The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.
(a) Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to § 32.37(g) for regulations.
(b) Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of migratory ducks, geese, mergansers, coot, rails, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) All hunters age 16 and older must possess a State-issued North Mississippi NWR hunting permit (code 606, available from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks). While hunting on the refuge, all persons age 15 and younger (“youth hunter”) must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter age 21 or older. A hunter supervising a youth hunter must hold all required licenses and permits.
(ii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge no later than 12 p.m. (noon).
(iii) We allow hunting of migratory game birds, including under the Light Goose Conservation Order, only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
(iv) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542). You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle so that the State-issued license number is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested, and if you harvest no game, report “0.” We prohibit hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report at a time.
(v) It is unlawful to hunt from or shoot into the 100-foot (30.5-meter) zone along either side of designated roads and parking lots.
(vi) We allow the use of dogs on the refuge when hunting migratory game birds.
(vii) You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, other personal property, and litter from the hunting area following each morning's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(viii) We allow no more than 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(ix) We allow the take of beavers, coyotes, nutria, and feral hog during daylight hours only during any open season with weapons and ammunition legal for that season.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), (v), and (ix) of this section apply.
(ii) All hunters using shotguns for small game must use approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), and (vi) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit dogs while hunting deer. We allow the use of dogs to hunt feral hog during designated hog seasons.
(iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
(iv) We prohibit hunting or shooting across any open, fallow, or planted field from ground level or on or across any public road, public highway, railroad, or their rights-of-way during all general gun and primitive weapon hunts.
(v) Hunters may erect portable deer stands 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge and must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by January 31.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices.
(ii) We allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices for recreational use only, and you must tag or mark them with waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag with your State fishing license number. You must attend these devices a minimum of once daily. If you are not going to attend these devices, you must remove them from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) We allow crawfishing.
(c) Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, merganser, coot, rail, snipe, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) All hunters age 16 and older must possess a North Mississippi NWR hunting permit (code 606, available from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks). While hunting on the refuge, all persons age 15 and younger (“youth hunter”) must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at age 21 or older (“licensed hunter”). A hunter supervising a youth hunter must hold all required licenses and permits.
(ii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset except during raccoon and frog hunts.
(iii) We allow hunting of waterfowl (ducks, teal, mergansers, coots, and geese), rail and snipe, including under the Light Goose Conservation Order, only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays ending at 12 p.m. (noon).
(iv) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542). You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle so that the State-issued license number is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested, and if you harvest no game, report “0.” We prohibit hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report at a time.
(v) It is unlawful to hunt from or shoot into the 100-foot (30.5-meter) zone along either side of designated roads and parking lots.
(vi) We allow the use of dogs on the refuge when hunting migratory game birds and upland game. We prohibit the use of dogs during big game hunts.
(vii) You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, other personal property, and litter from the hunting area following each morning's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(viii) We allow no more than 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(ix) We allow the take of coyote, beaver, nutria, and feral hog incidental to other lawful hunting using legal methods of take.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) You must possess a valid general Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383-G) to hunt raccoon on the refuge.
(ii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), and (ix) of this section apply.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), and (ix) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
(iii) We prohibit hunting or shooting across any open, fallow, or planted field.
(iv) We allow valid permit holders to possess and hunt from one portable stand or blind on the refuge. You must clearly label your stand or blind with your State license/sportsmen's identification number. Stands left in the area do not reserve the hunting locations. You may place stands up to 7 days prior to the hunt, and you must remove them within 7 days after the refuge's deer season closes (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit the placement of ground blinds within mowed trails.
(v) Hunters using a climbing tree stand must use a fall-arrest system manufactured to Treestand Manufacturer's Association standards.
(vi) We prohibit the use of buckshot on the refuge.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while fishing.
(ii) We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices.
(iii) We prohibit commercial fishing of any kind.
(iv) We only allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices and only for recreational use. You must tag or mark these devices with the angler's State fishing license number written with waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag. You must attend these devices a minimum of once every 24 hours. When not attended, you must remove these devices from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(v) We allow frogging and crawfishing.
(d) Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and dove (mourning and white-winged) on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Each hunter must possess and carry a signed copy of the refuge brochure while participating in refuge hunts.
(ii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested waterfowl from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iii) You must only use portable or temporary blinds.
(iv) We only allow the use of dogs when waterfowl hunting. We require all dogs to wear a collar displaying the owner's contact information.
(v) We allow incidental take of coyote and nutria during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel (gray and fox) and rabbit (cottontail and swamp), and incidental take of coyote and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (v) of this section apply.
