Miss. Admin. Code Title 40 — Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS

Part 1 Part 1: General Administrative Rules of the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.1 BECOMING A LICENSE AGENT

Public Notice No. 3366 is hereby amended.

A. In order to become a license agent an applicant must:

1. Submit an individual faithful performance bond in the minimum amount of $5,000.00. The amount of said bond may be increased in multiples of $5/000.00 should any audit of the agent by the MDWFP subsequently discover irregularities in agent's record keeping, failure to submit "no sales reports", failure to promptly remit on or before the tenth (10 th ) day of each successive month or any other irregularity or discrepancy. The requirement for additional bonding in order for the license agent to continue to be licensed will be recommended by the assigned auditor, and notice to the agent for the additional bond amounts will be mailed by U.S. Postal Service mail by the Director of the License Bureau. Bonds must be secured from and countersigned by a licensed surety company, and forwarded to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, License Bureau, P O. Box 451, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0451.

2. Any company acting as a surety upon the bond of a license agent must comply with MISS. CODE ANN. §83-27-1 et seq. No additional licenses will be delivered to such agent until such bond is received by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP).

3. All bonds will be continuous. The bonding companies are required to give the MDWFP written notice of cancellation 30 days prior to cancellation.

4. Bonds on companies, firms and corporations are not accepted.

5. Applicants assigned to military bases who are bonded as a result of their profession, shall be allowed to waive the bond requirement as set out in Section A., provided bonding company furnishes a letter to the MDWFP to the effect that the performance bond shall encompass the activity of selling hunting and fishing licenses and that said bond shall indemnify the MDWFP in the event of any loss.

B. License Agent Rules and Regulations:

1. Agent must sign and return the original copy of the Trust Certificate shipped with each license order immediately upon delivery. Check the quantities and serial numbers assigned before returning the Trust Certificate. If shipment does not agree with Trust Certificates, notify the Accounting Department immediately. Unsigned or unreturned Trust Certificates will delay the shipment of future license orders.

2. Licenses to be issued on consignment only.

3. All revenue from license sales must be reported by the 10th of each month. If no licenses are sold, submit a "No Sales Report" by the 10th of each month. Failure to submit sales report will be monitored by the MDWFP and reported to the appropriate bonding company, quarterly.

4. Cashier's checks or money orders are preferred as payment with sales report.

5. Void and unsold licenses must be reported separately from license sales. All sections of the license must be returned in order to receive credit, with the exception of the Agent's copy of the license form. Void licenses must be returned within thirty (30) days of issuance.

6. Agents should allow three (3) to five (5) days processing time for all license orders.

7. The MDWFP reserves the right to alter the quantity of a license order relative to the bond amount.

8. The MDWFP shall exercise its authority to audit license agents and employees of the MDWFP at any reasonable time during the fiscal year in accordance with Rule 2.2 of this Part.

9. Licenses supplied by the MDWFP will be the only licenses honored by Officers of the MDWFP.

10. Agents shall NOT SWAP licenses with other agents. License numbers are pre- assigned and cannot be transferred.

11. Agents must collect the full face value shown on the license plus an agent fee for each license sold as prescribed by statute or MDWFP regulation. Agent fee is to be retained by the agent and not reported to the MDWFP.

12. Agent shall not issue refunds for licenses. Refer all requests for refunds to the MDWFP License Department.

13. Duplicate license are only issued by MDWFP. Prices for duplicate licenses are $5.00 for each license whether for a resident or non-resident. The MDWFP reserves the right to discontinue this duplicate policy at any time.

14. Agents will be responsible for all license forms, game tags and stamps issued to them, and must account to the MDWFP for all such licenses, tags and stamps, whether sold, unsold, voided, lost, misplaced or stolen. For each license, tag or stamp not properly accounted- for, the Agent will be charged the fee applicable to the most expensive license, game tag or stamp then currently sold by the MDWFP. Credit will not be given for lost, stolen or misplaced licenses or licenses destroyed by fire unless agent provides proper certified documentation which is satisfactory to the MDWFP. In the event of loss of licenses by fire, theft, or robbery, sworn statements, police or fire marshal's reports, as the case may be, must be submitted and received by the MDWFP office in Jackson within ten (10) working days of the occurrence. Agents may, at the discretion of the Commission, be required to appear before the Commission to testify as to the loss of any license for whatever reason.

C. Any individual bonded to sell licenses may have his/her privilege terminated by the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for any of the following acts or omissions:

1. Back-dating licenses;

2. Failure to properly date licenses;

3. Failure to submit all revenue collected from the sale of licenses during the reporting period;

4. Failure to submit the "No Sale Report" during the reporting period when appropriate;

5. Failure to take adequate precautions to protect licenses and monies from loss due to fire, theft, robbery and burglary;

6. Falsifying licenses to include, but not limited to, aiding in the securing of a license under an assumed name or in which an address other than the legal place of domicile is given, or knowingly issuing a license to any person not legally entitled to same;

7. Failure to comply with any statute, rule, or regulation governing license agents.

D. An individual whose privilege to sell licenses has been terminated, may petition the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to reinstate this privilege after a period of not less than three (3) years has elapsed from the date of termination.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-17.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.2 AUDIT OF LICENSE AGENTS

Public Notice No. 2471 is hereby amended.

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks shall have the authority to audit license agents and employees of the Department at any time during the fiscal year. Such audit shall be conducted at any reasonable time. In addition to any other legal rights and remedies available at law for the failure of a license agent or employee of the Department to comply with this or any other statute, any license agent or employee of the Department who fails to comply with the license agent's rules and regulations outlined in the manual supplied by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, may have his or her privilege to sell licenses terminated by the Department, for such period of time as the Department may deem appropriate.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-17.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.3 REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING RESIDENT HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES

Public Notice Number 3135 is hereby amended.

A. Requirement to Possess Valid License

Any resident or nonresident who hunts, takes or traps any wild animal, bird or fish must possess a valid license issued by the commission, unless specifically exempted under Title 49, Chapter Seven (7), Mississippi Code of 1972.

B. Requirement to Carry Valid License on Person

A holder of a resident or nonresident license is required to carry the license on his person while engaged in hunting, trapping or fishing. any penalty for not carrying a license while engaged in hunting, trapping or fishing shall be waived if the person can verify purchase of a license prior to the date of the violation.

C. Fishing License Any person who resides within the State of Mississippi shall be entitled to receive a resident fishing license.

D. Hunting or Combination Hunting/Fishing License

1. Any person domiciled within the State of Mississippi shall be entitled to receive a resident hunting license or resident combination hunting/fishing license.

2. The domicile of a person is that person's principal or primary home or place of abode. A "principal or primary home or place of abode" is that home or place in which a person's habitation is fixed and to which he, whenever absent, has the present intention of returning after a departure or absence therefrom, regardless of the duration of the absence. The burden of proving domicile shall be on the person claiming such status. A person holding a current driver's license shall be deemed to be domiciled within the state issuing the license. If a person does not hold a

current driver's license, the following evidence or other reliable evidence may be considered in establishing, but is not necessarily determinative of, domicile: residence for income or other tax purposes, homestead exemption receipt, or any other means prescribed by the department. In the case of minors, domicile of a parent or legal guardian shall be used as evidence of the child's domicile. For the purpose of this license application, "minor” is defined as a person under 18 years of age.

3. Any person claiming domicile but unable to comply with the foregoing requirements may apply to the Jackson office for a resident hunting license or combination hunting/fishing license. In such case, the Department may prescribe other means of proving domicile.

E. Issuance of Resident License to a Non-domiciliary of the state

A non-domiciliary of the state may be issued a resident hunting or fishing license or combination resident hunting/fishing license upon providing the following:

1. A current identification card from a Mississippi college or university;

2. A current military identification card showing that the person is an active member of the Armed Forces (excluding Reserves and the National Guard) and proof that the person is stationed on a military base in Mississippi.

F. Penalty for submitting false information on application.

In accordance with Section 49-7-21 (5), Mississippi Code of 1972, any person who obtains a license under an assumed name or makes a materially false statement to obtain a license is guilty of a felony and shall be subject to a fine of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) or may be imprisoned for a term not to exceed one (1) year or both.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-3.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.4 NON-RESIDENT HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE & FEE PROGRAM

A. Non-Resident required to Possess License 1. Effective July 1, 1994, fishing and hunting licenses are required of all non-residents 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 non-resident 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 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: $60.00 b. 3-Day Fishing (Freshwater) Required for fishing in the freshwaters of Mississippi for three (3) consecutive calendar days (not a 72-hour period): $15.00 c. 1-Day Fishing (Freshwater) Required for fishing in the freshwaters of Mississippi for one (1) calendar day: $8.00

5. 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 Wild Turkey Stamp, 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 Wild Turkey Stamp, 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 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 Wild Turkey Stamp, 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 any all game, 7-day all game, or 3-day all game hunting license: $50.00 f. Wild Turkey Stamp - Required for hunting turkey during spring turkey season. This license must be purchased in addition to any all game, 7-day all game, or 3-day all game hunting license: 100.00 g. Fall Turkey Permit - Required for hunting turkey during fall either-sex seasons. This license must be purchased in addition to an any all game, 7-day all game, or 3-day all game hunting license: $20.00 h. 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 i. 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

j. 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 k. 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 l. Non-Resident Public Lands Turkey Permit – Required for non-residents prior to hunting on open public lands during the first 14 days of the spring turkey season. 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 Wild Turkey Stamp. 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. 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 non-resident 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 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 2025.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-8.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.5 LIFETIME LICENSES & FEE PROGRAM

Public Notice No. 3476.002 is hereby amended.

A. Types of lifetime license authorized:

1. RESIDENT:

a. Lifetime Sportsman License available to a resident person between the ages of birth through twelve (12) years of age inclusive for a fee of $500.00.

b. Lifetime Sportsman License available to a resident person over twelve (12) years of age for a fee of $1,000.00.

B. NON~RESIDENT:

1. Lifetime Sportsman License available to a native son or daughter at a fee of $1,500.00.

C. Issuance of lifetime license:

1. License to be issued from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks headquarters in Jackson, Mississippi, only.

2. Application for lifetime license for residents under the age of 12 years must be accompanied by a certified copy of the birth certificate of the individual to be named as the license holder.

3. Resident lifetime license applicant must prove that they have been domiciled ill the State of Mississippi for a minimum of 18 months immediately prior to issuance of such license. The domicile of a person is that person's principal or primary home or place of abode. A "principal or primary home or place of abode" is that home or place in which a person's habitation is fixed and to which he, whenever absent, has the present intention of returning after a departure of absence therefrom, regardless of the duration of the absence. The burden of proving domicile shall be on the person claiming such status. A person holding a current driver's license shall be deemed to be domiciled within the state issuing the license. If a person does not hold a current driver's license, the following evidence or other reliable evidence may be considered in establishing, but is not necessarily determinative of, domicile: residence for income or other tax purposes, homestead exemption receipt, or any other means prescribed by the department. In the case of minors, domicile of a parent or legal guardian shall be used as evidence of the child's domicile. For the purpose of this license application, "minor" is defined as a person under 18 years of age.

4. Applicant's social security number as well as original issue date shall be affixed to license.

5. Applicant for a native son or daughter non-resident lifetime sportsman license must provide a certified copy of the original birth certificate showing that the applicant was born in Mississippi and/or if the parent's address was in Mississippi at the time of birth as shown on the birth certificate.

D. Privilege of Lifetime License

1. Lifetime Licenses are available in three types. Each type of Lifetime License allows you to hunt and/or fish during a legal season and to take any game or fish, except waterfowl, without the purchase of additional license of permits unless required by law. Lifetime License holders must still purchase state and federal waterfowl stamps to hunt waterfowl. Also, an additional permit is required for the use of a crossbow.

2. The lifetime license allows fishermen to take fish, crabs, oysters, shrimp, and any other saltwater fish authorized to be taken under recreational permit. Sportsmen must carry a second form of identification, either a driver's license or some other form of photo ID, when hunting or fishing with a lifetime license.

E. Penalty for submitting false information on application.

In accordance with Section 49-7-21(5), Mississippi Code of 1972, any person who obtains a license under an assumed name or makes a materially false statement to obtain a license is guilty of a felony and shall be subject to a fine of Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) or may be imprisoned for a term not to exceed one (1) year or both.

F. Expenditure of lifetime license income

1. The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall establish the Wildlife Endowment Fund in the State Treasury.

2. All proceeds from the sale of lifetime licenses shall be deposited into said fund.

3. The Commission shall invest the assets of the fund and the interest obtained from any investment shall be deposited into the fund.

4. No expenditures shall be made from the principal of the Wildlife Endowment Fund.

5. The income earned and accruing from the investment of the fund shall be spent only in furthering the conservation of wildlife resources and the operations of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in accomplishing the purposes of the department.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-151 through 155.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.6 RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF EXEMPT HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSES

Public Notice 3474 is hereby amended.

A. Any resident citizen of the State of Mississippi who has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, or any resident citizen who is blind, paraplegic, or a multiple amputee, or who has been adjudged by the Veterans Administration as having a total service-connected disability, or has been adjudged totally disabled by the social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board, shall not be required to purchase a hunting or fishing license to engage in the activities of hunting or fishing.

B. Effective July 1, 1993, exempt hunting and fishing licenses will no longer be issued by the offices of the circuit clerks of the counties of Mississippi.

C. All exempt hunting and fishing license issued prior to July 1, 1993 because of age exemption shall continue to be valid.

D. A person claiming a license exemption because of age who does not have an age- exempt hunting and fishing license issued prior to July I, 1993, shall have in his possession and on his person, while engaged in the activities of hunting or fishing, proof of residency and proof of age.

E. Railroad Retirement Board: Persons adjudged totally disabled by the Railroad Retirement Board must obtain letter from the Board certifying their disability. The letter shall be renewed annually.

F. Veteran's Administration: Persons adjudged to have a total service connected disability by the Veteran's Administration must obtain a letter from the Veteran's Administration certifying their disability. The letter shall be renewed annually.

G. Social Security Administration: Persons adjudged totally disabled by the Social Security Administration must obtain letter from Social Security certifying their disability. The letter shall be renewed annually.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-5.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.7 RESIDENT APPRENTICE LICENSES

Public Notice 3813 is hereby amended.

A. An apprentice hunting license is offered to residents who do not have the required certificate of hunter education. An apprentice license may be purchased only one (1) time by a resident and the apprentice hunting licensee must be accompanied by a licensed or exempt resident hunter at least twenty-one (21) years of age, when hunting.

B. All annual licenses are valid for one (1) year after date of issuance. A three (3)-Day Apprentice Sportsman License shall be valid for three (3) consecutive days from the date of issuance.

C. Apprentice License Privileges:

1. Apprentice Sportsman License $32.00

2. Apprentice All Game Hunting & Freshwater Fishing License $17.00

3. Apprentice Small Game Hunting & Freshwater Fishing License $13.00

4. Apprentice 3 Day Sportsman License $7.00

D. A reasonable processing fee and agent fee will be associated with each apprentice license privilege sold through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-5(1)(f).

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.8 RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE REINSTATEMENT OF HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING PRIVILEGES

Public Notice 3797 is hereby amended.

A. Any person whose hunting, trapping and fishing privileges have been revoked as the result of a conviction of head lighting deer, under Section 49-7-95, Mississippi Code of 1972, may have those privileges reinstated only when the following requirements are met:

1. Individuals must have satisfactorily completed a Hunter Education course approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The Department's Internet course will not be accepted and the course must be taken after the date of conviction.

2. Individuals must also meet all other requirements for reinstatement as set forth in 49-7-95, Mississippi Code of 1972.

3. Individuals can make written application for reinstatement of their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges at any office of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. This application must be accompanied by certification that the applicant has satisfactorily completed an approved hunter education course at a time after the effective date of revocation of his/her hunting, fishing, trapping as well as proof of compliance of any other requirements for reinstatement as stated in 49-7-95, Mississippi Code of 1972.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-27, and 49-7-95.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 1, R. 8.9 RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE USE OF CROSSBOWS

Public Notice 3407 is hereby amended.

A. DEFINITION: A crossbow shall be defined as a device designed to launch an arrow that consists of a small bow, either conventional (recurve) or compound, mounted transversely upon a stock so as to be deployed in a fashion similar to a rifle.

B. Any eligible person may purchase a special license to hunt deer and small game with a crossbow, provided that any person obtaining such special license must also hold a valid Mississippi hunting license unless exempt from procuring a license under §§ 49-7-2 and or 49-7- 5, Mississippi Code of 1972.

C. SPECIAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

1. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

a. Any person sixty-five years of age or older; or

b. Any person having a disability which totally and permanently prevents the person from using a long bow or other conventional archery equipment. Such disability must be certified by one (1) physician duly licensed to practice medicine in the State of Mississippi.

c. Any eligible person may purchase a special license to hunt deer, turkey and small game with a crossbow, provided that any person obtaining such special license must also hold a valid Mississippi hunting license to take deer and turkey, and small game unless exempt under §49-7-2 and/or §49-7-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, from procuring a license.

2. FEE FOR SPECIAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

The fee for a Special Crossbow License shall be $5.00 for residents and $10.00 for nonresidents.

3. APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

a. Special Crossbow Licenses will be issued at the Jackson office only.

b. Applicants sixty-five (65) years of age or older must present proof of age.

c. Applicants under sixty-five (65) must present statements on letterhead from one (1) physician licensed to practice medicine in Mississippi certifying that the applicant has a disability which totally and permanent1y prevents him from using a long bow or other conventional archery equipment.

d. Applicants must also present a valid Mississippi hunting license, or proof of his exemption.

4. SEASON DATES FOR SPECIAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

a. Deer and Turkey: Deer may be hunted with a Special Crossbow License during the respective seasons on deer and turkey.

b. Small Game: Small game may be hunted with a Special Crossbow License during those periods when open season for the particular small game animal coincides with any open season on deer.

D. GENERAL CROSSBOW LICENSE

1. PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR GENERAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

a. All Residents and Non-Residents are eligible to purchase a General Crossbow License. A person required to have a hunting license must have a license to take deer and turkey in order to obtain a General Crossbow License.

2. FEE FOR GENERAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

a. The fee for a General Crossbow License shall be $10.00 for Residents and $20 for Non-Residents.

3. SEASON DATES GENERAL CROSSBOW LICENSE:

a. The General Crossbow License is only valid during primitive weapon and gun season for deer

b. Small Game may be hunted with a General Crossbow License during those periods when open season for the particular small game animal coincides with any open gun or primitive weapons season on deer.

Part 1, Chapter 9: Uncategorized. Other Regulations of the Commission with varying application.

RULE 9.1 CLOSURE OF THE YOCKANOOKANY RIVER TO FISHING. Public Notice 2735 is hereby amended.

A. The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife Conservation at its regular monthly meeting held in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 18, 1987, made known its intent to adopt immediately under the authority of Section 49-1-29(k) of the Mississippi Code of 1972, the following closing of commercial fishing on a portion of the Yockanookany River, in Attala and Leake counties:

B. Tests conducted by the Mississippi Department of Natural Resources and confirmed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have shown that fish from the Yockanookany River system between Highway 35 (Kosciusko Crossing) and Highway 429 (Thomastown Crossing)contain levels of Polychlorinated Bi-Phenyls (PCB) above the action level of 2 parts per million (ppm) set by the Environmental Protection Agency, therefore,

C. BE IT ORDERED that effective this date, the Yockanookany River System between Highway 35 and Highway 429 is closed to commercial fishing;

D. BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that any person or persons taking sportfish from these waters are hereby warned that the eating of fish from these waters could be harmful to human health.

RULE 9.2 CLOSURE OF THE WOLF RIVER.

A. MISS. CODE ANN., §51-4-19 states, ''This chapter does not confer upon any member of the public the right to the use of or access to private lands within the boundary of a designated scenic stream area and any unauthorized use is trespass and subject to the penalties provided for trespass offenses."

B. BE IT ORDERED, that that the Wolf River Scenic Stream area is hereby closed to all public access.

C. Any violation of this order is a Class III misdemeanor as set forth in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-101, and may further subject the violator to criminal liability for trespass.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-38.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29 and 49-4-4.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-4-13 and 51-4-19.

Part 2 Part 2: Wildlife

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 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, illegal drugs, or illegal drug paraphernalia allowed. Persons intoxicated, under the influence of drugs 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§39-7-11, 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 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 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. Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, John

Starr, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, and Upper Sardis. Oct. 15 through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Chickasawhay, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, and Wolf River. 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 Legal Bucks with Dogs: 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. Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 – 15 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Red Creek: Legal bucks only. Gun Dec. 16 – 23 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 Gun Dec. 24 until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season. 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 Legal bucks without dogs: Bienville. Jan. 1 until 47 days of regular gun hunting for the entire deer season. Legal bucks with dogs: Bienville. Primitive Weapon Day after the final day of Gun season - Jan. 31. Legal bucks only: Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Sandy Creek, and Tallahala. Antlerless deer and legal bucks: Upper Sardis and John Starr. Day after the final day of Gun season – Feb. 15. Legal bucks only: Chickasawhay, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, and Wolf River. YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – 14

Bienville, Chickasaw, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasawhay, John Starr, Leaf River, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, Upper Sardis, and Wolf River. YOUTH TURKEY Last Saturday and Sunday in March Choctaw, Little Biloxi, and Mason Creek TURKEY – PERMIT ONLY

TURKEY March 15 – March 31.

April 1 – May 2 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Leaf River, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, and Upper Sardis. TURKEY (for WMAs without permitted hunts) March 15 – May 2

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

Chickasaw, Chickasawhay, John Starr, Red Creek, and Wolf River. TURKEY (for WMAs without permitted hunts) Apr. 1 – May 2 Choctaw, Little Biloxi, and Mason Creek YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 - 30

Bienville, Caney Creek, Caston Creek, Chickasaw,

SQUIRREL

Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1 Chickasawhay, Choctaw, John Starr, Leaf River, Little Biloxi, Mason Creek, Red Creek, Sandy Creek, Tallahala, Upper Sardis, and Wolf River. RABBIT Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 RACCOON Jul. 1 – Sep. 30

Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPPOSUM, & BOBCAT Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 WATERFOWL See Federal Regulations. 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, and ranger residence are designated as NO SHOOTING/NO HUNTING AREAS.

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, and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. ALL harvested deer and turkey 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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 April 2026.

RULE 1.3 WMA FACILITY RENTAL.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Dec. 1 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. Legal Bucks only.

Primitive

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

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. Weapon Day after the final day of Gun season - Jan. 31 YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – 14 See ACKER LAKE TURKEY HUNTING TURKEY – PERMIT ONLY

TURKEY March 15 – March 31.

April 1 – May 2 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 WATERFOWL Same as statewide seasons. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH WATERFOWL Open concurrent with the statewide Youth Waterfowl Season.

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 Tenn- Tom 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 the Acker Lake Tract 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 and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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.

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, handicapped, and archery 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.

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.

15. CAMPING: No camping allowed.

History: Updated April 2026.

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. 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

TURKEY March 15 – Apr. 17

Apr. 18 – May 2 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMIT in 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. 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.

2. BAG LIMITS: Same as statewide bag limits, except the bag limit on antlerless deer is one (1) per day and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.9 DIVIDE SECTION WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Divide Section Wildlife Management Area in Tishomingo and Prentiss Counties.

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 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. Primitive Weapon 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

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 and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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.

TURKEY

April 1 – May 2 HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 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 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 WATERFOWL Same as statewide seasons. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. DOVE See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

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/ARCHERY DEER HUNTING: Only youth, handicapped, and archery 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.

History: Updated April 2026.

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 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL Same as statewide seasons. POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

See Federal Regulations.

Open after waterfowl season. RABBIT Saturday nearest Oct.15 - Feb. 28 QUAIL Thanksgiving Day through the first Saturday in March.

TURKEY Season Closed

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.

5. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting.

6. 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.

7. CAMPING: No camping allowed.

8. 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 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

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 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 May 15 – June 1

RACCOON Jul. 1 - Sep. 30 Friday and Saturday nights only.

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 See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. DOVE See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER

Open after waterfowl season.

See Federal Regulations TURKEY Season Closed

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.

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.

10. HORSES: No horses allowed.

11. CAMPING: Camping is allowed under State Park regulations.

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

COMMENTS DEER For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, SPECIAL BUCK TAGS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 1 Oct. 30 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Youth Gun – Oct. 31 Nov. 1 Antlerless deer and any antlered buck. Primitive Weapon Nov. 5 Nov. 29 Antlerless deer and legal bucks

– Permit Only Gun - Permit Only Dec. 1 Dec. 31 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. Archery/ Youth Gun Jan. 1 Jan. 14 Legal bucks only. Senior Adult – Permit Only Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits. TURKEY Permit Only See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 Sept. 30

SQUIRREL & RABBIT Oct. 1

Dec. 31

Saturdays only, except closed on Oct. 31

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 Jan. 1 Dec. 25 Feb. 28 Friday nights only. Daily. FISHING Feb 1 Oct 1 Sept 30 Jan 31 Daily. Saturdays only. Fishing not allowed in waterfowl and timber hunting units. TRAPPING Jan. 1 Feb. 28 WATERFOWL - Permit Only - Except for youth. Veterans, and active military See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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. 28 Jan. 1 Dec. 30 Mar. 6 Saturdays and Wednesdays Only. 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.

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 hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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.

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. ALL antlerless deer heads harvested on Mahannah WMA must be deposited in the Mahannah or Phil Bryant CWD Collection freezer.

4. 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.

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 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.

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 is allowed by permit only.

8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting.

9. 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.

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 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.

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. The camping area is located next to the Mahannah WMA Headquarters.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 2026.

RULE 1.13 MALMAISON WMA REGULATIONS.

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 Weapon 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 Weapon Day after the final day of Gun season – Jan. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. YOUTH TURKEY Last full weekend in March. TURKEY Apr. 1 – May 2 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 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 WATERFOWL See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Youth, Veterans, and Active Military are 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 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 and turkey 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.

7. WATERFOWL:

a. Waterfowl hunting closes at noon, except during the Youth, Veterans, and Active Military waterfowl hunt, which shall run concurrent with statewide season.

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.

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

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. Shotgun / Primitive Weapon / Handgun Saturday prior to Thanksgiving - Dec. 1 Legal bucks only.

Shotgun / Primitive Weapon / Handgun Dec. 2 - Dec. 15 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Shotgun / Primitive Weapon / Handgun Dec. 16 - Jan. 3 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 2 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 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 and turkey 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.

History: Updated April 2026.

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 Weapon/Shotgun 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.

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 YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – 14

TURKEY March 15 – May 2 March 15 – Mar. 31 – Non- Residents 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 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.

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 and turkey 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 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.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.16 O’KEEFE WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for O’Keefe Wildlife Management Area in Quitman County.

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 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 Friday and Saturday nights. RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

WATERFOWL Same as statewide seasons. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH, VETERANS, and ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Same as statewide seasons. POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER Open after waterfowl season. See Federal Regulations. DOVE 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.

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.

RULE 1.17 OLD RIVER WMA REGULATIONS.

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 Weapon 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 Weapon Day after the final day of Gun Season through February 15 Legal bucks only. YOUTH TURKEY Season Closed. TURKEY Season Closed.

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 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 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 985-649- 0357. 11. TRAPPING: Trapping is not allowed on that portion of the WMA within the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.

11. BOBCAT: The harvest of bobcat is not allowed on that portion of the WMA within the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge.

12. 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.

13. SLAT BOXES: No slat boxes are allowed in or may be transported through the WMA.

14. 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.

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 Legal bucks only. YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – 14

TURKEY March 15 – May 2

March 15 – March 31 – Non- Residents 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 Same as statewide seasons. 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. 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. 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 and turkey 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.

