New Bryant WMA rules proposed

Duck hunting will be allowed on all four of the hunt units on Mississippi’s new Phil Bryant WMA.
Duck hunting will be allowed on all four of the hunt units on Mississippi’s new Phil Bryant WMA. (Photo courtesy MDWFP)

The state’s newly acquired Wildlife Management Area has undergone a name change, and rules and regulations have been proposed for the 18,000-acre area in the South Delta.

Originally called Steele Bayou WMA, it is now named for the current governor: the Phil Bryant WMA. Because of how it will be managed, it will immediately become the most interesting WMA in Mississippi.

Russ Walsh, executive director of MDWFP’s wildlife bureau, said Bryant WMA will be broken into four units named after some of the hunting camps that once existed on the land: Backwoods, Buck Bayou, Ten Point and Goose Lake. Each unit will offer a unique hunting experience, and hunters will be permitted to hunt through drawings.

  • Backwoods: This unit includes 4,400 acres and is designed to simulate the experience of the hunting camps long associated with the area. Hunters and up to three guests will be assigned roughly 1,000-acre sub-units for 5-day hunts. The parties can hunt any game in season and camp for the duration of the hunts. Walsh said it will offer drawn hunters the experience of hunting “your own camp” for the week.”
  • Buck Bayou: This unit will basically be an extension of neighboring Mahannah WMA. It will offer deer, small-game and duck opportunities according to Mahannah WMA regulations.
  • Ten Point: This unit will have its own personality. October and November will be archery-only. Hunting with a gun will be allowed in December. Dec. 26-Jan. 12 will be reserved for handicapped and youth hunters only, allowing them a chance to hunt during the rut. Small-game and duck hunting will be allowed Mondays through Wednesdays.
  • Goose Lake: This unit will be managed for more hardcore hunters. Access will be by foot or boat only, and only archery equipment will be allowed for deer. Small-game and duck hunting will be allowed Mondays through Wednesdays.

About Bobby Cleveland 1343 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.