(ii) We only allow .22 caliber rimfire rifles.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, and incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (v) of this section apply.
(ii) We only allow hunting with bow and arrow. We prohibit firearms.
(iii) We allow portable and climbing tree stands. Hunters must remove tree stands from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iv) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Anglers may enter the refuge no earlier than 30 minutes prior to sunrise and must leave the refuge no later than 30 minutes after legal sunset each day.
(ii) We prohibit fishing from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
(e) Hillside National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, coot, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Each person age 16 or older hunting or fishing must possess a valid Theodore Roosevelt Complex Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System).
(ii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be in the presence and direct supervision of a Mississippi licensed or exempt hunter, age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
(iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the State-issued license number is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
(iv) We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during the muzzleloader deer and limited draw turkey hunts.
(v) Valid permit holders may incidentally take opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria in any refuge hunt season with weapons legal for that hunt. Valid permit holders may incidentally take feral hog during deer and turkey hunts only.
(vi) We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30.5-meter) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, and trails, and around parking lots. It is considered hunting if you have a loaded weapon, if you have a nocked arrow while bow hunting, or if you are in an elevated tree stand or ground blind with a means to take, within these areas.
(vii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(viii) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
(ix) We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
(x) We do not open for early teal season.
(xi) We limit waterfowl hunters to 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow the use of dogs for hunting squirrel, raccoon, and quail, and for the February rabbit hunt.
(iii) Beginning the first day after the deer muzzleloader hunt, we prohibit entry into the Turkey Point area until March 1.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i) through (vi) and (e)(2)(iii) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.
(iii) Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields and tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 meters (m)) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
(iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) following the posted instructions.
(v) Hunters may possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter), with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply.
(vi) During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single projectile; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
(vii) Turkey hunting opportunities will consist of three limited draw hunts within the State season time frame. Limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System) assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt, you must return the permit with information concerning the hunt to the refuge. Failure to return this permit will disqualify the hunter for any limited hunts the next year.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (e)(1)(i), (iii), (iv), and (e)(2)(iii) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit trotlines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
(iii) We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
(iv) We allow fishing in the borrow ponds along the north levee throughout the year except during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
(v) We open all other refuge waters to fishing March 1 through November 15.
(f) Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge.
(1) [Reserved]
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Each person age 16 or older hunting or fishing must possess a valid Theodore Roosevelt Complex Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System)).
(ii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be in the presence and direct supervision of a Mississippi licensed or exempt hunter, age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
(iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
(iv) We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
(v) Valid permit holders may incidentally take opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria in any refuge hunt season with weapons legal for that hunt. Valid permit holders may incidentally take feral hog during deer hunts only.
(vi) We allow the use of dogs for hunting during the February rabbit hunt.
(vii) We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30.5-meter (m)) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, and trails, and around parking lots. It is considered hunting if you have a loaded weapon, if you have a nocked arrow while bow hunting, or if you are in an elevated tree stand or ground blind with a means to take, within these areas.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(2)(i) through (iii), (v), and (vii) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.
(iii) Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
(iv) Hunters may possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter), with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply.
(v) During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single projectile; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
(4) [Reserved]
(g) Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Each person age 16 or older who is hunting or fishing must possess a valid Theodore Roosevelt Complex Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System).
(ii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be in the presence and direct supervision of a Mississippi licensed or exempt hunter, age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
(iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
(iv) Valid permit holders may incidentally take opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria in any refuge hunt season with weapons legal for that hunt. Valid permit holders may incidentally take feral hog during deer hunts only.
(v) We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30.5 meter (m)) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, and trails, and around parking lots. It is considered hunting if you have a loaded weapon, if you have a nocked arrow while bow hunting, or if you are in an elevated tree stand or ground blind with a means to take, within these areas.
(vi) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, boats, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(vii) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
(viii) We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
(ix) We do not open for early teal season.
(x) We allow hunting during open State seasons. The first 2 days of the season and all weekends, with the exception of youth weekends, are limited draw hunts. These hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Refuge System) assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt, you must return the permit with information concerning your hunt. If you fail to return this permit, you will not be eligible for any limited hunts the next year.
(xi) We limit waterfowl hunters to 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (v) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow the use of dogs for hunting squirrel and raccoon, and for the February rabbit hunt.
(iii) Beginning the day before waterfowl season, we restrict hunting to the waterfowl hunt area.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (v) and (g)(2)(iii) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.
(iii) Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
(iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station dates, locations, and requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station following the posted instructions.
(v) Hunters may possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter), with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply.
