Mississippi Aerial Waterfowl Surveys Begin November 17

MDWFP Waterfowl Program Biologists will take to the air beginning November 17 as the first in a series of 4 winter waterfowl surveys gets underway. The remaining surveys are scheduled for December 18-20, January 2-5, and January 22-25 depending on weather conditions. These surveys are conducted to provide biologists with an index of the numbers of waterfowl wintering in the Mississippi Delta region. Houston Havens, Waterfowl Program Biologist, said “This survey method, developed in cooperation with Mississippi State University, uses sound science to provide reliable estimates of populations that are otherwise very difficult to survey. This method has been adopted by several other states in recent years.”

Using a fixed-wing aircraft flying at 500 feet, biologists record the number, species, location, and habitat type of all ducks observed within a designated area. Numbers are then compared with results from previous surveys and surveys from other states to provide an idea of how the waterfowl migration is progressing. Reports are generated with maps of waterfowl distributions and are posted online for the public to view at www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/waterfowl-program/aerial-survey-reports.aspx

Visit us online at www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl or call 601-432-2199 to receive more information on waterfowl hunting opportunities throughout the state.

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.).