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 COMMENTS DEER

For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 15 Oct. 30 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Youth Gun – Permit Only Oct. 31 Dec. 18 Dec. 1 Dec. 27 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun Dec. 4 Dec. 13 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only Jan. 15 Jan. 24 Gun - Senior Adult by permit only Jan. 1 Jan. 10 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only March 8 April 4 See YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. TURKEY – Permit Only April 9 April 25 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept 24 Sept 30 SQUIRREL Feb. 1

Feb. 28 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 and turkey 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 hunter.

c. Squirrel: Ten (10) per day.

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.

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

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.

season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. Primitive Weapon Saturday prior to Thanksgiving - Jan. 31. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – 14

TURKEY March 15 – May 2 March 15 – Mar. 31 – Non- Residents by permit only through the Non-Resident Public Land Draw.

YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 - 30

SQUIRREL 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.

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 and turkey count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated.

5. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the self- service 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

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.21 SHIPLAND WMA REGULATIONS.

12. Regulations for Shipland Wildlife Management Area in Issaquena County

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, 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 season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Primitive Weapon Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through Dec. 1. Legal bucks only. Dec. 2 – 15 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Dec. 16 – 31 Legal bucks only. Archery Jan. 1 – 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

/ Youth Gun TURKEY Permit Only. See TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 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 Same as statewide seasons. RABBIT Saturday nearest Oct.15 – Feb.28. DOVE Hunting hours the first season are 2:00 pm until sunset. POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE COSERVATION ORDER 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:

12. 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.

13. 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 hunter. All harvested deer and turkey count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. TURKEY HUNTING: Turkey hunting is allowed by permit only.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.22 STONEVILLE WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Stoneville Wildlife Management Area in Washington County.

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. See Federal Regulations TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 TURKEY Season Closed

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 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 self- service 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.

History: Updated April 2023.

RULE 1.23 SUNFLOWER WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Sunflower Wildlife Management Area in Sharkey County.

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 Legal bucks. Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 –15 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun Dec. 16 –23 Legal bucks. Gun Dec. 24 – until 47 days of regular gun hunting for entire deer season. Legal bucks with dogs Primitive Weapon Jan 23 – 31 Legal bucks. TURKEY Permit only See TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH SQUIRREL

Sept. 24 – 30 SQUIRREL Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1

RABBIT Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 RACCOON Jul. 1 – Sep. 30 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPPOSUM, & BOBCAT Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 WATERFOWL Same as statewide seasons. 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:

1. 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 hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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 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 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.

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 April 2026.

RULE 1.24 TWIN OAKS WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Twin Oaks Wildlife Management Area in Sharkey County.

SPECIES OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE COMMENTS DEER

For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, SPECIAL BUCK TAGS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 1 Oct. 30 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Youth Gun Oct. 31 Nov. 1 Antlerless deer and any antlered buck. Primitive Nov. 5 Dec. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Weapon – Permit Only Archery / Youth Gun Jan. 1 Jan. 14 Legal bucks only. YOUTH TURKEY Permit Only TURKEY - PERMIT ONLY Permit Only YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 Sept. 30 SQUIRREL & RABBIT Oct. 1

Jan. 1 Dec. 31

Feb. 28 Saturdays only, except closed on Oct. 31 Daily. SQUIRREL May 15 June 1 Daily. RACCOON Jul. 1 Sep. 30 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPOSSUM & BOBCAT Oct. 1 Jan. 1 Dec. 25 Feb. 28 Friday nights only. Daily. TRAPPING Jan. 1 Feb. 28 WATERFOWL See Federal Regulations. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH, VETERANS, and ACTIVE MILITRY 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. 28 Dec. 26 Saturdays only.

Jan. 1 Mar. 7 Daily. DOVE See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. WOODCOCK Woodcock hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal woodcock season. SNIPE 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 hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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.

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 2026.

RULE 1.25 WARD BAYOU WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Area in Jackson County.

SPECIES SEASON COMMENTS 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 2 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. 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 and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested deer and turkey count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated.

3. DEER DATA COLLECTION: All deer harvested must be checked at the self- service 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 2 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.

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.

18. ROADS: The gate at Kirkwood Road will be closed to vehicular traffic from June 1 – October 1.

History: Updated April 2026.

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 COMMENTS DEER For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, ELIGIBLE HUNTERS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 1 Jan. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Handicapped Gun – Permit Only Oct. 8 Oct. 11

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Youth Gun – Permit Only Oct. 17 Nov. 15 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon – Permit Only Nov. 19

Jan. 24

Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon Group Hunt – Permit Only Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

YOUTH SQUIRREL

Feb. 1

Feb. 28 Saturdays and Sundays only. See YOUTH SQUIRREL HUNTING in Special Instructions. YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only Mar. 8 May 2 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, and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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. 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.

8. DOG RESTRICTIONS: Deer hunting with dogs is prohibited. Hunting, running, or pursuing hogs with the use of dogs is prohibited.

9. YOUTH SQUIRREL HUNTING: See Map for areas open to youth squirrel hunting.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. PARKING: Hunters must park in designated parking areas only.

14. HORSES: During deer and turkey seasons, horseback riding is restricted to roads open to motorized vehicles.

15. CAMPING: Camping is allowed under State Park regulation.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.27 NANIH WAIYA WMA REGULATIONS.

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 2 March 15 – 31 – Non-Residents 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 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 and turkey 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.

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.28 BLACK PRAIRIE WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area in Lowndes County.

SPECIES OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE COMMENTS DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Youth Gun – Permit Only

Oct. 31 Dec. 21

Nov. 1 Dec. 26

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun – Permit Only Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 26 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun – Permit Only Dec. 11 Jan. 15 Dec. 15 Jan. 17 Legal bucks only. Archery Only Oct. 1 Dec. 16 Oct. 30 Dec. 20 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Jan. 4 Jan. 18 Jan. 8 Jan. 22 TURKEY – Permit Only Apr. 2 Apr. 9 Apr. 16 Apr. 23 Apr. 4 Apr. 11 Apr. 18 Apr. 25 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. SQUIRREL and RABBIT

Oct. 17 Nov. 2 Nov. 9 Nov. 16 Dec. 1 Dec. 7 Dec. 16 Dec. 27 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 Feb. 1 Feb. 15 Feb. 22 Oct. 30 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Dec. 4 Dec. 10 Dec. 20 Jan. 1 Jan. 14 Jan. 22 Jan. 29 Feb. 12 Feb. 19 Feb. 28

RACCOON Jul. 1 Sep. 30 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT Oct. 1 Feb. 28

TRAPPING No trapping allowed.

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 permitted hunter. All harvested turkey count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated.

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. 11 – 15).

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.

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. 5 – 6, Nov. 26 - 29, Dec. 5 – 6, Dec. 11 – 15, Dec. 21 – 26, Jan. 2 – 3, Jan. 9 – 10, Jan. 15 - 17, Jan. 23 – 24, Jan. 30 – 31, Feb. 13 – 14, Feb. 20 – 21.

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. 7, 2026, 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. 7 youth hunt and the Sept. 9 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. Non- permitted 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.

13. CAMPING: No camping allowed.

14. FISHING: Fishing is allowed. Boats prohibited.

History: Updated Aprill 2026.

RULE 1.29 HELL CREEK WMA REGULATIONS.

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

SPECIES OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE COMMENTS DEER For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMIT, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL WEAPONS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Gun – Permit Only Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Antlerless deer and legal bucks Antlerless deer and legal bucks Gun – Permit Only Dec. 12 Dec. 20 Legal bucks only. Senior Adult Gun – Permit Only Dec. 26 Dec. 29 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Archery Only Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Dec. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Dec. 11 Jan. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Youth Gun Nov. 14 Dec. 30 Nov. 29 Jan. 1 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Jan. 18

Jan. 27

YOUTH TURKEY - Permit Only See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. SQUIRREL & RABBIT Oct. 19 Nov. 16 Dec. 30 Jan. 18 Feb. 1 Feb. 15 Oct. 21 Nov. 29 Jan. 1 Jan. 27 Feb. 10 Feb. 28

YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 Sept. 30 SQUIRREL May 15 June 1 RACCOON Jul. 1 Sep. 30 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT Oct. 1 Feb. 28

TRAPPING No Trapping Allowed QUAIL – Training Only

Nov. 17 Nov. 24

Nov. 19 Nov. 26

Quail

Nov. 27 Jan. 18 Feb. 1 Feb. 15 Nov. 29 Jan. 27 Feb. 10 Feb. 28 See BAG LIMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH DOVE Statewide opening day See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS DOVE 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.

d. Turkey – During permitted turkey hunts, the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested turkey 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. 12 – Dec. 20). Senior Gun hunt permits will be valid for (1) legal buck and (1) doe, with no doe harvest prerequisite.

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. 22 – Nov. 13, Nov. 30 – Dec. 11, Jan. 3 – 10, Jan. 14 – 17, Jan. 28 – Jan. 31, Feb. 11 – 14, Mar. 1 – 7, Mar. 11 – 14.

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 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.

History: April 2026.

RULE 1.30 TRIM CANE WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area in Oktibbeha County.

SPECIES SEASON COMMENTS DEER Handicapped, Youth, and Senior Adult by permit only 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. DOVE See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. RABBIT Permit Only Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 See BAG LIMIT and RABBIT 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 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:

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.

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,

south of the Little Tallahatchie River Canal and west of the Union County line and all National Forest land in Lafayette County.

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 – Permit Only Oct. 1 – 30 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.

Primitive Weapon Day after the final day of Gun season - Jan. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – 14

TURKEY – Permit Only TURKEY March 15 – 31 Apr. 1 – May 2 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMIT in 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. RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

TRAPPING Nov. 1 - Feb. 28 See TRAPPING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. WATERFOWL See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH, VETERANS, ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL Open concurrent with the statewide Season. See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. RABBIT Oct. 31 - Feb. 28

UNIT 2

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 – Permit Only Oct. 1 – 30 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 TURKEY March 15 – 31

Apr. 1 – May 2 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMIT in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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. Feb. 1 - 28

SQUIRREL May 15 – June 1 RABBIT Oct. 31 to the day prior to the opening day of waterfowl season. Feb. 1 - 28 Rabbit season is closed during statewide Youth Waterfowl Season. DOVE See DOVE HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

TRAPPING Feb. 1 - 28 See TRAPPING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. WATERFOWL – Permit Only See WATERFOWL in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 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, and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. Permitted deer hunt bag limits – 2 does and 1 buck per permit, no daily bag limit. All harvested deer and turkey 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 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 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.

11. TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS: Turkey hunting from March 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.

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 2026.

RULE 1.34 MUSCADINE FARMS WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Muscadine Farms Wildlife Management Area in Washington County.

1. Muscadine Farms Tract:

SPECIES SEASON COMMENTS SEPTEMBER TEAL – PERMIT ONLY See SEPTEMBER TEAL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

WATERFOWL – PERMIT ONLY See WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

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. 5 See DOVE in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. DOVE Sept. 6 – last day of the 1 st

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 One youth with accompanying adult every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Nov. 1 – Jan. 31. Deer hunting is allowed by special permit only. Youth draw. Washington Tract ONLY. RABBIT 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

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.

3. 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.

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. Duck draw hunts will be conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays only.

5. DOG RESTRICTIONS:

a. Retrievers are allowed during migratory bird hunts on Muscadine Farms Tract. All other dogs are prohibited on Muscadine Farms Tract.

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. 5, 2026, 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. Dove hunting will be allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays only from Sept. 6, 2026 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.

History: Updated April 2026.

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 – Permit Only Saturday prior to Thanksgiving - Jan. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – 14

TURKEY – Permit Only March 15 – March 31.

See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS IN SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. TURKEY April 1 – May 2 YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 - 30 SQUIRREL Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 May 15 – June 1

RABBIT Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb.

See DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

RACCOON Jul. 1 – Sept. 30 Friday and Saturday nights only. RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 WATERFOWL Same as statewide seasons. DOVE 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 permitted hunter, 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 and turkey 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.

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

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

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 – Permit Only Saturday prior to Thanksgiving – the day before Thanksgiving. First Friday in December continuing for 36 days. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Archery / Youth Deer 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 May 15 – June 1

RABBIT Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 RACCOON Jul. 1 - Sept. 30 Friday and Saturday nights. RACCOON, OPOSSUM, & BOBCAT Oct. 1 - Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 - Feb. 28

QUAIL First Monday in November through the third Sunday in February.

DOVE 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 and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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.

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

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 COMMENTS

DEER For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 1

Oct. 31

Antlerless deer and legal bucks. (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday only.) Youth Gun Nov. 5 Nov. 7 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday only.) Primitive Weapon – Permit Only Nov. 12 Jan. 23 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 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.

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

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 self- service 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.

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.

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. 13. SCOUTING: Scouting is allowed daily from February 1 – September 30 and on Sunday – Wednesday from October 1 – January 31. History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.38 HOWARD MILLER WMA REGULATIONS.

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

SPECIES SEASON COMMENTS YOUTH DEER- PERMIT ONLY See YOUTH DEER PERMIT in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS YOUTH DEER- PERMIT ONLY

WATERFOWL – Permit Only See WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. SEPTEMBER TEAL SEASON – Permit Only See SEPTEMBER TEAL SEASON PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS.

YOUTH/VETERAN/ ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL Open concurrent with statewide season.

OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS See OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER See Federal Regulations Open after waterfowl season. TRAPPING Feb. 1 - 28 DOVE 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.

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.

3. 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. 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.

14. YOUTH DEER PERMIT: You may apply online at www.mdwfp.com. See application for hunt dates, application deadlines, and other information about permitted hunts. Deer Hunts are allowed in designated areas only.

History: Updated April 2026.

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 For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL DEER, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Youth Archery Oct. 15 – Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season.

Youth Gun Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season - Feb.

YOUTH TURKEY March 8 – May 2 YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept 24 - 30 SQUIRREL 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

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 and turkey 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.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.40 CHARLIE CAPPS WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Charlie Capps Wildlife Management Area in Bolivar County.

SPECIES SEASON COMMENTS WATERFOWL – Permit Only 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 May hunt teal on any available open water. Excluding Conservation League Lake OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS See OTHER MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. POST SEASON LIGHT GOOSE CONSERVATION ORDER See Federal Regulations Open after waterfowl season. TRAPPING Feb. 1 –28 FISHING Feb. 16 – Oct. 31 See FISHING 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. 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, non- hunting use of the area is allowed by foot traffic only on Sundays and Tuesdays from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.

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 2026.

RULE 1.41 WILLIAM C. (BILLY) DEVINEY WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for William C. (Billy) Deviney Wildlife Management Area in Sunflower County.

SPECIES SEASON COMMENTS WATERFOWL – Permit Only See WATERFOWL HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH/VETERAN /ACTIVE MILITARY WATERFOWL Open concurrent with statewide season.

SEPTEMBER TEAL Open concurrent with statewide season May hunt teal on any available open water, including the waterfowl sanctuary. GEESE: Canada, white-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’, and Brant

Nov. goose season opener – Wednesday prior to November waterfowl season opener. 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. See Federal Regulations TRAPPING Feb. 1 –28 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 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Small Game, Woodcock, and Snipe Jan. 16 - End of statewide season.

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 self- service 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.

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

4. LEGAL SHOT: Only non-toxic shot may be used for hunting waterfowl on this area.

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.

6. 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.

11. NON-HUNTING USE OF THE AREA: During Waterfowl seasons, non- hunting use of the area is allowed by foot traffic only on Sundays and Wednesdays 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 April 2026.

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.

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 COMMENTS DEER

For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 1 Nov. 1 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun – Permit Only Nov. 19 Jan. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks Youth Gun Nov. 5 Nov. 15 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

– Permit Only YOUTH TURKEY – Permit Only Mar. 13 Mar. 14 See YOUTH TURKEY HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. TURKEY – Permit Only March 15 May 2 See TURKEY HUNTING PERMITS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. SQUIRREL

Feb. 1 May 15 Feb. 28 June 1 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: 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 hunter. All harvested turkeys count towards statewide bag limits, unless otherwise stated.

c. Squirrel: Same as statewide bag limits.

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.

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.

History: Updated April 2026.

RULE 1.44 RIVERFRONT WMA REGULATIONS.

A. Regulations for Riverfront Wildlife Management Area in Bolivar County.

SPECIES

SEASON

COMMENTS DEER

For deer hunting regulations see DEER DATA COLLECTION, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit only Nov. 1 – 30 Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Primitive Weapon – Permit only Dec. 1 – Dec. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. 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 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.

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.

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 COMMENTS DEER 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. Group Deer Hunts – Permit Only Wednesdays – Sundays in December. Antlerless deer and legal bucks.

Senior Adult Hunt – Permit Only 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:

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.

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

COMMENTS DEER 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. 1 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun Group Draw – Permit Only Nov. 4 Jan. 13 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. Senior Adult – Permit Only Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits. TURKEY Permit Only. See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 Sept. 30

SQUIRREL & RABBIT – Group Draw Oct. 1 Jan. 14 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. 15 Feb. 28 WATERFOWL – Group Draw Permit Only Open concurrent with state waterfowl season for hunters drawn during the group draw. WATERFOWL

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 Jan. 31 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 Backwoods units are closed to scouting from Oct. 1 – January 14.

2. Buck Bayou Unit.

SPECIES

COMMENTS

OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE DEER For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 1 Oct. 30 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Youth Gun – Oct. 31 Nov. 1 Antlerless deer and any antlered buck. Primitive Weapon – Permit Only Nov. 5 Nov. 29 Antlerless deer and legal bucks Gun - Permit Only Dec. 1 Dec. 31 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. Archery/ Youth Gun Jan. 1 Jan. 13 Legal bucks only. Senior Adult – Permit Only Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits. TURKEY Permit Only. See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept. 24 Sept. 30

SQUIRREL & RABBIT Oct. 1

Dec. 31

Saturdays only, except closed on Oct. 31

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 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Feb. 28 Friday nights only. Daily. TRAPPING Jan. 1 Feb. 28 WATERFOWL - Permit Only - Except for youth/veteran/Active Military waterfowl hunts, the September teal season, and the post season light goose conservation order. 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. FISHING Jan. 15 Sept. 30 Oct. 1 Jan. 14 Daily

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

COMMENTS DEER For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only Oct. 1 Nov. 29 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Gun – Permit Only Nov. 30 Dec. 20 Antlerless deer and legal bucks Youth and Handicapped Gun – Permit Only Dec. 24 Jan. 10 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Senior Adult – Permit Only Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits. TURKEY Permit Only See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 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. 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 Same as Statewide Seasons. Snipe hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal snipe season.

Open daily from Jan. 15 – Feb. 28 FISHING Jan. 15 Sept. 30 Oct. 1 Jan. 14 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.

4. Goose Lake Unit.

SPECIES

OPENING DATE

CLOSING DATE

COMMENTS DEER For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA

COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery Only – Permit Only Oct. 1 Jan. 13 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Senior Adult – Permit Only Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Antlerless deer and Legal bucks. See bag limits. TURKEY Permit Only. See Turkey HUNTING in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. 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. 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 Same as Statewide Seasons. Snipe hunting is allowed on any small game hunting day during legal snipe season.

Open daily from Jan. 15 – Feb. 28 FISHING Jan. 15 Sept. 30 Oct. 1 Jan. 14 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 and turkey 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 hunter.

Backwoods Unit: Group bag limit of 4 legal bucks and 8 antlerless deer. All harvested deer and turkey count towards the Phil Bryant WMA and statewide bag limits.

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 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.

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 is allowed on entire area during nighttime hunting 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. 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.

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.

History: Revised April 2026.

RULE 1.47 Calling Panther Lake WMA Regulations

A. Regulations for Calling Panther WMA in Copiah County.

SPECIES OPENING DATE CLOSING DATE COMMENTS DEER For deer hunting regulations see BAG LIMITS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DEER HUNTING PERMITS, LEGAL BUCKS, LEGAL WEAPONS, and DOG RESTRICTIONS in SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS. Archery – Permit Only 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. 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. 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, and for permitted turkey hunts the bag limit is one gobbler per permitted hunter. All harvested deer and turkey 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).

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 April 2026.

RULE 1.48 ALLIGATOR WMA REGULATIONS. A. Regulations for Alligator Wildlife Management Area in Coahoma and Bolivar counties.

SPECIES SEASON COMMENTS DEER For deer hunting regulations see LEGAL BUCKS, DEER DATA COLLECTION, DOG RESTRICTIONS, PRIMITIVE WEAPON DEER HUNTING PERMITS, 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 Weapons-Permit Only season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Primitive Weapon - Permit Only

Saturday prior to Thanksgiving through the first Sunday in January. Antlerless deer and legal bucks. Archery /Youth Deer Day after the end of the Primitive Weapon, Permit Only season - Jan. 31 Antlerless deer and legal bucks. TURKEY Season closed. YOUTH SQUIRREL Sept 24 - 30 SQUIRREL Oct. 1 - Feb. 28

May 15 - June 1

RABBIT Saturday nearest Oct. 15 – Feb.

RACCOON Jul. 1 – Sept. 30 Friday and Saturday nights only

RACCOON, OPPOSUM, BOBCAT Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 TRAPPING Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 WATERFOWL 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 bucks is one (1) and 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 self- service data collection station. 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. 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. 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.

8. LEGAL WEAPONS: Deer seasons are restricted to archery and primitive weapons. Youth hunters may use centerfire rifles or shotguns with slugs for deer during youth deer and primitive weapon seasons. 10. 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. 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: No camping allowed.

History: Promulgated April 2026..

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. 2026 – 2027 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 2026 shall be September 11-13.

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.

a. Archery: October 1 – November 20 (Either-sex on private land and open public land) b. Early Primitive Weapon: November 9 – 20 (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 21 – 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 20 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land)

g. Archery /Primitive Weapon: January 21 – 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 20 (Either-sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs National Forest)

b. Early Primitive Weapon: November 9 – 20 (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 ANTLERLESS DEER MAY BE HARVESTED WITH PRIMITIVE WEAPONS DURING THE EARLY PRIMITIVE WEAPONS HUNT.

c. Gun (with dogs): November 21 – 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 20 (Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs National Forest; legal bucks only on open public land)

g. Archery /Primitive Weapon: January 21 – 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 20 (Either-sex on private land and open public land)

b. Gun (with dogs): November 21 – 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 20 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land)

f. Archery / Primitive Weapon: January 21 – 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, 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 20 (Either-sex on private land and open public land)

b. Early Primitive Weapon: November 9 – 20 (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 21 – 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 20 (Either-sex on private land; legal bucks only on open public land)

g. Archery /Primitive Weapon: January 21 – 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 7 – January 31.

b. Southeast Deer Management Unit: Private lands: November 7 – February 15.

c. Authorized state and federal lands: Saturday two weeks prior to opening day of Gun season through the Friday prior to Thanksgiving.

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 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 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 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 detection.

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.

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 2026.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-1-49, 49-4-4, 49-4-8, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31, and 49-7-41.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 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

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.

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 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.

History: Revised January 2019.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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 season shall be March 14 – May 1. If May 1 falls on a Friday or Saturday, the season shall be extended through the Sunday immediately following.

B. Non-Resident Draw Hunt

1. All non-residents must be drawn to hunt open public lands prior to April 1.

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. Spring Season Bag Limit

1. Mississippi residents and lifetime license holders may harvest 1 adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6 inch or longer beard per day, 3 per spring season. Nonresidents may harvest 1 adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6 inch beard per day, 2 per spring season. Nonresidents may take only 1 gobbler prior to April 1.

2. EXCEPTION: HUNTERS 15 YEARS OF AGE AND YOUNGER, may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 3 per spring season. Nonresident hunters aged 15 years of age and younger, may harvest 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 2 per spring season, only 1 of which may be prior to April 1.

3. 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. 9 th and 10 th 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 turkey hunting.

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:

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 April 2026.

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.

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.

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.

Part 2, Chapter 4: Small Game, Migratory Birds and other.

RULE 4.1 SMALL GAME HUNTING AND TRAPPING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS.

A. FROG:

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

3. When the season ending date falls on a Friday or a Saturday, the season shall be extended through the Sunday immediately following.

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

5. When the season ending date falls on a Friday or a Saturday, the season shall be extended through the Sunday immediately following.

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 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. When the season ending date falls on a Friday or a Saturday, the season shall be extended through the Sunday immediately following.

E. BOBWHITE QUAIL:

1. Season: From Thanksgiving Day – the first Sunday 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. When the season ending date falls on a Friday or a Saturday, the season shall be extended through the Sunday immediately following.

G. TRAPPING SEASON:

1. Season: November 1 – March 15

2. Bag Limit: No Limit

History: Updated April 2026

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.

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:

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-species- program/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.

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 Non- resident) 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.

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.

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 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 Non- resident 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

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) 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 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.

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:

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 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. 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.

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.

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 non- 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 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 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 and punishable as provided in MISS. CODE. ANN. §49-7-101.

History: Revised April 2025.

RULE 5.4 ALLIGATOR HUNTING SEASON FOR PELAHATCHIE BAY (Rankin County).

A. An American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) hunting season will be 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 website.

6. An electronic processing fee may be charged.

7. Persons are limited to one (1) application each.

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.

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:

10. 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).

11. 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.

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. 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 (No firearm may be discharged within 100 yards of any residence, building, boat ramp, boat house, or any public or private pier).

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.

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).

d. The cost of the Alligator Possession Permit is one hundred dollars ($100).

e. All alligator licenses and permits are non-refundable and non- 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 and punishable as provided in MISS. CODE. ANN. §49-7-101.

History: Updated January 2024.

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 forty- five (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.

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 601-432- 2400.

History: Updated April 2014.

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 private lands. 1. Landowners and any leaseholders may hunt nuisance animals year- round 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.

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 wild- looking 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, 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.

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 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 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

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 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.

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 white- tailed 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

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 white- tailed 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 white- tailed 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 white- tailed deer shall be enrolled in the Enclosure Management Assistance Program (EMAP) and shall work with an MDWFP- approved 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.

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 representatives of the MDWFP or by any law enforcement agency by whatever means deemed necessary.

c. Any non-native ungulate which escapes from a high- fenced 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

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 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 White- tailed 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 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.

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-big- cat-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:

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.

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.

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

iv. rhinoceroses

v. hippopotamuses, and vi. 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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

8. 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.

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.

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.

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); 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.

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

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 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.

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.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-31.1.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-33, 49-7-33.1, 49-7-101, and 49-7-143.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-38.1, and 49-7-39.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-58, and 49-7-58.2.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-58.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-31.2.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-31.2.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-33
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-26.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31.3, and 49-7-31.4.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31.2, and 49-7-31.5.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-47.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-47.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-47.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-1, 49-7-8, 49-7-13, 49-7-16, 49-7- 21, 49-7- 27, 49-7-31.4 and 49-7-31.5.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-31.5, and 49-7-140
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-34.
• 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
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-8-1, et. seq.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2, R. 8.4 NON-RESIDENT HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE & FEE PROGRAM

A. Non-Resident required to Possess License

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 non- resident 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 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 72- hour 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 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

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 non- residents 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 non- resident 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

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.

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 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.

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.

RULE 8.6 ENCLOSURES THAT PREVENT THE FREE INGRESS AND EGRESS OF WHITE- TAILED 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.

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.

History

• Source: Miss. Code Ann., §§ 49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-8
• 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.
• 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.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-35, 49-7-31, 49-7-31.2, 49-7-31.3, 49-7- 31.4.

Part 3 Part 3: Fisheries

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 3, R. 1.1 Regulations Regarding Prohibited or Invasive Species

Public Notice F2 1405 is hereby amended.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to transport into the state, offer for sale or have in their possession within the state live forms of the following fishes:

B. Any person or persons having these species in their possession shall immediately notify the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks of such possession.

