The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has two new cell-phone apps available to enhance and streamline the hunting experience, especially for users of the agency’s Wildlife Management Areas. Both are free and are available for both IOS and Android platforms.
The WMA Check-in App allows a user to complete both the check-in and check-out required for hunting on these areas. After registering the app one time upon downloading, the user can simplify his or her trip.
To check in, simply click “check-in” and select the appropriate WMA and complete the activities planned.
To check out, click “check-out” and follow the instructions.
Both can be done regardless of cell coverage; however, due to lack of coverage at many rural WMAs, it is recommended that the initial download and registration be completed before arriving at the WMA.
The other new MDWFP app is the Game Check, a harvest reporting system that is completely voluntary for the coming deer season — but was mandatory for the 2019 spring turkey season. This app, also free and available for both IOS and Android systems, allows a hunter to report a harvest. He or she would simply open the app, click on “report a deer,” and complete and submit the entry. This can be done regardless of available cell service, since the entry will automatically be sent once coverage resumes. Hunters will also be able to participate online at mdwfp.com/gamecheck.
Why game check? According to the MDWFP, Mississippi’s deer herd faces mounting challenges, such as Chronic Wasting Disease, that can have localized or statewide impacts. Harvest reporting of white-tailed deer allows for more precise resource management. It will:
- Provide for the first time timely and efficient county-level harvest data that is integral for improving adaptive approaches to management.
- Provide deer population data that is critical for managing Chronic Wasting Disease.
- Demonstrate to the hunting community that harvest management and bag limits are important.
- Provide hunters the opportunity to be actively engaged in white-tailed deer management.
And, it’s free.
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