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Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
April 2018
In This Issue

Quick Links
Purchase a License
Boat Registration
Find a Park Near You
Report a Violation
MDWFP News
Supplemental Feeding Regulations
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Update
MDWFP Remains Diligent


On March 5, 2018, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) completed its first CWD sampling operation. The results from 64 deer were returned March 5 as "not detected for CWD."
 
On March 8, 2018, the MDWFP completed its second CWD sampling operation. The results from 94 deer were returned as "not detected for CWD." An additional 32 samples were submitted from deer reported to be sick, injured, or as roadkill. Those results were also returned as "not detected for CWD."
 
The DNA analysis conducted on the CWD positive white-tailed deer collected on J anuary 25, in Issaquena County  shows that the deer was a native Mississippi deer.
 
The MDWFP also hosted its second CWD Public Meeting in Vicksburg on March 19 where p resentations were given by Dr. Margaret Wild, National Park Service Veterinarian, and Cory Gray, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
 
Pursuant to the Order of the Executive Director on behalf of the Commission, supplemental feeding remains banned in the following counties: Claiborne, Hinds, Issaquena, Sharkey, Warren, and Yazoo. Also, all hog traps within the six-county containment zone must be permitted with the MDWFP.
 
For more information on CWD or to report a sick deer, visit www.mdwfp.com/cwd or contact the wildlife Bureau at 601-432-2219.

Additional Information

mdwfp.com/cwd
Voluntary Survey Allows Hunters to Aid Wild Turkey Management
Lend a Helping Hand

Turkey hunters with an interest in helping the conservation and management of their favorite game bird can aid the MDWFP by acting as their on-the-ground eyes and ears. Participation in the MDWFP's annual Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey (SGHS) gives turkey hunters a chance to collect data used to track populations and evaluate management decisions.  

Participation in the SGHS is free and only requires a few minutes after each hunt to record observations in a booklet provided by the MDWFP. All hunters, regardless of skill or experience level, are encouraged to participate. Hunters interested in becoming involved in the survey can enroll online at www.mdwfp.com/turkey or by contacting the MDWFP at (601) 432-2199.
Wildlife Bureau  Awards WMA Manager and Biologist of the Year

(Photo from left to right: Russ Walsh, Executive Wildlife Bureau Director; Jerry Woods, Muscadine Farms Wildlife Manager; Roger Tankesly, Delta Region  Wildlife Management Area Biologist; Amy Blaylock, Wildlife Bureau Director.)

Jerry Woods is a Wildlife Manager on Muscadine Farms WMA. His primary duties include overseeing farming and moil-soil management on 1,400 acres of waterfowl impoundments and managing waterfowl draw hunts each season. Jerry is a skilled carpenter, equipment operator, and routinely assists on other WMAs.   

Roger Tankesly is the Wildlife Management Area Biologist for MDWFP in the Delta region. Roger's duties include overseeing activities related to wetland habitat management, farm leases, draw hunts, timber management, and routine WMA functions. In addition, he supervises 11 WMA staff.
Subscribe to Mississippi Outdoors Magazine

Mississippi Outdoors Magazine is MDWFP's bi-monthly publication featuring a range of informative articles, agency news, trends, topics and photos.
 
Have Mississippi Outdoors Magazine delivered to your door by calling 1-888-874-5785. You can also subscribe online though our license and permit purchasing page.
2018-19 Youth Participation Initiative Applications
The MDWFP is pleased to announce the 2018-2019 Youth Participation Initiative (YPI) will begin accepting applications on April 1, 2018. The YPI was established to provide funding for the purpose of educating youth in the areas of hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, and natural resource conservation. During 201 7 -201 8 , the YPI provided a total of $197, 810  to help fund 32 projects across Mississippi. 
 
State agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. Interested applicants are urged to consider projects that focus on recruitment, retention, and/or education of youth in the fields of hunting, fishing, or conservation. Projects that consider increasing opportunity in the areas of hunting, fishing, conservation or educating youth in any area of safety relating to hunting, fishing, or conservation are also encouraged. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on May 1, 2018.
Fishing Forecasts
For State Fishing Lakes

MDWFP fisheries biologists are excited about the spring fishing season. Population surveys and fish sampling efforts throughout the winter and fall reveal healthy fish populations across state waters.