C. Conservation Officers shall take possession of these fishes and dispose of them in any humane manner to prevent their introduction into any waters within the State of Mississippi.

D. Except for legally permitted aquaculture facilities, it shall be illegal for any person, firm, company or agency to stock, release or cause to be released into any private or public pond, lake, stream, river or any other water body within the state any nonnative aquatic species as defined in Section 49-7-1 except for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) goldfish (Carassius auratus), koi (Cyprinus carpio), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) may only be stocked in private ponds but not in any other water body unless as specified in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-80.

Scientific names, Genus names or Family name Common Names

Clarias batrachus

Walking Catfish All species in the Genera Pygocentrus, Pristobrycon,Pygopristis, Serrasalmus

Piranhas

All species in the Family Channidae

Snakeheads

All species in the Family Synbranchidae

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-80.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 3, R. 1.2 SHOOTING PROHIBITED AT PUBLIC ACCESS

Public Notice 1664 is hereby amended.

BE IT ORDERED effective this date that the discharging of firearms of any type and for any purpose on the public access areas, commonly called boat launching ramps, owned or leased by the Commission, on the lakes and streams of Mississippi, is hereby prohibited.

RULE 1.3 REGULATIONS REGARDING SPORT FISHING.

A. The following rules and regulations relative to sport fishing are adopted:

1. Each person with a valid sport fishing license or those exempt under 49-7-5 may fish no more than 100 single hooks (in aggregate) among the following devices as described:

a. Sport fishing trotlines, throw lines, limb lines, and set hooks may have no more than a total of 100 single hooks in aggregate and these hooks shall be spaced at least two (2) feet apart and fixed to where they cannot slip together.

b. No more than 25 yo-yos may be fished by an individual. No more than two (2) single hooks may be attached to a yo-yo. When fished on a line, yo-yo's, limb lines, and set hooks must be attached at least two (2) feet apart and fixed so that they cannot slip together.

c. No more than 25 free floating fishing devices (FFFD) (Jugs) may be fished by an individual. Also, no more than two (2) single hooks may be attached to each of these devices. In Mississippi waters that border adjacent states, the legal number of FFFDs shall be that of the adjacent state or the Mississippi limit, whichever is greater, not to exceed 50 FFFDs by any individual.

d. On Eagle Lake in Warren County, Lake Washington in Washington County, Sardis Lake in Panola, Lafayette and Marshall Counties, Enid Lake in Lafayette, Panola and Yalobusha Counties, Grenada Lake in Grenada, Calhoun and Yalobusha Counties and Arkabutla Lake in Tate and Desoto Counties, all Yo-Yos and FFFDs must be legibly marked with either waterproof ink, stamped, or tagged to display the license holders’ MDWFP number. Exempt anglers shall mark these gears with their full name, residence address and zip code. Yo-Yo tags shall be attached above the water line. All tags shall be furnished by the angler.

e. Yo-Yos & FFFDs must be attended during daylight hours on borderline waters between Arkansas and Mississippi, Eagle Lake, Lake Washington, Sardis Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Lake and Arkabutla Lake. Attended means devices (whether set, baited, or tripped) must remain in sight of the angler during daylight hours. These devices may be fished at night without attendance, except at Lake Washington where yo-yos must be attended at all times other than between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., when yo-yos may be unattended (tripped, with hook out of the water). Unattended yo-yos may be seized/confiscated by MDWFP Law Enforcement officers.

2. Legal sport fishing trotlines and/or throw lines, set hooks, limb lines, FFFDs, and yo-yos may not be fished in the waters listed below:

a. Ross Barnett Reservoir:

i. That portion of the reservoir north of the main dam and to a line between the point where Twin Harbors channel enters the main lake under the Natchez Trace in Madison County and the Fannin Landing boat launch in Rankin County;

ii. Pelahatchie Bay and Pelahatchie Creek;

iii. Any area of the main lake or river lying within 100 yards of any sandbar or any public boat launching facility;

iv. Waters within any marked navigational channel between State Highway 43 and Ratliff Ferry in Madison County.

b. Sardis Lower Lake from the outlet structure to Spaulding Creek; however, FFFDs are permitted in Sardis Lower Lake.

c. Jamie L. Whitten Lock from outlet downstream to Mississippi Hwy 4 overpass.

d. G.V. Sonny Montgomery Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 406.

e. John Rankin Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 398.

f. Fulton Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Hwy 78 overpass.

g. Glover Wilkens Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 375.

h. Amory Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Hwy 6 overpass.

i. Aberdeen Lock from spillway outlet downstream to U.S. highway 45 overpass, including the auxiliary spillway and associated bank fishing access area in the Tombigbee River cutoff below the dam.

j. John C. Stennis Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 334, including the auxiliary spillway and associated bank fishing access area in the Tombigbee River Cutoff below the dam.

k. Spillways of Ross Barnett and Okatibbee Reservoirs, Grenada, Enid, Sardis and Arkabutla Lakes from spillway outlets to the end of rip rap.

l. Bluff Lake spillway in Noxubee County

m. Lowhead dam on Ross Barnett Reservoir from the dam to the end of the Idle Speed Only/No Wake Zone area downstream of the dam.

n. On Lake Washington, limb lines and set hooks may not be fished or set; however, sport fishing trotlines, FFFDs, and Yo-Yo’s may be used as described in section 1.d.

3. The following regulations (a through f) apply in the waters listed under section g (i through iv):

a. Anglers fishing these waters may RULE 1.3 REGULATIONS REGARDING SPORT FISHING.

A. The following rules and regulations relative to sport fishing are adopted:

1. Each person with a valid sport fishing license or those exempt under 49-7-5 may fish no more than 100 single hooks (in aggregate) among the following devices as described:

a. Sport fishing trotlines, throw lines, limb lines, and set hooks may have no more than a total of 100 single hooks in aggregate and these hooks shall be spaced at least two (2) feet apart and fixed to where they cannot slip together. It is illegal to set trotlines so that they extend more than half way across any stream, channel, drain or other body of water. A guideline without any hooks that does not impede navigation may be used.

b. No more than 25 yo-yos may be fished by an individual. No more than two (2) single hooks may be attached to a yo-yo. When fished on a line, yo-yo's, limb lines, and set hooks must be attached at least two (2) feet apart and fixed so that they cannot slip together.

c. No more than 25 free floating fishing devices (FFFD) (Jugs) may be fished by an individual. Also, no more than two (2) single hooks may be attached to each of these devices. In Mississippi waters that border adjacent states, the legal number of FFFDs shall be that of the adjacent state or the Mississippi limit, whichever is greater, not to exceed 50 FFFDs by any individual.

d. On Eagle Lake in Warren County, Lake Washington in Washington County, Sardis Lake in Panola, Lafayette and Marshall Counties, Enid Lake in Lafayette, Panola and Yalobusha Counties, Grenada Lake in Grenada, Calhoun and Yalobusha Counties and Arkabutla Lake in Tate and Desoto Counties, all Yo-Yos and FFFDs must be legibly marked with either waterproof ink, stamped, or tagged to display the license holders’ MDWFP number. Exempt anglers shall mark these gears with their full name, residence address and zip code. Yo-Yo tags shall be attached above the water line. All tags shall be furnished by the angler.

e. Yo-Yos & FFFDs must be attended during daylight hours on borderline waters between Arkansas and Mississippi, Eagle Lake, Lake Washington, Sardis Lake, Enid Lake, Grenada Lake and Arkabutla Lake. Attended means devices (whether set, baited, or tripped) must remain in sight of the angler during daylight hours. These devices may be fished at night without attendance, except at Lake Washington where yo-yos must be attended at all times other than

between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., when yo-yos may be unattended (tripped, with hook out of the water). Unattended yo-yos may be seized/confiscated by MDWFP Law Enforcement officers. 2. Legal sport fishing trotlines and/or throw lines, set hooks, limb lines, FFFDs, and yo-yos may not be fished in the waters listed below:

a. Ross Barnett Reservoir:

i. That portion of the reservoir north of the main dam and to a line between the point where Twin Harbors channel enters the main lake under the Natchez Trace in Madison County and the Fannin Landing boat launch in Rankin County;

ii. Pelahatchie Bay and Pelahatchie Creek;

iii. Any area of the main lake or river lying within 100 yards of any sandbar or any public boat launching facility;

iv. Waters within any marked navigational channel between State Highway 43 and Ratliff Ferry in Madison County.

b. Sardis Lower Lake from the outlet structure to Spaulding Creek; however, FFFDs are permitted in Sardis Lower Lake.

c. Jamie L. Whitten Lock from outlet downstream to Mississippi Hwy 4 overpass.

d. G.V. Sonny Montgomery Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 406.

e. John Rankin Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 398.

f. Fulton Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Hwy 78 overpass.

g. Glover Wilkens Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 375.

h. Amory Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Hwy 6 overpass.

i. Aberdeen Lock from spillway outlet downstream to U.S. highway 45 overpass, including the auxiliary spillway and associated bank fishing access area in the Tombigbee River cutoff below the dam.

j. John C. Stennis Lock from spillway outlet downstream to Mile Marker 334, including the auxiliary spillway and associated bank fishing access area in the Tombigbee River Cutoff below the dam.

k. Spillways of Ross Barnett and Okatibbee Reservoirs, Grenada, Enid,

Sardis and Arkabutla Lakes from spillway outlets to the end of rip rap.

l. Bluff Lake spillway in Noxubee County

m. Lowhead dam on Ross Barnett Reservoir from the dam to the end of the Idle Speed Only/No Wake Zone area downstream of the dam.

n. On Lake Washington, limb lines and set hooks may not be fished or set; however, sport fishing trotlines, FFFDs, and Yo-Yo’s may be used as described in section A1.d.

3. The following regulations (a through f) apply in the waters listed under section A3.g (i through iv):

a. Anglers fishing these waters may use no more than one (1) pole or rod per person except for those persons fishing in Ross Barnett Reservoir from Lowhead dam to the end of the Idle Speed Only/No Wake Zone area downstream of the dam.

b. From December 1 until the last day of February, anglers may use no more than two (2) single hooks no larger than #2. No bare or baited treble hooks are allowed.

c. From March 1 until November 30, anglers may use no more than two (2) single hooks of any size. No bare or baited treble hooks are allowed.

d. Hooks must be secured at least one inch apart.

e. Artificial lures can have no more than three (3) treble hooks and may be fished all year. No more than two (2) artificial lures may be used. Treble hooks on artificial lures cannot be larger than # 2.

f. No other gear can be used in these waters except that dip or landing nets, cast nets, boat mounted scoops, wire baskets, minnow seines, and minnow traps may be used to capture shad and minnows. Anglers keeping legal fish caught with these gear types in these waters, except for Lowhead dam in Leake County on Ross Barnett Reservoir, must immediately place their catch on ice or in a dry container. All game fish caught with these gear types must be released immediately upon capture.

g. Rules 3a through 3f shall apply to the following waters:

i. Spillways of Ross Barnett and Okatibbee Reservoirs, Grenada, Enid, Sardis and Arkabutla Lakes from spillway outlets to the end of rip rap.

ii. Bluff Lake spillway in Noxubee County.

iii. Lowhead dam on Ross Barnett Reservoir from the dam to the end of the Idle Speed Only/No Wake Zone area downstream of the dam.

iv. Aberdeen and Columbus Spillways.

4. Buffalo, Common Carp, gar, catfish, shad, bowfin, Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, Grass Carp, Black Carp and Snakehead may be taken throughout the year with a bow and arrow, crossbow, spear or gig. However, catfish may not be taken with spear or gig from May 1 to July 15. Persons taking fish using any of these gears must have a valid sport fishing license or be exempt under 49-7-5.

5. The taking of non-game gross fish only by hand or rope (no attachments) is legal during the statewide season from May 1 to July 15. However, it is unlawful to alter any natural areas by the placing of boards, wire or any other obstruction to said logs, holes, etc. or to take fish from such altered devices. Also, it is unlawful to raise any part of a natural or artificial device out of the water thereby aiding in the capture of enclosed fish. Only wooden containers may be used. It is unlawful to place or take fish from structures such as plastic or metal barrels, hot water tanks, concrete pipe, tires and other non-biodegradable materials in any public waters of the state. Any person grabbling for fish must have a valid sport fishing license. It shall be illegal to place any cavity-type structure, intended to be used for hand grabbling purposes, in all Mississippi waters of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

6. Persons with a sport fishing license, or those exempt by 49-7-9, may use game fish as bait as long as the fish were legally taken and the daily creel limit for each species is not exceeded.

7. Persons with a sport fishing license, or those exempt by 49-7-9, may use minnow seines and minnow traps to harvest minnows, nongame gross fish, and nongame fish for bait. A commercial fishing license is required to sell fish captured from public waters in minnow seines and minnow traps.

a. Minnow seines must be no more than 25 feet in length and 4 feet in depth.

b. Minnow traps shall be constructed of glass, plastic, nonmetallic, or wire mesh not more than 32 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter without leads or wings and having an entrance no larger than 1 inch in diameter.

B. Fish Attractors:

1. It shall be unlawful to place structures such as plastic or metal barrels, plastic or metal pipes and tubing larger than 4 inches in diameter, hot water tanks, concrete pipe and tires and any other non-biodegradable material into the public waters of the state for use as fish attractors.

2. However, wooden materials and plastic tubing and pipe materials may be used as fish attractors provided that the plastic materials are no larger than 4 inches in diameter. Concrete, rope, wire and nails may be used to construct fish attractors. It is legal to place such fish attractor materials into the public waters of the state provided written permission to do so is obtained from the federal or state agency which owns the specific water body.

3. The person placing fish attractor materials into the public waters of the state must have in their possession a copy of the written permission at all times when transporting and placing

such material. C. Crawfish and freshwater shrimp.

1. A sport fishing license is required, unless exempt by 49-7-9, to harvest freshwater crawfish and freshwater shrimp for personal use.

2. A commercial fishing license is required to sell freshwater crawfish and freshwater shrimp harvested from public waters.

3. Crawfish and shrimp traps fished in public waters shall be marked with a waterproof tag provided by the fisherman, which contains the fisherman’s MDWFP Customer ID number. Exempt anglers shall mark these gears with their full name, residence address, and zip code.

4. Legal gear:

a. Crawfish traps are any device constructed of coated wire or plastic mesh with openings of the throat or flutes not exceeding 2 inches and which are used for the sole purpose of taking crawfish. Any commercially available crawfish trap with openings of the throats or flutes not exceeding 2 inches may be used. Commercially available “puddle nets” or “lift nets” may be used.

b. Freshwater shrimp traps: It is unlawful for any person to take or attempt to take Freshwater shrimp by the use of any trap which exceeds the following dimensions: 36 inches long (from rear of the heart to the leading edge of the trap), by 24 inches wide (between the leading edges of the trap, or heart opening), by 12 inches high; or has external or unattached wings, weirs, or other devices intended to funnel shrimp to the trap heart.

c. There is no limit on the number of crawfish traps and freshwater shrimp traps a person may fish.

D. It shall be illegal to possess on the water, both commercial and sport fishing gear in the same boat.

E. Conservation officers may seize any sport fishing gear determined to be unsafe or illegal or which is not tagged as per these regulations.

F. It is unlawful to take fish, crawfish, or shrimp from, tamper with or use any sport fishing gear without the written consent of the gear’s owner. Written permission to run, or take fish from, someone else’s sport gear must be carried on the person running the gear and must include the full name and MDWFP number of both the gear owner and the person running the gear. History: Updated April 2022.

RULE 1.4 STATEWIDE CREEL LIMITS.

A. The following rules and regulations relative to sport fishing are adopted:

1. Statewide creel limits (per person, per day) on game and sport fish are as follows:

Species Creel Per Day Black Bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth bass) 10 Sauger 10 Walleye 3 Striped Bass and Hybrids with 15” minimum size 6 Crappie (combined black and white) 30 Bream (combined bluegill, redear and other sunfish) 100 Alligator Gar 2 Paddlefish – must be less than 30” 2

a. On all waters, excluding private ponds and lakes, not listed in this Rule or in 40 Miss. Admin. Code Part 3, Rule 2.2, statewide creel and length limits apply.

b. There is no daily creel limit for any game and sport fish species not listed above.

2. Creel limits for black bass, bream, crappie, striped bass, and striped bass hybrids in waters touched by the state boundary (border waters) shall be that of the adjacent state, or the Mississippi limit, whichever is greater.

3. Harvest and possession of walleye is prohibited in the Old Tombigbee River and its tributaries north of Hwy 278 (Monroe, Itawamba and Prentiss Counties).

4. Paddlefish greater than 30” must be immediately released when caught sport fishing in Mississippi. No paddlefish harvest is allowed in the Tenn-Tom Waterway, Tombigbee River or its tributaries and Pickwick Lake.

5. No Alligator Gar harvest is allowed on Bee Lake in Holmes County.

6. Violation of any of the Mississippi state laws or state regulations pertaining to paddlefish will be considered a Class I offense as specified in Section 49-7-90 of the Mississippi State Code of 1972 as amended.

7. Harvest and possession of all sturgeon species (Alabama, Atlantic, Pallid and Shovelnose) are prohibited in all Mississippi waters.

B. The correct method for measuring fish and the definitions for length limits are as follows:

1. Correct Method for Measuring Fish Length

a. Fish measurements (excluding Paddlefish) for length limit regulations shall be taken with the total length being measured using a flat board with fish mouth closed and tail squeezed together to give the maximum over-all measurement.

b. Paddlefish are measured from the front of the eye to the fork of the tail.

2. Minimum Length Limit (MLL)

a. All fish less than the regulated size length in inches must be returned to the water immediately after capture and may not be in possession on the designated waters.

b. All fish equal to or over the minimum length limit in total length may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

3. Maximum Length Limit (MAXLL)

a. All fish on or more than the regulated size length in inches must be returned to the water immediately after capture and may not be in possession on the designated waters.

b. All fish under the maximum length limit in total length may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

4. Slot Length Limit (SLL)

a. All fish on or between the designated range of lengths in inches must be returned to the water immediately upon capture and may not be in possession on the designated waters.

b. All fish shorter than the lowest length limit and all fish longer than the highest length limit may be kept not to exceed the legal daily creel limit.

5. Additional regulations: a. All freshwater game fish must remain intact (with head, tail, skin and scales) while fishing lakes or waters having an established MDWFP length/slot limit in Mississippi.

b. For Grenada, Enid, Sardis, and Arkabulta lakes, fish may only be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations if available. Fish may not be cleaned while on the water or in the parking lot.

C. Crappie Length and Creel Limits

1. Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following length and creel limit regulations shall be in effect for crappie (combined black and white crappie):

Length Creel

Lake County Limit Limit Arkabutla Lake Tate, Desoto 12” MLL 10 Charlie Capps WMA lake Bolivar None 20 Eagle Lake Warren; includes channel to Muddy Bayou water control structure 11” MLL 30 Enid Lake Yalobusha, Lafayette, Panola 12” MLL 10 Elvis Presley Lake Lee None 20 Grenada Lake Grenada, Calhoun, Yalobusha 12” MLL 10 Horseshoe Lake Holmes 11” MLL 20 Lake Okhissa Franklin 10” MLL 10 Lake Washington Washington 11” MLL 20 Lake Monroe Monroe None 20 Lake Mary Crawford Lawrence None 20 Choctaw Lake Choctaw 12” MLL 10 Moon Lake (includes part east of Hwy 1) Coahoma 10” MLL 30 Pickwick & Tenn-Tom Waterway, including all tributaries Pickwick Lake to Aliceville Lock & Dam 9” MLL 30 Percy Quin State Park Pike None 20 Sardis Lake Lafayette, Marshall, Panola 12” MLL 10 Spillways of Arkabutla To Prichard Road Bridge None

Enid To I-55 10 Grenada To Hwy. 51 10 Sardis & Sardis Lower Lake To Spaulding Creek

Simpson County Lake Simpson None 20

2. Each person with a valid sport fishing license or those exempt under 49-7-5 may fish no more than four (4) poles or rods with two (2) hooks or lures per pole while fishing on Sardis, Grenada, Arkabutla, and Enid Lakes.

3. The aggregate daily boat creel limit for all species of crappies (white crappie, black crappie and their hybrids) for boats with 3 or more licensed or exempt anglers shall be 25 legal crappie per boat on Arkabutla, Sardis, Enid and Grenada Lakes.

4. For Lake Washington in Washington County -- the possession of crappie (white crappie, black crappie and their hybrids) under 11 inches while in Paul Love Park or on the weir is prohibited.

D. Black Bass Length and Creel Limits

1. Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following length and creel limit regulations shall be in effect for black bass (combined largemouth, spotted and smallmouth):

Lake

County Length Limit

Creel Limit Aberdeen Lake Monroe 14”MLL 10 Bee Lake Holmes None 5 Charlie Capps WMA lake Bolivar None 5 Columbus Lake Lowndes, Monroe, Clay 14”MLL 10 Choctaw Lake Choctaw 16-20” SLL 10 (1 over 20”) Davis Lake Chickasaw 18-22”SLL 10 (1 over 22”) Eagle Lake Warren; includes channel to Muddy Bayou water control structure 16”MLL 10 Elvis Presley Lake Lee 16-22” SLL 10 (1 over 22”) Horseshoe Lake Holmes None 5 Lake Bill Waller Marion 18-24” SLL 10 (1 over 24”) Lake Bogue Homa Jones 15” MLL 5 Lake Jackson Washington None 5 Lake Mary Crawford Lawrence 16-22” SLL 10 (1 over 22”) Lake Monroe Monroe 18-24” SLL 10 (1 over 24”) Lake Okhissa Franklin 18-22”SLL 10 (1 over 22”) Lake Washington Washington 15” MLL 5 Leroy Percy State Park Washington None 5 Moon Lake Coahoma (includes east of Hwy 1) None 5 Natchez State Park Adams 18-22”SLL 10 (1 over 22”) Pascagoula River George and Jackson Co. Merrill, MS to Hwy 90 Bridge includes all connected oxbow lakes and the East and West Pascagoula Rivers and all water areas in between the two said rivers 12” MLL 10 Percy Quin State Park Pike 16-22”SLL 10 (1 over 22”) Pickwick Lake Tishomingo 15”MLL 10 RecCon Lake Bolivar None 5 Ross Barnett Reservoir Madison, Rankin, Leake, Hinds, Scott 14” MLL 7 Simpson County lake Simpson 18-24” SLL 10 (1 over 24”) Wolf/Broad Lake Yazoo, Humphreys 12” MLL 5

2. For Lake Washington in Washington County -- the possession of black bass under 15 inches while in Paul Love Park or on the weir is prohibited.

E. Catfish Creel and Length Limits

1. Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following creel limit regulations shall be in effect for catfish:

Lake

County Length Limit

Creel Limit

Choctaw Lake Choctaw None 5 Lake Okhissa Franklin None 5 ReCon Lake Bolivar None 10 All MDWFP State Fishing and Park Lakes Statewide None 10

2. The length limit on catfish (blue, channel and flathead) shall be no more than 1 catfish over 34 inches per person on reciprocated waters with AL and TN. There is no creel limit on catfish.

F. Bluegill and Redear Creel and Length Limits: Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following creel limit regulations shall be in effect for Bluegill and Redear:

Lake

County Length Limit

Creel Limit Choctaw Lake Choctaw None 25 Lake Okhissa Franklin None 50 Elvis Presley Lake Lee None 50 Simpson County Lake Simpson None 50

G. Be it further ordered that in addition to statewide regulations, persons fishing in the Pearl River from the Ross Barnett Reservoir dam to the City of Jackson water intake may take only one Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass over 24 inches.

H. No person shall take in any one calendar day, more than the daily creel or bag limit of fish. No person shall at any time, by any means, or in any manner, transport more than seven (7) daily creel or bag limits of fish for each qualified angler present in the vehicle. A single angler may only transport his or her own limit(s) of fish, not to exceed seven (7) daily limits.

I. Walleye Creel and Length Limits: Until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following length and creel limit regulations shall be in effect for Walleye:

Lake

County Length Limit

Creel Limit Choctaw Lake Choctaw None 0 Davis Lake Chickasaw None 1 Lake Lamar Bruce Lee None 0 Lake Monroe Monroe None 0 Elvis Presley Lake Lee None 0

J. Rainbow Trout Creel and Length Limits: until such time that it is amended by the Commission, the following creel limit regulations shall be in effect for Rainbow Trout:

Lake

County Length Limit

Creel Limit Lake Lamar Bruce Lee None 3

History: Updated April 2026

RULE 1.5 NORTH MISSISSIPPI FISH HATCHERY FEES. Public Notice F2 3800 is hereby amended.

A. The following regulation(s) on the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Visitor-Education Center fees are hereby adopted.

General Entrance Permits Rate Adult $2.50 Ages 18-60 Senior $2.00 Ages 60 and over Children $2.00 Ages 3-18 Children Free Under 3 Education (school) Groups $2.00 Per student, bus driver and chaperon free Memberships Rate Individual $20.00 Valid one year from date of purchase Family $32.50 Valid one year from date of purchase Meeting Room Rental Rate 8 AM – 5 PM Without Food* With Food* Per 2 hour period $ 25.00 $ 50.00 Half Day $ 50.00 $100.00 Full Day $200.00 $300.00 Meeting Room Rental Rate After 5 PM Without Food* With Food* Per 2 hour period $ 50.00 $ 90.00 Reception/Party $300.00

B. Food is not provided by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Part 3, Chapter 2. State Fishing lakes and Community Assistance Program lakes.

RULE 2.1 REGULATIONS REGARDING STATE FISHING LAKES.

A. The following regulations are adopted for all State Fishing Lakes owned and/or managed by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. These lakes are: Tippah County Lake, Tippah County; Lake Lamar Bruce, Lee County; Lake Monroe, Monroe County; Lake Tom Bailey, Lauderdale County; Lake Claude Bennett, Jasper County; Lake Prentiss Walker, Smith County; Simpson County Lake, Simpson County; Lake Bogue Homa, Jones County; Lake Mike Conner, Covington County; Lake Jeff Davis, Jefferson Davis County; Lake Mary Crawford, Lawrence

County; Lake Walthall, Walthall County; Lake Columbia, Marion County; Lake Perry, Perry County; Lake Bill Waller, Marion County; Neshoba County Lake, Neshoba County; Elvis Presley Lake, Lee County; and Calling Panther Lake, Copiah County.

1. In addition to any required license, all persons fishing, boating, hunting, camping or using a pavilion must also have a valid lake permit.

2. The boat operator or another person in the boat is required to purchase a combination Launching/Fishing/Skiing permit.

3. Boat Launching/Fishing/Skiing permit is valid for fishing and boating activities such as skiing, jet skis, sailing, wind surfing, canoeing or any other type of boating.

B. Daily Permits:

1. The following permits are available for the listed fee.

Permit Name Permit Cost Daily Fishing (No Boat Launching)* $5.00 Daily Boat Launching/Fishing/Boating/Skiing* $9.00 * Ages 16 and over; ages 15 and under no permit required.

C. Annual Permits

1. The following annual permits are available at the listed fee.

Permit Name Permit Cost Annual Boat Launching/Fishing/Skiing (Ages 16 – 61) $125.00 Annual Exempt Launching/Fishing/Skiing (Ages 62 & older or disabled) $100.00 Annual Fishing (No Boat Launching; Ages 16 - 61) $55.00 Annual Disabled/Age Exempt Fishing (No Boat Launching) $35.00 Duplicate copy of Annual or Lifetime Permit $9.00

2. All annual permits shall be honored for fishing and boat launching on all State Fishing and State Park Lakes owned and operated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

3. All annual permits will expire one year from date of purchase.

4. There are no honor box sales for these permits.

5. Annual boat launching/fishing/skiing permit includes all persons in the boat.

6. Persons desiring to purchase Senior Citizen permits must show proof of age.

7. Persons desiring to purchase Disabled permits must provide proof of 100% disability by showing one of the following:

a. Railroad Disability Letter that states “100% Disability”

b. Veterans Administration Letter stating the person as “100% Service Connected Disability”

c. Updated Social Security letter listing the person as 100% disabled.

