. B. Rabbit Enclosures 1. Permit applications for enclosures shall be on a form prescribed by the MDWFP. 2. Enclosures for hunting, chasing, taking or pursuing rabbits shall consist of an area fully enclosed by a fence constructed with a maximum of 2" x 4" mesh, a minimum of 2" x 4" wooden fence supports or 2" steel fence supports and at least four (4) feet high. 3. Enclosure owners are ultimately responsible for the humane treatment of all animals found inside their enclosures. 4. Permits will be issued to the enclosure owner only after inspection by the Executive Director or his designee and upon receipt of the permit fee of $10.00. Permits shall be valid for one year from date of issuance. 5. Enclosures may be inspected at any time by the Executive Director or his designee. 6. Permitted Enclosures are and shall be exempt from the field trial permitting requirements of Public Notice #2768.001. Additionally, no hunting license shall be required of any person running dogs in a permitted enclosure. 7. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to operate a hunting enclosure for hunting, chasing, taking or pursuing any rabbit, fox or coyote without obtaining a permit issued by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as provided above. C. Importation of Wild Animals or Wild Birds 181

1. No person shall import any wild animal or wild bird of a species indigenous to the State of Mississippi into the state without first obtaining a permit issued by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as provided herein. 2. Applications for the importation of any wild animal or wild bird indigenous to the State of Mississippi into the state shall be submitted to the MDWFP no less than 30 days prior to any importation of such animals. 3. Applications shall be on a form prescribed by the MDWFP and shall contain the following: a. Reason for importation b. Origin of animal/animals being imported to include state or country c. Number and species of animals to be imported 184 d. Date of importation into the state e. Destination of animals to include any temporary and final location f. Seller's name and address 4. Prior to the importation of any animals into the state, permitted importers must: a. Comply with all rules and regulations of the Mississippi State Board of Animal Health and all rules and regulations from the state of origin. b. Permanently number each animal being imported with either an ear tag or ear tattoo. c. Permanently number each bird being imported with a leg or wing band. d. The numbering sequence for imported animals shall be issued by the MDWFP. e. Obtain a certificate, issued no more than 10 days prior to importation, for each animal being imported. This certificate must be issued by a veterinarian licensed in the state of origin of the animals being 182

imported and certify that each fox and/or coyote imported or shipped into the State of Mississippi has been isolated for a period of no less than twenty-one (21) days and shows no clinical signs of rabies. In addition, this certificate shall certify that each animal has been vaccinated for canine distemper, as well as treated with anthelminthic Praziquantel and Ivermectin. The above mentioned inoculation and treatment shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian in the state of origin and the ear tag numbers from each inoculated or treated animal shall be recorded. This record shall remain with the animals through shipment and shall become part of the importer or enclosure owner's permanent records. f. Obtain from the seller a copy of a permit issued by the Wildlife agency from the state of origin authorizing the sale and exportation of the animals being imported. 5. Permitted importers must submit animals that die in transit or captivity to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health within 72 hours of the death of such animal. 6. The import permit shall accompany animals while in transit. 7. A fee of twenty five dollars ($25.00) will be charged for each such permit. 8. A permitted importer may not sell, offer for sale, exchange for merchandize or other considerations, relocate, or move from its final destination, any animal or bird imported into this state without prior permission of the MDWFP. 9. Violation of any of the above regulations shall render the permit null and void. 10. Nothing herein shall prohibit the importation of wild animals or wild birds by any Public Zoo, Zoological Garden or Educational Institutions. Public zoos and zoological gardens shall be defined as a permanent cultural institution which owns and maintains captive wild animals that represent more than a token collection and under the direction of a professional staff, provides its collection with appropriate care and exhibits them in an aesthetic manner to the public on a regularly scheduled basis. They shall further be defined as having as their primary business the exhibition, conservation, and preservation of the earth's fauna in an educational scientific manner. Educational Institutions shall be defined as duly accredited schools, colleges, or universities. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the importation of wild animals of a species not indigenous to the State of Mississippi, unless prohibited by other law, regulation or regulatory agency of the State of Mississippi. 183

Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-34. RULE 8.2 REGULATIONS FOR ENCLOSURES PREVENTING THE FREE INGRESS AND EGRESS OF WHITE-TAILED DEER. A. Possession of White-tailed Deer. 1. No person may possess a live white-tailed deer in Mississippi unless that person possesses a valid permit issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). 2. No person may sell a live white-tailed deer pursuant to MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-51. 3. Orphaned or injured white-tailed deer may not be placed in high-fenced enclosures without written permission from the MDWFP. B. High-Fenced Enclosures 1. A high-fenced enclosure is man-made or man-placed fenced structure, or combination of fencing and terrain features, which prevents the free ingress and/or egress of any white-tailed deer. 2. Facility Registration a. The owner of a high-fenced enclosure containing whitetailed deer must notify the MDWFP of the existence of the enclosure, and register the enclosure with the MDWFP, in order to obtain an annual permit from the MDWFP, that will be valid from July 1 through June 30. To be eligible for registration, an applicant may not have a conviction for a Class I wildlife violation within five (5) years prior to his or her application. A conviction for a violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-54, shall be an absolute disqualification for registration to operate a high-fenced enclosure containing white-tailed deer. b. The fee for a Facility Registration shall be Three Hundred Dollars ($300.00) per year for high-fenced enclosures containing 300 acres or less. The fee for a Facility Registration shall be One Dollar ($1.00) per enclosed acre for high-fenced enclosures containing more than 300 acres. c. Additional commercial enclosure fees may apply pursuant to MISS. CODE ANN. §49-11-5. 2 184

3. Enclosure Size: All high-fenced enclosures constructed for the purpose of confining white-tailed deer only or confining both white-tailed deer and non-native ungulates must contain a minimum of 300 contiguous acres of which at least 50 percent of the total enclosed area must contain suitable habitat for whitetailed deer and is not susceptible to flooding. a. The confinement of white-tailed deer in high-fenced enclosures less than 300 acres and constructed prior to 2008, may be allowed if permitted by the MDWFP. b. An existing high-fenced enclosure containing less than 10 acres, confining white- tailed deer, and registered with the MDWFP prior to 2008, may be allowed but reproduction of whitetailed deer within such an enclosure is prohibited. Any offspring produced shall be reported within five days to the MDWFP and surrendered to the MDWFP. 4. Fence Requirements: All registered high-fenced enclosures containing white- tailed deer must have a minimum fence height of 8 feet and a minimum gauge wire of 12½. The lower 8 feet of the fence must be net wire. However, the Commission may register an enclosure having a fence structure that does not conform to these standards if the effect of the existing fence is to restrict the free ingress and egress of wild animals. 5. White-tailed Deer a. All registered high-fenced enclosures containing whitetailed deer shall be enrolled in the Enclosure Management Assistance Program (EMAP) and shall work with an MDWFPapproved wildlife biologist to manage the white-tailed deer herd. b. Data for each deer harvested from inside the enclosure must be collected and recorded on MDWFP-provided data sheets and submitted annually by Mar 15. c. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Monitoring Program: i. All 1.5 year old or older white-tailed deer that die of natural causes within breeding pens must be tested for CWD. All target white-tailed deer within a high-fenced enclosure or breeding pen must be tested for CWD. Target deer are deer exhibiting clinical symptoms. 185

