2016-17 deer, turkey seasons approved

Mississippi's 2016-17 deer seasons have been finalized.

Mississippi’s Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks gave final approval on Wednesday to season dates and regulations for the 2016-17 deer and wild turkey seasons for both public and private lands.

The only change in general turkey regulations is that the entire state will have an open spring season. Restocking efforts have been completed in those parts of Coahoma, Quitman and Sunflower counties that had been closed in previous seasons. The spring season will be March 15-May 1, 2017 and the youth season March 8-14. The fall season in those counties open will be Oct. 15-Nov. 15, 2016.

Since deer seasons are set in Mississippi Code, the only changes in season dates are caused by calendar.

In the Hill and Delta Zones, the deer seasons are:

Archery, Oct. 1-Nov. 18 (although archery is allowed during any open gun season).

Youth season, Nov. 5-Jan. 31.

Early primitive weapon, Nov. 7-18 for antlerless deer only and with approved primitive weapons only.

Gun, with dogs, Nov. 19-Dec. 1.

Primitive weapon, Dec. 2-15 and weapon of choice is legal on private lands.

Gun, without dogs (still season), Dec. 16-23.

Gun, with dogs, Dec. 24-Jan. 18.

Late season archery, primitive weapon, Jan. 19-31 (firearm of choice legal on private lands).

The Southeast Zone seasons are:

Archery, Oct. 15-Nov. 18.

Youth season, Nov. 5-Feb. 15.

Gun, with dogs, Nov. 19-Dec. 1.

Primitive weapon, Dec. 2-15 and weapon of choice is legal on private lands.

Gun, without dogs (still season), Dec. 16-23.

Gun, with dogs, Dec. 24-Jan. 18.

Late season archery, primitive weapon, Jan. 19-31 (firearm of choice legal on private lands) for either sex deer, and Feb. 1-15 for legal bucks only.

About Bobby Cleveland 1340 Articles
Bobby Cleveland has covered sports in Mississippi for over 40 years. A native of Hattiesburg and graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Cleveland lives on Ross Barnett Reservoir near Jackson with his wife Pam.

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