Mississippi Deer Archery Seasons Open October 1St & 15th

The onset of cooler temperatures during September and the sight of acorns already falling from many oaks are helping many Mississippians look forward to the opening of deer archery season. The Hill and Delta Zones open on Monday, October 1, 2012 and the Southeast Zone opens Monday, October 15, 2012. Archery season serves as the beginning of 123 days of deer hunting opportunity for Mississippi hunters.

The success of Mississippi’s deer season is always difficult to predict, but hunters should remain optimistic. Deer Program Biologist Justin Thayer said, “Since last year’s heavy mast crop and warm winter conditions reduced statewide deer observations and harvest, the silver lining from last year is that many bucks had the chance to get one year older.” That’s good news for hunters looking to bag a mature Mississippi buck.

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.).