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MDWFP Update
September 2012 |
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MDWFP Hosts WMA Public Meetings
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is hosting a series of six public meetings across the state to discuss Wildlife Management Area (WMA) activities. These meetings, held during the spring and fall, will showcase regional WMA harvest data, wildlife habitat and infrastructure improvements, and regulation changes adopted for the 2012-13 hunting season. All WMA users, adjacent landowners, hunting clubs, and interested citizens are encouraged to attend.
"It is very important for the MDWFP to meet with our customers and hear input from the public at every available opportunity," said Ed Penny, MDWFP Wildlife Bureau Director. "These meetings will give us the opportunity to promote our WMA system, gain input from the public about activities on our WMAs, and provide information about WMAs to the public."
The meetings will be from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. on the dates and at the locations listed below:
- September 25: South Delta WMAs at Hinds Community College in Vicksburg
- September 27: Southwest WMAs at Percy Quin State Park in McComb
- October 2: Southeast WMAs at Paul B Johnson State Park in Hattiesburg
MDWFP wildlife biologists, WMA personnel, and conservation officers will be in attendance to answer questions from the public
For more information regarding Wildlife Management Areas in Mississippi, visit our website at www.mdwfp.com/wma or call us at 601-432-2199.
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New Record Weight Alligator Harvested in Mississippi
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Jim Reed, Michael Robbers, Tom Grant, and Kenny Winter (from left to right) with new weight record alligator.
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The MDWFP confirmed and officially weighed a new state alligator record on Saturday, September 22 at 697.5 pounds. This exceeds the previous record by 7 pounds, held by Brian Jackson of Brandon for an alligator he harvested in Issaquena County on private lands in 2011, which weighed 690.5 pounds. The new record was harvested by the hunting party of Tom Grant of Boyle, MS on a private hunting club in Issaquena Co., near Fitler, MS. The previous record and the new record were both harvested west of the Mississippi River levee on private lands, and only 16 miles apart. Grant's alligator becomes the new record for weight of a male alligator taken by an alligator hunter in Mississippi. Grant's alligator was officially measured at 13 feet 1.5 inches long and had a belly girth of 65 inches and a tail girth of 45 inches. Grant reports, "When we snagged the alligator with two rod and reel snatch hooks, we knew he was big, we just didn't know he would be this big. It was an hour and a half of pure tug of war and chaos before we finally had him restrained." Grant was assisted by fellow hunters Jim Reed, Michael Robbers, and Kenny Winter. MDWFP Alligator Program Coordinator, Ricky Flynt reports, "This is not the first record to come from Issaquena Co. and probably will not be the last. The lower Delta region of the state is home to some very remote and abundant habitat that has harbored large alligators for thousands of years. Much of this region is protected by state and federal wildlife management areas and refuges, timber companies, and large farming operations." Flynt adds, "The recovery of the American alligator in Mississippi from an endangered species to a population that now has reached levels to sustain limited hunting status is a true wildlife conservation success story." There are 99 private landowners who qualified for alligator hunting permits in 28 open counties for 2012. The private lands alligator hunting season closes on October 1, so there is still time for this record to be broken, yet again. The current hunter-harvested length record for Mississippi is 13 feet 6.5 inches.
Click here for more information about the 2012 Alligator Hunting Season or call us at 601-432-2400. |
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September Teal Season in Full Swing
The September teal hunting season, which extends from September 15 to September 30, is a great time for waterfowl hunters to get out and "tune-up" for the regular waterfowl season. After a relatively wet summer in some areas of the state, early fall water is in abundant supply, which provides great opportunities to attract and harvest teal. MDWFP wildlife biologists and managers have observed high numbers of blue-winged teal where their preferred shallow water habitats and mudflats are found. Hunters are reminded that only teal species are legal for harvest, and they should be sure of their targets during this early season, because there are many other wetland birds using these same habitats. Northern shovelers are early migrating ducks which are often found in large numbers by late
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Small, shallow wetlands surrounded by mudflats and natural grasses are excellent places to find teal during September. Photo by James Callicutt.
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September. They are commonly mistaken as blue-winged teal at first glance due to their blue wings and similar flight patterns. In addition, wood ducks and several large species of shorebirds can cause confusion as they dart across wetlands in the early morning.
If you're looking for some fast-action wing shooting, the September teal season may be for you. If you find teal using an area, pick up your state and federal duck stamps with your hunting license, grab some non-toxic shotgun shells, and get your feet wet enjoying this abundant natural resource.
Please visit our website at www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl for more information about Teal and other waterfowl seasons.
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Apply Now for Rabbit Hunts at Trim Cane and Nanih Waiya WMAs
Applications are now available for draw permit rabbit hunts with dogs at Nanih Waiya and Trim Cane WMAs. To participate in these hunts, applicants must apply online at www.mdwfp.com before October 15th. As with other permitted hunts, there is a charge of $5 for each permit application.
On Nanih Waiya WMA, each permitted hunter may bring up to 2 guests for each hunt. On Trim Cane WMA, each permitted hunter may bring up to 4 guests for each hunt. The hunts will occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays during November and February on Trim Cane WMA and during December through February on Nanih Waiya WMA. Nanih Waiya WMA also offers standby rabbit hunting opportunities. If permitted hunters fail to check in at the WMA headquarters by 8:00 a.m., their position will be forfeited and will be open to standby hunters. The draw for available standby positions will be conducted at 8:00 a.m. on rabbit hunting days. The daily bag limit per hunting party is 8 rabbits on both of these WMAs.