ii. Each high-fenced enclosure shall submit viable samples for CWD testing, annually, in a number equal to one (1) deer per each two hundred (200) acres of fenced land, whether the deer’s mortality was due to natural causes, as set forth above, or harvested by means of hunting. Enclosures with acreages not evenly divisible by 200 will round up to nearest 200 acres (e.g., 315 acres would be 400). For the purpose of this rule, to be a “viable sample,” the sample must include two (2) retropharyngeal lymph nodes from each deer. 6. Non-native ungulates a. High-fenced enclosures with non-native ungulates shall be regulated according to the “Memorandum of Understanding on High-Fenced Enclosures Containing Nonnative Ungulates” between the MDWFP and the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. Any regulations promulgated by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health are incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in their entirety. b. A non-native ungulate harvest report for the enclosed property shall be submitted to the MDWFP annually by May 1. There shall not be a closed season, bag limit, or weapon restriction for pursuing non-native ungulates. 7. Facility Breach a. Breaches in the fence structure of any registered facility, whether effected by natural or man-made causes, force majeur, or other, that would allow white-tailed deer and/or non-native ungulates to leave the enclosure or enter the enclosure must be reported to the MDWFP within 24 hours of discovery and repaired within a timely manner (not to exceed 2 weeks) to the standards set forth in the paragraph titled “Fence Requirements.” b. Any white-tailed deer that is identified (e.g. ear tags or other identifiable markings) as having escaped from a high-fenced enclosure, and is in the immediate vicinity, shall be immediately captured by the enclosure owner or an authorized representative. If a captured white-tailed deer is not deemed a disease risk, it may be returned to the facility as authorized by MDWFP. Upon no action by the enclosure owner, the deer shall be captured and/or euthanized by authorized 186

representatives of the MDWFP or by any law enforcement agency by whatever means deemed necessary. c. Any non-native ungulate which escapes from a highfenced enclosure shall be reported to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. 8. High-Fenced Enclosure Inspection a. All high-fenced enclosures containing white-tailed deer shall be inspected by the MDWFP at least once annually. Additionally, any registered high-fenced enclosure owners/operators are declared to have consented to periodic inspections of high- fenced enclosures by the MDWFP, without warrant or notice. b. The MDWFP may enter and inspect all wild animal enclosures to: i. Issue, review, and/or renew enclosure registration; ii. Ensure compliance of enclosure rules, regulations, and MDWFP-approved written operational plan; iii. Inspect any required records regarding or relating to any wild animal enclosure; iv. Inspect any high-fenced enclosure at any time there is a reasonable belief that the high-fenced enclosure is not in compliance with these regulations; or v. Quarantine the enclosure. C. Captive Breeding 1. Controlled breeding of white-tailed deer within a high-fenced enclosure may be allowed by permit at an annual cost of Four Hundred Fifty Dollars($450.00). 2. A breeding plan and inventory report must be submitted annually to the MDWFP by May 1. 3. Breeding Pens 187

a. Each breeding pen must be contained within a high-fenced enclosure of at least 300 contiguous acres and no portion of any breeding pen may be within six (6) feet of the external enclosure fence. b. Each breeding pen cannot exceed a total confined area of 5 acres. c. All white-tailed deer 1½ years of age and older within a breeding pen and all white-tailed deer released from a breeding pen into a larger enclosure must be tagged with a uniquely numbered ear tag. 4. Artificial Insemination a. White-tailed deer semen, ova, and embryos may be imported into and translocated within Mississippi by permit. The permit must be obtained prior to importation and translocation. b. White-tailed deer semen, ova, and embryos must be obtained from a source within the continental United States. c. An annual report must be submitted by May 1 to the MDWFP regarding any importation or translocation of white-tailed deer semen, ova, and embryos into Mississippi. D. Movement of White-tailed Deer 1. No person may import a live white-tailed deer into the State of Mississippi pursuant to MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-54. 2. No white-tailed deer originating from a high-fenced enclosure may be released into the wild in Mississippi. 3. White-tailed deer may not be transported from the wild and placed into a high-fenced enclosure or a breeding pen. 4. Transportation a. Transport permits at a cost of Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) per white- tailed deer must be purchased prior to transporting white-tailed deer from one registered high- fenced enclosure or breeding pen to another registered high-fenced enclosure or breeding pen. b. Transportation of live white-tailed deer for stocking or breeding purposes from a registered high-fenced enclosure to another registered high-fenced enclosure within Mississippi may 188

be allowed only if the originating high-fenced enclosures: i. Have participated in a Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) monitoring program and submitted data from the year prior to movement. ii. Passed all current enclosure facility and breeding pen inspections. iii. Have had no violations of any of the provisions of this regulation during the year prior to movement. c. All white-tailed deer moved must be tagged with uniquely numbered plastic tags and MDWFP-provided metal ear tags. Bucks moved 10 days prior to the start or during the deer hunting season must have the antlers removed immediately above the pedicle. E. Compliance: 1. MDWFP personnel and the enclosure operator may develop a plan to come into compliance in an area of deficiency. The MDWFP may continue to enter and inspect the enclosure to assess the progress of the compliance effort. 2. Any enclosure not in compliance with this rule and/or plan may have any of its registered or permitted activities temporarily suspended until such time as the operator can come into full compliance. 3. If an enclosure fails to comply with a specified plan, the MDWFP Executive Director and Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks will be notified of potential actions for ensuring compliance. F. Controlled Drug Usage: The use of controlled drugs for animal capture and reproduction is governed by state and federal drug laws and controlled drugs may be used in compliance with these laws and regulations. G. Mississippi State University Captive Research Facilities: Mississippi State University Captive Deer Research Facilities are exempt from this rule, except for sections “Possession of White-tailed Deer” and “Orphaned and Injured Whitetailed Deer”. H. Definitions 1. High-fenced enclosure – Any man-made or man-placed fenced structure, or combination of fencing and terrain features, which prevents the free ingress and/or egress of any white-tailed deer. 2. Wild animal – Any animal wild by nature whether indigenous to the 189

State of Mississippi or not. 3. Non-native ungulate – a wild by nature mammal having hooves and not indigenous to the State of Mississippi. History: Revised April 2021. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-58, 49-7-58.1, 49-7-58.2, 49-7-58.3, and 49- 7-58.4 RULE 8.3 REGULATIONS FOR ANIMALS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS TO HUMANS. A. INTRODUCTION 1. a. It is unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, receive, transfer, sell, purchase, acquire or possess by intrastate, interstate or foreign commerce, any wild animal classified as inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit or is exempt from holding a permit. b. Effective December 20, 2022, with the enacting of the Big Cat Public Safety Act, 16 U.S.C. §3370 et. seq., by the United States Congress, no new permits for the transfer or possession of members of the order Carnivora, family Felidae, or “big cats,” will be issued. Pursuant to the terms of the Act, all current permittees/owners of big cats must register the animals with the US Fish & Wildlife Service, by or before June 18, 2023. More information regarding registering big cats and/or exceptions to the prohibition contained in the Act, may be found on the US Fish & Wildlife Service’s website at: https://www.fws.gov/what-you-need-know-about-bigcat-public-safety-act. c. All other provisions of this rule regarding Carnivora Felidae are and shall remain in full force and effect for current “big cat” permittees. 2. Public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, exhibitors, and rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities may be exempted from having a permit if the exemption is approved by the Commission or DWFP. 3. Any permit issued under this act shall be valid for one (1) year and only for the species specified. A permit is required for each wild animal possessed. A permit for a female wild animal shall cover her progeny only while her progeny are physically dependent upon her or until her progeny are three (3) months old, whichever period is longer. 4. It is unlawful for any person to sell, transfer, deliver or give a wild animal classified as inherently dangerous to any other person unless the other person holds a permit for the wild animal or is exempt from holding a permit. 5. The following wild animals are classified as animals inherently dangerous to humans: 190

a. Order Primates: i.