8. Veterans and Active Service Members qualify to purchase exempt permits. Proof of status is required.

D. Recreational boating and water skiing are authorized from noon to sunset on the following lakes only on the designated days in the designated areas:

Lake Bogue Homa Everyday Lake Claude Bennett Wednesday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Columbia Wednesday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Jeff Davis Tuesday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Lamar Bruce Thursday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Mary Crawford Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Mike Connor Wednesday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Perry Friday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Prentiss Walker Friday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Lake Tom Bailey Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Simpson County Lake Thursday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Tippah County Lake Saturday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day Elvis Presley Lake Everyday Calling Panther Lake Wednesday, Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4 th , & Labor Day

E. Camping and Pavilion Rental Permits

1. The following camping and pavilion rental permits are available at the listed fee.

Permit Name Permit Cost Daily Camping (24 hour period) $25.00 Disabled/Senior Citizen Camping (1 day; age 62 & older) $22.00 Camping - 30 days $500.00 Disabled/Senior Citizen Camping – 30 days (age 62 & older) $360.00 Primitive / tent camping (1 day, no electricity) $20.00

Pavilion Rental (1 day) $53.00

2. Daily camping rate includes fishing and boat launching. These activities are limited to the registered number of guests per campsite, not to exceed 8 people. The primitive camping rate does not include fishing and boat launching.

F. Camping Rules

1. Camping shall be confined to the designated campground or designated overflow areas. No more than one camping unit will be allowed on a camp pad without the State Lake Manager’s approval.

2. Camper storage, reservations and reduced rates are not allowed at State Fishing Lakes. Camping reservations are not available at State Fishing Lakes. Reduced daily or weekly rates are not available at State Fishing Lakes.

3. No campsite can be retained without a camping unit (camper or erected tent) placed on the site. All camping fees must be paid in advance and are non-refundable and non- transferable. A camping voucher may be issued for the remaining balance if there is a death or dire illness in the customer’s immediate family or other dire situations; good for 12 months from the date of the cancellation. A letter explaining the event and relation to the customer is required to be submitted to the lake manager before voucher is granted. A campsite must be occupied the moment a site is rented.

4. No permanent use of a rentable facility for residence purposes is allowed.

a. “Homesteading” or otherwise using a campground for a sole place of residence is prohibited. The act of Homesteading includes but is not limited to: erecting permanent or semi permanent structures.

b. Cluttering a rented site with garbage, storage containers, boxes, buckets, or other objects is prohibited.

c. The use of appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, or freezers outside of the camper; or parking trailers or extra vehicles is prohibited.

5. A monthly camping rate is available. Monthly camping is restricted to designated sites. a. Ninety (90) days is the maximum allowable stay on a campsite.

b. After 90 days, a camper must leave the campground for 14 days before returning.

c. An extension may be granted with approval by the Executive Director or his designee.

d. Extensions will only be approved in ninety (90) day increments.

6. Check-out time is 2:00 P.M.; check-in time is 4:00 P.M.

7. Campgrounds and camp areas are restricted for registered campers and guests only. Guests shall leave the area prior to 10:00 P.M.

8. Camping pads will not be rented to any person under 21 years of age or anyone under the age of 21 allowed to camp without an adult 21 years or older present.

9. Campers, tents, vehicles, children and pets shall not be left unattended.

10. No person shall kindle, build, maintain or use a fire other than in the designated campground area.

11. Persons eligible for a Disabled/Senior Citizen discount may not rent a site for persons who are not eligible for the discount. Proof of eligibility will be required upon check in. An eligible person must be present for the duration of the stay to obtain a camping discount.

12. Gray water or sewage must be placed in the dump station (when provided). In no case is the discharge of gray water or sewage on the ground or campsite permitted nor is the storage of gray water or sewage in containers not manufactured specifically for this purpose. Violations are subject to criminal charges, fines, and/or the cost of the clean up.

13. Shower facilities at State Fishing Lakes are only available to those who possess a valid lake permit.

G. Boating Rules

1. Boats and jet skis must be operated at idle speed which is any speed that does not produce a wake except during skiing periods in designated ski areas.

2. No aqua-aircraft shall land on any State Fishing Lake without written permission from the Executive Director.

3. While operating a pleasure boat on State Fishing Lakes, boats shall operate in a counter clockwise manner.

4. While operating a ski boat on State Fishing Lakes, only one, skier is permitted to be pulled at a time. Only two people are permitted on a tube if the tube is certified as for such. A child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. Tube kites are prohibited.

5. Swimming and wading are prohibited on State Fishing Lakes except in designated ski areas while skiing or jet skiing.

H. Fishing Rules

1. Only rod and reel or pole fishing is allowed on State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes. No other gear is allowed at these lakes.

2. There shall be a FREE FISHING weekend on all State Fishing and State Park Lakes. These days will be set on the 1 st weekend of National Fishing and Boating Week in June. No state fishing license or lake fishing permits will be required for residents fishing on these days.

3. Creel limit on catfish will be 10 per day in all State Fishing Lakes. Catfish limits during fishing rodeos at state lakes may be different.

4. Fishing is not allowed from courtesy piers adjacent to boat ramps. Night fishing is allowed at all State Fishing Lakes from the bank or boats which are in compliance with state and coast guard regulations with the exception of Lake Bill Waller.

I. Other Rules

1. Persons who possess a dog or other pet must restrain it on an adequate leash not more than six feet long. Exception: Squirrel hunting dogs do not have to be leashed while hunting on Calling Panther WMA.

a. Persons allowing animals to disturb other guests will be removed from the lake property.

b. No livestock or other animals, other than horses on designated bridle paths or trails, will be allowed on State Parks or State Lakes except with written permission of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee.

2. Motorized vehicles shall be allowed only in designated areas.

3. No one shall be permitted on lake property between one hour past sunset and one hour before sunrise without a valid permit.

4. The open carry of firearms may be restricted in or upon certain areas of any state fishing lake. These areas will be clearly designated by appropriate signage. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting a concealed carry permit holder from carrying his or her concealed handgun on any state fishing lake property.

5. State Lakes are state wildlife refuges. Hunting or trapping is prohibited within the confines of the state lake property, except Calling Panther Lake, Neshoba County Lake and Lake Bogue Homa. Regulations governing hunting at these three lakes are strictly enforced. Exceptions are:

a. Frog gigging is allowed during the statewide season at all State Fishing Lakes except Lake Bill Waller. Either a daily or annual boat launching/fishing/skiing permit is required in addition to a valid hunting/fishing license.

b. Waterfowl hunters on Lake Bogue Homa and Neshoba County Lake

during statewide waterfowl seasons (see Federal Regulations) must have either a daily boat launching/fishing/skiing permit or an annual boat launching/fishing/skiing permit. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to designated areas of the lake and all waterfowl hunters must launch at the boat ramp.

c. At Neshoba County Lake, waterfowl hunt days are Wednesdays and Saturdays and shooting time ends at noon. No more than six parties allowed at a time with no more than four hunters per party.

d. At Lake Bogue Homa, waterfowl hunt days are Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and shooting time ends at noon.

e. At Calling Panther Lake, hunting is subject to WMA regulations (40 Miss Admin Code Pt 2 Chap 1.47).

6. Possession of alcohol on state lakes is prohibited.

7. No one shall construct or erect any building or structure on state land or water.

8. No person shall bring into the lake property any explosive substance, such as dynamite, firecrackers, rockets, or torpedoes without the written permission of the Executive Director or his designee.

9. A violation of a regulation of the Commission may result in a citation and prosecution in Justice Court. Such offenses are Class III offenses as defined in Miss. Code Ann. §49-7-101 and upon conviction, may be punished by a fine of $25 to $100. Repeat offenders or persons who flagrantly disregard the rules, resist/refuse the directives of agency lake managers or other MDWFP personnel, or threaten or abuse, whether physically or verbally, agency personnel, may be banned from the lake for a period of time to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

10. To destroy, cut, break, remove, mutilate, injure, take, or gather in any manner any tree, shrub, plant, rock, mineral, or historical artifact within lake property is prohibited unless authorized by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee. The use of metal detectors and magnet fishing on lake property is prohibited.

11. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles may not be launched from or landed on any MDWFP managed State Fishing Lake property without the written permission of the Executive Director or his designee.

12. The operation of off-road/non-titled vehicles shall be in designated areas only. Golf carts and LSMVs may be used on campground roads only and may not exceed 20 mph. (LSMV is a four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is 20mph) Sidewalk and off-road use is prohibited.

History: Updated November 2024.

RULE 2.2 REGULATIONS REGARDING COMMUNITY FISHING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LAKES.

A. Only rod and reel or line and pole gear may be used in the following public waters which are open to fishing. Unless otherwise stated, all persons possessing a valid fishing license or who are legally exempt from the license requirements may fish these waters. Boating, swimming, littering and alcoholic beverages are not allowed except where noted. City or county ordinances may also regulate activities at these waters.

B. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes may be closed to public use and the use regulations may be changed for special events only upon mutual agreement by the Cooperator who owns the water body and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). Cooperators shall request such closures and use changes from the MDWFP at least thirty (30) days in advance of any special events.

1. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Poplarville

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Poplar Springs Lake, Poplarville, Pearl River County Largemouth bass 2 Bream 20 Catfish 5

a. Poplar Springs Lake is open to fishing on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each week.

b. Poplar Springs Lake is closed to fishing on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each week.

2. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Brookhaven

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Brookhaven Fishing Pond Brookhaven, Lincoln County Largemouth bass 0 Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. The Brookhaven Fishing Pond is only open for fishing to persons 14 years old or younger or handicapped persons of any age as defined in this rule.

3. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits – Olive Branch

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Olive Branch City Park Ponds Olive Branch, Desoto County Largemouth bass - Release all bass 15 inches & under

Catfish 5

Bream 10

Crappie 5

a. Olive Branch City Park Ponds are open to fishing each day.

4. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Carthage

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit McMillian Park Pond Carthage, Leake County Largemouth bass 2 All other species combined 8

a. McMillan Park Pond is open to fishing each day.

5. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Oxford

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Lake Patsy Oxford, Lafayette County Largemouth bass 0 Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. Lake Patsy is only open for fishing to persons 15 years old and younger or handicapped persons of any age, as defined in this rule.

b. Fishing hours are from sunrise to sunset each day.

6. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Tupelo

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Ballard Lake Tupelo, Lee County Largemouth bass 5 Bream 25 Catfish 5

a. Ballard Lake is open to fishing each day from sunrise to 10:00 p.m.

7. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Hattiesburg

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Forrest County Lake Hattiesburg, Forrest County Largemouth bass 5 Bream 20 Catfish 5

a. Forrest County Lake is open to fishing on Thursday and Friday of each week and only to persons fourteen (14) years old or younger or handicapped persons of any age as defined in this rule.

b. All minors must be accompanied by a supervising adult and handicapped persons in need of personal assistance must provide such.

c. The lake is open to the general public for fishing on Saturday of each week from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

d. The lake is closed to fishing Sunday through Wednesday and for special events at the discretion of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors.

8. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Clarksdale

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Coahoma County Lake Clarksdale, Coahoma County Largemouth bass 2 Bream 20 Catfish 5

a. Coahoma County Lake is open to fishing each day from sunrise to sunset.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the Coahoma County Board of Supervisors for special events.

9. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits – Walnut Grove

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Willow Lake Walnut Grove, Leake County Largemouth bass 0 All other species combined 8 a. Willow Lake is open to fishing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from sunrise to sunset.

10. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Hernando

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Lee’s Summit Park Lake Hernando, Desoto County Largemouth bass 0 Bream 100 Crappie 30

a. Lee’s Summit Park Lake is open to fishing each day from sunrise to sunset.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Hernando Parks and Recreation Department for special events.

11. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Pascagoula

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Whitehead Lake Pascagoula, Jackson County Largemouth bass 5 Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. Whitehead Lake is open to fishing each day.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Pascagoula Parks and Recreation Department for special events.

12. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Pascagoula

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Chateau Lake Pascagoula, Jackson County Largemouth bass 5 Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. Chateau Lake is open to fishing each day.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Pascagoula Parks and Recreation Department for special events. 13. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Byram

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Lake Dockery Byram, Hinds County Largemouth bass 5 Bream 25 Catfish 5

a. Lake Dockery is open to fishing each day from 30 minutes before dawn until 30 minutes before sunset.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Byram for special events.

c. See posted use rules at lake.

14. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Amory

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit McAlpine Lake Amory, Monroe County Largemouth bass 1 Bream 10 Catfish 2

a. McAlpine Lake is open to fishing to persons 15 years old and younger on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. One pole per youth.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Amory for special events.

15. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Hattiesburg

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Duncan Lake Hattiesburg, Forrest County Largemouth bass 5 Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. Duncan Lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

b. All pets must be kept on a leash.

c. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Hattiesburg for special events.

16. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Cleveland

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Bear Pen Park Lake Cleveland, Bolivar County Largemouth bass 0 Bream 15 Catfish 5

a. Bear Pen Park Lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

b. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the City of Cleveland for special events.

17. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits – Eupora

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit White’s Creek Lake Eupora, Webster County Largemouth bass – Release all bass 15 inches & under

Bream 25 Catfish 10 Crappie – Release all crappie 10 inches & under

a. White’s Creek Lake is open daily from sunrise to 9:00 pm.

b. No campfires, firearms, fireworks or explosives allowed. c. No jug fishing.

d. Bank fishing allowed in the park area only.

e. Boating allowed. Launching fees may apply.

f. Camping allowed in designated areas.

g. See posted rules at lake.

h. No commercial activity. As defined by Eupora City Ordinance, commercial activity means, “any activity pursued in furtherance of a business, or trade, or profession, or in the employ of another.” This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, guided fishing tours or charters.

18. Community Fishing Assistance Program Lakes: Creel limits - Greenwood

Water and Location Species Daily Creel Limit Florewood River Plantation Lake, LeFlore County Largemouth bass 2 Bream 10 Catfish 5

a. Florewood River Plantation Lake will open to fishing at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

b. The lake is open to the general public for fishing on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

c. The lake will be closed to fishing at the discretion of the Leflore County Board of Supervisors for special events.

C. The term “handicapped persons” used in this Rule means paraplegics, hemiplegic, anyone permanently dependent upon a wheelchair for mobility, anyone who requires the permanent use of braces, full prosthesis or crutches for walking or blindness.

History: Revised April 2025

Part 3, Chapter 3: Regulations regarding commercial fishing.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29 and 49-4-4.
• Source: Miss. Code Ann. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-81.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-7-90..
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-4-37.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29 and 49-4-4.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 3, R. 3.1 REGULATIONS REGARDING COMMERCIAL FISHING

A. The following rules, regulations and required licenses relative to freshwater commercial fishing, commercial fishing equipment tags, seines, nets and traps and wholesale minnow dealers are hereby adopted for all residents and non-residents for public waters identified in MISS. CODE ANN. §51-3-1 and Miss. Code Ann. §59-23-3(e). Nonresidents shall comply with all subsections of MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-9.1, except for the subsection which specifies the fee for a resident commercial fishing license.

B. Non-game gross fish, nonnative fish, minnows, non-game fish, crawfish, and freshwater shrimp may be taken and sold from the public freshwaters of Mississippi except for those species listed in sections G10, G11, G13 and G14, except in from those waters specifically listed in section H which are closed to freshwater commercial fishing equipment and slat baskets as stated herein. Non-game gross fish, nongame fish and non-native fish are listed or defined in MISS. CODE ANN.§49-7-1. Minnows are defined in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-29

C. LICENSES

1. All persons (no age or disability license exemption) who engage in the following activities must have a freshwater commercial fishing license to do the following in the public freshwaters of Mississippi:

a. Fish freshwater commercial fishing equipment (hoop or barrel nets, reinforcement wire catfish nets, gill or trammel nets, slat baskets or trotlines with more than 100 hooks in aggregate) as defined in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-9.1 and in this rule.

b. Harvest, sell, resell, or purchase for re-sale non-game gross fish, nongame fish and non-native fish.

c. Sell minnows at wholesale (with the exception of those MS residents growing minnows on their own property, MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-29) or sell minnows taken from the public freshwaters of Mississippi. Minnows are defined as golden shiners, fathead minnows, goldfish, emerald shiner, common carp, mosquito fish, and Gulf killifish.

d. Selling, reselling or exporting for sale across state lines crawfish or freshwater shrimp taken from the public freshwaters of Mississippi.

2. Any person using a slat basket in the public freshwaters of Mississippi waters must have a valid Mississippi Slat Basket License in addition to having a valid Freshwater Commercial Fishing License.

3. LICENSE COSTS: The following licenses are available at the listed price.

Commercial Fishing License Types Cost Resident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License $30 Nonresident Freshwater Commercial Fishing License $200 Slat Basket License (for each basket and in addition to freshwater commercial license and slat basket tags) $30 (Prices listed do not include processing fees or agent fees.)

4. A person holding a Freshwater Commercial Fishing License can be assisted by a helper who has any valid license issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Anyone in the boat with a licensed commercial fisherman is considered a helper and therefore must have valid license issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. There are no license exemptions for helpers. Helpers who do not have a Mississippi commercial fishing license cannot sell, resell, or ship for sale, nongame gross fish or nonnative fish.

5. Persons who have a freshwater commercial fishing license are allowed to fish crawfish traps and freshwater shrimp traps as described herein.

D. FRESHWATER COMMERCIAL FISHING EQUIPMENT

1. TROTLINES:

a. Trotlines must have hooks at least 24 inches apart and tied so they cannot slip together.

b. No trotlines or throw lines shall exceed 1,000 feet.

c. A trotline with more than 100 hooks is considered commercial gear and requires a freshwater commercial fishing license.

2. SNAG LINES: There is no open season for the use of snag lines.

3. HOOP NETS and BARREL NETS:

a. Hoop or barrel nets shall have hoops covered with treated mesh twine or cord number 15 or bigger; the minimum mesh size shall be two (2) inch square measure.

b. Lead Nets are hoop nets with one or two net mesh panels called wings or hearts attached to the front hoop. No more than seven lead nets per license holder may be used, with lead mesh panels up to 35 yards in length, with the minimum mesh size being two (2) inch square measure and made of treated mesh twine or cord number 15 twine or bigger.

c. Hearts may be used only in the Mississippi River where it is a

common boundary between Mississippi and another state (oxbow lakes included).

d. Hoop nets or barrel nets must be set at least 100 yards apart EXCEPT nets may be fished on each end of a lead mesh panel, as such, this constitutes one set, and each set must be 100 yards apart.

e. Any person fishing barrel nets and/or hoop nets in Mississippi waters, which are common boundaries between Mississippi and another state (oxbow lakes included), may use the same mesh size allowed in the other state; EXCEPT, leads, hearts and wings are prohibited in Mississippi waters when attached to barrel or hoop nets with minimum mesh of less than two (2) inches square measure.

f. There are no restrictions on the size of the hoops, the material used for hoop construction, the overall length of a hoop net or barrel net or the number of throats they have.

g. Hoop nets are also known as barrel nets, set nets, funnel nets or fiddler nets. 4. REINFORCEMENT WIRE CATFISH NETS:

a. These are similar to hoop nets but have a rigid wire frame instead of hoops. These nets may be used as long as the wire frame spacing is at least six (6) inches square measure. The wire framing must be covered with #15 or bigger twine or cord treated net mesh material which is at least the minimum mesh size (square measure) specified for hoop or barrel nets in D3a and D3e. These nets may be fished as lead nets as specified in the Hoop Net and Barrel Net section D3a – D3e.

5. SEINES: The use of seines is prohibited statewide, except for minnow seines as described elsewhere in this rule.

6. MINNOW SEINES AND MINNOW TRAPS:

a. This equipment, as described below, can be used to harvest minnows as defined in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-29, non-game fish, and non-game gross fish as defined in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-1. Note: A commercial fishing license is not required to fish these types of gear, but the sale of fish authorized to be harvested by means of this equipment does require a commercial fishing license.

b. Minnow Seines: These seines must be no more than 25 feet in length and four (4) feet in depth.

c. Minnow Traps: Minnow traps or jars constructed of glass, plastic, nonmetallic or wire mesh not more than 32 inches in length and 12 inches in diameter having no wings or leads and having an entrance no larger than one inch in diameter may be used.

7. CRAWFISH TRAPS AND FRESHWATER SHRIMP TRAPS: a. Crawfish Traps: any device constructed of coated wire or plastic mesh with openings of the throats or flutes not exceeding 2 inches in diameter and which is used for the sole purpose of taking crawfish. Any commercially available crawfish trap with openings of throats or flutes not exceeding 2 inches in diameter and any lift trap may be used. b. Crawfish traps are typically of the pillow or pyramid style or lift nets. c. Freshwater shrimp traps: traps must be no larger than 36 inches long from the rear of the heart to the leading edge of the trap, and no larger than 24 inches wide between the leading edges of the trap or heart opening and no larger than 12 inches high and be without an external or unattached wings, weirs or other guiding devices intended to funnel shrimp to the trap heart. 8. TRAMMEL NETS and GILL NETS: a. Gill nets and trammel nets made of any material other than mono or multi filament twine are unlawful.

b. Nets must be set at least 100 yards apart and no nearer than 20 yards to piers. Maximum length shall be 3,000 feet.

c. Nets must have a minimum mesh of three and one half (3.5) inches square measure.

d. Exception in Specified Border Line Waters:

A minimum of three (3) inch square mesh measure gill and trammel nets may be used in Pickwick Lake, the main channels of the Mississippi and Pearl Rivers along the MS/LA border, and in any streams, lakes, and portion of lakes, where the Mississippi/Louisiana state line occurs as depicted on the U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey quadrangle maps.

9. SLAT BASKETS are defined as commercial fishing devices used solely for the capture of catfish.

a. Pursuant to MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-9.1 and 49-7-12, ANY PERSON using a slat basket in Mississippi waters must have a valid Mississippi slat basket license for each slat basket.

b. Slat baskets fished in Mississippi waters shall:

i. Be made entirely of wood and/or plastic slats in a boxlike

or cylindrical shape, not to exceed six (6) feet in length or fifteen (15) inches in width and height or diameter. ii. Have no more than two (2) throats, have at least four (4) slot openings of a minimum one and one quarter (1¼) inches by twenty-four (24) inches evenly spaced around the sides of the catch area on cylindrical shaped baskets and one such opening per on each side of square shaped baskets. These openings must begin at the rear (or closed end) of the basket and run twenty-four (24) inches toward the throat end (or mouth or open end) of the basket. c. Slat baskets shall be placed at least one hundred (100) yards apart and may not be used with any form of leads, netting, or guiding devices (MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-9.1).

d. Slat Baskets must display the license holders’ MDWFP Number on a waterproof tag provided by the licensed fishermen.

e. Any violation of this subsection is a violation of MISS. CODE ANN. §49- 7-9.1 (6) and shall be a Class 1 violation, punishable as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-141.

E. TAGGING REQUIREMENTS:

1 All Commercial Fishing Equipment, and all Slat Baskets must display the license holders’ MDWFP Number on a waterproof tag provided by the licensed fishermen. No other number will be needed.

2. Each Freshwater Commercial Fishing license holder is responsible for writing with waterproof marking or engraving their MDWFP Number on a waterproof Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag in legible numbers at least ¼” in height.

3. Commercial Fishing Equipment Tags do not expire and may be used as long as the MDWFP Number, or a Louisiana, or Arkansas resident commercial fishing license number is legible on the commercial fishing equipment tag for gear fished in Mississippi waters in border water areas.

4. A Commercial Fishing Equipment Tag shall be attached to one end of the float line of gill or trammel nets; on the front hoop of any hoop or barrel net; at the open end of any reinforcement wire catfish net; within five (5) feet of one end of the main line of each trotline; and attached to the front end of a slat basket.

5. All commercial fishing equipment and slat baskets must be tagged on those border lakes and waters that are part of the reciprocal resident license agreements between Mississippi/Louisiana 40 Mississippi Admin. Code Part 4 Rule 3.3, and between Mississippi/Arkansas 40 Mississippi Admin Code Part 4 Rule 3.2. The reciprocal agreements DO NOT give non-resident license holders authority to fish in border waters of a state of which they do not possess a license.

6. Gill nets, trammel nets, hoop nets, reinforcement wire catfish nets, slat baskets and trotlines fished by RESIDENTS of Louisiana and Arkansas in Mississippi waters specified in those reciprocal agreements must tag their commercial fishing equipment with the type of tag specified in the state where they are licensed for that gear, or if no tagging is required by their resident state, they must put their commercial fishing license number on their commercial fishing equipment tag when commercial fishing equipment is fished in border waters, or purchase a Mississippi nonresident commercial fishing license to get an MDWFP license number to for their tags. Persons with a Louisiana resident sportfishing or a basic fishing license using “recreational hoop nets” or any other commercial fishing equipment must either purchase a Louisiana commercial fishing license or a nonresident Mississippi commercial fishing license to fish commercial fishing equipment in Mississippi waters. Louisiana residents fishing gill nets must tag their equipment using the same criteria as Mississippi residents, EXCEPT their Louisiana license number must be on their freshwater commercial fishing equipment tag while fishing their gear in Mississippi waters.

7. Crawfish traps and freshwater shrimp traps fished in public water shall be marked with a waterproof tag provided by the fishermen, with their MDWFP Number, or a Louisiana, or Arkansas resident commercial fishing license number legibly printed on the tag using the same criteria as other commercial fishing equipment when fished in Mississippi waters in border water areas.

F. FISHING RESTRICTIONS

1. No person shall possess both sport and commercial gear when engaged in fishing or out on a water body.

2. It is unlawful to set any freshwater commercial fishing equipment within 100 yards of another piece of commercial fishing equipment (MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-81). Exception:

a. Hoop nets connected by a lead as defined in D.3.d.; and

b. Minnow traps, minnow seines, crawfish traps, and shrimp traps.

3. It is unlawful to set any freshwater commercial fishing equipment so that it extends more than half way across any stream, channel, drain or other body of water (MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-81). A guideline that does not impede navigation may be set.

4. Driving or attempting to drive fish (also known as whooping, whipping or striking) into any freshwater commercial fishing gear is permitted; however, it shall be unlawful to alter or destroy any natural or man-made structure in the process of fishing for non-game gross fish or non-native fish.

5. It shall be unlawful to raise or run, or tamper with, or take fish from any

legal freshwater commercial fishing equipment, crawfish traps, shrimp traps, and/or slat baskets which are not licensed and tagged in your name without written permission of the owner of the commercial fishing equipment. Written permission to run, or take fish from, someone else’s commercial gear must be carried on the person running the gear and must include the full name and MDWFP number of both the gear owner and the person running the gear.

6. It is unlawful for any person to fish any equipment in the waters of the state of any size or type that is not allowed by the MDWFP (MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-81). Illegal gear, untagged gear and/or improperly tagged gear may be seized by conservation officers upon discovery.

G. HARVEST SIZE AND POSSESSION RESTRICTIONS; BAIT

1. All game fish (MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-1) caught in freshwater commercial fishing equipment shall be returned to the water immediately (MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-83).

2. Persons with commercial fishing licenses can use bream/sunfish for bait on trotlines, as long as:

a. these fish were legally taken; and

b. the daily creel limit for these species (100 fish total) is not exceeded.

3. No other species of game fish can be used by commercial fisherman as bait on trotlines. Nongame gross fish, nongame fish, minnows as defined in MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-29 and nonnative fish for which harvest is legal may be used as bait. Only dead nonnative fish may be used as bait. a. The harvest, possession, or use of any freshwater mussel for bait is prohibited (MISS. CODE ANN. §49-9-5).

