MDWFP Supports Deer Season Structure Change
Source: http://home.mdwfp.com/
Published: Jan. 27, 2010
JACKSON – The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is in full support of HB 1282 and requests your assistance changing the deer season structure in Mississippi. If HB 1282 becomes law, the deer season structure for 2010-2011 would be:
Archery October 1 – 31
Archery / Crossbow / Primitive Weapon November 1 – 19
Gun with Dogs November 20 – December 1
Gun without Dogs December 2 – 23
Gun with Dogs December 24 – January 19
Gun without Dogs January 20 – January 31
Archery / Primitive Weapon February 1 – February 15 (Zone 2)
Currently, MS Code §49-7-31 gives exclusive opportunity to archery hunters from October 1 – the Friday prior to Thanksgiving. “This exclusive opportunity was given during a time of deer protection in Mississippi with the goal to provide maximum opportunity without being detrimental to the resource. HB 1282 empowers landowners and hunting clubs to harvest deer earlier in the season with a more efficient weapon,” Chad Dacus, Deer Program Coordinator. “This earlier deer harvest is needed on some properties across the state to help reduce deer numbers in areas where there is high crop damage, habitat damage, and out of balance sex ratios.”
HB1282 is not taking opportunity away from archery hunters. Archery hunters still have 123 days of hunting opportunity because they can choose to hunt with archery equipment during the gun seasons. “This is not a dramatic move in season structure,” Larry Castle, Wildlife Bureau Director. “This bill is moving away from exclusive seasons and allowing hunters to decide which weapon they want to use.”
If you are in support of HB 1282, contact your local representative or senator at (601) 359-3770. For a list of representatives and senators visit http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/.
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