View fishing forecasts for your area:

Fly Fishing Records
How Does Your Catch Size Up? 

In addition to maintaining a list of state-record fish caught on conventional fishing rods and reels, the MDWFP Fisheries Bureau also recognizes state record fish caught with other types of fishing gear.  Anglers using conventional fly fishing tackle can get their name in the record book, and fish caught by sport fish anglers using other legal methods such as trotlines, free-floating devices (jugs), and yo-yos can be added to the Trophy Fish List. 

All three record fish lists can be found here.  Anglers who catch a potential state-record fish should complete this application , and return it to the Fisheries Bureau in Jackson.  
MDWFP and MSU to Host Pond Management Workshops

The MDWFP  Fisheries Bureau, in conjunction with the Mississippi State University County Extension Service, will host three pond management workshops in April. Workshop attendees will learn about pond design, fish stocking, harvest, vegetation control, liming, and fertilization. A question-and-answer period will follow.

April 10 
Forrest County
Time:  6:30 p.m. 
Location: Paul B. Johnson State Park
April 12
Lafayette County
Time: 6 p.m. 
Location: Lafayette County Extension Office, Oxford

April 26
Harrison County 
Time: 6:30 p.m. 
Location: MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center, Biloxi
MDWFP Youth Fishing Rodeos
Coming to a lake or pond near you

We have more than 30 Youth Fishing Rodeos scheduled through June at lakes and ponds across Mississippi. MDWFP Youth Fishing Rodeos are held Saturday mornings and are a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together in the great outdoors.

Each of these rodeos will have MDWFP fisheries biologists and technical staff present to provide fishing education, guidance, and technical information.

April Fishing Rodeos

April 7
  • Brookhaven - Hansel King Sportsplex - 8 a.m.
  • Walnut Gove - Willow Lake - 9 a.m.

April 14
  • Tupleo - Veterans Park - 8 a.m.
  • Pearl - Bright Park in Pearl - 9 a.m.
  • Brooksville - Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge - 8 a.m.

April 21
  • Sardis - Cypress Point at Sardis Lake - 7 a.m.
  • Meridian - Q. V. Sykes Pond - 8 a.m.
  • Amory - McAlpine Lake - 8 a.m.
  • Diamondhead - Diamond Head Twin Lakes - 9 a.m.

April 28
  • Jackson - Mayes Lake at Lefleur's Bluff State Park - 8 a.m.
  • Louisville - Lake Toppasha at Legion State Park - 7:30 a.m.
  • Natchez - Natchez Lake at Natchez State Park - 7:30 a.m.
  • Meadville - Clear Springs Lake at Homochitto National Forest - 7 a.m.
Download the Official MDWFP App

The official MDWFP app is a powerful tool for hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts in Mississippi, providing easy access to information and services provided by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. This application features a digital license display, rules and regulations, season dates, bag limits, feeding times, and much more.

New Conservation Officers Graduate

The MDWFP swore in 15 new Conservation Officers on March 15 during a graduation ceremony at Roosevelt State Park near Morton.  These fifteen newly sworn officers will be assigned locations from North Mississippi to the Gulf Coast where they will protect and serve the people of Mississippi and ensure the conservation of our state's natural resources.
Are You Water Ready?
Boater Registration/Safety

Before you take to the water this spring, make sure you have your boat registration. In Mississippi, if you were born after June 30, 1980, you are required to take an initial boater education class before you can obtain a boat registration.
 
Boater education prevents accidents and saves lives. All boaters have a responsibility to learn about boat operation, communications, navigation, and life-saving techniques before taking to water. Those without boater education put themselves and others at risk. 

Scholastic Sports State Tournament
April 14

The Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) will hold its annual State Tournament at the Turcotte Education Center near Canton on April 14.