Family Pongidae (includes gibbons, orangutans, chimpanzees, siamangs, and gorillas) - all species;

ii. Family Cercopithecidae: Genus Macaca (macaques) - all species; Genus Papio (mandrills, drills, and baboons) - all species; Genus Theropithecus (gelada baboon); b. Order Carnivora: i.

Family Canidae: Genus Canis (wolves, jackals, and dingos; all species, including crosses between wolves and domestic animals); excluding coyote (Canis latrans); Chrysocyon brachyurus (maned wolf); Cuon alpinus (red dog or dhole); Lycaon pictus (African hunting dog);

ii.

Family Ursidae (bears) - all species;

iii.

Family Mustelidae - Gulo gulo (wolverine);

iv.

Family Hyaenidae (hyenas) - all species;

v.

Family Felidae: Genus Leo or Panthera or Neofelis (lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards) - all species; Acinonyx iubatus (cheetah); Felis concolor (cougar) - all subspecies;

c. Order Proboscidea: Family Elephantidae (elephants) - all species; d. Order Perissodactyla: Family Rhinocerotidae (rhinoceroses) all species; e. Order Artiodactyla: i.

Family Hippopotamidae:

Hippopotamus

amphibius

(hippopotamus); ii. Family Bovidae: Syncerus caffer (African buffalo). B. DEFINITIONS 2. Fee Exempt - A permit issued to a public zoo, university research facility, governmental agency, or rehabilitation/sanctuary facility, as defined herein, if such exemption is approved by the Commission.

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a. Any facility not meeting the definition of one of the above but that was in existence on or before January 1, 1999, may apply for a fee-exempt permit. b. Such application must be made on or before May 1, 1999. c. Such facility may temporarily exhibit permitted animals "off premises" provided such exhibition is educational in nature and permittee obtains an Exhibitor permit. d. Fee-exempt facilities must comply with all other requirements contained herein. 3. Personal possession - A non-commercial type permit issued to a citizen for ownership or possession of a wild animal or animals. Such permit does not authorize the public display or exhibition of permitted animal(s). 4. Public zoo - Public zoos and zoological gardens shall be defined as a permanent cultural institution which owns and maintains captive wild animals that represent more than a token collection and, under the direction of a professional staff, provides its collection with appropriate care and exhibits them in an aesthetic manner to the public on a regularly scheduled basis. a. They shall further be defined as having as their primary business the exhibition, conservation, and preservation of the earth's fauna in an educational and scientific manner. b. Public zoos must be accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and/or be designated as the official zoo of a municipality. c. Public zoos shall hold a USDA Class "C" Exhibitor's License. 5. Rehabilitation/sanctuary facility - A facility where abused, neglected, unwanted, impounded, abandoned, orphaned, injured or displaced wild animals will be provided care for his or her lifetime. a. Animals housed at such a facility shall not be allowed to breed and produce offspring. b. Animals cannot be subjected to commercial activity, such as being placed on exhibit, being utilized for entertainment or being bought, traded or sold. c. Such facility shall maintain, in good standing, all permits and licenses required by city, county, state, federal and international statutes. d. Rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities shall maintain 501(c)(3) Federal taxexempt status. 192

6. Exhibitor - Any public wild animal act or presentation including, but not limited to, circuses, carnivals, or any other public display of wild animals. An exhibitor must hold a USDA Class "C" Exhibitor's License. 7. University research facility - Any public institution of higher learning or public community college created under the laws of the State of Mississippi or accredited by the State of Mississippi that conducts scientific research on wild animals and/or otherwise meets the specific housing requirements, provided herein, for such animals. 8. Governmental agency - Any agency, board, commission and/or any political subdivision of the State of Mississippi which receives and expends public funds whether Federal, State, or local. 9. Commission - Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. 10.DWFP - Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. 11. Wild animal - Any wild animal classified as inherently dangerous to humans as provided in Section 49-8-5, Mississippi Code of 1972. C. TYPES OF PERMITS AND FEES 2. Personal Possession: Fee is for each wild animal held. a. Canids (includes wolves, jackals, dingos, maned wolves, dholes, African hunting dogs or hybrids thereof) - $75.00. b. Primates (includes gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, siamangs, macaques, and baboons) - $150.00. c. Ursids (includes all species of bears) - $200.00. d. Felids (includes lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, cougars, snow leopards, clouded leopards or hybrids thereof) - $300.00. e. All species listed below - $300.00 i.

Wolverines

ii.

hyenas

iii.

elephants

193

iv.

rhinoceroses

v. vi.

hippopotamuses, and African buffalo.

3. Exhibitor: $100.00 for a period not to exceed 30 days, or $300.00 for a period not to exceed 1 year. 4. Fee Exempt: Public zoos, university research facilities, governmental agencies, rehabilitation/sanctuary facilities, and other facilities, as defined above, may be exempted from having a permit if the exemption is approved by the Commission. 5. Transportation: Any person transporting animals inherently dangerous to humans through the state must obtain a permit prior to the transportation. D. PERMIT APPLICATION PROCEDURES 2. Any person possessing or desiring to possess a wild animal must, unless otherwise exempted, have a valid permit. 3. Permit applications for possession of a wild animal shall be on a form prescribed by the DWFP. 4. Applicants for a permit to possess a wild animal shall meet the following minimum qualifications: a. Applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age. b. Applicant must have at least two (2) years of experience in the care and handling of the species for which the applicant is applying. c. In lieu of experience, applicant must take a written examination, developed and administered by the DWFP, evidencing knowledge in the basic biology, habits, and requirements, in regard to proper diet, health care, exercise needs and housing, of the species to be covered by the permit. d. Applicant must have a plan for the quick and safe recapture of the animal(s), or if recapture is impossible, for the destruction of any animal held under the permit. e. Applicant shall not have been convicted of any violation of captive wildlife regulations, any offense involving the illegal commercialization of wildlife, or any offense involving cruelty to animals within three (3) years of the date of application. 194

5. Personal Possession Permit: a. Name, complete street address, and phone number. Post office box address will not be accepted. b. Location where wild animal(s) will be housed. Facilities for holding permitted wild animal(s) must be located on the premises on which the permittee resides or shall have a full-time caretaker to supervise the care and security of the facilities. c. Copy of bill of sale or other documentation acceptable to DWFP showing ownership of the wild animal by applicant, including date of acquisition. d. Current animal inventory including the common and scientific name, sex, age, and source of each animal. e. A signed statement by a licensed veterinarian stating that he/she is the veterinarian of record and including the veterinarian's complete address, phone number, and license number. The veterinarian shall certify that he/she has observed each of the applicant's animals at least once during the prior year and that they have been appropriately immunized and cared for. f. Proof of liability insurance in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for each wild animal up to a maximum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). g. No personal possession permit will be issued to a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity of any kind. h. Applicant shall be provided a copy of the regulations governing the possession of a wild animal upon request for a permit application. Before such a permit is issued, all animals records, and facilities shall be inspected by DWFP to ensure compliance with the regulations. Inspection procedures are found under Section VIII of these regulations. Any false statement made by applicant on the permit application will render such application null and void, and subject applicant to the penalties provided by law. 6. Exhibitor's Permit a. Name, complete street address, and phone number of applicant. Post office box address not be accepted. If applicant is a corporation or other legal entity, the application must be signed by the president or other duly authorized officer.