4. Minnows, non-game fish, nongame gross fish and DEAD nonnative fish harvested for bait from Mississippi public waters may be taken outside the state for sale.

5. It is unlawful to commercially take, to offer for sale, or to possess non- game gross fish below the following total lengths, dressed lengths, or more than the creel limits:

Species Total Length Dressed Length Creel Limit Buffalo 16 inches 12 inches None Flathead Catfish 16 inches 12 inches None Other Catfish 12 inches 9 inches None Sturgeon 0 Paddlefish 0 Alligator Gar 2

a. Dressed means the removal of the head and guts from a fish. Dressed fish may also have the skin, scales, and all fins removed except for the tail fin. Dressed length means the length of the fish carcass measured on a flatboard from one end of the carcass to the end of the tail squeezed together to give the maximum overall length.

6. All Buffalo, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish must remain intact (with head, tail, skin and scales) while fishing any waters open to commercial fishing.

7. On border waters with Tennessee and Alabama persons with commercial fishing licenses shall possess no more than one catfish (blue, channel, flathead) over 34 inches in length.

8. Total length is measured with on a flatboard from the mouth to the end of the tail with the mouth of the fish closed and tail squeezed to give the maximum overall length.

9. The minimum length on dressed length shall not apply to fish processed at a facility (retail stores and supermarkets) that complies with Federal and State Health regulations. All fish sold on a rural or urban route or on display at a commercially licensed fish market shall meet total or dressed length requirements as established except that Buffalo ribs may be removed from the body side and be displayed and sold by commercial fisherman and commercially licensed fish markets.

10. PADDLEFISH: Paddlefish (live or dead) caught in commercial fishing equipment must be released immediately. The harvest and/or possession, sale or attempted sale of Paddlefish, or any Paddlefish part (flesh and eggs) by resident and nonresident commercial fishermen is hereby prohibited on all the lands and water of the State of Mississippi including Mississippi lands and waters in all border water areas with adjacent states. As per MISS. CODE ANN§ 49-7-90, violation of this rule section is a Class 1 offense.

11. ALL MISSISSIPPI WATERS ARE CLOSED TO THE COMMERCIAL HARVEST OF ALL STURGEON SPECIES (Alabama shovelnose sturgeon, Atlantic sturgeon, Gulf sturgeon, Lake sturgeon, Pallid sturgeon, and Shovelnose sturgeon). The harvest and/or possession, sale or attempted sale of any Sturgeon species, or any Sturgeon part (flesh and eggs) by resident and nonresident commercial fishermen is hereby prohibited on all the lands and waters of the State of Mississippi including Mississippi lands and waters in all border water areas with adjacent states.

12. ALLIGATOR GAR: There shall be no harvest of alligator gar of any size from the following waters:

a. Bee Lake in Holmes County; and

b. St. Catherine Creek watershed in Adams County.

13. Per 40 MISSISSIPPI ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, Part 5, Rule 2.4, persons cannot take, possess, transport, export, process or sell any species on the Official State list of Endangered Species.

14. Per 40 MISSISSIPPI ADMINISTRATIVE CODE Part 5, Rule 2.3, Non-game wildlife, or their parts taken from wild Mississippi populations may not be bought sold, offered for sale or exported for sale. Any person who takes or possesses non-game wildlife, turtles, frogs, and snakes for personal use must comply with licensing, permitting, harvest restrictions, and reporting requirements as established in current version of 40 MISSISSIPPI ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, Part 5, Rule 2.3.

15. Freshwater mussels may not be taken, caught or killed as per MISS. CODE ANN§ 49-9-5.

16. It is unlawful for a commercial fisherman to import, export, transport, receive, transfer, sell, purchase, acquire or possess by intrastate or interstate commerce, any live catfish greater than or equal to 34 inches in length.

H. AREAS CLOSED TO COMMERCIAL FISHING EQUIPMENT

1. THE FOLLOWING AREAS SHALL BE CLOSED TO ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL FISHING EQUIPMENT, SLAT BASKETS, SHRIMP TRAPS, CRAWFISH TRAPS, AND COMMERCIAL FISHING:

a. From the outlet works in the Coldwater River of Arkabutla Dam downstream to the Corps of Engineers cable crossing, a distance of approximately one-fourth mile.

b. In the Tallahatchie River and Barrow Lake below Sardis Dam from the outlet works downstream to U.S. Highway 51 bridge crossing of said river.

c. In the Yocona River from the outlet works of Enid Dam downstream to the U.S. Highway 51 bridge crossing of said river.

d. In the Yalobusha River from the outlet works of Grenada Dam downstream to south bound lane of the I-55 bridge crossing of said river.

e. In the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (TTW) south from Hwy. 25 (Scrugg’s Bridge) over the Yellow Creek embayment of Pickwick Lake in Tishomingo County to Bay Springs Lake at the Jamie Whitten Lock & Dam, including all of Bay Springs Lake.

f. Columbus Lake, in Monroe County from the Aberdeen Lock and Dam downstream to Hwy 45 overpass, locally known as “Morgan’s Landing Boat Ramp”,

including the river channel bendways.

g. Aliceville Lake, in Lowndes County from Columbus Lock & Dam downstream to Hwy 82 overpass at the junction of the navigation channel and the mouth of Luxapalila Creek, including the river channel bendways.

h. Ross Barnett Reservoir from the Main Dam upstream to Lowhead Dam near Ludlow, Mississippi.

i. Pearl River upstream from State Highway 15.

j. Pearl River below Ross Barnett Reservoir from the Spillway outlet to the City of Jackson’s Water Works Lowhead Dam.

k. All waters of Okatibbee Reservoir.

l. Muddy Bayou in Warren County from its mouth at Eagle Lake to the Muddy Bayou structure at Steele Bayou.

m. Moon Lake in Coahoma County including Phillip Bayou and Yazoo Pass in Coahoma County, except as specified in Section I (Special Permit).

n. All State Fishing Lakes and State Park Lakes owned or leased by the Department.

o. The Yockanookany River between Hwy. 35 and Hwy. 429 in Attala and Leake Counties, including Little Conehoma Creek and all creeks connecting to this river section.

p. All waters of Back Bay Biloxi north and west of a line extending across Back Bay Biloxi beginning at the Highway 90 bridge and all rivers, bayous, bays, streams, lakes, inlets, and other waters whatsoever connecting to said designated part of Back Bay Biloxi.

q. Red and Black Creeks and tributaries and water area beginning at the mouth of Dead Lake in Jackson County upstream to the origin of said creeks.

r. All waters of St. Louis Bay which are north of the Highway 90 bridge and all rivers, bayous, bays, streams, lakes, inlets, and other waters whatsoever connected to said designated part of St. Louis Bay.

s. Bouie River and all associated oxbow lakes, tributaries and water areas upstream from its confluence with the Leaf River.

t. Lake Susie, an oxbow lake of the old Tallahatchie River in Panola

County west of Batesville.

u. All waters in or on National Wildlife Refuges and National Forests in Mississippi.

v. Fosters Lake and Mud Lake in Wilkinson County.

2. THE FOLLOWING AREAS SHALL BE CLOSED TO ALL TYPES OF FRESHWATER COMMERCIAL FISHING EQUIPMENT, SHRIMP TRAPS, CRAWFISH TRAPS BUT SHALL BE OPEN TO SLATBASKETS.

In the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (TTW):

a. The G. V. Sonny Montgomery Lock & Dam (Lock E) north to the Mississippi Hwy 4 overpass.

b. John Rankin Lock & Dam (Lock D) north to mile marker 406.

c. Fulton Lock & Dam (Lock C) north to mile marker 398.

d. Glover Wilkins Lock & Dam (Lock B) north to the Hwy 78 overpass.

e. Amory Lock & Dam (Lock A) north to mile marker 375.

f. Aberdeen Lock and Dam north to where the old Tombigbee River enters the TTW navigation channel at mile marker 366.3.

3. THE FOLLOWING AREAS SHALL BE CLOSED TO THE USE OF HOOP NETS, BARREL NETS, REINFORCEMENT WIRE CATFISH NETS, GILL NETS, OR TRAMMEL NETS BUT SHALL BE OPEN TO SHRIMP TRAPS, CRAWFISH TRAPS, MINNOW SEINES, MINNOW TRAPS, TROTLINES, AND SLAT BASKETS.

a. Yocona River from the U.S. Highway 51 bridge crossing downstream to the Pope-Crowder Road Bridge.

b. Yalobusha River from south bound Interstate 55 bridge below Grenada Dam downstream to State Highway 8 and 35 bridge crossing.

c. Bull Mountain Creek from the confluence with the Tombigbee River to the Mississippi-Alabama state line.

d. Luxapalila Creek from the confluence with the Tombigbee River to the Mississippi-Alabama state line.

e. Buttahatchie River from the confluence with the Tenn-Tom Waterway navigational channel to the Mississippi-Alabama state line.

4. Slat baskets are prohibited in the Old River Wildlife Management Area.

5. Commercial fishing with hoop or barrel nets and reinforcement wire catfish nets shall be closed on the Escatawpa River south of Interstate 10.

6. From April 1 to Oct. 31, commercial fishing with gill or trammel nets shall be closed in the following rivers:

a Bogue Chitto River from the confluence of the East and West Bogue Chitto Creeks west of Hartman, MS downstream to the Mississippi/LA state line.

b Chickasawhay River from Hwy 11 bridge north of Enterprise, MS downstream to its confluence with the Pascagoula River.

c Leaf River from I-59 bridge, west of Moselle, MS downstream to its confluence with the Pascagoula River.

I. REGULATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF COMMERCIAL FISHING EQUIPMENT IN THE PASCAGOULA RIVER.

1. The use of commercial fishing equipment is allowed within the natural banks of the main channel of the Pascagoula River. Natural bank means the land that confines the entire existing river flow to within the main channel of the river covering the bed of the river. Water covering the top of the natural bank is considered floodwater that cannot be fished without permission of the landowner.

a. The use of all commercial fishing equipment is prohibited in any connected or non-connected oxbow lake or tributary stream of the Pascagoula River that is located in or on the Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) or Ward Bayou WMA.

b. Commercial fishing with hoop or barrel nets and reinforcement wire catfish nets shall be prohibited from the Wade-Vancleave Road Bridge downstream to the Hwy 90 Bridge, including Little River and the East and West Pascagoula Rivers and all water areas in between the East and West Pascagoula Rivers. Shrimp traps, crawfish traps, minnow seines, minnow traps, trotlines, and slat baskets are legal to use in this area.

c. Commercial fishing with gill or trammel nets shall be prohibited from the Pascagoula River’s origin at the confluence of the Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers north of Merrill, MS downstream to the Hwy 90 bridge from April 1 to Oct. 31. This includes the Little River, the East and West Pascagoula Rivers and all water areas in between the East and West Pascagoula Rivers. Shrimp traps, crawfish traps, minnow seines, minnow traps,

trotlines, and slat baskets are legal to use in this area year round.

J. SPECIAL PERMIT

1. A special permit issued through the MDWFP Fisheries Bureau Director shall allow a person with a commercial fishing license to fish nets in specific waters identified in the permit.

2. The special permits shall only be issued for waters identified by the MDWFP Fisheries Bureau where control of aquatic nuisance species or nongame gross fish removal is needed.

a. Those persons issued special permits shall carry that permit on them while fishing in the water body named in that permit and persons issued special permits shall report their harvest from the nets to MDWFP on forms supplied by MDWFP. Reports for the special permits shall be received by the deadline set by MDWFP.

3. The following areas shall be open to commercial fishing with gill, trammel, and hoop nets by issuance of a special permit:

a. From October 1 to April 30, Moon Lake in Coahoma County including Phillip Bayou and Yazoo Pass in Coahoma County.

b. All Paddlefish (live or dead) and all species of Sturgeon (live or dead) caught in commercial fishing equipment shall be released immediately.

c. Commercial fishing equipment shall not be run, checked, nor shall fish be removed from gear from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. However, commercial fishing equipment may be left out overnight.

K. REPORTING FRESHWATER COMMERICAL FISHING HARVEST

1. Any person required to purchase a commercial fishing license must report their catch and other activities on forms provided by MDWFP when requested by the MDWFP.

2. Failure to submit reports or submitting reports with intentionally false information is cause for a person to be denied the privilege to purchase a Commercial Fishing License until such reports are submitted.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-7-1, 49-1-29, 49-4-4, 49-7-3; 49-7-9.1; 49-7-12; 49-7- 12.1; 49-7-29; 49-7-69; 49-7-81; 49-7-83; 49-7-87; 49-7-89; 49-7-90, 49-7-91, 49-9-5 49-15-77, 51-3-1 and 59-23-3(e).

Part 4 Part 4: Law Enforcement

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 4, R. 6.1 RANGE AND FACILITY FEES

A. The following fees, charges, and/or regulations concerning WMA shooting ranges, are hereby adopted.

Daily Range Fee $15.00 Education Building* $100.00 *$50.00 refund if building meets inspection standards.

B. “Senior” is defined as 65 years of age and older. Youths, under the age of sixteen (16) years, are exempt from having to pay range permit fees. Other fees may apply.

C. All fees are subject to a surcharge for transactional costs associated with the Point-of-Sale system. In addition, certain consumer items such as shooting accessories or apparel, may be offered for sale at the Range Headquarters/Clubhouse. Sales of resale items shall be subject to the applicable Mississippi Sales Tax.

D. Specific safety and use rules for each range facility may be developed and posted at each range by the range officers. Violations of safety rules and/or range officer commands may result in the removal of a shooter from the range or range premises.

E. Where practicable, the MDWFP may offer Instructor Certified Enhanced Concealed Carry training courses, as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. §97-37-7, to the general public, at a price of $100.00 per person. Any such course shall be in full compliance with the rules and regulations of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (“MDPS”), and all instructors shall be certified by the MDPS to teach these courses. Successful completion of the course of training shall entitle the student to an endorsement upon his or her concealed carry permit of this enhanced status. Please see, http://www.dps.state.ms.us/firearms/firearms-permit- unit/ for additional information.

History: Amended February 2019.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 49-5-13.

Part 5 Part 5: Museum of Natural Science

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 5, R. 1.1 GENERAL REGULATION REGARDING USE OF THE MUSEUM BY OUTSIDE PARTIES

Public Notice M1 3821 is hereby amended.

A. Rental of Mississippi Museum of Natural Science for Meetings and Events

1. Each individual, organization, association, or other entity shall enter into a written agreement with the museum as set forth in standard operating procedures.

2. All scheduled uses shall be reserved at least fifteen (15) days in advance. Reservations will be taken no more than twelve (12) months in advance.

3. The maximum number of attendees is 3,000.

4. The museum facilities are not available for meetings and/or functions to any organization, association, or other groups or entities that discriminate based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, and/or national origin.

B. Deposit and Payment

1. Deposit: To reserve the facilities, Client shall pay the Museum a non- refundable deposit of $200 payable upon the execution of the Agreement. If deposit is not received, the Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force or effect. The requested date of the facilities rental will not be confirmed until the deposit is paid and the Agreement is signed. The deposit shall be applied in full as a credit against payment due to the Museum under this Agreement.

2. Payment: Client agrees to pay the Museum a fee, for facility rental requested for the event, ($200 of this amount will have been paid as a deposit). The remaining balance of the facility rental is due 7 business days after the event. Following the event, the Client will be invoiced and agrees to pay for any additional cost incurred. Fees are to be determined based on current local market rental fees.

3. Security: A minimum of one security officer must be present during every event. The cost of this service is included in the price of the facility rental. Additional security personnel will be paid for by client and may be required based on the number of guests attending the event and the amount of space rented. Security requirements are determined at the sole discretion of the Museum. Client will be notified prior to the event if any such additional security ¬personnel are deemed necessary.

4. Janitorial: Normal and usual housekeeping is included with the facility rental. Additional janitorial workers may be required due to clean-up above and beyond standard cleaning. Client will be notified during or immediately following an event if any such additional janitorial personnel are deemed necessary. The Client is responsible for removal of garbage, boxes, etc. from each event. The client is responsible for the removal of all client provided tables, chairs, podiums, and risers from the public areas.

5. Access Times: Please be aware that the Museum does not close to the public until 5 p.m. daily. So that we do not infringe on our visitors' access to exhibits and education areas during operating hours, the following access times are in effect for move-in and set-up:

a. Access to loading dock beginning at 3:00 p.m. to unload and assemble materials;

b. Access to patios, and kitchen at 4:30 p.m.;

c. Lower and upper lobby access beginning at 5:00 p.m.

C. Conduct During Event

1. Compliance: The Client agrees to comply with all policies, practices, rules, and regulations of the Museum listed below and its sole discretion may determine compliance of the Client.

2. Damages: Client assumes full responsibility for any and all damages to the physical premises and property of the Museum and for any and all personal injuries caused by Client, Client's guests, and/or Client's independent contractor that may occur during any such time premises are occupied by the Client, Client's independent contractors, or Client's guests. Client agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Museum and MDWFP from all claims, lawsuits or other actions, including claims for damages, costs and/or attorney fees.

3. Restricted Areas: To ensure the safety and security of the Museum and its contents as well as minimize liability to the Client, all non-rented areas are off-limits to the Client, Client's independent contractor(s). Any of these individuals found in an off-limits area may be asked to leave the premises.

4. Operations: Client, Client's guests, and Client's independent contractor(s) must comply with any requests made of them by the Museum staff. Museum staff and janitorial personnel are provided by the Museum for your event.

5. Event Conclusion: Client is responsible for ensuring that all events must conclude no later than the time specified on the Facility Rental Agreement. After that time, the Museum will be accessible only to staff designated for the breakdown and clean up of the event. All events must be scheduled to conclude no later than 10 p.m. unless otherwise agreed upon.

6. Electrical Cords: All electrical cords and equipment cables used must be installed so as not to present a hazard for guests and must be in accordance with NEC and NFPA 70E safety guidelines. Electrical cords may not be taped to the floors in prominent walkways. Museum may request the repair or replacement of any damaged or faulty cables or equipment to ensure the safety of all personnel and guests. The Museum does not supply electrical cords to Clients.

7. Cut Flowers: All cut flowers are to come from a florist so as to minimize the chance of introducing insects in the collections and exhibits.

8. Prohibited Activities: The following activities are strictly prohibited in indoor facilities:

a. Cigarette and cigar smoking or smokeless tobacco anywhere inside the Museum;

b. Smoking, fog, or haze producing equipment of any kind;

c. Open flames of any kind; Candles (unless enclosed in a hurricane lamp or similar device or votive);

d. Food and beverage in non-designated areas;

e. Any materials nailed, or taped to any ceilings, walls, floors, or furnishings inside or outside of the building;

f. Helium balloons;

g. Throwing of rice, confetti, birdseed, or other materials (This includes metallic "confetti" or "glitter" like products scattered on guest tables or buffets);

h. Potted plants containing dirt are prohibited in the lobbies and exhibit halls;

i. Under no circumstances should food, drink, or trash be left in the building overnight.

9. Invitation: A copy of the invitation and/or any announcement for the event must be reviewed by the Museum. The Client agrees to make all reasonable changes to the copy if any are requested by the Museum.

10. Vendor Load-In and Load-Out: Arrangements regarding access to the Museum for deliveries, set-up, and removal of equipment must be reviewed in advance with the Event Coordinator (Museum contact that is assigned to your event). It is the Client's sole responsibility to inform independent contractors of Museum rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The Museum must receive a list of all vendors with contact information no later than

one week prior to event. The following guidelines explain the responsibilities of the Client and Client's independent contractor(s).

11. Costs: Client bears the responsibility for all costs associated with outside vendors (caterers, florists, entertainment, etc.).

12. License and Proof of Insurance: All outside vendors used for the event must file copies of current business licenses, certificates of insurance, and proof of worker's compensation with the Museum.

13. Deliveries: Vendors must check-in with Museum Security upon arrival. Once the vendor has finished unloading or loading, the vendor's vehicle must be moved to the parking lot so that others may utilize the dock area. Vendors are not allowed to park personal vehicles in the dock area.

14. Load-Out: Arrangements must be made in advance with all vendors to return and pick-up client provided items immediately following the event. The Museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen supplies, equipment, or other 'property that is left overnight. Vendors are responsible for clean-up and removal of all rented items.

15. Staging: All staging must occur on the loading dock area and not in hallways. For fire safety reasons, all hallways and doorways must be kept clear of tables and equipment at all times.

16. Dollies or Hand Trucks: Client must provide appropriate dollies or hand trucks for the setup and removal of supplies. The floor in the Museum is especially susceptible to damage, so we must strictly prohibit any sliding or dragging of equipment on its surface. All risers and moveable items placed on the floor require rubber bearings. The Museum does not provide any staff to help unload or load equipment.

17. Trash Disposal: All vendor trash must be properly bagged and disposed of by Client's vendors in the dumpster located outside.

18. Supplies and Equipment: The Museum does not provide any supplies or equipment. All equipment and necessary materials are the responsibility of the Client and vendors.

19. Kitchen Equipment: Because of the limitations of space and equipment in the Museum, Client's catering vendors should prepare food off-site. Caterers are responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the Museum during the event and returning the kitchen to it’s original state.

20. Checkout: Before departing, all vendors are responsible for checking out with the Museum Representative. The Client will compensate the Museum for any damage to facilities and property of the Museum caused by Client, Client's guest of Client's vendor.

21. Exhibits: Exhibits form an integral part of the Museum's educational mission. In addition to galleries, exhibits are also located in other public areas. Once positioned, these exhibits are considered "permanent" and cannot be moved from their locations for any reason.

Part 5, Chapter 2: Regulations regarding non-game and endangered species.

RULE 2.1 REGULATIONS REGARDING FALCONRY. Public Notice W 1923 is hereby amended.

A. In addition to falconry regulations found in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations Part 21, published October 8, 2008 the following regulations are enacted for falconry in Mississippi:

1. Permits will become valid when issued by the Department and will expire on the fifth June 30th following their issuance unless a different period is specified on the permits or renewals. Permits are renewable. Permits shall not be transferred to other persons. Permits may be revoked or renewals denied for violation of provisions of this regulation. Permit cost will be $100.00.

2. An apprentice falconer shall possess only the following raptors: American kestrel (Falco sparverius), red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), or red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus).

3. An apprentice falconer must capture from the wild his or her first raptor and hunt with said bird for one complete hunting season.

4. No falconer may take, purchase, receive, or otherwise acquire, sell, barter, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any raptor unless such permittee submits a Federal Form 3- 186A (Migratory Bird Acquisition/Disposition Report), completed in accordance with the instructions on the form, to the Department within 10 calendar days of any such transaction.

5. Nonresident Taking:

a. Before taking or attempting to take a raptor from the wild in Mississippi, a nonresident must have a valid General or Master level falconry permit from his state of residence, a Mississippi nonresident hunting license and a special Mississippi nonresident taking permit.

b. Special Mississippi nonresident taking permits shall be issued only to those nonresidents whose states of residence provide the same privileges to residents of Mississippi.

c. Nonresident falconers will be allowed to take one (l) legal raptor per year in Mississippi.

6. Transport: Holders of Mississippi falconry permits may transport within Mississippi the raptors held under their permits and remove the raptors from Mississippi for meets, trials, and hunting in other states and bring them back again into Mississippi without obtaining Mississippi importation permits; provided, however, that such permission to remove raptors from and return them to Mississippi is invalid if the falconry permittee fails to obtain any permit or license required for his activities by the state into which he takes the raptors.

7. A falconry permittee may not propagate raptors without prior acquisition of a valid raptor propagation permit issued in accordance with appropriate federal and state regulations.

8. Captive Propagation: Raptor propagation and activities associated with it are permitted in accordance with Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 21.30. Additionally, a Mississippi propagation permit is required. All permittees shall submit one copy of each federally-required report to the Department at the same time as submitted to federal authorities.

9. A permittee that is a holder of valid federal and state raptor propagation permits may sell, purchase or barter, or offer for sale, purchase or barter, captive-bred raptors marked with seamless bands or ISO compliant microchips to other permittees who are authorized to possess the raptors.

10. An officer of the Department may inspect the falconry permittee's raptors, records, facilities or equipment at any reasonable hour.

B. The Department shall allow the take of Peregrine Falcons in accordance with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service document, “Final Environmental Assessment Plan on the Take of Migrant Peregrine Falcons from the Wild for Use in Falconry, and Reallocation of Nestling/Fledgling Take,” August 2008.

C. Take of peregrine falcons from the wild is limited to the time period specified by Service rules. Take is limited to permittees that have received a peregrine take permit from the Department and the conditions associated with that permit.

RULE 2.2 REGULATIONS REGARDING TURTLES AND TORTOISES.

A. The taking, possessing, transporting, exporting processing, selling, offering for sale, or shipping of the eggs of any species of turtle or tortoise is prohibited unless specifically authorized by a valid scientific collecting permit.

B. The introduction of gasoline, kerosene, or any other chemical into the burrows dug by a gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), whether or not those burrows are occupied by gopher tortoises or have been abandoned, is prohibited.

C. The captive propagation of the alligator snapping turtle (Malaclemys temminckii) is prohibited unless specifically authorized by a valid captive propagation permit.

History: Revised August 2016.

RULE 2.3 REGULATIONS REGARDING NON-GAME WILDLIFE IN NEED OF MANAGEMENT.

A. Nongame Species In Need Of Management: Definitions.

1. Nongame species in need of management in Mississippi include:

a. Thirty-two (32) species of small mammals, one species of freshwater fish, and all native species of reptiles and amphibians except those regulated by other rules of the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

b. Species not regulated by this rule include:

i. endangered reptiles and amphibians;

ii. reptiles and amphibians considered game species (Bullfrog, Pig Frog, Bronze Frog);

iii. American Alligator; and

iv. Commercially recognized genetic color mutants, such as albinos or other color variants, of nongame wildlife in need of management.

2. For the purposes of this rule, nongame species in need of management may be referred to as nongame reptiles, nongame turtles, nongame snakes, nongame lizards, nongame amphibians, nongame frogs, nongame salamanders, nongame mammals, nongame fish, or nongame wildlife.

