Early migratory bird hunting seasons to be considered at MCWFP meeting

Seasons for dove, teal, rail, snipe, woodcock to be set.

The Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks will determine dates for early migratory game birds during their monthly meeting scheduled for July 19 at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks office in Jackson, the agency announced yesterday (July 7).

Seasons will be based on the early season framework released June 27 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

While seasons have yet to be set officially, these early season frameworks are expected to be very similar to recent years.

“Hunters statewide will again be able to enjoy a 70-day dove season with a 15-bird daily bag limit,” MDWFP waterfowl biologist Houston Havens said.

Possession limit will be 30 doves, Havens continued.

Dove hunting will be divided in two zones with the north zone defined as areas north of U.S. Highway 84 plus areas south of U.S. Highway 84 and west of state Highway 35.

The south zone is defined as areas south of U.S. Highway 84 and east of state Highway 35.

Other early migratory game bird hunting seasons – including those for teal, snipe, woodcock, rails and resident Canada geese – will be considered at the July 19 meeting.