WILDLIFE AND FISHING

Mississippi Delta lands host the 58,000 acre Delta National Forest at the southern end of the delta. It offers unparalleled hunting for deer, waterfowl, turkey, quail and doves. Fishing in this region is superb. The cypress timber is impressive and mallards, gadwalls and wood ducks rest in the swamps by the thousands.

Whitetail deer is without a doubt the most popular big game animal in Mississippi. With an estimated deer population of over 2 million, sportsmen enjoy one of the most generous bag limits in the nation; up to five does and three bucks per season.. Two additional does may be taken with a bow and arrow at any time during the legal season and do not count against the daily bag limit nor the license year bag limit. On average, sportsmen harvest approximately 275,000 deer per year, many of which scores prominently with established trophy organizations

The state's mild climate and geographical range promotes a staggered period of primary and secondary rut. The rutting periods occur between the end on November and the end of January.

License Requirements

All persons born on or after January 1, 1972 must satisfactorily complete a hunter education course approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks before procuring a Mississippi hunting license. For more information about acquiring a hunting license call 1-800-ASK FISH.

Resident: Each resident of Mississippi between the ages of 16 and 65 must obtain a hunting license, except while hunting on lands titled in his name. Any person over 65 or any person otherwise exempted from obtaining a license must have documentation with him at all times while hunting.

Non-resident: Hunters are required to obtain a hunting license while hunting in Mississippi except minors under the age of 16.

Federal Waterfowl Stamp: All persons hunting waterfowl must have a current and signed Federal Migratory Bird Stamp (Duck Stamp) in their possession in addition to appropriate state licenses and State Duck Stamp.

Archery, primitive weapon and conventional gun seasons run from the first of October through the end of January.

Where to Fish and Hunt

Rose Hill Plantation

Rose Hill is situated on and near the Big Black and the Yazoo Rivers, with 8500+ acres of rolling hills and delta bottoms. Three lakes with 93 acres of intensively managed water. The north Lake is favorite of fishermen. Natural springs provide fresh water year round to maintain the fresh taste of our fish. South Lake was restocked in 1987 and holds the heaviest largemouth bass of all our lakes. The Duck Pond is our Florida bass pond. It was built in 1992 and encompasses 15 acres. The fertility program has yielded great results with largemouths weighing up to 8 lbs. There are fully guided trips including lodging, guide, luxury meals, boat, ice, soft drinks, fish cleaning,/packaging. Trophy Archery Whitetail Hunts:  Our low hunter/guide ratio with courteous, knowledgeable guides for 4-5 hunters insures that our game is not over-hunted. We offer 4 day hunts which include lodging, meals, stands, guide, transportation for hunts, game cleaning/packaging are provided. World record bucks! The New Buckmaster World Record Non-Typical -1996. We have managed our herd since 1984 to increase its trophy potential. Antler characteristics include heavy mass palmation, and non-typical points. We expect our 3.5 year old bucks to carry 16"-17" racks. 601-755-8383
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
Holmes and Yazoo Counties. Nearest towns: Eden, Thornton and Tchula. 15,400 acres. Game hunted: deer, dove, duck, squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, quail, opossum. Refuge Office; Rt. 1, Box 286, Hollandale, Ms 38748, 601-839-2638.
   Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge  in Yazoo County. Nearest towns: Holly Bluff and Yazoo City. 22,000 acres. Game hunted: deer, dove, turkey, duck, squirrel, raccoon, opossum, beaver. Refuge Office: Rt. 1, Box 286, Hollandale, Ms 38748 601 839-2638.
Panther Tract, Inc.
Dove and duck hunting. Located near Yazoo City. Both natural wetlands and managed impoundments, occupying over 4,000 acres on the Mississippi Flyway provide refuge for ducks by the thousands . Heated pit and bank blinds are warm shelter for the discerning hunter. Dove are hunted over sunflower and wheat fields starting in September. Along with guided hunts, the Panther Tract experience includes incomparable meals and a stay in the Delta's finest and most comfortable commercial hunting facility. Accommodating up to 20 people, it is a perfect place for entertaining irreplaceable clients and enjoying special friends. The 4,000 sq. ft. lodge includes two fireplaces, separate dining and lounge areas, screened porches, as well as an extensive wildlife library in print and VCR. Additional outdoor activities include sporting clays and catfish, bass and crappie fishing. Riverboat gambling is less than an hour away. Located adjacent to Panther Swamp Refuge, Panther Tract also offers adventures for hikers, canoeist, photographers, and nature enthusiast's. Call (601) 378-4750 to book your hunt.

Reece's Deer Farm
Reece's Deer farm is located 50 miles north of Jackson, MS. in the heart of some of the most fertile land in Mississippi. During the 1999-2000 year hunting season, the farm will offer for the first time, 12 hunters the opportunity to hunt the majestic Whitetail in the heart of some of the finest hunting lands Mississippi has to offer.  The farm offers personal guides with over 60 years hunting experience and the dedication one deserves on a Whitetail hunt.  The hunts are fully guided with personal one-on-one attention to each hunter.
   Reece's Deer Farm has been under intensive game management for the past six years. Hunting has been kept to a minimum to preserve the quality of the herd. The hunts are held in 200 to 1750 acre blocks (totaling approximately 3400 acres) of mixed timber, pine, and cut-over offering the food, cover, and water needed to produce quality whitetails.
    Visit the farm's website:  http://www.dixie-net-com/larryr/drfm.html

Wolf Lake and Broad Lake

This is the Mississippi Delta's best kept secret. Incredible fishing and glass-like conditions for skiing, 8 miles northwest of Yazoo City. Sally's Grocery, located on the lake, has a public boat ramp, bait, and access area. Various fishing tournaments are held here during the height of crappie and white perch season. Giant Bald Eagles migrate here to nest in the huge cypress trees all along the lake during the winter months. Contact: Sally, Hwy. 49W, Yazoo City, Ms 39194, 601 746-5999

Dump Lake: 18 miles southwest of Yazoo City on Hwy. 3.

Lake George: 14 miles Southwest of Yazoo City, between Holly Bluff and Satartia. 8,000 acres. Game hunted: rabbit, dove, waterfowl. Area Biologist: PO. Box 378, Redwood, Ms 39156