B. The following species of nongame wildlife are deemed to be in need of management and are regulated by this rule:

NONGAME AMPHIBIANS

SALAMANDERS Ambystoma cingulatum FLATWOODS Ambystoma maculatum SPOTTED Ambystoma opacum MARBLED Ambystoma talpoideum MOLE Ambystoma texanum SMALLMOUTH Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum EASTERN TIGER Amphiuma means TWO-TOED AMPHIUMA Amphiuma tridactylum THREE-TOED AMPHIUMA Cryptobranchus alleganiensis HELLBENDER Desmognathus auriculatus SOUTHERN DUSKY Desmognathus conanti SPOTTED DUSKY Eurycea cirrigera TWO-LINED Eurycea longicauda LONGTAIL Eurycea guttolineata THREE-LINED Eurycea quadridigitata DWARF Hemidactylium scutatum FOUR-TOED Plethodon ventralis SOUTHERN ZIGZAG Plethodon mississippi MISSISSIPPI SLIMY Plethodon websteri WEBSTER'S SALAMANDER Pseudotriton montanus MUD SALAMANDER Pseudotriton ruber RED SALAMANDER Necturus beyeri GULF COAST WATERDOG Necturus louisianensis RED RIVER WATERDOG Necturus maculosus MUDPUPPY Notophthalmus viridescens EASTERN NEWT Siren intermedia LESSER SIREN TOADS Bufo americanus AMERICAN Bufo quercicus OAK Bufo terrestris SOUTHERN

Bufo nebulifer GULF COAST Bufo fowleri FOWLER'S FROGS Acris crepitans NORTHERN CRICKET Acris gryllus SOUTHERN CRICKET Hyla avivoca BIRD-VOICED TREE Hyla chrysoscelis COPE'S GRAY TREE Hyla cinerea GREEN TREE Hyla femoralis PINE WOODS TREE Hyla gratiosa BARKING TREE Hyla squirella SQUIRREL TREE Hyla versicolor GRAY TREE Pseudacris brachyphona MOUNTAIN CHORUS Pseudacris crucifer SPRING PEEPER Pseudacris foquettei Pseudacris nigrita SOUTHERN CHORUS Pseudacris ornata ORNATE CHORUS Pseudacris feriarum SOUTHEASTERN CHORUS Gastrophryne carolinensis NARROWMOUTH FROG Scaphiopus holbrookii EASTERN SPADEFOOT Rana areolata circulosa NORTHERN CRAWFISH Rana heckscheri RIVER Rana palustris PICKEREL Rana sphenocephala SOUTHERN LEOPARD

NONGAME REPTILES TURTLES Macrochelys temminckii ALLIGATOR SNAPPER Chelydra serpentina COMMON SNAPPER Chrysemys dorsalis SOUTHERN PAINTED Deirochelys reticularia CHICKEN Graptemys geographica COMMON MAP Graptemys gibbonsi PASCAGOULA MAP Graptemys pearlensis PEARL MAP Graptemys pseudogeographica MISSISSIPPI MAP Graptemys pulchra ALABAMA MAP Graptemys ouachitensis OUACHITA MAP Malaclemys terrapin DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN Pseudemys concinna RIVER COOTER Terrapene carolina BOX Trachemys scripta RED EARED SLIDER Kinosternon subrubrum EASTERN MUD Sternotherus carinatus RAZORBACK MUSK Sternotherus minor STRIPENECK MUSK Sternotherus odoratus STINKPOT Apalone mutica SMOOTH SOFTSHELL Apalone spinifera SPINY SOFTSHELL LIZARDS Anolis carolinensis GREEN ANOLE Sceloporus undulatus EASTERN FENCE Ophisaurus attenuatus SLENDER GLASS Ophisaurus mimicus MIMIC GLASS Ophisaurus ventralis EASTERN GLASS Plestiodon laticeps BROADHEAD SKINK Plestiodon anthracinus COAL SKINK Plestiodon fasciatus FIVE-LINED SKINK Plestiodon inexpectatus SOUTHEASTERN Scincella lateralis GROUND SKINK Aspidoscelis sexlineatus SIX-LINED RACERUNNER SNAKES Carphophis amoenus WORM Cemophora coccinea SCARLET Coluber constrictor priapus SOUTHERN BLACK RACER Coluber constrictor latrunculus BLACKMASK RACER Diadophis punctatus RINGNECK Pantherophis guttata guttata CORN OR RED RAT Pantherophis obsoleta spiloides GRAY OR TEXAS RAT Farancia abacura MUD Heterodon platirhinos EASTERN HOGNOSE Lampropeltis calligaster PRAIRIE KING Lampropeltis getula holbrooki SPECKLED KING Lampropeltis getula nigra BLACK KING Lampropeltis triangulum syspila RED MILK Lampropeltis t. elapsoides SCARLET KING Masticophis flagellum COACHWHIP Nerodia cyclopion GREEN WATER Nerodia erythrogaster PLAINBELLY WATER Nerodia fasciata SOUTHERN WATER Nerodia clarkii GULF SALT MARSH Nerodia rhombifer DIAMONDBACK WATER Nerodia sipedon NORTHERN WATER Opheodrys aestivus ROUGH GREEN Regina grahamii GRAHAM'S CRAYFISH Regina ridiga GLOSSY CRAYFISH Regina septemvittata QUEEN SNAKE Rhadinaea flavilata PINE WOODS Storeria dekayi BROWN Storeria occipitomaculata REDBELLY Tantilla coronata SOUTHEAST CROWNED Thamnophis proximus WESTERN RIBBON Thamnophis sauritus EASTERN RIBBON Thamnophis sirtalis COMMON GARTER Virginia striatula ROUGH EARTH Virginia valeriae SMOOTH EARTH Micrurus fulvius EASTERN CORAL Agkistrodon contortrix COPPERHEAD Agkistrodon piscivorus COTTONMOUTH Crotalus adamanteus EASTERN DIAMONDBACK Crotalus horridus CANEBRAKE RATTLER Sistrurus miliarius PYGMY RATTLER

NONGAME MAMMALS

SHREWS AND MOLES Sorex longirostris SOUTHEASTERN SHREW Blarina carolinensis SOUTHEASTERN SHORT-TAILED SHREW Cryptotis parvus LEAST SHREW Scalopus aquaticus EASTERN MOLE

BATS

MICE Reithrodontomys fulvescens FULVOUS HARVEST Reithrodontomys humulis EASTERN HARVEST Peromyscus gossypinus COTTON Peromyscus leucopus WHITE-FOOTED

Myotis austroriparius SOUTHEASTERN MYOTIS Myotis lucifugus LITTLE BROWN MYOTIS Myotis septentrionalis NORTHERN LONG-EARED Lasiurus borealis EASTERN RED Lasiurus cinereus HOARY Lasiurus intermedius NORTHERN YELLOW Lasiurus seminolus SEMINOLE Lasionycteris noctivagans SILVER-HAIRED Perimyotis subflavus TRI-COLORED Eptesicus fuscus BIG BROWN Nycticeius humeralis EVENING Corynorhinus rafinesquii RAFINESQUE’S BIG-EAR Tadarida brasiliensis BRAZILIAN FREE-TAIL

SQUIRRELS Tamias striatus EASTERN CHIPMUNK Marmota monax WOODCHUCK Glaucomys volans SOUTHERN FLYING

Peromyscus maniculatus DEER Peromyscus polionotus OLDFIELD Ochrotomys nuttalli GOLDEN Microtus pinetorum WOODLAND VOLE Zapus hudsonius MEADOW JUMPING

RATS Oryzomys palustris MARSH RICE Sigmodon hispidus HISPID COTTON Neotoma floridana EASTERN WOOD

NONGAME FISH

C. Possession of Nongame Species in Need of Management for Personal Use.

1. Nongame wildlife taken from the wild for personal use may not be bought, sold, offered for sale, bartered, exported for sale, nor exhibited except as otherwise provided by these regulations, other regulations of the Commission, by scientific collecting permits, or by other permits issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

2. License requirements for possession of nongame species for personal use.

a. Mississippi Resident - Valid Resident Sportsman’s License, All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License, or Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License.

b. Nonresident – Valid Nonresident All Game Hunting License.

D. Limits for possession of nongame species for personal use.

1. Nongame Amphibians.

a. Possession limit of no more than twenty (20) individuals.

b. Take from the wild not to exceed 20 per license year.

c. Specimens in possession or taken from the wild not to exceed more than four (4) individuals of any species or subspecies.

2. Nongame Snakes and Nongame Lizards.

a. Possession limit of no more than twenty (20) individuals.

Pternotropis welaka BLUENOSE SHINER

b. Take from the wild not to exceed twenty (20) per license year.

c. Specimens in possession or taken from the wild not to exceed more than four (4) individuals of any species or subspecies.

d. Containers or cages holding venomous snakes shall be prominently labeled with the words “DANGER” along with the common name of the species in a conspicuous place.

3. Nongame Turtles.

a. Alligator Snapping Turtles (also called Loggerhead Snapping Turtles).

i. Possession limit - No more than one (1) individual with a top shell length (carapace length) of 24 inches or greater.

ii. Take from the wild not to exceed more than one (1) individual per license year.

b. Common Snapping Turtles, Smooth Softshell Turtles, and Spiny Softshell Turtles.

i. Daily bag limit of no more than one (1) individual of any of the three species.

ii. Possession limit and take from the wild not to exceed four (4) individuals of any of the three species per license year.

c. All Other Nongame Turtles.

i. Possession limit of no more than ten (10) individuals.

ii. Take from the wild not to exceed ten (10) individuals per license year.

iii. Specimens in possession or taken from the wild not to exceed more than four (4) individuals of any species or subspecies.

E. Seasons. No specimens of any species of nongame turtle may be taken from the wild between April 1st and June 30th except by permit issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

F. Nongame Mammals and Nongame Fish.

1. Possession limit of no more than 10 nongame mammals.

2. Take from the wild of nongame mammals not to exceed 10 per license year.

3. Specimens of mammals in possession or taken from the wild not to exceed two (2) of the same species.

4. Possession limit of no more than four (4) nongame fish.

5. Take from the wild of nongame fish not to exceed four (4) per license year.

G. Exceptions to License Requirements: Residents. A resident who does not hold a Valid Resident Sportsman’s License, All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License, or Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License may kill a nongame snake or a nongame mammal under the following conditions:

1. The venomous snake presents a reasonable danger to human life.

2. The venomous or a non-venomous snake is on lands in which the record title is vested in such persons, or on lands which contain the principal residence of such person.

3. The nongame mammals have entered into or taken up residence in buildings or destroyed or damaged yards, plants, domestic animals, or agricultural products.

4. Nongame mammals or snakes killed under such circumstances must be disposed of or left to decompose naturally and they or their parts may not enter commercial trade nor be retained in possession.

H. Exceptions to License Requirements: Nonresidents. A person who does not hold a Nonresident All Game Hunting License may kill a nongame snake, or a nongame mammal, under the following conditions:

1. If the venomous snake presents a reasonable danger to human life.

2. If the nongame mammal or nongame snake has entered into a building being rented or leased by the nonresident.

3. Nongame snakes or nongame mammals killed under such circumstances or their parts must be disposed of or left to decompose naturally and may not be retained in possession nor enter into commercial trade.

I. Possession of Nongame Wildlife In Need of Management for Commercial Purposes.

1. Captive Propagation for Commercial Purposes.

a. Nongame wildlife may be propagated in captivity for commercial purposes only under permit from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

b. Commercial purposes include taking, possessing, transporting, exporting, selling, offering for sale, shipping, bartering, exhibiting, or in any way using nongame wildlife in need of management for monetary or financial gain.

2. Permits. A permit shall be required for Commercial Captive Propagation, subject to the following requirements and conditions:

a. The permit shall be valid for one year and shall be signed by the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee.

b. The propagator shall indicate the species or subspecies of nongame wildlife, by both scientific and common name, which will be propagated in captivity.

c. The propagator shall be a resident of Mississippi and the propagation facilities shall be located in Mississippi.

d. The propagator shall provide evidence of possessing the equipment and experience necessary for successful propagation of nongame wildlife in captivity.

e. The propagator shall provide evidence that the facilities in which captive propagation is to take place are adequate for the species and numbers for which a permit is required.

f. The propagator shall be at least sixteen (16) years of age.

g. The propagator shall hold a valid commercial fishing license.

h. Permits to establish and operate commercial captive propagation facilities for nongame wildlife are not transferable except when incident to sale or other transfer of ownership of the facility, where transferees of the facility have met criteria established by Department rules and the Department has approved the transfer.

3. Non-issuance and Revocation of Permits.

a. The Department may not issue a commercial captive propagation permit for nongame wildlife to any person who has been convicted of any violation of the regulations of the Department relating to nongame wildlife for five years following such conviction.

b. The Department shall revoke any existing commercial captive propagation permit for nongame wildlife upon the permittee's conviction of any violation of regulations of the Department relating to nongame wildlife, upon conviction of any Class I Fish or Wildlife violation, or upon conviction under any Federal conservation statute.

c. Upon revocation of a commercial captive propagation permit for nongame wildlife, the permittee shall have six (6) months to dispose of legally acquired nongame stock.

d. Nongame stock may not be disposed of to corporations or partnerships in which, by determination of the Department, the permittee is a principal.

e. Permittee must report disposition of nongame stock to the Department within 30 days of final disposition. This report shall specify nongame stock disposed of and recipients of this stock.

f. A captive propagation permit may not be renewed unless the person holding that permit has acquired breeding stock, has established a breeding facility, and is attempting to propagate nongame wildlife in captivity.

4. Special Rule Concerning the Captive Propagation of Alligator Snapping Turtles, Malaclemys temminckii.

a. Any alligator snapping turtles encountered at a commercial catfish pond or processing plant must be immediately reported to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Radio Room. The permittee must then make arrangements with agents of the MDWFP to surrender the turtle(s) to MDWFP Conservation Officers for release into the wild.

b. Alligator snapping turtle breeding stock in the possession of a permittee may not be supplemented by importation of alligator snapping turtles from other facilities in Mississippi or from other states, but only by raising hatchling alligator snapping turtles produced at the propagator's facility to adulthood.

c. The permittee may not collect any alligator snapping turtle from the wild for personal use.

d. The only life stage of alligator snapping turtles that may be transported from the propagation facility are hatchlings and these may be transported by the permittee or his agents but then only as part of the process undertaken to export the hatchlings .

J. General Provisions Concerning the Operation of a Commercial Captive Propagation Facility for Nongame Wildlife.

1. The premises of the commercial captive propagation facility shall be subject to inspection by Department personnel at all times.

2. Complete written records of all changes in nongame wildlife breeding stock shall be kept and made available for examination by Department personnel.

3. Shipping tickets, invoices, or bills of lading shall be maintained for five years from the date of transaction to show source of supply or disposition of nongame wildlife.

4. Each commercial propagator shall provide a summary report to the Department upon requesting renewal of a commercial captive propagation permit. Data to be included in the report shall pertain to both breeding stock and specimens raised for resale. This report shall indicate the numbers, by species and subspecies, of all nongame wildlife that were bought or sold during the permit year, the name of the seller or purchaser, and the complete address and telephone number of the seller or purchaser.

5. The permittee shall provide security of the facility premises necessary to ensure that nongame wildlife, their eggs, or parts thereof, cannot be moved in or out of the facility premises without the permittee's knowledge.

6. No provision of this rule shall authorize any person to keep in captivity any nongame wildlife in violation of any city or county ordinance.

7. Containers or cages holding venomous snakes shall be prominently labeled with the words ADANGER@ along with the common name of the species in a conspicuous place.

8. Propagation facilities shall be inspected annually, at the permittee=s expense, by a wildlife biologist of the permittee=s choice. The annual inspection shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. The premises of the captive propagation facility to verify the existence of and to locate on a scale map of the facility the following:

b. The ponds, buildings, pens, cages, or other mechanisms and structures designed to hold captive breeding stock.

c. The ponds, buildings, pens, cages, or other mechanisms and structures designed to hold offspring of captive breeding stock prior to their sale.

d. Security features of the propagation facility, that prevent the movement of captive wildlife into or out of the facility.

e. Verification that the wildlife species listed on the captive propagation e present at the facility, and if it can be accomplished in less than thirty minutes, whether breeding stock of these species are present in the numbers claimed on the captive propagation application form. This should not be construed to mean that a census of captive wildlife is to be made.

f. An examination of records of acquisitions of breeding stock made in the previous twelve months. This should include records of both specimens acquired from outside of the State of Mississippi and of specimens acquired by permit within the State of Mississippi. These records should indicate the number and species that were acquired and include appropriate documentation that the specimens were legally obtained, including permits, bills of sale, and similar documentation.

g. The wildlife biologist shall prepare, at the permittee=s expense, a report detailing the results of the inspection. The report may include photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, photocopies of documents, and/or charts, and shall include information on the physical structures of the captive propagation facility, the captive wildlife present, and data on any new breeding stock added to the facility in the previous twelve (12) months. This report must be submitted to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and deemed acceptable by that agency before a captive propagation permit can be renewed.

K. Acquisition of Breeding Stock for a Commercial Captive Propagation Facility.

1. Any person who holds a valid commercial captive propagation permit may possess, for breeding purposes only:

a. Up to eight (8) individuals of any species or subspecies of nongame reptile taken from the wild in Mississippi.

b. Up to sixteen (16) individuals of any species of nongame amphibian taken from the wild in Mississippi.

c. Up to four (4) individuals of any species of nongame mammals.

d. Up to eight (8) specimens of nongame fish.

2. Additional specimens of nongame wildlife may be possessed, for breeding purposes only, if and only if those specimens

a. Originated outside of Mississippi.

b. Were reared in captivity by a person holding a valid Mississippi commercial captive propagation permit.

c. As permitted by other sections of this rule.

d. By permit.

e. Documentary evidence of the place of origin of the additional specimens and that they were legally obtained must be maintained by the captive propagator.

3. If specimens of nongame wildlife are acquired from outside of Mississippi by a person holding a valid commercial captive propagation permit and transported to that person’s facility within Mississippi by someone other than the propagation permit holder, the holder of the captive propagation permit must notify the Regional Office of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks of the district in which his facility is located, and provide in writing the following information:

a. The name, address, telephone number, and permit number of the commercial captive propagation permit holder who will be receiving the shipment on nongame wildlife.

b. The species of nongame wildlife and number of each that will be shipped.

c. The name, address, and telephone number of the shipper of the nongame wildlife, and the date and approximate time that the shipment is expected to enter Mississippi.

d. The type, make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle which will be used to transport the nongame wildlife.

e. The name and driver=s license number of the person driving the transport vehicle, if different from that of the shipper.

f. The person driving the transport vehicle must have a bill of lading which includes the information required in subsections a, b, and c, above.

4. Nongame wildlife which are used for breeding purposes by a captive propagator may be replaced upon death by individuals of the same species or subspecies from wild Mississippi populations only if a permit is obtained from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

L. Selling Captive Propagated Nongame Wildlife or Their Parts.

1. Nongame wildlife and their parts may enter into commercial trade in accordance with the provisions of this rule subject to the following:

a. Nongame wildlife or their parts may be bought, possessed, transported, exported, sold, offered for sale, shipped, bartered, or exhibited for commercial purposes only if they were born or hatched in captivity in the facilities of a person holding a valid commercial captive propagation permit.

b. Nongame wildlife or their parts taken from wild Mississippi populations may not be bought, possessed, transported, exported, sold, offered for sale, shipped, bartered, or exhibited for commercial purposes.

c. A captive propagator shall provide to the purchaser at the time of purchase an invoice or bill of sale preprinted with the name and address of the propagator, and with the following: "Mississippi Commercial Captive Propagation Permit No. ____".

d. The invoice or bill of sale shall list the name and address of the purchaser, the date of the purchase, and the number by species or subspecies using both scientific and common names, of the nongame wildlife or their parts that are being purchased.

e. The purchaser shall retain the invoice or bill of sale for as long as the nongame wildlife or parts remain in his possession.

2. The purchaser of nongame wildlife or their parts may resell these items with the following restrictions:

a. No person shall sell nongame wildlife or their parts without maintaining documentary evidence showing the name and address of the supplier of such wildlife or parts.

b. No person shall sell nongame wildlife or their parts unless said nongame wildlife or their parts were originally legally obtained from a Mississippi commercial captive propagation facility.

3. All nongame wildlife or their parts and the documentary evidence of their source of acquisition shall be available for inspection upon request by Department personnel.

4. Living specimens of nongame wildlife displayed or advertised for resale shall be clearly marked as captive-propagated specimens.

5. Any person who buys nongame wildlife or its parts from a captive propagator for the purpose of reselling the nongame wildlife or its parts at the retail level, and whose wildlife-related business is conducted primarily at the retail level, shall be termed a Wildlife Retailer. Any person who buys nongame wildlife or its parts from a captive propagator for the purposes of reselling the nongame wildlife or its parts at the wholesale level, and whose wildlife- related business is conducted primarily at the wholesale level, shall be termed a Wildlife Wholesaler.

6. Resident Wildlife Wholesalers shall be required to purchase a Resident Fur Buyers license or to possess a nongame importation permit.

7. Nonresident Wildlife Wholesalers and nonresident Wildlife Retailers who solicit business through the mails, by advertising, or who travel to buy nongame wildlife or its parts within the State of Mississippi shall be required to purchase a Nonresident Fur Buyers License.

M. Importation of nongame wildlife originating from outside of Mississippi for commercial purposes.

1. Nongame wildlife may be imported and exported for commercial purposes only under permit from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. This permit, valid for one year from date of issuance and signed by the Executive Director or his designee, is subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

a. All nongame wildlife imported or exported under an importer's permit must have originated outside of Mississippi or have been purchased from a person holding a nongame wildlife captive propagation permit.

b. The importer shall maintain documentary evidence of the origin of his stock through receipts, bills of lading, invoices, or valid collecting permits from the state in which the wildlife originated.

c. Each importer shall keep complete records of all nongame wildlife in his possession for the year in which the permit is valid, including records showing the point of origin of imported nongame wildlife, from whom they were acquired, to whom they were sold, how many of each species were sold.

d. Each importer shall provide a summary report to the Department upon requesting a renewal of an importer's permit, and the report shall show the following:

i. Numbers of each species of nongame wildlife imported under the permit.

ii. Number dying while in the permittee's possession.

iii. Number of each species exported.

iv. A profit/loss statement for the importation facility covering the previous twelve (12) months.

e. The premises of the importer's facility and his records relating to the importation and exportation of nongame wildlife shall be subject to inspection by Department personnel at all times.

f. An application for an importer's permit shall be made on forms provided by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

g. The cost of the permit shall be $500.

h. An importer of nongame wildlife shall display prominently in his place of business a sign with the following: "NONGAME IMPORTER PERMIT NO._______. WE DO NOT BUY OR SELL ANIMALS COLLECTED IN MISSISSIPPI."

2. The Department shall revoke any existing importer's permit for nongame wildlife upon the permittee's conviction of any violation of regulations of the Department relating to nongame wildlife, upon conviction of any Class I Fish or Wildlife violation, or upon conviction under any Federal conservation statute.

a. Upon revocation of an importer's permit for nongame wildlife, the permittee shall have six months to dispose of legally acquired nongame stock.

b. Nongame stock may not be disposed of to corporations or partnerships in which, by determination of the Department, the permittee is a principal.

c. Permittee must report disposition of nongame stock to the Department within 30 days of final disposition.

d. This report shall specify nongame stock disposed of and recipients of this stock.

3. The permittee shall provide security of the facility premises necessary to ensure that nongame wildlife, their eggs, or parts thereof, cannot be moved in or out of the facility premises without the permittee's knowledge. The permittee shall not release and shall take suitable measures to prevent the escape of nongame wildlife in his possession.

4. The permittee shall maintain and treat all nongame wildlife in possession in a humane manner. Adequate and appropriate food, water, and shelter from the elements shall be provided, and holding cages will be maintained in a sanitary condition. Diseased or dead nongame wildlife shall be disposed of in such a manner so as to prevent the transmission of bacteria or other pathogens to native nongame wildlife.

5. Importation facilities shall be inspected annually, at the permittee=s expense, by a wildlife biologist of the permittee=s choice. The annual inspection shall include, but not be limited to the premises of the importation facility to verify the existence of and to locate on a scale map of the facility the following:

a. The ponds, buildings, pens, cages, or other mechanisms and structures designed to hold imported wildlife.

b. Security features of the importation facility that prevent the movement of captive wildlife into or out of the facility.

c. Verification that the wildlife species held in captivity are treated in a humane manner, that they have adequate and appropriate food, water, and shelter from the elements, and that holding cages or other holding facilities are maintained in a sanitary condition.

d. Disposal procedures for imported wildlife that die while in possession of the importation facility.

6. The certified wildlife biologist shall prepare, at the permittee’s expense, a report detailing the results of the inspection.

7. The report may include photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, photocopies of documents, and/or charts, and shall include information on the physical structures of the importation facility and the condition of the captive wildlife present.

8. This report must be submitted to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and deemed acceptable by that agency before an importation permit can be renewed.

N. Penalties for Violations. Penalties for violation of any section of these regulations shall be as provided in M ISS. CODE ANN. §49-5-115.

History: Revised August 2016.

RULE 2.4 ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: DESIGNATION AND REGULATIONS. Public Notice M2 3357 is hereby amended.

A. The Official State List of Endangered Species is as follows:

MUSSELS:

Alabama Moccasinshell (Medionidus acutissimus) Black Clubshell (Pleurobema curtum) Cumberlandian Combshell (Epioblasma brevidens) Delicate Spike (Elliptio arctata) Fat Pocketbook (Potamilus capax) Inflated Heelsplitter (Potamilus inflatus) Kidney Shell (Ptychobranchus fasciolaris) Monkeyface (Quadrula metanevra) Mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) Orange-nacre Mucket (Hamiota perovalis) Ovate Clubshell (Pleurobema perovatum) Purple Wartyback (Cyclonaias tuberculata) Pyramid Pigtoe (Pleurobema rubrum) Rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica) Sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus) Slabside Pearlymussel (Lexingtonia dolabelloides) Snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra) Southern Clubshell (Pleurobema decisum) Southern Combshell (Epioblasma penita) Southern Pink Pigtoe (Pleurobema taitianum) Southern Round Pigtoe (Pleurobema marshalli) Spike (Elliptio dilatata) Stirrupshell (Quadrula stapes)

CRAYFISH:

Camp Shelby Burrowing Crayfish (Fallicambarus gordoni)

INSECTS:

American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus) Mitchell’s Satyr Butterfly ( Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii)

FISH:

Alabama Shovelnose Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi) Bayou Darter (Etheostoma rubrum) Bigeye Shiner (Notropis boops) Crystal Darter (Crystallaria asprella) Frecklebelly Madtom (Noturus munitus) Greenside Darter (Etheostoma blennioides) Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhinchus desotoi) Ironcolor Shiner (Notropis chalybaeus) Northern Madtom (Noturus stigmosus) Pallid Sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) Pearl Darter (Percina aurora) Slender Madtom (Noturus exilis)

Slenderhead Darter (Percina phoxocephala) Southern Redbelly Dace (Phoxinus erythrogaster) (Western Mississippi disjunct populations only) Suckermouth Minnow (Phenacobius mirabilis)

AMPHIBIANS:

Mississippi Gopher Frog (Rana sevosa) Cave Salamander (Eurycea lucifuga) Green Salamander (Aneides aeneus) Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis) One-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma pholeter) Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus)

REPTILES:

Black Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma) Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus) Atlantic Ridley (Lepidochelys kempi) Black-knobbed Sawback (Graptemys nigrinoda) Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Alabama Redbelly Turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis) Ringed Sawback (Graptemys oculifera) Yellow-blotched Sawback (Graptemys flavimaculata)

BIRDS:

American Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides foricatus) Bachman's Warbler (Vermivora bachmanii) Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) Ivory-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) Least Tern (Sterna antillarum) (Interior population nesting along the Mississippi River only) Mississippi Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis pulla) Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale or shipment, and for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any species on the above list except as may be permitted by the Commission under Section 49-5- 111 of the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act.

Part 5, Chapter 3: Criteria for inclusion in the Mississippi Scenic Streams program.

RULE 3.1 MISSISSIPPI SCENIC STREAMS PROGRAM Public Notice 3661 is hereby amended.

A. CRITERIA FOR SCENIC STREAM DESIGNATION: Minimum Standards

1. Each stream or segment of stream subject to evaluation for candidacy and possible inclusion into Mississippi's Scenic Streams Stewardship Program must be on the State of Mississippi's list of officially designated "PUBLIC WATERS". If this requirement is met, then the stream must meet at least ONE of the following requirements:

a. Listed as a stream recreational area in a publication by a government agency, or by a statewide conservation group, professional association, or recreation organization.

b. Traverses or is adjacent to a state or national park, forest, refuge, wildlife management area, monument or other major public land.

c. Exhibits existing or potential use for recreational boating (motorized boating, rowing, canoeing, kayaking or tubing).

d. Possesses accessible unique scenic or historical sites.

e. Supports plants and/or animals that are unique or of special concern.

