During the 2019–2020 hunting season, the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has collected more than 5,000 samples for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing across the state. However, sample numbers are lower than expected for counties in the North MS CWD Management Zone. Since October 2019, 25 CWD-positive deer have been detected from this zone.
To obtain additional samples, a 2-day February special season was established during the January meeting of the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
Special Season February 8–9, 2020 (Saturday and Sunday)
• All counties included in the North MS CWD Management Zone
• Mandatory CWD sample submission on day of harvest for all harvested deer
o Existing CWD drop-off freezers may be utilized
o 1 physical check station will be in each of the five (5) CWD-positive counties
• Legal weapons:
o Weapon of choice may be used on private lands.
o Primitive weapons may be used on Graham Lake, Hell Creek, Malmaison, O’Keefe, Tuscumbia Unit 1, Upper Sardis and Holly Springs National Forest.
o Muzzleloader/Youth Gun on Charles Ray Nix and Tuscumbia Unit 2
o No other WMAs are open for deer hunting during this season.
• Still hunting only on public and private lands
• Bag Limits (in addition to regular season): Private Lands, Upper Sardis WMA, and Holly Springs National Forest
• 2 bucks (1 buck per day and 1 may be sub-criteria)
o 5 does
Wildlife Management Areas
• 2 bucks (1 buck per day and both must meet antler criteria)
o 5 does
Further information will be available at physical check station locations and on the MDWFP website. For more information visit the website www.mdwfp.com or call (601) 432-2400.