(vi) We allow archery hunting October 1 through January 31.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (iii) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit trotlines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
(iii) We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
(iv) We open refuge waters to fishing throughout the year, except in the waterfowl sanctuary, which is closed one day prior to the beginning of waterfowl season until March 1.
(h) Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Each person age 16 or older who is hunting or fishing must possess a valid Theodore Roosevelt Complex Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System).
(ii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be in the presence and direct supervision of a Mississippi licensed or exempt hunter, age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
(iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
(iv) We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
(v) Valid permit holders may incidentally take opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria in any refuge hunt season with weapons legal for that hunt. Valid permit holders may incidentally take feral hog during deer hunts only.
(vi) We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30.5-meter (m)) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, and trails, and around parking lots. It is considered hunting if you have a loaded weapon, if you have a nocked arrow while bow hunting, or if you are in an elevated tree stand or ground blind with a means to take, within these areas.
(vii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(viii) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
(ix) We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
(x) We do not open for early teal season.
(xi) We limit waterfowl hunters to 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow the use of dogs for hunting squirrel, quail, and raccoon, and for the February rabbit hunt.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.
(iii) Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
(iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) following the posted instructions.
(v) Hunters may possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter), with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply.
(vi) During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single projectile; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (h)(1)(i), (iii), and (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit trotlines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
(iii) We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
(iv) We open refuge waters to fishing March 1 through November 15, except Providence Ponds, which are closed 1 day prior to the beginning of waterfowl season until March 1.
(i) Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, coot, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following regulations:
(i) Each person age 16 or older who is hunting or fishing must possess a valid Theodore Roosevelt Complex Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System).
(ii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be in the presence and direct supervision of a Mississippi licensed or exempt hunter, age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
(iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
(iv) We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all limited draw hunts.
(v) Valid permit holders may incidentally take opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria in any refuge hunt season with weapons legal for that hunt. Valid permit holders may incidentally take feral hog during deer and turkey hunts only.
(vi) We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-meter (m)) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, and trails, and around parking lots. It is considered hunting if you have a loaded weapon, if you have a nocked arrow while bow hunting, or if you are in an elevated tree stand or ground blind with a means to take, within these areas.
(vii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(viii) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
(ix) We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
(x) Beginning December 15 through March 1, we prohibit all entry into the Lower Twist and Carter Ponds area.
(xi) During the State waterfowl season (except early teal season), waterfowl hunting in Unit 1 will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Waterfowl hunting in Unit 2 will be on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (see refuge brochure for details).
(xii) We limit waterfowl hunters to 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (vi) and (x) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow the use of dogs for hunting squirrel, quail, and raccoon, and for the February rabbit hunt.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i) through (vi) and (x) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.
(iii) Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
(iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) following the posted instructions.
(v) Hunters may possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter), with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply.
(vi) During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single projectile; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
(vii) We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and archery equipment for turkey hunting.
(viii) Limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System) assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt, you must return the permit with information concerning the hunt to the refuge. Failure to return this permit will disqualify the hunter for any limited hunts the next year.
(ix) We hold limited draw hunts for persons with disabilities in November, December, and/or January. We will make hunt dates and permit application procedures (electronic form) available at the Theodore Roosevelt Complex headquarters.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(1)(i), (iii), (iv), and (x) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit trotlines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
(iii) We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
(j) Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, light and dark goose, merganser, woodcock, crow, gallinule (purple and common), snipe, and coot on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Hunters and anglers must purchase a North Mississippi Refuge Complex Hunting/Fishing Permit (#606), available from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).
(ii) Youth hunters age 15 and younger and hunters age 65 and older are not required to obtain a North Mississippi Refuge Complex Hunting/Fishing Permit (#606).
(iii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested game from the refuge by 1 p.m. each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(iv) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset, except during raccoon hunts. Waterfowl hunters must exit the refuge no later than 1 p.m.
(v) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542). Hunters must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of the vehicle. Prior to leaving the refuge, hunters must complete the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Hunters must include all game harvested and if you harvest no game, report “0”. We prohibit hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report at a time.
(vi) We limit waterfowl hunters to 25 shotshells per person.
(vii) Hunters must remove all personal property at the end of each day's hunt from the Noxubee Wilderness Area (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter). Outside the Noxubee Wilderness Area, hunters may leave tree stands labeled with the hunter's State hunting license number used for deer hunting.
(viii) We allow hunting of waterfowl (duck, light and dark goose, merganser, coot, and gallinule) during State seasons, including the State Light Goose Conservation Order, only on Wednesday and Saturdays ending at 12 p.m.
(ix) We allow the use of dogs for retrieval of migratory and upland game only.