2. If the stream or segment of stream in question meets the above standards it will be subjected to the evaluation system listed below that addresses (1) BIOLOGICAL, (2) PHYSICAL, (3) HUMAN INTERACTION and (4) HISTORICAL criteria. Scores will be determined within each of these four criteria areas and then summed for a total score. A MAMMALS:

Black Bear (Ursus americanus) Florida Panther (Puma concolor coryi) Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens) Indiana Bat (Myotis sodalis) West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) Whales, Order Cetacea, excluding Family Delphinidae

minimum score will determine whether the stream or section of stream is eligible for nomination as a candidate stream for the Mississippi Scenic Stream Stewardship Program. For those considered eligible, scores will be used to establish priorities among the streams with streams receiving the highest score(s) receiving attention first. Ultimate inclusion into the system will be through agency and legislative processes.

B. BIOLOGICAL CRITERIA:

Mississippi enjoys a rich heritage of flora and fauna associated with stream ecosystems. For measurement and comparative purposes, the biological status of Mississippi streams can be categorized by professional freshwater biologists experienced with the state's aquatic fauna and their supporting ecosystems. The biological status of a stream can be based upon available historical information, recent information and personal experience. Streams are assigned one of four ratings based on consensus of two or more professional freshwater biologists designated by the state:

1. Superior - Known to support high aquatic species diversity AND endangered or threatened species or species of concern.

2. Significant - Known to support high aquatic species diversity OR endangered or threatened species or species of concern.

3. Viable - Known to support a viable aquatic plant and animal community including exploitable fishery resources.

4. Non-viable or unknown - Very low aquatic species diversity, OR aquatic plant and animal community obviously degraded, stressed by environmental perturbation OR there is insufficient information on the system OR lack of consensus by biologists conducting the evaluation.

C. PHYSICAL CRITERIA:

Stream ecosystem functioning and aesthetic qualities from human perspective are determined to a large degree by physical features. In this regard there are three integrated components: (t) watershed and/or floodplain, depending on stream type, (2) riparian (stream side) zones, and (3) channel(s). Connectivity among these components is critical to biological interactions with stream environments and to human recreational activities (e.g., canoeing, boating, swimming, fishing, camping, hunting) associated with streams. Special interest features (e.g., waterfalls, natural meanders and access to backwater locations, bluffs, sand and/or gravel bars, large trees) should be noted and given consideration. The physical status of Mississippi streams can be categorized by the biological team (mentioned above) in conjunction with a state-employed specialist experienced in development of state parks and recreational areas. Streams are assigned one of four ratings based on consensus of team members:

1. Superior - Unaltered channel, relatively stable, undisturbed stream banks (minimum average width per linear mile of stream channel is 100 feet on both banks) with

mature growth woody vegetation of characteristic riparian flora (e.g., tupelo gum, cypress, river birch); at least 35% of the watershed forested or, if a floodplain river ecosystem, maintains connectivity with its floodplain (i.e., at least 35% of the floodplain subject to overbank flooding at least once every two years) OR contains physical features of special interest.

2. Significant - Channel not altered within last 5 years. Undisturbed, or moderately disturbed stream banks (minimum average width per linear mile of stream channel is 50 feet on both banks), but stable with vigorous regenerating vegetative growth; 10¬15% of watershed forested or, if a floodplain river ecosystem, at least 15% of the floodplain subject to overbank flooding at least once every two years.

3. Protective - Channel not altered within last 5 years. Stream banks relatively stable but moderately disturbed (minimum average width per linear mile of stream channel is 35 feet on both banks) and with patchy, regenerating vegetative growth. Watershed with highly fragmented forests or, if a floodplain river ecosystem, at least 15% of the floodplain subject to overbank flooding at least once every five years.

4. Poor - Channel altered within last 5 years OR lack of consensus by members of the evaluation team.

D. HUMAN INTERACTION CRITERIA:

The Scenic Streams Stewardship Program for Mississippi should help link persons to their cultural heritage through interactions with stream resources. Interactions can be consumptive (e.g., fishing), non-consumptive (e.g., swimming, canoeing, camping), or founded on aesthetics. A spectrum of human value systems regarding streams precludes implementation of precise definition. There are, however, two broad categories that should be evaluated by a team composed of biologists, recreation specialists and environmental (i.e. water) quality) professionals: water quality and public use.

1. Water Quality (Criteria adapted from those used by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality)

2. Uses - Public Water Supply (PWS), Recreation (REC), Fish and Wildlife (FW)

3. Support of Use:

a. Fullv Supporting:

i. PWS - No drinking water source restrictions or advisories, and no waters requiring more than conventional treatment.

ii. REC - No bathing area closures or restrictions in effect during reporting period; OR not more than 10% of the fecal coliform samples examined during the last six years exceed a density of 400 pr 100 ml.

iii. FW - No fish consumption restrictions or bans are in effect. Criterion exceeded in 10% or less of measurements for anyone physical or chemical pollutant or stressor; OR reliable data indicate functioning, sustainable biological communities (flora and fauna) none of which has been modified beyond the natural range of the reference condition.

b. Partially Supporting:

i. PWS - Public water supply provided by the stream requires more than conventional treatment due to contaminant concentrations in source water.

ii. REC - On average, one bathing area closure per year of less than one week's duration; OR fecal coliform exceed 400 per 100 ml in more than 10% of the samples examined.

iii. FW - Waters used for fishing, but listed currently by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality as having a "restricted consumption" advisory. Criterion for anyone physical or chemical pol1utant or stressor for which a state numerical water quality standard exists is exceeded in 11-25% of the measurements; OR at least one biological assemblage (e.g., fish, macro-invertebrates, or algae) indicates less than full support with moderate modification of the biological community noted.

c. Not Supporting:

i. PWS - One or more contamination-based closures of a drinking water source.

ii. REC - On average, one bathing area closure per year of more than one week's duration; OR more than one area closure per year or fecal coliform exceed 2000 per 100 ml in more than 10% of the samples examined.

iii. FW - Waters used for fishing, but currently listed by the Commission on Environmental Quality as having a "no consumption" advisory; or a "commercial fishing" ban. Criterion for anyone physical or chemical pol1utant or stressor for which a state numerical water quality standard exists is exceeded in more than 25% of the measurements; OR at least one biological assemblage (e.g., fish, macroinvertebrates, or algae) indicates non-support with severe modification of the biological community noted.

4. Note: POSTED WATERS: Surface waters may be officially posted for a number of reasons to protect the health and welfare of the public. These reasons include fish consumption advisories; commercial fishing bans; contact recreation restrictions or bans; and closures of public water supply sources. Support of Use score will be reduced by 50% for the presence of one or more postings formally adopted for a stream.

E. Level of Confidence in Degree of Use Support

1. Extensive Amount of Monitoring Data

a. PWS - An assessment based on ambient monitoring data collected from "source water" very near a public water supply system intake, and sufficient to determine the presence of Safe Drinking Water Act contaminants. Finished water monitoring data is also reviewed.

b. REC - An assessment based on monitoring data collected two to three times a week annually or during key seasons.

c. FW - An assessment based on the analysis of multiple sampling events for two consecutive years during the past five years for which fish tissues were analyzed for a comprehensive suite of parameters; OR physical and chemical data were collected over at least three of the last five years with sufficient frequency and parametric coverage to capture acute events, chronic conditions and all other potential physical and chemical impacts. Sediment quality may also have been monitored. In addition, toxicant sampling is included, as well as water column and sediment toxicity; OR biological data are derived from direct biological and habitat measures during key seasons of the year using an eco-regional reference condition approach and two organism groups (e.g., aquatic insects and fish).

2. Moderate Amount of Monitoring Data

a. PWS - An assessment based on "finished water" monitoring data and sufficient ambient monitoring data collected from "source water" to determine the likely presence of Safe Drinking Water Act contaminants. The ambient monitoring is not necessarily in close proximity to a public water system intake.

b. REC - An assessment based on monitoring data from at least monthly visits to a site during a minimum of a two-year period. An intensive bacteriological survey with many samples collected over a period of a few days would also be in this assessment level.

c. FW - An assessment based on the analysis of multiple sampling events during the past five years (not necessarily consecutive) for which fish tissues were analyzed for a selected suite of parameters.

d. Physical and chemical data were collected over at least three of the last five years with sufficient frequency and parametric coverage to capture acute events and most potential physical and chemical impacts and includes toxicant sampling and/or toxicity sampling as appropriate. Biological data are derived from direct biological and habitat measures during key seasons of the year.

3. Limited Amount of Monitoring Data

a. PWS - An assessment based on "finished water" monitoring data. Ambient monitoring data collected from "source water" are limited and mayor may not be in close proximity to the public water system intake.

b. REC - An assessment based on monitoring data from multiple visits to a site for less than a two-year period. The multiple visits generally occur less often than monthly or are part of a limited special study.

c. FW - An assessment based on the analysis of one sampling event during the past five years for which fish tissues were analyzed for a single parameter or a limited suite of parameters.

d. Physical and chemical data, while routinely collected, are limited in frequency or period of record to critical periods of the year, or to short term special studies; but include toxicant sampling and or toxicity testing as appropriate. Biological data are derived from limited screening level information.

4. Scoring: Overall Water Quality Score = (USE + DEGREE) x (CONFIDENCE) Where: USE is the Designated Use, DEGREE is the degree of Use Support, and CONFIDENCE is the level of Confidence in the Use Support determination.

F. Public Use

1. Criteria – Economics, Access, Navigability, Sensory, Fishing, Camping.

2. Evaluation.

a. Economics:

i. High - recreational activities support more than four privately owned recreational-based services (e.g., launching ramps, tackle stores, canoe rentals, camping areas).

ii. Medium - recreational activities support two to four privately owned recreational-based services.

iii. Low - recreational activities support less than two privately owned recreational- based services.

b. Access:

i. High - more than three access points which permit launching of small boats (less than or equal to 14 feet total length) or canoes.

ii. Medium - two to three access points which may not permit launching of small boats or canoes.

iii. Low - less than two access points which may not permit launching of small boats or canoes.

c. Navigability:

i. High - water depth and flow allow year round use by small boats or canoes and the stream is free from obstructions that completely block the stream channel.

ii. Medium - water depth and flow may restrict year round use by small boats or canoes and the stream may possess some across-channel obstructions.

iii. Low - water depth and flow only permit seasonal use by small boats or canoes and the stream possesses numerous obstructions, many of which completely block the stream channel.

d. Sensory:

i. Sight:

(a) High - no visible signs of pollution or foreign discharges or materials.

(b) Medium - few locations with visible signs of pollution or foreign discharges or materials.

(c) Low - generally degraded by visible signs of pollution or foreign discharges or materials.

ii. Sounds:

(a) High - only occasional and intermittent noises from residential, recreational or rural roads, settlements and agricultural/forestry operations.

(b) Medium-occasional highway, railroad, agricultural/ forestry operation noises and frequent residential or recreational noises.

(c) Low - frequent noise of any type or occasional industrial or urban noises.

iii. Odors:

(a) High - no unnatural odors present.

(b) Medium - occasional unnatural odors present, but they are not strong (e.g., industrial, residential, agricultural).

(c) Low - unnatural odors occur often or a strong odor occurs at one or more locations.

e. Fishing:

i. High - Populations of sport and commercial fishes support or could support viable fisheries for more than 5 species.

ii. Medium - Populations of sport and commercial fishes support or could support viable fisheries for two to five species.

iii. Low - Populations of sport and commercial fishes support or could support viable fisheries for less than two species.

f. Camping: (Note: Most overnight trips on streams incorporate linear distances of between 12 and 15 miles of stream channel.)

i. High - More than six upland or sandbar campsites exist along stream sections appropriate for overnight trips by small boats or canoes OR at least one campsite every 2-3 miles.

ii. Medium - Between three and six upland or sandbar campsites exist along stream sections appropriate in length for overnight trips by small boats or canoes OR at least one campsite every 4-5 miles.

iii. Low - Fewer than three upland or sandbar campsites exist along stream sections appropriate in length for overnight trips by small boats or canoes OR fewer than one campsite every 4-5 miles.

G. HISTORICAL CRITERIA:

Mississippi has a rich and varied history with respect to its streams. The natural history of flora and fauna reveals dynamic interactions of these organisms with our stream ecosystems. Prior to European settlement, Native Americans tended to use streams as the focal points for their civilizations. European exploration and settlement utilized streams as the highways for commerce and conquest. All of these factors tend to leave their traces along our streams. Thus an important component of determining special status for streams in Mississippi rests within the realm of their historical significance and subsequently their ability to help us better know ourselves. Within each level of evaluation the three historical components are addressed: natural history, prehistoric, historic. These criteria should be evaluated by professional historians employed by the State of Mississippi.

1. Highly Significant - Natural history, prehistoric and/or historic features are known to exist in association with the stream.

2. Important - There is a high to medium probability that natural history, prehistoric and/or historical features exist in association with the stream.

3. Poor - There are no known features and the probability of them existing is low.

History

• Source: M ISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1- 29, 49-4- 4, and 49-1- 55.
• Source: M ISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1- 29, 49-4- 4, and 49-7- 37.
• Source: M ISS. CODE ANN. §§ 49-1- 29, 49-4- 4, 49-1- 41, and 49-5-107.
• Source: M ISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1- 29, 49-4- 4, and 49-5- 107.
• Source: M ISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1- 29, 49-4- 4, and 51-4- 7.

Part 6 Part 6: Mississippi State Parks

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 6, R. 18 Holes (includes cart)

$40.00

$40.00

Per person Special Rates:

FEE

DESCRIPTIOIN Twilight $30.00 2PM Winter & 3PM Summer 18 Holes Student or Junior $30.00

9 Holes Student or Junior $15.00

Driving range ball bucket $5.00

Tournament Rates Varies Number of participants apply to rates

Season Passes:

FEE

DESCRIPTIOIN

Adult Season Pass Holder

$1,500.00 14 day advanced tee time reservation is available.

Junior Season Pass Holder

$400.00 14 day advanced tee time reservation is available. Cart fees apply. 17yrs and younger.

Driving Range Pass

$200.00 Unlimited driving range balls for one year of purchase Season Pass includes: • Unlimited green fees for one year from date of purchase • Unlimited cart fees for one yr. from date of purchase (Adult Season Pass Holders) • Additional fees apply for tournament participation Note: Junior Pass Holders must be 17 yrs. or younger. Additional cart fees apply for Junior Season Pass Holders

*All Rates subject to change based on Commission approval.

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 6, R. 18 Rule 18

Hole Replay $20.00 Per Person (Winter & Summer) 18 Hole Replay $20.00 Winter & Summer Cart Fee

Fee

Description

Cart

FEE INCLUDED Monthly Annual Prepaid w/ Memberships Dues Prepaid Credit Card

Description All Inclusive Individual

$150.00

$1,620.00

$1,674.00 Per Person (includes cart and range privileges) All Inclusive Individual

$180.00

$1,944.00

$2,008.00 Per Person (includes cart and range privileges) Annual $85.00 $900.00

Per Person (green fees only)

Annual (family)

$115.00

$1,350.00

Per Family (green fees only)

Annual Senior

$100.00

$1,000.00

Per Person (includes cart and range privileges) Mallard Pointe Golf Course

Summer Rates: Mon- Wed Thurs- Fri

Weekend

Holiday

De

scription

9 Holes walking

$15.00

$20.00

$20.00

Per Person

40 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 6, R. 18 Holes walking

$20.00

$30.00

$30.00

Per Person

9 Holes with cart

$25.75

$30.00

$32.00

$37.50

Per Person 18 Holes with cart

$41.75

$47.00

$52.50

$52.50

Per Person Winter Rates: Mon- Wed Thurs- Fri Weekend Holiday

Description

9 Holes walking

$15.00

$20.00

$20.00

Per person 18 Holes walking $20.00

$30.00 $30.00 Per person 9 Holes with cart $20.00 $24.00 $28.00 $28.00 Per person 18 Holes with cart $32.50 $37.50 $43.50 $43.50 Per person Twilight Winter M-F Winter S-S Summer M-F Summer S-S Description Twilight $26.00 $32.00 $32.00 $37.50 Includes Cart Senior Rates: Fee Description

Summer $31.00 Per Person (62 and older Mon - Thursday only) Winter $27.00 Per Person (62 and older Mon - Thursday only) Driving Range: Fee Description

Bucket

$4.00 Summer / $4.50 Winter 9 Hole Replay $10.00 Per Person (Winter & Summer)

Annual Senior (couple)

$140.00

$1,500.00

Per Couple (includes cart and range privileges) Villa Over Night Packages

Single Occupancy Description 1 night / 1 round $90.00

Per Person 1 night / 2 rounds $130.00

Per Person 2 nights / 2 rounds $180.00

Per Person 2 nights / 3 rounds $220.00

Per Person 3 nights / 4 rounds $305.00

Per Person

Note: For a golfer plus a non-golfer, add $49.50 per night to the double occupancy rate above. Villa Non-Golf Package Fee Description

Entire Villa

$428.00

4 rooms 8 beds (does not include golf)

MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL CENTERS Facility Unit Rate Description Museum of Natural Science Adult $9.00

Senior Citizen $8.00 Ages 60 and over

Children $7.00 Ages 3-18

Children Free Under 3

Educational Groups $3.00 Per Person, Chaperone Free

Adult Groups $8.00

Senior Adult Groups $7.00

Children Groups $4.00

Annual Permit $45.00 Per Person

Annual Permit $70.00 Per Family

Annual Permit Bulk 50% off with purchase of 200 or more permits

Amphitheater $500.00

Picnic Pavilion $50.00 Per 2 hour period

Picnic Pavilion $150.00 Per day Livingston Performing Arts Arts & Media Center $360.00 – $900.00 Per day – rate to be determined

RECREATIONAL FACILITIES RATE DESCRIPTION Ball Field, with lights $12.00 Per hour Ball Field, without lights $6.00 Per hour Ball Field, Softball Tournaments $25.00 Per team (Lake Lowndes) 10 team minutes Ball Field, Child Team Practice $50.00 Per Field Carpet (miniature) Golf $2.00 - $4.00

Per Person Gymnasium Lake Lowndes $2.00 Per Person – general use Gymnasium Lake Lowndes $10.00 Per hour, reserved (2 hour minimum) Gymnasium Lake Lowndes $200.00 Lock-in 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Multi-Sports Center- Lake Lowndes $200.00 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

School Recreation Permit, Annual

$250.00

Lake Lowndes only Tennis Courts $6.00 Per 1.5 hours with lights Tennis Courts $3.00 Per 1.5 hours without lights Tennis/Entrance Annual Permit $75.00 Per Person Concessions- Vendor Rental $35.00 Per Space Tournaments- Special Events $50.00- $1,000.00 Rate to be determined Regal’s Landing $150 - $1000.00 Per hour LeFleur’s Bluff Complex

PAVILIONS

HOURLY RATES Note: Contact individual parks for specific information regarding rental rates 100% deposit is due at time of reservation. $5.00 - $200.00

TOTAL

FACILITY

DESCRIPTION Pool (J.P. Coleman, Percy Quin, Roosevelt, Tishomingo & Buccaneer) $6.00

$4.00 Person 13 and older

Person 3-12 years old

Water Slides (at Roosevelt) $11.00 Per Day/Per Person Water Slides & Wave Pool (Buccaneer) Regular Rate $15.00

$ 21.00 One person under 48” high

One person over 48” high

Group Rate (50 people +) $13.00

$18.00 One person under 48” high

One person over 48” high Twilight (4-6 p.m.) $11.00

$13.00 One person under 48” high

One person over 48” high Non-Participant Fee $6.00

Seasonal Pass, Individual $60.00

Seasonal Pass, Family $200.00 (4 people) Family pass only covers immediate family Seasonal Pass, Additional Family Member $50.00 (up to 2 people) Only covers immediate family Seasonal Pass replacement $10.00 Splash Pad (Paul B. Johnson) Regular Rate $6.00

$8.00 One person 15 yrs. & under

One person 16 yrs. & older Seasonal Pass, Individual $30.00 Seasonal Pass, Family $120.00 (4 people) Family pass only covers immediate family Private Parties (7:00 – 9:00 pm) $250.00 Each person over 50 will be charged the standard rate.

C. Processing Fees:

1. All fees, automated transaction and processing, are included in any of the above listed prices and will not be incurred as an additional charge.

2. Mississippi Sales Tax will be charged, where applicable, on the rates, goods and/or services set out in the preceding parts of this rule.

3. Fees for the play of golf at State Park golf courses shall be set by the management entities at each course, with prior approval of the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Any change in fees will be set forth in subsequent rules promulgated by the Commission.

4. All fees set forth above do not apply to Shepard State Park, which is being operated and maintained by the City of Gautier for the State of Mississippi.

History: Revised April 2026

RULE 1.2 GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR STATE PARKS.

Disclaimer: Patrons using the facilities at any Park shall be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the patron to such facilities. The MDWFP reserves the right to pursue any legal means, whether civil and/or criminal, to recover its losses or damages. Patrons will be required to present a valid Credit Card and photo ID upon check-in, to assure compliance with this responsibility. Additionally, 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 601-432-2400 or visit www.mdwfp.com.

A. RESERVATIONS

1. Reservations are not required but are highly recommended especially during the peak season (May 15 through August 15). They may be made via the Internet 365 days out of the year, through the Parks call center (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s) or by contacting the park office between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s).

2. Reservations will not be held after 11:00 a.m. on the morning after the scheduled arrival date, and the site may be released to other campers, unless the park is notified and acceptable arrangements for the late arrival have been made. If the park manager has been notified of a late arrival, he must hold the site. Both reservation and fees are forfeited if camper does not show or notify the park.

3. Reservations will be accepted for 1-14 days, up to 12 months in advance.

4. Upon checking in, the guest will be required to provide a credit card or driver’s license number or both for reservation purposes. This information will be recorded on all receipts.

5. Damage assessments may be incurred for theft of, or damages to, State Property.

6. A Damage Fee may be assessed per facility if necessary to clean-up or repair damage beyond ordinary cleaning or wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items.

B. CABINS, MOTELS, VILLAS & BUSINESS RETREAT CENTER (BRC):

1. Reservations may be made no more than 12 months in advance of the current date. A 50% deposit will be required at the time the reservation is made. Payment shall be made in full upon arrival.

2. Reservations will not be accepted for more than five cabins, motels or villas units on the same day. Exceptions may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.

3. Mississippi State Parks do not require a minimum night stay for cabin reservations under normal circumstances. However, the Agency reserves the right to establish minimum night stay requirements during holidays, special events, or other high-demand periods in the interest of operational efficiency and guest experience.

4. Cabin stay includes but is not limited to fishing, boat launch, swimming pool and tennis (where available). These activities are limited to the registered number of guests per unit not to exceed occupancy. Visitors of the guests must pay for all entrance and activities. Call park for activities not included.

C. CAMPSITES

1. Reservations may be made no more than 12 months in advance of the current date. Full payment is required at the time reservation is made.

2. Mississippi State Parks do not require a minimum night stay for campsite reservations under normal circumstances. However, the Agency reserves the right to establish minimum night stay requirements during holidays, special events, or other high-demand periods in the interest of operational efficiency and guest experience.

3. RV campsite rental includes, but is not limited to, fishing & boat launch. These activities are limited to the registered number of guest per RV campsite not to exceed 8 people. Visitors of the RV camping guests must pay for all entrance and activities. Call park for activities not included.

4. Primitive camp site rental does not include fishing and boat launch.

D. GROUP CAMPS 1. Reservations may be made no more than 12 months in advance of the current date. A $100.00 deposit is required at the time a reservation is made based on the total number of nights and meals to be served. If total number of nights and/or meals is increased, the reserving party must contact the park and pay the additional deposit. 2. Group Camps do not include fishing, boat launch, swimming pool, or tennis.

3. Entry fee will also be charged in addition to the rental fee for lodges, meeting rooms and pavilions.

E. ALL OTHER RENTABLE STRUCTURES

1. Reservations for all group buildings and shelters can be made up to 12 months in advance and will be handled through the reservation system at the park only. A 100% deposit is

required at the time the reservation is made. Reservations can be made for half day or full day increments at the discretion of the park manager.

2. “All other rentable structures” do not include fishing, boat launch, swimming pool, or tennis.

3. Entry fee will also be charged in addition to the rental fee for lodges, meeting rooms and pavilions.

F. CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

1. A refund may be received if:

a. We were not able to provide the service for which fees were paid in advance.

b. Park or facility has to be closed due to natural hazards or “State of Emergency”.

c. Cancellation of 7 days plus days, minus a $8.00 non-refundable reservation fee.

d. Cancellation 6 days or less, forfeit half of reservation amount.

2. No refunds will be received:

a. If the park guest does not show up for their respective reservations.

b. For shortened stays except for reasons listed in this section and only for the balance of the days left on the reservation.

c. If the reservation is cancelled within 3 days.

d. Once checked in, a cancellation is not permitted, nor will a refund be issued.

3. Transfers:

a. Transfers consisting of a change of date and/or site will be allowed from the actual date of the reservation up to 7 days prior to arrival date at no additional fee. b. Transfers between RV sites will be allowed within the park where the reservations were made at any time but will be based on site availability.

c. Cabin reservations can be transferred to another cabin, as long as the originally reserved cabin has not been occupied by guest.

d. No changes or transfers to reservations are allowed within 3 days.

e. A transfer fee of $8.00 per reservation will apply to any transfer made within the 7 day cancellation policy.

G. CAMPGROUNDS

1. Camping shall be confined to the designated campground or designated overflow areas. No camping or camping units are allowed in the cabin areas, day-use areas, or group camp areas.

2. No more than one camping unit will be allowed on a camp pad. One additional unit (tent only) may be allowed with manager’s approval and charged the primitive camping rate per night.

3. No more than 8 people can occupy a campsite at any one time, visitors and overnight guests included.

4. The reservation holder must be present for the duration of the stay. Persons eligible for discounts may not make a reservation for persons who are not eligible. Proof of eligibility will be required upon check in. See, Rule 1.2 State Park Rules, “Camping” Section for required forms.

5. Check-out time is 11:00 A.M.; check-in time is 3:00 P.M. All fees are payable in advance.

6. Campgrounds and camp areas are restricted to registered campers and guests only. Guests shall leave the area prior to 10:00 P.M.

7. Campsites will not be rented to any person under 21 years of age. Exception may be granted by the Executive Director or designee. Campers, tents, vehicles, children, and pets shall not be left unattended. 8. The maximum stay on a campsite is 14 days. Campsites may be rented by the month at certain state parks. A monthly camping rate is available at selected parks. Monthly, extended stay, camping is restricted to designated sites. Ninety (90) days is the maximum allowable stay on a campsite. An extension may be granted with approval by the Executive Director or his designee. Extensions will only be approved in ninety (90) day increments.

8. No permanent use of rented facilities for residence purposes is allowed. “Homesteading” or otherwise using rentable facilities for a sole place of residence is prohibited. The act of Homesteading includes but is not limited to: erecting permanent or semi-permanent structures.

9. Cluttering a rented site with garbage, storage containers, boxes, buckets, decorations or other objects is prohibited. The use of appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, or freezers outside of the camper; or parking trailers or extra vehicles is prohibited.

10. No campsite can be retained without a camping unit (camper or erected tent) placed on the site. Vehicles, boats and other items will be removed or towed away, as necessary, at the owner’s expense. A tent not fully erected is subject to removal. The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is not liable for property or camping units left unattended. Campers leaving for a day trip in an RV that is their only source of transportation should check with individual parks for methods of holding their site.

11. The washing of vehicles or campers, routine maintenance tasks, or major repairs

to campers, boats, or vehicles is prohibited within State Parks or State Lakes. In the case of an emergency, the park manager should be contacted for instructions.

13. Gray water or sewage must be placed in the dump station (when provided). In no case is the discharge of gray water or sewage on the ground or campsite permitted nor is the storage of gray water or sewage in containers not manufactured specifically for this purpose. Violations are subject to criminal charges, fines, and/or the cost of the clean-up.

