Mississippi sportsmen can make the most of what’s left of a rotten year

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Just 31 more days, and we can put behind us 2020, the year that most will view as the worst in history. So why don’t we go out with a bang? Mississippi sportsmen sure have that opportunity.

December not only brings us the joyous holiday season, but also the peak of hunting season. With the exception of wild turkeys and frogs, every game animal native to Mississippi can be legally harvested this month.

Of course, deer top the list, but there’s also rabbit and squirrel, raccoon and bobcat, rails, gallinule, dove, duck, geese, crow, woodcock and, yes, even snipe.

And, when it’s too hot to think about sitting in a deer stand or a duck blind, fishing fills the bill. December is among the best on the calendar when it comes to producing action on the water. Crappie are pretty predictable, bass can’t be beat, catfish are always curious and panfish can be plucked from the pond bottoms. Offshore, reds and specks move closer to the shoreline, black (puppy) drum and sheepshead stack on the pilings, and even flounder find shallow homes.

So, what’s it going to be for Christmas dinner? Store-bought, or perhaps a loin of venison or a pot of Mulligan stew? Maybe a pile of fried fish fillets or a big pot of court bullion? Duck and sausage gumbo?

This issue of Mississippi Sportsman can help make that happen. Our team of writers have put together a list of features and commentaries to help you set that table.

• David Hawkins looks at the countless acres of habitat for puddle ducks and tells us why and how hunters can take full advantage.
• Mike Giles talks to some female hunters who have become experts at taking deer, and they share advice that can help all hunters.
• Phillip Gentry takes us to the Mississippi River, where cold-weather fishing requires a different approach to keep putting fish in the box.
• Jonathan LePera talks to a pro bass fisherman to discuss finesse fishing, a tactic that often works in the winter, when downsizing lures is required for fickle fish.
• Kinny Haddox shares the cold-water tactics that pro crappie teams us to put fresh fish on the table at Christmas.

There’s lots more inside this issue, including our best wishes for the holidays and beyond.

Be smart, be safe and let’s all have a happy new year!