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Trail Cameras Provide Insight to Bear Population Numbers
 As sportsmen head back to the woods in preparation for deer season, trail cameras have become an essential item for scouting. Motion sensor cameras provide a glimpse of what is out there while we are not; showing everything from the big buck we'll be trying for during the rut to the number of turkey polts that made it through the summer. One animal that is sure to surprise (if not shock) the camera owner is the image of the occasional black bear that wanders into view.
 Black bears are naturally shy and secretive animals that avoid humans whenever possible. Trail cameras have proven to be an effective way of determining the presence of a bear that was previously unknown. While some people might feel alarmed at the presence of a bear on their property or hunting lease it is important to remember that the bear (or bears) have likely lived on or around the property for years and would not have been seen were it not for the use of a remote camera.
For more information about the MDWFP Black Bear Program, please visit our website at www.mdwfp.com. |
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MDWFP Improves Public Access at Sky Lake WMA
MDWFP is continuing improvements to ATV trails and roads at Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) located near Belzoni in Humphreys and Leflore Counties. Sky Lake WMA is one of 10 WMAs owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and managed by the MDWFP. The USACE acquired 3,569 acres at Sky Lake WMA to mitigate for terrestrial wildlife losses associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of the Upper Yazoo and Upper Steele Bayou Levee Projects. Consisting of cleared agricultural land when it was originally acquired, the land has since been reforested by the USACE with native species of bottomland hardwoods.
Funds provided by the USACE are being used to improve parking areas and access for management activities and public use of the WMA. "The MDWFP strives to provide reasonable public access on WMAs that balances the desires of the public with the best interests of the wildlife resources on these lands," said Jeff Mangrum, MDWFP WMA Infrastructure Coordinator. Sky Lake WMA opened to public use in 2009 and provides small game, waterfowl, and deer hunting opportunities as well as excellent bird watching opportunities.
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Mississippi Squirrel Seasons Coming Soon
With the first hint of cooler fall weather, many Mississippi hunters begin thinking about getting into the woods and hunting squirrels. Squirrel hunting is a great way to spend time with family or introduce youth and new hunters to the outdoors.
Once again, Mississippi's squirrel season dates are divided into three zones with a daily bag limit of 8 squirrels per day. Youth squirrel seasons open one week prior to the regular seasons in all zones. Zone 1 includes areas north of US Highway 82 plus those portions of Sunflower and Washington Counties south of Highway 82. Youth season begins September 22, and the regular season opens September 29. Zone 2 includes areas between US Highway 82 and US Highway 84 plus portions of the state south of Highway 84 and west of Interstate 55. Youth season opens October 6, and the regular season opens October 13. Zone 3 includes areas south of US Highway 84 and east of Interstate 55. Youth season opens October 20, and the regular season opens October 27. Squirrel season in all zones ends on February 28, 2013.
"Squirrel populations are expected to again be abundant in most regions again this year," said Rick Hamrick, MDWFP Small Game Biologist. "Good hardwood mast crops and a mild winter likely resulted in good squirrel reproduction this summer. It appears that hardwood mast crops are going to relatively good again this fall."
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Fall Fishing in Mississippi
Fall is a great time to fish in Mississippi. Largemouth bass have moved from the deep, cooler water and are now actively feeding. Locating schools of bait fish, such as shad or small bream, can increase your chances of success. Finding structure is another great way to locate bass as they are often found near stumps, logs, or vegetation where food sources are concentrated. Some of the most popular bait choices for fall bass fishing include spinner baits, buzz baits, and crank baits. Eagle Lake and Natchez State Park are excellent destinations.
Fall can also be a great time for catching crappie. These fish love structure and anglers can benefit from fishing near standing timber, stumps, and underwater brush. Live minnows and small jigs are popular bait choices. Don't be afraid to fish at different depths! Crappie may be found shallow one week and deep the next, depending on weather conditions.
Bream fishing can also be really good during the fall. Crickets and worms are popular baits for catching big bluegill. There's nothing like seeing that "cork" go under! Oxbow lakes along the Mississippi River can be great places to bream fish during the fall.
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Natchez Youth Squirrel Hunt
Natchez State Park will be offering youth squirrel hunting during the 2012 - 2013 hunting season. This is the first time that squirrel hunting has ever been allowed on the park. The MDWFP hopes this will provide additional opportunities for youth to be active in the outdoors. Youth squirrel hunting will be allowed on Natchez State Park February 2 - 24, 2013 by special permit only. Persons eligible to participate are Mississippi residents who are 15 years of age or younger. Interested persons may apply online at www.mdwfp.com beginning December 1, 2012.
For more information, please call 601-432-2400 or click here for more information about squirrel hunting rules and regulations at Natchez State Park.
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2012 Mahannah WMA Youth Dove Hunt
On September 8, 2012, the MDWFP
hosted a youth dove hunt on Mahannah WMA. This hunt was not just another dove hunt. It was the first dove hunting opportunity for the year on the WMA's 80-acre sunflower field. The event was made possible by multiple bureaus within the MDWFP.
Prior to the hunt, youth registered online to participate. The event began with a MDWFP sponsored lunch, followed by hunter safety instruction. Participants were allowed to sharpen their shooting skills on the skeet range and by using the Laser Shot Hunting Simulator.
 Youth went to the hunting field during the early afternoon and hunted until sunset. Eighty-five youth hunted and reported a harvest of 331 doves. At least 3 individual youth harvested a full limit. The 2012 Mahannah WMA Youth Dove Hunt was a huge success. Many youth spent a day in the outdoors with family and friends. Some even harvested their first dove. The MDWFP hopes to continue this hunt for years to come. Click here for more information about youth outreach and hunting opportunities or call us at 601-432-2400. |
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