195

b. Current inventory of animals to be exhibited including common and scientific name, sex, age, and source of each animal. c. Copy of current USDA Class "C" Exhibitor's License and copy of most recent USDA Animal Care Inspection Report. d. Outline of animal presentation or act including samples of current promotional materials and related photographs. e. Copy of current and valid contract or other written confirmation that specifies the town, city, and specific street address of exhibition and entire length of time exhibition will take place in Mississippi. f. A signed statement by a licensed veterinarian stating that he/she is the veterinarian of record and including the veterinarian's complete address, phone number, and license number. The veterinarian shall certify that he/she has observed each of the applicant's animals at least once during the prior year and that they have been appropriately immunized and cared for. g. Proof of liability insurance in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for each wild animal up to a maximum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). h. These requirements are exclusive of any additional requirements set forth and falling under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce/Board of Animal Health. i. Applicant shall be provided a copy of the regulations governing the possession of a wild animal upon request for a permit application. Applications for the temporary exhibition of wild animals must be received by DWFP not less than forty-five (45) days prior to the date of exhibition. Any false statement on the application will render such application null and void, and subject the person signing same to the penalties provided by law. j. All animal cages shall be large enough to ensure each animal has sufficient room to stand erect, lie naturally and make normal postural adjustments and be constructed in such a manner as to prevent the escape of the animal(s) held in such cages. k. Temporary exhibits shall be housed in cages that meet the minimum cage specifications provided in Section VII if such animals are present in any geographical location for more than ten (10) days. Such temporary exhibits must be inspected by a DWFP official or his designee prior to opening to the public for business. 196

7. Elephant Ride Special Authorization a. Trained elephants may be brought into contact with the public upon issuance of Special Authorization by DWFP. b. Application for such authorization shall be separate from and in addition to other permit requirements. 8. Exempted Facilities: Permanent facilities holding any wild animal(s) and which meet the definition of public zoo, university research facility, governmental agency, or rehabilitation/sanctuary facility must apply for an exemption certificate. The following must be provided on the application: a. Name of facility, complete street address and phone number. Post office box address will not be accepted. b. Specific location where wild animal(s) will be housed. c. Current animal inventory including the common and scientific name, sex, age, and source of each animal. d. A signed statement by a licensed veterinarian stating that he/she is the veterinarian of record and including the veterinarian's complete address, phone number, and license number. The veterinarian shall certify that he/she has observed each of the applicant's animals at least once during the prior year and that they have been appropriately immunized and cared for. e. Proof of liability insurance in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for each wild animal up to a maximum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00). f. Copy of current USDA Class "C" Exhibitor's License and copy of most recent USDA Animal Care Inspection Report. g. Applicant shall be provided a copy of the regulations governing the possession of a wild animal upon request for an exemption certificate. h. Before such certificate is issued, all animals, records, and facilities shall be inspected by DWFP to ensure compliance with the regulations. Inspection procedures are found in Section VIII of these regulations.

9. Transportation Permit: Any person transporting animals inherently dangerous to humans must apply for permit from DWFP. The application must include the following: 197

a. Name, complete street address, and phone number of applicant. Post office box address not be accepted. If applicant is a corporation or other legal entity, the application must be signed by the president or other duly authorized officer. b. Photo copy of driver’s license and valid insurance for vehicle transporting animals. c. Current animal inventory including the common and scientific name, sex, age, and source of each animal. d. Itinerary that includes date of transportation, route to be taken, and any planned stops along the route. e. Certificate of veterinary inspection for each animal. f. Animals must be transported in a manner consistent with the Animal Welfare Act. g. These requirements are exclusive of any additional requirements set forth and falling under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce/Board of Animal Health or any Federal entities. h. Request should be made no less than 14 days prior to transportation date. 10. Any false statement made on the application will render such application null and void, and subject the person signing same to penalties provided by law. E. ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION AND RECORD-KEEPING 2. Each permitted wild animal shall be individually identified by the use of an injectable microchip transponder. Such transponder shall be supplied by DWFP and implanted into the permitted wild animal by a DWFP official or his designee. 3. Permittee shall provide and maintain all documentation relative to the source of each permitted wild animal and the transaction history of such wild animal. Any other licenses or permits relative to such transactions shall also be maintained. 4. Permittee shall provide and maintain all health records of each permitted wild animal. Such records shall include health certificates, records of immunizations and vaccinations, and any other documentary evidence pertaining to the health and welfare of the permitted wild animal.

198

5. Permittee shall comply with all requirements of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce/Board of Animal Health which may apply to any wild animal in permittee's possession. F. GENERAL HOUSING AND CARE REQUIREMENTS All permanent facilities housing a wild animal must meet the following general housing and care requirements, in addition to specific requirements outlined in Section VII: 2. All permanent facilities must be surrounded by a perimeter fence (secondary barrier) of at least eight (8) feet in height and a minimum of four (4) feet from the cage holding the animal(s), or such other fencing, building, or other protection of the enclosure where the animal(s) is kept sufficient to prevent unauthorized public entry or direct physical contact between the animal(s) and the public. 3. All temporary facilities or exhibitions must be surrounded by an exclusionary barrier of at least four (4) feet in height and four (4) feet from the cage holding the animal(s), or other such fencing, building, or other protection of the enclosure where the animal(s) is kept sufficient to prevent unauthorized public entry or direct physical contact between the animal(s) and the public. 4. All cages shall be well-braced and securely fastened to the floor or in the ground and shall utilize metal clamps or braces of equivalent strength as that prescribed for cage construction. 5. All cage entrances shall have double safety doors, one of which only opens to the inside. These doors must remain locked at all times when unattended with locks of sufficient strength to prevent the animal(s) from breaking open the door. 6. All cages shall be constructed with a den, nest box, or other connected housing unit that can be closed off and locked with the animal(s) inside to allow for the safe servicing and cleaning of the open area. In lieu of a nest box, a divided cage with a door between the two compartments may be used. 7. All outdoor cages shall provide adequate shelter from inclement weather conditions, shade from the sun and provide for the protection and health of the animal(s) held within. 8. Cages shall be sufficiently strong to prevent escape and to protect the caged animal(s) from injury. The mesh size or distance between bars shall be sufficiently small to prevent the escape of the animal(s) being held. 9. Restraint by tethering or chaining cannot be used as a means to hold a wild animal in captivity, except for elephants within a perimeter fence or trained elephants under the immediate supervision of a qualified trainer or handler. 199