MSSP is a team-based, youth development program that uses the shotgun sports of 5-Stand, Skeet, and Sporting Clays to instill life skills such as discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, and self-confidence. The program utilizes these disciplines to teach hunting skills through the safe use of hunting equipment, including firearms, and their relationship to hunting situations. 

If you would like information to see how your school can get involved in MSSP, contact Jad Touchton at (601) 859-5164 or jadt@mdwfp.state.ms.us.
Tee Off at a State Golf Course
Have fun on the green this spring!


MDWFP is proud to offer four venues to relax and experience a round of golf. From North Mississippi to the Gulf Coast our four different courses, each with unique challenges and obstacles, are open to the public.

Quail Hollow
A Premier Golf Experience is located at Percy Quin State Park. Quail Hollow is 6,700 yards of championship golf that never plays the same way twice. With rolling terrain, a variety of signature holes, and undulating greens, Quail Hollow offers the ultimate challenge for golfers of every skill level.

Mallard Pointe
The 18-hole Championship Golf Course in Sardis, Mississippi, Mallard Pointe was rated one of the Best Places to Play by Golf Digest in 2004. 

LeFleur's Bluff
This 9-hole course consists of rolling terrain, beautiful wildlife, and all the challenges every golfer desires. With multiple sets of tees, the elevated tee shots are sure to make your round enjoyable.

The Dogwoods
The Dogwoods Golf Course at Hugh White State Park takes full advantage of the natural beauty surrounding Grenada Lake. Deep woods enclose undulating fairways leading to large, inviting greens. A nature lover's course, The Dogwoods was carved out of the forest with only necessary clearing. The hilly layout demands sharp skills and accurate ball-striking.
Learn More
NatureFEST 2018
Celebrate the Outdoors at MDWFP's Museum of Natural  Science


Get ready for a wild adventure at NatureFEST 2018! It's a festival, a nature outing, and a fascinating museum trip all wrapped into one exciting day.

Families and young budding scientists will not want to miss Wildlife Wonder's Traveling Exotic Animal Show, conducting citizen science explorations through the on-site Bio-Blitz, and going behind-the-scenes in the museum's labs.  Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the museum's native plant garden, play nature games, picnic at the pavilion with food from one of the many food truck vendors, and take a hike (guided or self-directed) on our beautiful trails.

New This Year: Todd Smith Magic! Plus, Lawn Bowling, Yardz-ee, and Pump It Up will be here, too!

NatureFEST is included  with the regular price of museum admission: $6 for adults, $4 for youth ages 3-18, and $5 for senior citizens 60 and up. Museum Members are free with current membership.

Birdsong and Bluegrass Festival
At MDWFP's Museum of Natural  Science

Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day (IMDB) with birds, music, and food from 4-8 p.m. on April 28 at MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
 
Take a guided nature walk, listen to bluegrass music, explore hands-on birding activities, and see a spectacular live birds of prey program. Food will be available for purchase.  Several art clubs will create a sidewalk chalk bird mural and local artists will exhibit their work. This also is a scout-friendly event. Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi in attendance will meet requirements toward their IMBD patch. Cub Scouts will meet requirements for the Naturalist Badge. 

The Birdsong and Bluegrass Festival is included  with the regular price of museum admission: $6 for adults, $4 for youth ages 3-18, and $5 for senior citizens 60 and up. Museum Members are free with current membership.

Conservation Quest
The Newest Exhibit at MDWFP's Museum of Natural Science

Visitors to MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science are invited to explore the "Conservation Quest" exhibit through April 29. This interactive exhibit explores energy and conservation: what energy is, where it comes from, how we use it, and why it is important to use it wisely.

See how simple actions can make big differences for families and communities:
  • Find ways to save with light bulbs, electricity, and recycling,
  • Explore solar, wind, and hydropower,
  • Connect circuits to power up lights, alarms, and fans,
  • Take the interactive energy conservation challenge,
  • See how much electricity you use,
  • Check out the latest energy-saving inventions and learn about the future of energy.
The exhibit is included with the regular price of museum admission: $6 for adults, $4 for youth ages 3-18, and $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up. Museum Members are free with current membership.

March Overview
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