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The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is the state agency responsible for hunting, fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation across Mississippi. This isn't a private business—it's where all Mississippi hunters and anglers get their licenses, permits, and regulatory guidance.

• •Hunting Licenses - Required for anyone born after January 1, 1972
• •Fishing Licenses - Purchase online or through authorized vendors
• •Boating Registration & Renewal - Mandatory for boat owners
• •Permits & Applications - Species-specific permits, WMA draw hunt applications
• •Vendor/Agent Locator - Find local retailers who sell MDWFP licenses

MDWFP manages hunting across multiple game species and regions:

• •Hunting Education Requirement: Anyone born after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course to legally hunt in Mississippi.

MDWFP operates over 50 Wildlife Management Areas across the state open to public hunting. Hunters can apply for WMA Draw Hunts on select properties. These areas provide public access to thousands of acres for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game hunting.

• •McIvor Shooting Facility
• •Turcotte Shooting Facility
• •McHenry Shooting Facility

These facilities host classes, competitions, and public shooting. Specific rules and regulations apply to each facility.

Freshwater Fishing Access: - 119 public lakes managed by MDWFP - Over 4,000 miles of streams - 282,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs - Public fishing ramps, piers, and bait shop directory

Fishing Resources: - Creel limits and size restrictions by lake - Fish identification guide for 39 common species - Lake depth maps and fishing reports - State fishing records database - Youth fishing rodeos program

• •Boating Requirements: Anyone born on or after June 30, 1980, must complete boating education to operate a boat on Mississippi public waterways.

Scholastic Shooting Programs: - AIMS (Archery in Mississippi Schools) - MSSP (Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program)

Youth Education: - Hunter education courses - Boater education - Youth fishing rodeos - Summer camps at Museum of Natural Science

• •Visitor Education Center at Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery features:
• •10,000-gallon aquarium with native habitats
• •Interactive exhibits and displays
• •World Record White Crappie on display
• •Guided and self-guided tours
• •Rodeo pond for youth fishing
• •Gift shop and gallery

• •Game Check System: Report white-tailed deer and wild turkey harvests using the MDWFP HuntFish App or online.

• •Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): MDWFP provides CWD information, collection location finder, and sample submission resources.

• •Private Lands Program: Assistance for landowners managing wildlife habitat and allowing public hunting access.

• •Nuisance Wildlife Management: Resources and tools for managing wildlife conflicts on private property.

• •Community Fishing Assistance: Urban lake and pond management to expand fishing access near residential areas.

• •Phone: (601) 432-2400
• •Address: 1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS 39211
• •License Questions: 1-800-5GO-HUNT

MDWFP produces: - Mississippi Outdoors Magazine - Mississippi Outdoors Television - Mississippi Outdoors Podcast - Mississippi Outdoor Digest

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is committed to conserving and enhancing Mississippi's wildlife, fisheries, and parks, providing quality outdoor recreation, and engaging the public in natural resource conservation.

1. Purchase a license online, through authorized vendors, or call 1-800-5GO-HUNT 2. Complete required education - Hunter ed or boater ed if applicable 3. Check current seasons and regulations - Visit MDWFP website for dates and bag limits 4. Find public hunting areas - Browse 50+ Wildlife Management Areas 5. Report your harvest - Use Game Check system for deer and turkey 6. Explore public waters - Fish 119 public lakes and 4,000+ stream miles

MDWFP is your central resource for all Mississippi hunting, fishing, boating, and outdoor regulations.