10.No person shall maintain any wild animal(s) in captivity in any unsanitary or unsafe condition or in manner which results in the maltreatment or neglect of such animal(s) nor shall any species of animal be confined in any cage or enclosure which does not meet the specifications prescribed for that species. 11. Enclosure in which a wild animal is held in captivity shall be maintained as follows: a. Water - Drinking water shall be provided daily in clean containers. Pools shall be cleaned as needed to ensure good water quality. Enclosures shall provide adequate drainage of surface water. b. Food - Food provided shall be unspoiled and not contaminated. It shall be of a type and quantity sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of the animal(s) to which it is provided. c. Waste - Fecal and food waste shall be removed from cages daily and stored or disposed of in a manner which prevents noxious odors or insect pests. Hard floors shall be scrubbed and disinfected weekly. 12. A facility that meets the requirements to be an exhibitor may use methods approved by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) for the purposes of restraint, containment, and the prevention of escape instead of the following requirements. G. SPECIFIC HOUSING REQUIREMENTS 2. Felines a. All felines shall be vaccinated annually with a combination killed vaccine against feline panleukopenia, feline rhino tracheitis, feline leukemia, and calicivirus. Vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and records of such vaccinations must be maintained by permittee. Regular fecal checks for endoparasites is also recommended. b. All cages shall be constructed of and covered at the top with nine (9) gauge steel chain link or equivalent, with tension bars and metal clamps to prevent the escape of the animal or other construction approved in writing by the DWFP to prevent the escape of the animal. Framework for all enclosures shall be erected and be of a material sufficiently strong enough to allow for the proper installation and maintenance of tension of the chain link or equivalent. c. All cages for cheetahs shall be constructed as above except that the minimum strength shall be of eleven and one-half (11 %) gauge steel chain link or equivalent.

200

d. Minimum cage size: i.

Lions, tigers, cheetahs or hybrids thereof: (a) Single animal: 20 feet by 15 feet by 8 feet high (or 300 square feet); (b) Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 150 sq. ft.); (c) Accessories: Elevated shelf or shelves large enough to accommodate any and all animals in enclosure and at least two claw logs.

ii. Jaguars, leopards, cougars, snow leopards, clouded leopards, or hybrids thereof: (a) Single animal: 20 feet by 10 feet by 8 feet high (or 200 square feet); (b) Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 100 sq. ft.); (c) Accessories: Elevated shelf or shelves large enough to accommodate any and all animals in enclosure and at least two claw logs. 3. Canines a. All canines shall be vaccinated annually against canine distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus. Chick-embryo-origin canine distemper vaccine is considered safe for non-domestic canines. Vaccines must be administered by a licensed veterinarian and records of such vaccinations must be maintained by permittee. Canines must also receive an initial treatment with the anthelminthic, praziquantal, for the control of tapeworms and, thereafter, be monitored for infestation. Regular fecal checks for other endoparasites is also recommended. b. All enclosures shall be constructed of and be covered at the top with eleven and one-half (11 12) gauge steel chain link or equivalent, with tension bars and metal clamps to prevent the escape of the animal or other such construction approved in writing by the DWFP to prevent the escape of the animal. Animals may be held in facilities without a top where the sides of the enclosure are a minimum of seven (7) feet with an additional top extension of three (3) feet turned inward at a forty-five (45) degree angle. c. All vertical enclosure fencing shall have either a concrete footing of sufficient depth to prevent the animal(s) from digging out or a buried horizontal apron made of eleven and one-half (1112) gauge chain link or equivalent attached to the bottom of the vertical fencing and extending a minimum of three (3) feet inward. d. Minimum cage size: i. Wolves, maned wolves, African hunting dogs, or hybrids thereof: (a) Single animal: 10 feet by 20 feet by 7 feet (or 200 square feet); (b) Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 100 sq. ft); (c) Accessories: A sheltered retreat or den(s) shall be provided to accommodate any and all animals in enclosure. 201

ii. Jackals, dingos, dholes, or hybrids thereof: (a) Single animal: 10 feet by 15 feet by 7 feet (or 150 square feet); (b) Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 75 sq. ft); (c) Accessories: A sheltered retreat or den(s) shall be provided to accommodate any and all animals in enclosure. 3. Primates a. All primates shall be TB-tested annually by a licensed veterinarian. In addition, all macaques (Macaca spp.) shall be initially tested for Herpes B virus and, thereafter, be required only in the event of a possible exposure to the virus by humans. All medical records and results of such testing shall be maintained by permittee and made available for inspection by DWFP personnel. Any test results indicating a positive reaction to a TB (tuberculosis) test must be reported immediately to the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. b. Primates shall be provided with objects or exercise apparatus appropriate to the age and species to promote physical and psychological well-being. Such devices may include, but not be limited to, ropes, bars, branches, boxes, balls, foraging items, etc. c. Gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees. i. Cage construction materials including top shall consist of steel bars, two-inch galvanized pipe, masonry block or their strength equivalent. ii. Minimum cage size: (a) Gorilla: Single animal - 20 feet by 15 feet by 8 feet high (or 300 square feet); Each additional animal - increase cage size by 50 percent (or 150 sq. ft); Accessories - Each cage shall have elevated perching areas that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing structure. (b) Orangutan: Single animal - 20 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet high (or 200 square feet); Each additional animal increase cage size by 50 percent (or 100 sq. ft); Accessories - Each cage shall have elevated perching areas that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal and vertical climbing structure. (c) Chimpanzee: Single animal - 20 feet by 10 feet by 8 feet high (or 200 square feet); Each additional animal increase cage size by 50 percent (or 100 square feet); 202

Accessories - Each cage shall have elevated perching areas that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing structure. d. Gibbons and siamangs. i. Cage construction shall consist of and be covered at the top with not less than nine (9) gauge steel chain link or equivalent. ii. Minimum cage size: Single animal: 8 feet by 15 feet by8 feet high (or 120 square feet); Each additional animal: increase cage size by 25 percent (or 30 sq. ft.); Accessories: Each cage shall have elevated perching areas that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have hanging ropes, swings, or other apparatus to allow animals to brachiate the length of the enclosure. e. Baboons. i. Cage construction shall consist of and be covered at the top with not less than nine (9) gauge steel chain link or equivalent. ii. Minimum cage size: Single animal: 10 feet by 12 feet by 8 feet high (or 120 square feet); Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 60 sq. ft); Accessories: Each cage shall have elevated perching areas that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. f. Macaques. i. Cage construction shall consist of and be covered at the top with not less than nine (9) gauge steel chain link or equivalent. ii. Minimum cage size: Single animal: 8 feet by 10 feet by 8 feet high (or 80 square feet); Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 40 sq. ft); Accessories: Each cage shall have elevated perching areas that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously. Each cage shall have a horizontal climbing structure. 4. Bears a. In addition to the requirements of this section, each cage/enclosure shall be equipped with a pool large enough to accommodate at least two animals simultaneously. The pool shall be designed such that it can be readily drained and cleaned to maintain good water quality.