14. Special group camping rates are available for Scouts and other non-profit groups. These groups are permitted in designated areas only. Should these groups choose to reside in the primary camping area, they are subject to the same rates and restrictions of any other camper including occupancy restrictions.

15. Except for reserved campsites, a campsite must be occupied the moment a site is rented.

16. All guests and visitors are subject to entrance fee requirements. No exemptions are permitted.

H. ORV/EQUESTRIAN CAMPGROUND AT TRACE STATE PARK

1. No use of ORV/horses in a manner destructive to campsite, grounds, roads and/or disruption to other guests.

2. The use of roads by ORV’s and horses will be limited to the ORV/equestrian campground and only to be used to access trails. ORV/equestrian use on, through and around this camping area is prohibited. ORV and horses are prohibited on all other state park roads.

3. No operation of ORV (1) hour past sunset.

4. Use of line and corralling is permitted at no extra charge but must be in a non- populated approved by park management prior to set up. Distance from the campground and wind direction will be determining factors in location.

5. Removal lines, corralling structures and any other debris (hay/manure etc.) will be the responsibility of the person renting the campsite. The campsites must be maintained and kept sanitary at all times.

6. Campers are expected to comply with all other applicable rules and regulations set forth in this document.

I. CABINS, COTTAGES, MOTELS, AND VILLAS

1. A monthly lodging unit rate may be offered by selected parks. Requests for a monthly rate will be submitted to the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee. This is acceptable only when the monthly occupancy does not restrict opportunities for the general public.

2. Units will not be rented to persons under the age of 21, and children will not be

left unattended overnight. The reservation holder must be present for the duration of the stay.

3. Check-in time is 3:00 P.M. Check-out time is 11:00 A.M. All fees are payable in advance. Guests arriving after 5:00 P.M. must make prior arrangements with the park office.

4. Overnight lodging unit areas are restricted to unit guests and visitors. Stated sleeping occupancy of cabins will not be exceeded. Contact park or parks web site, www.mdwfp.com, for maximum occupancy.

5. No camping trailers will be allowed in the overnight lodging areas.

6. Unit guests will be responsible for damages to all units and equipment. No furniture or equipment shall be moved from one unit to another.

7. Certain overnight lodging units at state parks will be held for official state business for the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Commission, Executive Staff, elected officials, and other state employees in the performance of their duties for the State of Mississippi and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The use of these facilities for official state business will require prior approval from the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

8. Pets are forbidden in and around the overnight lodging areas.

9. Overnight lodging areas are restricted to registered campers and guests only. Guests shall leave the area prior to 10:00 P.M.

J. BUSINESS RETREAT CENTER

1. The following rules and regulations apply to lodging and meeting facilities designated as Business Retreat Center, intended solely for persons attending training seminars, conferences or other meetings, which facilities are otherwise not suited for use by the general public or persons under the age of eighteen years.

a. Business Retreat Center facilities shall be available for use by any business, governmental or similar entity for meetings, conferences, training, or other “retreat” purposes.

b. Only persons attending the meeting of the entity using the Business Retreat Center may stay in park lodging associated with the Business Retreat Center.

c. Only activities associated with the meeting purpose of the entity using the Business Retreat Center are allowed. While it is acceptable for the meeting activities to include meals and reasonable social activities, the Business Retreat Center may not be used for hosting a party or reception. d. Persons attending meetings at a Business Retreat Center shall be expected to comply with other applicable rules and regulations of the State Park System and/or the park where the center is located.

2. Costs for Business Retreat Center use, begin at $500 per night and may be more

depending upon what ancillary facilities or services are to be used.

3. Business Retreat Center: Currently, the MDWFP operates a Business Retreat Center at J. P. Coleman State Park. Please contact the Mississippi State Parks at 601-432-2400 or 800-GO- PARKS for additional information on reserving a Business Retreat Center for your organization.

K. GROUP CAMPS

1. Group camps reservations require a minimum number of people to reserve and have a maximum number of people that they can accommodate. These limitations vary from park to park depending on the size of their facilities. Deposits are charged to complete reservations.

2. From May 15th to August 15th and on holidays a minimum of 2 nights stay and 6 meals are required. From August 16th to May 14th a minimum of 1 night and no meals are required.

3. Unit guests will be responsible for damages to all units and equipment. No furniture or equipment shall be moved from one unit to another. L. SWIMMING (POOL & BEACHES)

4. Children twelve (12) years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult and must not be left unattended. The adult-child ratio is a minimum of one adult per five (5) children.

5. No diving allowed. 3. Swimming shall be allowed only in designated, buoyed off areas of the lake. Signs will be posted stating “Swimming-Designated Areas Only.” Swimming is prohibited in all other areas of state park lakes.

6. No pets are allowed in or around the swimming pool area or lake beach areas.

7. Lifesaving equipment is for emergency use only; this includes ropes, buoys, flotation devices, etc. Swimmers must stay off ropes at all times.

8. Only appropriate swimwear will be allowed. Swimming suits are required. No cut- off shorts and/or shirts will be permitted in swimming pools.

9. No running or horseplay allowed in swimming area.

10. Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited. Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted in the pool or pool area.

11. Swimming pools and beaches are open during posted times only. Any unauthorized use could result in criminal charges.

12. No electronic/radio-controlled boats or similar apparatus are allowed.

13. All posted rules and regulations must be obeyed. (Posted rules and regulations may vary with individual parks.)

14. All verbal commands by lifeguards must be obeyed.

15. Failure to obey any and all rules and regulations may result in loss of swimming privileges with no refund. Continued abuse of rules and regulations may result in permanent loss of swimming privileges at the park manager’s discretion.

16. Swim diapers are required for infant swimming.

17. Height and or age restrictions may be required at some pools or attractions.

18. Pools, beaches, and attractions will close during inclement weather. Only when management deems that the danger has passed and it is safe to return will the pool or lake reopen.

19. No refunds or Rain Checks due to inclement weather.

20. No food, beverages, coolers or glass containers allowed in or around a swimming area.

21. Weak swimmers must stay in shallow water. If trained pool staff determine that a swimmer is not strong enough for a particular area, that swimmer must stay in shallow water.

22. Water Safety Breaks shall be taken throughout the day, as needed, depending upon risk management factors.

M. BOATING

1. Boaters must abide by the Mississippi Boating Act of 1960 (including all revisions since its adoption) and the Alcohol Boating Safety Act of 1995.

2. While operating a ski boat on state park lakes, boats shall operate in a counter- clockwise manner in a designated area. There will be no jumping of wakes created by other boats and no 360’s.

3. While operating a ski boat or personal water craft on state park lakes, only one skier is permitted to be pulled at a time. Two people are permitted on a tube if tube is certified as for such. A child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older. Tube kites are prohibited.

4. Motor boating, water skiing, and jet skiing may be permitted in designated park lakes during designated times and days, subject to the current posted boat size and motor horsepower limitations for the respective parks and lakes. (Check with individual parks or lakes for rules and regulations.)

5. On all parks and state lakes, kite skiing is prohibited without the written permission of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee. (Check with individual parks for rules and regulations.)

6. Racing of boats, or operation of boats to give the appearance of racing, is prohibited

without the written permission of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee. Continued behavior may result in boater and/or boat being permanently banned from entering the park lake.

7. No boat shall operate in a loud, annoying manner as to disturb other park guest(s). Boater and/or boat may be evicted from park without refund. Continued behavior may result in boater and/or boat being permanently banned from entering the park lake.

8. Boats and jet skis must be operated at idle speed, which is any speed that does not produce a wake, except during skiing days in designated skiing areas.

9. Swimming and wading are prohibited on State Park Lakes, except in designated areas.

10. All persons, born after June 30, 1980, must have passed a boating education course approved by the MDWFP.

N. DISC GOLF

1. Disc golf tournaments and events will be scheduled at the park’s convenience through the Park Manager or the manager’s designee.

2. During scheduled disc golf tournaments and events, the disc golf course(s) will be closed to casual play. 3. In addition to standard park user fees, an additional fee of $3.00 per player will be imposed for disc golf tournaments. This applies to all divisions with the exception of juniors.

3. Disc golf tournament directors must provide the park manager or the manager’s designee a list of prizes to be given away to the participants of the tournament or event for approval prior to the awards presentation.

4. Disc golf tournament directors are entrusted to use as many available park facilities and services as possible such as overnight lodging and food service.

5. Disc golf tournament directors will provide a written list of tournament sponsorships to the park manager at least one week prior to the scheduled event for approval.

6. Disc golf tournament directors are required to notify the park manager of any media coverage and/or promotional flyers for their tournament. The park manager must submit a request for approval to the Executive Director of MDWFP or his designee prior to the event taking place and must receive permission prior to allowing any media coverage or flyers to be done. Copies will be provided prior to granting approval.

7. Individual parks may allow night-time golf within designated hours.

8. Disc golf tournament directors must have approval from the park manager or the manager’s designee before any additional courses, either temporary or permanent, or course alterations can be made. Proposed alterations must be provided to management at least one month prior to a scheduled tournament or event.

9. Disc golf tournament directors may not schedule a tournament within two weeks of another state park tournament without written consent from the managers of the parks with events in conflict.

O. PARK PROPERTY

1. To destroy, cut, break, remove, mutilate, injure, take, or gather in any manner any tree, shrub, plant, rock, mineral, or historical artifact within a park property is prohibited unless authorized by the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee.

2. No person shall throw, dump, or leave papers, cans, bottles, or other rubbish anywhere in the waters, along the roads, on picnic and camping sites, beaches, or any other lands or water of the park except in the receptacles provided for such; nor shall any person use trash receptacles for the placing of any refuse from private property in the vicinity.

3. No person shall in any manner injure, deface, disturb, destroy, disfigure, place indecent language upon, or remove any part of a building, sign, wall, fence, tree, bench, or other structure or natural rock within the park property.

4. No person shall bathe or wash dogs or other animals; wash vehicles or clothing, throw, cast, lay or discard into or leave any substance, matter or thing, liquid or solid, in the lakes, streams or waters within or adjacent to park property which would pollute such waters.

5. Except on fields and areas provided for the purpose, no person shall play organized sports or any games involving thrown or otherwise propelled objects such as balls, stones, arrows, javelins, and model airplanes.

6. No person shall kindle, build, maintain or use a fire other than in the places provided or designated for such purposes. In seasons of unusual dryness or excessive fire danger, fires may be prohibited anywhere within the park property by the park manager. Burn bans will be enforced.

7. No person shall smoke in any structure on park property. In seasons of unusual dryness or excessive fire danger, smoking may be prohibited anywhere within the park property by the park manager. Burn bans will be enforced.

8. No one shall construct or erect any building or structure on state land or water; no one shall run string or install any public service utilities without the written permission of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee.

9. Access or rights-of-way across state property is prohibited without the written authorization of the Mississippi Commission on Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

10. Pets are allowed in designated areas only and shall be restrained on an adequate leash, not more than six feet long. Pets that disturb quests will be removed from the park. Persons with pets shall pick up and properly dispose of excrement deposited by pets.

P. VEHICLE USE

1. A rate of speed in excess of 25 miles per hour is prohibited on any park road. In congested areas, other posted limit will be enforced.

2. No owner or driver shall cause or permit a vehicle to stand anywhere outside of designated parking areas except for a reasonable time to receive and discharge passengers.

3. To operate a motor vehicle of any kind while impaired by intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, or medication is prohibited.

4. To drive any vehicle on state park in disregard of the rights and safety of others, or to drive a vehicle within or upon a safety zone, lawn, walk, bridle path, service road, or any part of park property not designated for or customarily used for such purposes is prohibited.

5. Vehicles shall not be permitted in cabin or camping areas unless the operator thereof is a registered guest or visitor of a registered guest within the area, and then only to travel to and from the cabin or campsite assigned to such operator. The number and type of vehicles allowed in overnight stay areas will be restricted based on available parking as determined by park management. 6. Bicycles are permitted on state parks. All bicycles shall be restricted from use after dark unless equipped with functioning headlights and reflectors.

6. Cyclists shall not travel park or roads more than two abreast and, if in large groups, must travel single file.

7. The operation of off-road/ non-titled vehicles shall be in designated areas only.

8. Any operator of any vehicle motorized or otherwise must comply with all applicable Mississippi laws. Q. GOLF CARTS, Limited speed motor vehicles (LSMVs) and Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (EPAMDs)

9. Golf carts and LSMVs may be used on campground roads only and may not exceed 20 mph. (LSMV is a four-wheeled vehicle whose top speed is 20mph) Sidewalk and off road use is prohibited.

10. EPAMDs may not be operated at a speed greater than 7mph on any path, sidewalk, or trail and 15 mph on any campground road. EPAMDs are prohibited on main park roads.

11. Operators of golf carts, LSMVs and EPAMDs must adhere to all applicable state laws. Operators of golf carts and LSMVs must possess a valid driver’s license or be a senior citizen. Only persons with disabilities (of any age) may operate EPAMDs.

12. Occupancy may not exceed limits set by the manufacturer.

13. Operator and passengers must remain seated while vehicle is in motion.

14. No one may sit in the lap of the operator or passenger.

15. Horn or other audible signal must be used when approaching pedestrians from behind.

16. Golf carts, LSMV’s and EPAMDs must be equipped with functional headlights and tail lights to be operated at night.

17. The use of motorized play vehicles and any other motorized vehicle that is not a golf cart or LSMV or EPAMD is prohibited.

18. Off-road vehicles (ORVs) may only be used on parks with designated ORV trails.

R. OFF ROAD VEHICLES (ORV) AND HORSES

1. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or its employees shall owe no duty of care to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others for recreational activities or to give warning of any hazardous condition, use structure or activity on the premises to person entering for those purposes. Given the permission to pursue recreational activities on the premises shall not thereby:

2. Extend any assurance that the premises are safe for those purposes;

3. Make the person to whom permission is granted an invitee or licensee to whom a duty of care is owed; or

4. Assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to person or property caused by any act of persons to whom the permission is granted.

5. For the purposes of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks an Off - Road Vehicle (ORV) is defined as: Any non-motorized or motorized vehicle which travels off-road for recreational purposes. ORVs include: motorbikes such as mini-bikes, dirt bikes, motor cross bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). ATV , means any motorized vehicle manufactured and designed exclusively for off-road use that is fifty (50) inches or less in width, has an unladen dry weight of six hundred (600) pounds or less, travels on three (3), four (4) or more low-pressure tires, has a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and uses handlebars for steering control.

6. No all-terrain vehicle shall be operated upon any public property by any person unless: they possess a valid driver’s license; or the person possesses a certificate of satisfactory completion of an all-terrain vehicle safety course taught by an instructor possessing qualifications approved by the Department of Public Safety (Miss. Code Ann. §63-31-3)

7. All persons operating or riding any ORV upon any state park must wear a crash helmet that complies with minimum guidelines established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 for helmets designed for use by motorcyclists.

8. For the purpose of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks accompaniment and accompanying shall be defined as: A parent or guardian, within visual and voice contact and under the effective control of minor child.

9. An ORV or horse owner, or another person in possession of an ORV or horse, may not knowingly permit or authorize any person under age 21 to operate/ride an ORV or horse in violation of state, local, or State Park rules and regulations.

10. Any owner of an ORV or horse, any person who gives or furnishes and ORV or horse to any person, and any parent or guardian responsible for the care of a minor under 21 years of age shall be liable for any damages caused in the operation of ORV'S or riding of horses by the minor.

11. Both the owner and the operator/rider of an ORV or horse may be held liable for the injury and/or damages to others, state park property or wildlife resulting from an accident and/or miss-use of an ORV or horse.

12. All ORV and horse riders users are to have on file at the Park Office waiver consent of liability. (Good for calendar year.)

13. All ORV and horse riders/users are to register themselves and guest upon entry at Park Office.

14. All ORV and horse rider users are required to have one person at all times proof of age and/or photo identification.

15. All ORV users are required to have one person at all times user valid pass (Yearly or Daily).

16. Persons less than 21 years of age but not less than 6 years of age, are required to have on file at park office a Waiver Consent signed by parent or guardian in the presence of a Park Staff Member or form must be signed by parent or legal guardian and notarized if the minor driver is coming to ride within the park without their parent or legal guardian in accompaniment. Persons (age 21 or above) accompanying youth must also sign acknowledgment or responsibility (Good for up to the Calendar Year, parents or legal guardian wanting one time use should mark appropriately so on form.)

17. Persons under age 6 are prohibited from operating or riding an ORV within Park boundaries.

18. Safety gear - Helmets (USDOT approved) must be worn at all times when operating an ORV.

19. Anyone involved in an accident/incident while operating an ORV on State Park Property is subject to drug and/or alcohol testing.

20. Reckless operation/riding, including but not limited to, wheelies, donuts, jumps or other stunts, double riding (where not recommended by manufacture) or operating an ORV at greater than reasonable and prudent speed for the existing conditions is prohibited. Reckless Operation of ORVs is considered operating an ORV in such a way as to recklessly create a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to one’s self, another person or property.

21. All ORVs, horses, must be on designated trails. Use of public roads, park roads (paved) by ORVs and horses is prohibited.

22. ORV Campground: Cranking or idling of ORV’s is prohibited between dusk and 8:00 AM. The use of ORV’s to travel to and from restrooms is prohibited.

23. ORV, Equestrian, Mountain Bike Trails are to be operated from 8:00 AM to sunset only.

24. All ORVs must have a functioning spark arrester.

25. All ORVs must have a muffler(s) in working order.

26. ORVs must not omit a noise while in operation of 90 decibels.

27. No ORV shall operate in a loud, annoying manner as to DISTURB other park guests. 28. No washing of ORVs, horses, or mountain bikes is permitted on park grounds.

28. No fluid draining or changing or any vehicles visibly leaking fluids are allowed.

29. ORVs are not to be operated in a manner which damages or unreasonably disturbs the land, wildlife, or vegetation. ORVs, mountain bikes, and horses may not be operated/ridden in a tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing stock or creates risk of damage or destruction.

30. Riding of passengers is prohibited except where your ORV is so rated for passengers by the manufacture or as set forth by the USDOT. It is your responsibility to produce the proof of this and have it on your person at all times.

31. ORVs must be operated while seated on the permanent, regular seat except where provided by manufacture.

32. ORVs, mountain bikes, and horses may not be operated/ridden in wetlands, streams or lakes.

33. Accidents/Incidents must be reported to the park office in writing within 24 hours. Forms are obtainable at park entrance gate. If you are incapacitated, the written report may be filed by another party familiar with the accident/incident. However, that does not relieve you of your legal responsibility to file this report.

34. Special events may be held only if: The person in charge of any ORV, equestrian, mountain bike special event or off-road competition must apply in writing to Trace State Park or the Director of Mississippi State Parks for written authorization at least 30 days in advance. Applicant must provide copy of liability insurance in the amount of One Million Dollars for the event, covering the event organization, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and its employees.

S. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND NARCOTICS

1. Mississippi laws governing intoxicating beverages will be enforced. The park manager, park ranger, or other authorized personnel and any law officer with appropriate jurisdiction shall have full authority to prevent the public sale, distribution, or unreasonable use of alcoholic beverages by any person or group so as to constitute a nuisance, disturbance, annoyance, or which may be repugnant to the reasonable use of the park by any other member of the general public or in violation of the laws of the State of Mississippi. The clubhouses at the state park golf courses have been designated by law as qualified resort areas and as such, are not subject to these regulations, but are subject to the state laws and regulations of the State of Mississippi governing same.

2. All federal, state, and local laws governing the illegal use, sale, distribution, or possession of any drug, narcotic, or paraphernalia shall be strictly enforced.

3. No person shall enter or remain within the confines of a park, or the property surrounding same while in a visible or obvious intoxicated or drugged condition.

4. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on state park lakes and in other designated areas.

T. FIREARMS, FIREWORKS AND EXPLOSIVES

1. Pursuant to the terms of MISS. CODE ANN. § 45-9-101, as amended, any person who is not engaged in criminal activity, is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a pistol or revolver under state or federal law, and is not in a location prohibited under MISS. CODE ANN. § 45- 9-101(13), or any person possessing a valid permit to carry a concealed handgun, as issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety - or any state which Mississippi recognizes as having reciprocal requirements for issuing such licenses - may carry a handgun concealed upon his or her person while in or on any Mississippi State Park.

2. Open carry of a firearm may be restricted in certain sensitive areas of any Mississippi State Parks. Sensitive areas will be designated by signage as described in MISS. CODE ANN. §45-9- 101. Any questions regarding such areas may be directed to the Park Manager.

3. Pursuant to the terms of MISS. CODE ANN. §97-37-1, a firearm is not considered to be unlawfully “concealed” if it is carried upon the person in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster or within any motor vehicle, nor is a loaded or unloaded pistol or revolver carried in a purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase or fully enclosed case, considered to be “concealed.” Any person going onto a State Park with a firearm in his or her vehicle, camper, or conveyance, or a pistol or revolver in a sheath, belt holster or shoulder holster or purse, handbag, satchel, other similar bag or briefcase or fully enclosed case, should keep the firearm in a secured condition, for the duration of their stay at the Park.

4. No provision of this regulation shall be construed as to conflict with any applicable provision of statutory law.

5. No person shall bring into or have in the park or the property surrounding same any explosive substance, such as dynamite, firecrackers, rockets, or torpedoes without the written permission of the Executive Director or his designee.

U. HUNTING AND FISHING

1. State parks are state wildlife refuges. Hunting or trapping is prohibited within the confines of state parks except Leroy Percy Wildlife Management Area and Natchez State Park. Regulations governing hunting at these two parks are strictly enforced.

2. Except in water areas designated for other usage, fishing is permitted in park waters with the appropriate license and permits.

3. No trotlines, set lines, jug fishing, or commercial gears are permitted on state park lakes.

4. Night fishing (from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise) will be permitted from the shore or from boats which are in compliance with State and Coast Guard regulations. Only idle speed and trolling motors may be used.

5. All persons must abide by all state and federal laws and all rules and regulations governing hunting and fishing, promulgated by the Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

6. Only rod and reel or pole fishing is allowed on State Park Lakes except that carp, gar, buffalo, and bowfin may be taken by use of a bow and arrow at night only after purchasing a valid permit for fishing and/or boating. No other gear is allowed at these lakes.

V. PERSONAL CONDUCT

1. Disorderly conduct is strictly prohibited. No person shall indulge in riotous, boisterous, threatening or indecent conduct or abusive, threatening, profane or indecent language.

2. No person shall commit a nuisance, unreasonably disturb or annoy others, nor do any act amounting to a breach of the peace. Any person committing obscene or disorderly acts or otherwise creating a nuisance may be removed from the park by the Park Manager.

3. No person shall operate or use radios, phonographs, or other sound producing equipment in any area of the park or lake, which is audible beyond the immediate vicinity so as to disturb any other persons.

4. Gambling is illegal in state parks or property surrounding same. All state laws will be enforced. No person shall bring into the park or have in his possession any implements or devices commonly used or intended for gambling purposes.

5. No person shall use comfort stations except in a clean and sanitary manner.

6. No person, except children six years of age or younger, shall use the rest rooms designated for the opposite sex.

7. No person shall commit any obscene, indecent, unsanitary or offensive acts, such as urination or defecation, in places not officially provided.

8. No person shall dress, undress, or indecently expose his or her person in any area of the park where the same may be seen by any other person.

9. Scuba diving is permitted at such time(s) and in such areas as designated by the park manager with verification of diver’s certification. Appropriate dive equipment must be used and dive flags must be visible during dive.

10. The park Manager, or representative may, at his discretion, cause the removal or limit the stay of persons or vehicles causing any disturbance or in any way creating a nuisance.

W. GENERAL

1. These regulations are effective within and on all state park lands under the jurisdiction of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. 2. Disclaimer: Patrons using the facilities at any Park shall be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the patron to such facilities. The MDWFP reserves the right to pursue any legal means, whether civil and/or criminal, to recover its losses or damages.

2. No person shall disobey a lawful order of the Park Manager, or other authorized park personnel.

3. No person shall violate any posted limitations established by the park concerning hours and areas during which recreation and other facilities will be open or accessible. From 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. will be considered “quiet hours.” During this time, the park may be closed to the general public with the exception of registered guests. (Check with individual parks for closing hours.)

4. No person shall sell or offer for sale any merchandise, articles, or things, whatsoever, without the written consent of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or designee.

5. No person shall distribute any handbills, circulate, post, place, or erect any bills, notices, papers, advertising devices, or matter of any kind without the written consent of the park manager.

6. No person shall solicit contributions for any purpose without the written consent of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or designee.

7. No person shall use, or gain admittance to or attempt to use or remain in a facility within a park for which a charge is required without paying the fees. All fees are payable in advance except for group camp lodging, meals and banquet meals, which will require a deposit.

8. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is authorized to close parks, or portions thereof, on a seasonal basis, or for special events, or on certain days of the week, or for exigent circumstances.

9. The park manager is authorized to close the park under his supervision, or any portion thereof, at any time he reasonably believes it necessary for the maintenance of peace, good order, or the protection and safety of the persons or property in or upon the park or its environs. The

Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee will be notified prior to, but if not then, immediately of any such action, and it shall be confirmed in writing.

11. Upon closing of a park, or portion thereof, the manager shall be required to remove all unauthorized persons and their belongings from the park, or closed portion thereof.

12. It shall be unlawful for any unauthorized person to be in a state park, or a portion thereof, when it is closed to the public by order of the park manager.

13. Personal Injuries or Accidents: The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is not responsible for any accidents or injuries to any persons while on state park property when using state park facilities, except as provided for in MISS. CODE ANN. §11-46-1 through 11-46-23. Persons suffering an injury or accident while on a state park or using the facilities of either should file a notice of claim in writing addressed to the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The notice of claim must contain a brief statement of the facts and circumstances surrounding the injury, extent of the injury, time and place the injury occurred, names of all persons involved, amount of damages sought, and address of the person filing the notice of claim.

14. Lost or Stolen Articles: The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks shall not be responsible for any property or article lost, stolen, or damaged from any cabin, camp pad, bathhouse, parking area, park, or facility.

15. No livestock or other animals, other than horses on designated bridle paths or trails, will be allowed on state parks except with written permission of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee. A copy of a current Negative Coggins test is mandatory for each horse, and must be on file, prior to unloading horses on state park lands.

16. No one shall use portable generators without the permission of the park manager.

17. No one shall use metal detectors on any Mississippi State Park. (See, MISS. CODE ANN. §39-7-4)

18. Except in an extreme emergency, the operation of aircraft on land or water or the air delivery of any person or thing by parachute, helicopter, hot air balloon or other means, without the written permission of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, is prohibited.

19. No person or group shall be given special consideration or free services without the express written approval of the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee. Such authority will only be exercised under rare circumstances.

20. Any park visitor at a State Park may be asked if he or she has a criminal background including, but not limited to, any felony convictions. The state parks are family-oriented facilities. As such, there are usually children staying at the parks. Pursuant to MISS. CODE ANN. §45-33-49, the Mississippi State Parks have a duty to inform their patrons of the presence of registered sex offenders on a state park. Any person who is a registered sex offender must provide the Park with a

notice of his or her status. Any registered sex offender, who does provide the Park with notice of his or her status, may be removed from the park or refused access to park facilities.

21. Rental units and campsites will not be rented to any person under 21 years of age. Exception may be granted by the Executive Director or designee.

22. Reselling or transferring a reservation for any amenity owned by Mississippi State Parks is strictly prohibited. All reservations must be used by the person named on the reservation.

23. Note: All rules and regulations set forth above do not apply to Shepard State Park which is being operated and maintained by the City of Gautier for the State of Mississippi.

History: Revised June 2025.

History

• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 55-3-33.
• Source: MISS. CODE ANN. §§49-1-29, 49-4-4, and 55-3-33.