Permits for North Mississippi National Wildlife Refuges Now Available through MDWFP

A new license privilege is now available for purchase wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold. This privilege, an annual user permit for the North Mississippi National Wildlife Refuges (privilege code 606), is available through an innovative agreement between the MDWFP and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). The North Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge Complex, based in Grenada, includes Tallahatchie, Coldwater River, and Dahomey NWRs. The cost of the permit is $15 and allows users to hunt and fish on these three refuges for a year.

This agreement is the result of an effort by both agencies to make it more convenient for hunters and other users to get all permits and licenses in one place.  “We are happy to be working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a way that benefits our customers,” said Ed Penny, Director of Conservation Programs. “Like MDWFP, the Service provides an abundance of public hunting opportunities on National Wildlife Refuges, and we are excited to help facilitate these opportunities.”

It is important to note that these refuges are owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, so hunting and fishing, as well as other uses, is subject to refuge regulations. For more information on specific opportunities and regulations, please contact the refuge office at (662) 226-8286 or visit http://www.fws.gov/refuges.

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.).