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b. American black, Asiatic black, sun, sloth, and spectacled bears: i. Cage construction shall consist of and be covered at the top with not less than nine (9) gauge steel chain link or equivalent with tension bars and metal clamps to prevent the escape of the animal. Framework for all enclosures shall be erected and be of a material sufficiently strong enough to allow for the proper installation and maintenance of tension of the chain link or equivalent. ii. Minimum cage size: Single animal: 20 feet by 15 feet by 8 feet high (or 300 square feet). Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 150 sq. ft). Accessories: Each cage shall be equipped with a climbing structure, elevated shelf or shelves large enough to accommodate any and all animals in enclosure, and at least two claw logs. c. Brown and polar bears: i. Cage construction shall consist of and be covered at the top with not less than five (5) gauge steel chain link or equivalent, with tension bars and metal clamps to prevent the escape of the animal. Framework for all enclosures shall be erected and be of a material sufficiently strong enough to allow for the proper installation and maintenance of tension of the chain link or equivalent. ii. Minimum cage size: Single animal: 20 feet by 20 feet by 10 feet high (or 400 square feet). Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 200 sq. ft). Accessories: Each cage shall be equipped with a climbing structure, elevated shelf or shelves large enough to accommodate any and all animals in enclosure, and at least two claw logs. 5. Hyenas a. All cages shall be constructed of and covered at the top with nine (9) gauge steel chain link or equivalent, with tension bars and metal clamps to prevent the escape of the animal. Framework for all enclosures shall be erected and be of a material sufficiently strong enough to allow for the proper installation and maintenance of tension of the chain link or equivalent. b. Minimum cage size: Single animal 10 feet by 20 feet by 7 feet high (or 200 square feet). Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 100 sq. ft.). Accessories: Each cage shall have either a den or elevated platform. 6. Wolverines 204

a. All cages shall be constructed of and covered at the top with nine (9) gauge steel chain link or equivalent with tension bars and metal cramps to prevent the escape of the animal. Framework for all enclosures shall be erected and be of a material sufficiently strong enough to allow for the proper installation and maintenance of tension of the chain link or equivalent. b. Minimum cage requirements: Single animal: 10 feet by 10 feet by 6 feet high (or 100 square feet). Each additional animal: increase cage size by 50 percent (or 50 sq. ft). 7. Pachyderms a. Construction materials of enclosure shall consist of steel bars, masonry block, steel-reinforced concrete or equivalent. b. Elephants: Minimum enclosure size shall be 1500 square feet for a single animal. For each additional animal increase enclosure by 50 percent. c. Rhinoceros: Minimum enclosure size shall be 1500 square feet for a single animal. For each additional animal increase enclosure by 50 percent. d. Hippopotamus: Minimum enclosure size shall be 1000 square feet for a single animal. For each additional animal increase enclosure by 50 percent. A pool shall be provided with a minimum surface area of 300 square feet and a minimum depth of five (5) feet. 8. African Buffalo a. Applicant or permittee must provide proof of compliance with requirements of the Mississippi Board of Animal Health relative to brucellosis and tuberculosis testing. b. Construction materials of enclosure shall consist of steel bars, masonry block, steel reinforced concrete or equivalent. c. Minimum enclosure size shall be 1000 square feet for a single animal. For each additional animal increase size by 25 percent. H. INSPECTION OF FACILITIES 1. Any person possessing an inherently dangerous wild animal as defined by this regulation, shall, during normal business hours and at all reasonable times, and without the necessity of a search warrant, allow the executive director or his designee to inspect

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all animals, facilities, and records relating to such animals for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the regulations of this act. 2. Before any permit is issued for the possession of a wild animal an inspection of all animal facilities, and records relating to such animals shall be conducted by a DWFP official or his designee, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the regulations of this act. 3. If, upon inspection of all animals, facilities and records, applicant or permittee is found not to be in compliance with the regulations of this act, such applicant or permittee may be allowed a reasonable period of time to correct the deficiencies found to be in noncompliance, after which a follow-up inspection will be scheduled to ensure such deficiencies have been corrected. I. DISPOSITION. SEIZURE. AND PENALTIES 1. Disposition: a. Owners of unpermitted wild animals who do not qualify for a permit to possess the wild animal shall transfer the wild animal to a permitted or approved recipient within (30) days of notification by DWFP. b. Each day of possession of the unpermitted wild animal after the thirtyday period constitutes a separate violation. c. DWFP shall be notified by certified mail of the permittee or approved recipient the animal is proposed to be transferred to prior to said transfer taking place. 2. Seizure: a. Any officer of DWFP may, upon finding a violation of the regulations, give the owner of a wild animal three (3) days written notice of seizure of such wild animal and make application to a court of proper jurisdiction for an order to seize such wild animal. b. If the officer determines that the public safety or the welfare of the animal requires emergency action, the notice requirements shall be suspended and such officer may make immediate application to the court for seizure and otherwise proceed as per the provisions of MISS. CODE ANN. §97-41-2. c. Further, that if the exigency of the circumstances is such that the wild animal presents a present or imminent life-threatening situation or is likely to do so under the circumstances. then such officer may destroy such wild animal pursuant to the authority of MISS. CODE ANN. §97-41-3. 206

3. Penalties: A violation of any of the provisions of MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-8-1, et. seq., and of the provisions of this rule, is a Class I violation and is punishable as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-141. Any person who has been convicted of a Class I violation shall be fined not less than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) and shall be imprisoned in the county jail for five (5) days. The person shall also forfeit all hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges for a period of not less than twelve (12) consecutive months from the date of conviction. J. ESCAPE AND LIABILITY FOR ESCAPE 1. Permittee shall immediately notify DWFP and the local law enforcement agency of any escape of a wild animal. 2. Permittee shall be liable for any costs incurred by any person, city, county, or state agency resulting from the escape of a wild animal. 3. Neither the State of Mississippi nor any agency, officer, official employee or agent thereof shall be liable for any wild animal that expires, or is injured or destroyed. Neither the State of Mississippi nor any agency, officer, official employee, or agent thereof shall be liable for any damage or injury caused by a wild animal held under a permit issued pursuant to this act. K. Counties and municipalities may enact ordinances regulating or prohibiting the possession of wild animals if the ordinances are more stringent than this act or the regulations promulgated by the Commission. L. This act shall not apply to livestock regulated by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce. M. As noted in Paragraph A.1.a., b., and c., this rule and the provisions contained herein, as well as state law or provisions contained in the Mississippi Code, may, from time to time, be superseded and/or pre-empted by Federal law, as enacted by the United States Congress. History: Revised April 2025. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-8-1, et. seq. Rule 8.4 NON-RESIDENT HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE & FEE PROGRAM. A. Non-Resident required to Possess License

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1. Effective July 1, 1994, fishing and hunting licenses are required of all nonresidents fishing in the fresh or marine waters or hunting in the State of Mississippi, except minors who have not reached the age of sixteen (16) years. 2. Non-Resident Defined. Any person not entitled to receive a resident fishing license under the provisions of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-3, shall be considered a nonresident for purposes of obtaining a fishing license. 3. Any person not entitled to receive a resident hunting license under the provisions of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-3, shall be considered a non-resident for purposes of obtaining a hunting license. 4. A child at least twelve (12) years of age and under sixteen (16) years of age may hunt without having a required certificate of hunter education, if the child is in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter, who is at least twenty-one (21) years of age, when hunting. B. Agent's Issuance Fee: The agent's issuing fee for non-resident license shall be: 1. $3.00 fee for each license (except the 3-day fishing license); 2. $2.00 fee for each 3-day fishing license; 3. $1.00 fee for each 1-day freshwater fishing license; 4. $1.00 fee for each state waterfowl stamp; 5. $1.00 fee for each fall turkey permit; and 6. $1.00 fee for each shooting preserve license C. Expiration Date: All annual licenses shall be valid for one (1) calendar year from the date of purchase/issuance. D. Replacement Policy: Licenses, permits and waterfowl stamps will be replaced at a charge of $5.00 each when lost or destroyed. The licensee can purchase a duplicate license from any location that sells hunting/fishing licenses. E. Policy on Shooting Preserves: 1. Non-residents hunting on shooting preserves shall be required to possess either a regular non-resident hunting license or special non-resident shooting preserve license as prescribed in this rule. The shooting preserve license is good for

