MISSISSIPPI OUTDOOR 2016 DIGEST 2017 MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS CURRENT INFORMATION ON: • Hunting and Fishing • License Requirements Regulations • Wildlife Management Areas VISIT OUR • State Lakes and • Boating Safety WEBSITE: State Parks MDWFP.COM • Hunter Education PLUS MORE MISSISSIPPI OUTDOOR 2016 Contents DIGEST 2017 HUNTING MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT License Prices ..................................................................................................4-6 OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, License Information ........................................................................................8-12 AND PARKS ARTICLE: Wild Hogs: Don’t Move the Problem ............................................... 14 1505 Eastover Drive 2016 Senate and House Bills ............................................................................ 16 Jackson, MS 39211-6374 White-tailed Deer Zones, Hunting Seasons, and Bag Limits .....................18-22 (601) 432-2400 Mississippi Official State Record Deer ............................................................. 23 Phil Bryant Small Game Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits ................................................ 24 Governor Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Bag Limits ................................................ 24 Turkey Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits ......................................................... 25 COMMISSIONERS Wildlife Management Areas .............................................................................. 26 Wildlife Management Area Permitted Draw Hunts .......................................... 26 Billy Deviney, Chairman MDWFP Regions/State & Federal Wildlife Management Areas Map .............. 26 WMA Youth and Handicapped Hunts ............................................................... 28 Clay Wagner, Vice-Chairman North Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge Complex ...................................... 29 Wildlife Management Area Information ............................................................ 30 Scott Coopwood, Commissioner Sharing Your Wildlife Management Areas and National Forests..................... 31 Hunting and Recreation on National Forests in Mississippi.......................32-33 Bill F. Cossar, Commissioner General Hunting Regulations and Requirements........................................36-39 Mississippi Museum of Natural Science .......................................................... 42 Robert Taylor, Commissioner Hunter Education Program ............................................................................... 43 EXECUTIVE STAFF FISHING Dr. Sam Polles Boating Enforcement ...................................................................................44-46 Executive Director Boat Registration ..........................................................................................44-46 Robert L. Cook Freshwater Fishing in Mississippi, Laws, and Regulations ........................46-51 Deputy Executive Director Mississippi State Fishing Lakes ..................................................................52-55 Larry Castle Fish Tissue Advisories and Commercial Fish Bans ......................................... 56 Director, Technical Programs Mississippi State Record Fish .......................................................................... 57 Michael Bolden Community Assistance Program - Public Fishing Waters ............................... 58 Director, Administrative Services Jennifer Head STATE PARKS Director, State Parks Mississippi State Parks ................................................................................59-60 Charles Knight Director, Mississippi Museum Mississippi State Parks – Fees ....................................................................61-63 of Natural Science Mississippi State Parks – Amenities ................................................................. 64 Useful Phone Numbers ..................................................................................... 68 Cover Photo by Paul T. Brown The MDWFP is an equal opportunity employer and provid- er of programs and services. If anyone believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, national origin, marital status, sex, religion, creed, age, or disability, they may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Mississippi Depart- ment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Office of Administra- tive Services, P.O. Box 451, Jackson, MS 39205-0451, or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1801 L. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20507. The products, services, merchandise, contests, events, or offers promoted in the advertisements featured in this digest are not necessarily endorsed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. 1 Welcome to the Mississippi MISSISSIPPI Outdoor Digest OUTDOOR 2016 DIGEST 2017 MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS WELCOME TO THE MISSISSIPPI OUTDOOR DIGEST CURRENT INFORMATION ON: • Hunting and Fishing Regulations • License Requirements The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, VISIT OUR • Wildlife Management Areas WEBSITE: • State Lakes and MDWFP.COM State Parks • Boating Safety Fisheries, and Parks is committed to con- • Hunter Education PLUS MORE serving our abundant natural resources for generations to come and providing recre- ational opportunities for all. Whether you are looking for white-tailed deer or wild turkey, or if simply you want to spend time in the About this Guide woods hiking, bird watching, or shooting photographs, the Magnolia This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you State is surely the place to be. In addition to our fantastic public hunting by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and fishing opportunities, more than 25 state parks are operated by the and Parks through its unique partnership with J.F. MDWFP. These affordable and accessible destinations are designed to be Griffin Publishing, LLC. family-oriented and offer a wide variety of exciting outdoor adventures. J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house Our conservation achievements are a result of the commitment by that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife men and women who have supported our Agency over many years. regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports MDWFP’s staff Mississippi’s private landowners, business people, and decision mak- in the design, layout, and editing of the guides. They ers have worked alongside our dedicated staff to sustain our outdoor also manage the marketing and sales of advertising heritage. Now, more than ever, the continued support of individuals who to appropriate businesses within the book. support the outdoors and enjoy the benefits of our lifestyle is necessary to conserve Mississippi’s land, water, and wildlife. The revenue generated through ad sales signifi- cantly lowers production costs and generates savings. Cherished memories are always created whenever we enjoy the fruits These savings translate into additional funds for other of our labor with family and friends in Mississippi’s great outdoors. important fisheries and habitat programs. Each outdoor experience is unique as it brings with it a renewed sense of hope and anticipation of experiencing something new and exciting. If you have any feedback or are interested in advertis- I wish each of you a successful and safe season enjoying everything ing, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or online at our natural resources have to offer. www.JFGriffin.com Good luck this season. Graphic Design: Jon Gulley, Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski, Dane Fay, and John Corey Sam Polles, Ph.D. Executive Director 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the Mississippi Hunting and Fishing Outdoor Digest on recycled content paper. available online Become a fan of Follow us on Twitter @MDWFPonline MDWFP in a new Digital Edition! MDWFP on Facebook @ MDWFPonline The 2016-2017 Outdoor Digest is a publication of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks which Fully searchable Email pages includes information and regulations on hunting and recreational freshwater fishing which were current at the time Live hyperlinks to One-click printing of printing. For commercial fishing regulations see the “Mississippi Digest of Commercial Fishing Laws and Regula- expanded content tions.” Regulations are subject to change due to legislative or commission actions, and it is your responsibility to be knowledgeable of the laws and regulations in effect. Laws and regulations include those contained within the Mississippi Code Annotated Section 49-1-1 et seq., the official regulations of the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and applicable federal laws. Contact your local conservation officer for specific information or call MDWFP at (601) 432-2400. www.eRegulations.com Private advertisements contained in this publication do not in any manner constitute an endorsement or approval by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks nor the products suitability for use. 2 2016-2017 MISSISSIPPI OUTDOOR DIGEST BRING HOME THE BIG BUCKS. IT’S EASIER WITH THE RIGHT GEAR. 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