Mississippi 2013 Waterfowl Seasons Upcoming

Mississippi’s goose hunting seasons open Thursday, November 14 and the first duck season split opens Friday, November 22.  With strong breeding population estimates last spring, Mississippi duck hunters are optimistic about the upcoming season.  However, hunters should remember that winter severity and habitat availability also play a major role in how many ducks make their way to Mississippi.

Mississippi offers numerous public waterfowl hunting opportunities in a variety of habitats.  Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) have both open and limited access draw hunting areas with intensively managed habitat for Mississippi waterfowl hunters to enjoy.  James Callicutt, MDWFP Waterfowl Program Biologist, said “Like in years past, areas with managed water this time of year are already starting to receive high bird use.  Many of our WMAs with pumping capabilities are holding high numbers of early migrating ducks.”

Hunters 16 – 64 years of age must obtain a hunting license and be Harvest Information Program (HIP) certified for Mississippi.  All hunters 16 years of age and older are required to have both a state and federal duck stamp.  If hunting on a WMA, hunters will also need a WMA User Permit.  Hunters should read the regulations for all public lands prior to hunting to ensure they are in compliance.

To see the waterfowl hunting seasons and bag limits, visit www.mdwfp.com or pick up a Mississippi Outdoor Digest wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

For more information regarding waterfowl in Mississippi, visit our website at www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl or call us at (601) 432-2199. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdwfp or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWFPonline .

Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP), formerly known as the Mississippi Game & Fish Commission, is an agency of the government of the U.S. state ofMississippi responsible for programs protecting Mississippi fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, as well as administering all state parks; it has its headquarters in Jackson. The agency issues hunting and fishing licenses, advises on habitat protection, and sponsors public education programs. It is also responsible for enforcement of Mississippi's fish and game laws. It is separate from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, which is the governing body for the state's natural salt-water resources and law enforcement thereof (i.e. Gulf of Mexico, ocean-going vessels, etc.).