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the entire shooting preserve season on any such property in the state, for the taking of legal shooting preserve game only. 2. In accordance with MISS. CODE ANN. §49-11-21, non-residents hunting wild game found on shooting preserves shall be required to possess a regular non-resident hunting license in addition to the shooting preserve license prescribed in this rule. F. License Types and prices for Non-Residents: 1. Fishing: a. Annual Fishing (Freshwater) Required for fishing in the freshwaters of Mississippi: $68.00 b. 3-Day Fishing (Freshwater) Required for fishing in the freshwaters of Mississippi for three (3) consecutive calendar days (not a 72hour period): $30.00 c. 1-Day Fishing (Freshwater) Required for fishing in the freshwaters of Mississippi for one (1) calendar day: $10.00 2. Hunting: a. All Game Hunting - Required for hunting all game and fowl in Mississippi as provided by law. Hunters hunting during special archery or primitive weapon seasons will be required to purchase an archery/primitive weapon permit in addition to this license. Hunters hunting waterfowl will be required to purchase both a state and a federal waterfowl stamp in addition to this license. Hunters hunting deer, fall turkeys, and spring turkeys will be required to purchase a deer permit, fall turkey permit, and/or spring turkey permit, respectively, in addition to this license: $300.00 b. 3-Day All Game Hunting - Archery I Primitive Weapon Required for hunting all game and fowl in Mississippi as provided by law. This license includes all game and archery/primitive weapon hunting. Hunter hunting waterfowl will be required to purchase both a state and a federal waterfowl stamp in addition to this license. Hunters hunting deer, fall turkeys, and spring turkeys will be required to purchase a deer permit, fall turkey permit, and/or spring turkey permit, respectively, in addition to this license. This license is valid for three (3) consecutive calendar days (not a 72-hour time period): $150.00 c. 7-Day All Game Hunting - Required for hunting all game and fowl in Mississippi as provided by law. Hunters hunting during special 209

archery or primitive weapon seasons will be required to purchase an archery/primitive weapon permit in addition to this license. Hunters 3 hunting waterfowl will be required to purchase both a state and a federal waterfowl stamp in addition to this license. Hunters hunting deer, fall turkeys, and spring turkeys will be required to purchase a deer permit, fall turkey permit, and/or spring turkey permit, respectively, in addition to this license. This license is valid for seven (7) consecutive calendar days (not a 168 hour time period): $150.00 d. Archery / Primitive Weapon Permit - Required for hunting deer during special archery/primitive weapon seasons. This license must be purchased in addition to an all-game hunting or 7-day all-game hunting license: $75.00 e. Deer Permit - Required for hunting deer during all deer seasons. This license must be purchased in addition to an any all game, 7-day all game, or 3-day all game hunting license: $100.00 f. Spring Turkey Permit - Required for hunting turkey during spring turkey season. This license must be purchased in addition to an any all game, 7-day all game, or 3-day all game hunting license: $50.00 g. Small Game Hunting - Required for hunting all game and fowl, excluding deer and turkey, in Mississippi as provided by law. Hunters hunting waterfowl will be required to purchase both a state and a federal waterfowl stamp in addition to this license: $95.00 h. 7-Day Small Game Hunting - Required for hunting all game and fowl, excluding deer and turkey, in Mississippi as provided by law. Hunters hunting waterfowl will be required to purchase both a state and a federal waterfowl stamp in addition to this license. This license is valid for 7 consecutive calendars days (not a 168-hour period): $38.00 i. Special 7-Day Combination Hunting/Fishing - Special license valid only for nonresidents who are in the state on official business or attending an official convention sanctioned by the Department, wherein the state would benefit from the issuance of the license. Valid for hunting all game and fowl, including deer and turkey, for fishing in any county in the state, and for hunting using primitive weapons and bow and arrow, as provided by law. Hunters hunting waterfowl will be required to purchase both a state and a federal waterfowl stamp in addition to this license. This license is valid for 7 consecutive calendar days (not a 168 hour time period). This special license is issued only by the Executive Director or his designee. The Executive Director shall keep a permanent record of each license issued including the name and address of the person receiving the license and the reason the license was issued: $32.00 210

j. State Waterfowl Stamp - It is unlawful for any person sixteen (16) years of age or older to hunt or take any migratory waterfowl within this state without first procuring a state migratory waterfowl stamp or its electronic equivalent and having the stamp or proof of purchase of the electronic equivalent in his possession while hunting or taking any migratory waterfowl. Each stamp shall be validated by the signature of the licensee written across the face of the stamp or the proof of purchase of the electronic equivalent. $19.00 k. Non-Resident Public Lands Turkey Permit – Required for nonresidents prior to hunting on open public lands from the opening day of the Spring Turkey Season until the 4 last day of March. Not required for hunters on private lands or hunters drawn for MDWFP Wildlife Management Areas. Permitted hunters are additionally required to have appropriate hunting license and spring turkey permit. Allocation of the Non-Resident Public Lands Turkey Permit is conducted via a special drawing and is not available for purchase on demand. See www.mdwfp.com for application dates and information. NO COST. Permitted (drawn) hunters, are also allowed one (1) non-drawn guest hunter to accompany or assist with the hunt. The guest, if a nonresident age 16 or older, must have an appropriate nonresident hunting license and Spring Turkey permit. If the guest hunter is a resident age 16 or older and not exempt from having to have a license, he or she must have the appropriate resident hunting license and/or other permit as applicable. ONLY the permitted/drawn hunter may take a turkey. 3. Miscellaneous: a. Commercial Fishing (Freshwater) - Required for fishing for commercial purposes and selling or peddling fish at retail or selling or shipping same at wholesale, as to markets, dealers, or canning plants within the State of Mississippi. Each piece of equipment must be tagged. This license is also required of any nonresident who brings fish into the state from the outside of the state for the purpose of resale to a wholesale or retail dealer or to the consumer. This license is also required of any non-resident engaged in the business of selling minnows for resale for bait purpose: $200.00/License b. Trapper - Required of all non-resident trappers or their assistants/helpers who are sixteen (16) years or older for trapping in the State of Mississippi. Non-resident trappers are subject to the statutes and regulations applicable to Mississippi resident trappers: $205.00

