2016-17 deer, turkey seasons proposed

The MDWFP has proposed deer and hunting seasons, and is now accepting public comments.

Comment period now open on rules posted at mdwfp.com

Mississippi’s Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has proposed season dates and regulations for the 2016-17 deer and wild turkey seasons, and is now accepting comments before taking final action later this month.

The proposals include both private and public lands.

To comment, please email  Sharonp@mdwfp.state.ms.us or write to Hunting Seasons Rule Comment, 1505 Eastover Drive; Jackson, MS 39211, no later than May 25.

The only change in general turkey regulations is that the entire state will have an open spring season because restocking efforts have been completed in those parts of Coahoma, Quitman and Sunflower counties that had been closed in previous seasons.

Under the proposal, the fall season in those counties open will be Oct. 15-Nov. 15, 2016.

The spring turkey season will be March 15-May 1, preceded by the youth season on March 8-14.

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 (antlerless deer only and with approved primitive weapons only)• Gun, with dogs — Nov. 19-Dec. 1• Primitive weapon — Dec. 2-15 (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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