Mississippi Deer Archery Seasons Open October 1 & 15 JACKSON – Many Mississippians are looking forward to the opening of deer archery season on October 1 for the Hill and Delta Zones and October 15 for the Southeast Zone. Longbows, recurves, compound bows, and crossbows are all considered legal archery equipment and can be used during all hunting seasons for deer. There is no minimum or maximum draw weight, no minimum arrow length, and fixed or mechanical broadheads may be used. “Deer numbers are high statewide, and this year’s crop of two year old bucks should be outstanding. Also, the mast crop is looking good, which is a recipe for abundant bowhunting opportunities,” says Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Deer Program Biologist David Graves. “Hunters should place stands in prime feeding areas, hopefully weather conditions during the season will be conducive to improved deer movement.” MDWFP reminds all Wildlife Management Area (WMA) hunters that they are required to wear a full-body harness (fall-arrest system) while climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or while hunting from a tree stand on a WMA. While required on WMAs, MDWFP also urges all hunters to wear and know how to properly use a full-body harness while hunting from an elevated position. Take time before your hunt to be sure you have all the proper safety equipment, and remember that the most important part of the hunt is making it home. MS Squirrel Season Opens October 1 JACKSON – The Mississippi fall squirrel season opens statewide on October 1, 2015 and closes February 28, 2016. The special youth squirrel season is September 24 – September 30 on private lands and authorized state and federal lands only. The bag limit is eight squirrels per day. Squirrel population numbers should be good for the upcoming hunting season, although hardwood mast crops were less abundant in some parts of the state last year compared to previous years. Mast crop abundance will probably vary somewhat again this year. Squirrel populations may vary locally as a result. For those in search of a place to hunt, most of Mississippi’s open public lands and wildlife management areas offer squirrel hunting opportunities. Hunters should generally look for areas with mature, hardwood forest cover for the best squirrel hunting. Many public areas also allow small game hunters to hunt with dogs. Anyone planning to hunt public land should read the regulations before they hunt. Some areas may have season dates and rules that differ from general statewide regulations. Reprinted from “The Outdoor Wire
