Late Season Mississippi Birding Opportunities at Trim Cane WMA

Waterfowl hunting season may have ended, but great birding opportunities are still available on Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Trim Cane WMA is located approximately 3 miles North of Starkville off Hwy 389, and has approximately 300 acres of wetland habitat for you to come and explore.

As biologists slowly drain waterfowl impoundments, mud flats are exposed and shallow water areas concentrate invertebrates that waterfowl and other water birds prefer during the late winter and spring. Many migratory birds and shore birds will forage in these impoundments for the next couple of months. If you are an avid birder, or are just getting started, Trim Cane WMA hosts a diverse number of bird species ranging from Wood Stork and White Ibis to Blue-Wing teal. So come out and get your boots muddy and put your birding skills to the test.

In addition to Trim Cane WMA, excellent birding opportunities are available across the state’s WMAs and would make a great stop for any birder or outdoor enthusiast. All visitors to Trim Cane WMA, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must possess an annual statewide WMA User Permit. WMA user permits may be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Additionally, visitors must complete a daily visitor use permit card before entering the WMA. These permit cards are available at permit stations located at major entrances to the WMA.

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.).