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c. Fur Dealer - Required of all non-residents regardless of age, who buy furbearing animals from trappers and hunters. Such license shall be valid one (1) year from date of issuance, unless suspended or revoked. Non-resident fur dealers are subject to the statutes and regulations applicable to Mississippi resident fur dealers: $205.00 d. Shooting Preserve - Required for hunting on shooting preserves in lieu of regular non-resident hunting license. Shooting preserve license is valid for entire shooting preserve season, for the taking of legal shooting preserve game only. NOTE: In accordance with Section 49-11-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, non-residents hunting wild game found on shooting preserves shall be required to possess a regular non-resident hunting license in addition to the shooting preserve license prescribed in this rule: $13.00 History: Revised April 2023. Source: Miss. Code Ann., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-8 RULE 8.5 DECOMMISSION OF ENCLOSURES CONTAINING WHITE-TAILED DEER. A. Enclosures and/or permitted facilities preventing the free ingress and egress of wild animals, may, by fully complying with the terms, conditions, and provisions of this rule, cease operations as a wildlife enclosure, without being in violation of 40 MISS. ADMIN. CODE, Part 2, Rule 8.2.D.6. B. Before an enclosure may be decommissioned, the enclosure owner must submit a decommission application to the MDWFP. After receipt of the application, the enclosure owner will be contacted by an employee of the MDWFP, designated by the Executive Director, to begin the process. Every application for decommissioning shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. C. Biologists from the Wildlife Bureau of the MDWFP will inspect the facility and evaluate the risks of ceasing operations based upon an established set of criteria for releasing captive animals into the wild. Such criteria have been developed by and in consultation with the State Veterinarian and other professionals to assess the risk of introducing disease into the wildlife population and/or domestic livestock. 1. Criteria for “low risk” and “high risk” facilities may only be altered based upon clear and convincing evidence of significant changes in technology, biological testing, or other objective methods for identifying risk factors such as disease. Copies of applicable criteria may be provided upon request. 2. Other factors affecting risk evaluation may include, but are not limited to: evidence of movement of deer between facilities, reasonable belief of importation of deer 212

from outside the state, or other instances of noncompliance with established rules for the operations of wildlife enclosures. 3. Presence of breeding facilities – at the time of the request or at any time during the existence of the facility - and/or other species (exotics) will qualify a facility as “high risk.” D. The MDWFP, in consultation with the State Veterinarian, shall develop a Decommissioning Plan for the requesting facility. Plan methods have been developed by and in consultation with the State Veterinarian and other professionals to address the risk of introducing disease into the wildlife population and/or domestic livestock. Copies of applicable methods may be provided upon request. E. Upon receipt of the Decommissioning Plan, the facility may begin decommissioning operations with the guidance of technical staff from the MDWFP. Issuance of a Decommissioning Plan shall be made contingent upon the understanding that the facility is consenting to periodic inspection and review of decommissioning operations by the MDWFP, 208 the State Veterinarian, or any of their designees. All animal disease sampling/testing shall be subject to the oversight of the MDWFP and the State Veterinarian. F. All costs associated with the decommissioning process shall be borne by the facility owner. G. Methods for decommissioning high-fenced enclosures containing white-tailed deer may include depopulation, genetic testing, and lethal disease testing. H. If enclosures contain exotic, non-native animals, as defined in MISS. CODE ANN. §75-33-3, the enclosures must be depopulated of those exotic animals, and the depopulation must be verified by the MDWFP, prior to decommissioning, or the fence must remain intact. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-80 prohibits the release of exotics into the wild. Depopulation of exotic, nonnative animals may include legal trade as regulated by the Mississippi Board of Animal Health, or euthanasia. I. Any enclosure that has fully complied with its Decommissioning Plan, as certified by the MDWFP and the State Veterinarian, may have the gates completely removed, all or part of the fence completely removed, or the fence lowered to a height of four (4) feet or less for a minimum of twenty-five (25) percent of the linear footage of the fence, so as to allow the ingress and egress of wild animals. J. If an enclosure requesting to be decommissioned contains feral hogs, and the facility has prevented, and continues to prevent, the free ingress and/or egress of those feral hogs, the facility must be depopulated of the entire feral hog population, or the fence must remain intact, at a minimum height of four (4) feet, to prevent the movement of feral hogs onto adjacent properties.

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K. Failure to substantially comply with the Decommissioning Plan may result in denial of decommissioning and/or citations for violations of Commission regulations as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-101. History: February 2016. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-58, 49-7-58.1, 49-7-58.2, 49-7-58.3, and 497-58.4. RULE 8.6 ENCLOSURES THAT PREVENT THE FREE INGRESS AND EGRESS OF WHITETAILED DEER – ADMINISTRATIVE QUARANTINE. A. Administrative Quarantine. 1. An enclosure suspected of violating any applicable law, rule, or regulation regarding enclosures that prevent the free ingress and egress of white-tailed deer, may be placed under administrative quarantine until any investigation is concluded. 2. Administrative quarantine shall be imposed upon any enclosure determined to be the destination of an act of unlawful importation of live white-tailed deer into the State of Mississippi. Upon conviction, the operator(s) of such an enclosure must: a. Cease any and all breeding operations. Existing breeding pens must be depopulated. b. Quarantine, and the reporting requirements thereof, shall be imposed for a minimum of ten (10) years. c. Should the facility (operators) fail to perform required testing and reporting, or otherwise violate the terms of the quarantine, all white-tailed deer within the enclosure shall be euthanized and tested for CWD. d. Should depopulation be required as set forth above, the enclosure may be prohibited from being registered to contain white-tailed deer in the future. B. Notice of Administrative Quarantine. For any enclosure associated with a conviction for unlawful importation of live white-tailed deer into the State of Mississippi, which has been placed under administrative quarantine, a “Notice of Administrative Quarantine” shall be prepared and filed for record in the land records of the county or counties where the enclosure is located. The Notice shall set forth the reason(s) and duration of the Administrative Quarantine, including but not limited to, the infractions committed on the property, which could have a negative impact upon the native wildlife and ecosystems. History: Promulgated February 2019.

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Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-58, 49-7-58.1, 49-7-58.2, 49-7-58.3, and 497-58.4. Part 2, Chapter 9: Regulations for the Opening and Closing of Hunting Seasons RULE 9.1 OPENING AND CLOSING DAYS FOR HUNTING SEASONS. A. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-35, provides, “Whenever the time fixed by statute for the beginning of a game season shall fall on a Sunday, the season shall begin on the preceding Saturday.” It is the intent of the Commission that, whenever the date for the opening day of any hunting season for white-tailed deer, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, small game, or fur-bearing animals, shall fall on a Sunday, for that year, the opening day shall be the Saturday immediately preceding the Sunday opening day. B. On July 1, 2020, Senate Bill 2723 of the 2020 Regular Legislative Session, went into effect, amending MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-31, §49-7-31.2, §49-7-31.3, and §49-7-31.4, granting the Commission the authority to extend hunting seasons, as follows: 1. When the open season on deer ends on a Friday, the season shall be extended until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday. 2. When the open seasons for bobwhite quail and/or wild turkey end on a Friday, the season shall be extended until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday. 3. When the open seasons for small game end on a Friday, the seasons shall be extended until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday 4. When the open season on fur-bearing animals, including any additional open season on raccoon, ends on a Friday, the season shall be extended until thirty (30) minutes after sunset on the following Sunday. C. The above and foregoing rule regarding opening and closing days, applies to private lands and open public lands. Season opening and closing days on wildlife management areas under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, shall still be set by the Commission pursuant to the authority set forth at MISS. CODE ANN. §49-5-13, and as set forth elsewhere in these rules. Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-35, 49-7-31, 49-7-31.2, 49-7-31.3, 49-731.4. History: Promulgated September 2020

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