(x) We allow incidental take of coyote, beaver, nutria, skunk, fox, and feral hog during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, subject to applicable State seasons and regulations.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, opossum, and raccoon, and incidental take of coyote, fox, skunk, beaver, and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vii), (ix), and (x) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow raccoon and opossum hunting between the hours of legal sunset and legal sunrise.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer turkey, and incidental take of feral hog, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (j)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), (vii), and (x) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit the use of buckshot on the refuge.
(iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
(iv) You may place one portable tree stand or ground blind for deer hunting on the refuge only during the open deer season. You must clearly label the stand or blind with your State hunting license number.
(v) While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or hunting from a tree stand on the refuge, you must use a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to the Treestand Manufacturer's Association standards.
(vi) Hunters may place deer stands on the refuge 7 days prior to the hunt, and hunters must remove deer stands no more than 7 days after the refuge's deer season closes (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The general sport fishing, boating, and bow fishing season extends from March 1 through October 31, except that we open the shoreline of Bluff Lake from the Bluff Lake Boardwalk to the visitor center, the entire Noxubee River, and all borrow pit areas along Highway 25 to fishing year-round.
(ii) The condition set forth at paragraph (j)(1)(i) of this section applies.
(iii) Anglers must keep boat travel at idle speed, and they must not create a wake when moving.
(iv) When left unattended, anglers must tag fishing gear with their State fishing license number. Anglers must check all gear within 24 hours each day or remove these devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(v) We allow trotlining on the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(A) Anglers must label each end of the trotline floats with the owner's State fishing license number.
(B) We limit trotlines to one line per person, and we allow no more than two trotlines per boat.
(C) Anglers must tend all trotlines every 24 hours, and must remove them when not in use (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(D) Trotlines must possess at least 6-inch (15.2-centimeter) cotton string leads.
(vi) We allow jug fishing on the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(A) Anglers must label each jug with their State fishing license number.
(B) Anglers must check all jugs every 24 hours, and must remove them when not in use (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(vii) We prohibit bow fishing after legal sunset.
(viii) We prohibit fishing tournaments on all refuge waters.
(ix) We prohibit the taking of frogs, turtles, and crawfish (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
(x) We prohibit using nets of any type to capture free-roaming fish or wildlife. You may use a fishing net to recover fish caught by hook and line.
(xi) Outside the Noxubee Wilderness Area, anglers may leave trotlines and jugs used for fishing overnight if they are labeled with the angler's State fishing license number.
(k) St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow hunting on Butler Lake, Salt Lake, and Gillard Lake from 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
(ii) We require that all hunters and anglers age 16 and older purchase an Annual Public Use Permit (electronic form). We require the refuge user to sign, certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations, and carry this permit at all times while on the refuge.
(iii) Hunters must remove harvested waterfowl, temporary blinds, and decoys used for duck hunting by 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(iv) We allow only portable blinds.
(v) Hunters only may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge by 2 hours after legal sunset.
(vi) We allow no more than 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(vii) We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 meters) of any petroleum facility or equipment, or refuge residences and buildings.
(viii) We prohibit the use of handguns for hunting on the refuge.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver, nutria, and coyote in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We only allow hunting shotguns, .22 caliber rimfire rifles or smaller, and muzzle-loading rifles under .38 caliber shooting patched round balls. We prohibit the possession of hunting with slugs, buckshot, or rifle hunting ammunition larger than .22 rimfire.
(ii) You must wear a hunter-orange hat and upper garment when hunting in open fields or reforested areas.
(iii) We allow raccoon hunting only during the month of February from legal sunset to legal sunrise with the following conditions:
(A) We require the use of dogs.
(B) You may use only .22 caliber rimfire rifles for hunting.
(iv) We allow the incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote when hunting migratory birds, upland game, big game species with firearms and archery equipment authorized for use.
(v) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (k)(1)(ii) and (iv) through (vii) of this section apply.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of deer, lottery youth turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow only still hunting.
(ii) Hunters may take only one deer per day.
(iii) You must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,226 square centimeters) of unbroken hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back, and a hat or cap of unbroken hunter orange. You must wear the solid-hunter-orange items while in the field.
(iv) While hunting, all persons age 16 and younger must be in the presence and under direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter age 21 or older.
(v) Youth gun hunts (ages 10 to 15) for deer and waterfowl will coincide with designated State youth hunts each year. Youth deer hunters may use any weapon deemed legal by the State except for buckshot, which we prohibit.
(vi) You may place stands up to 2 days prior to established hunting season dates, and you must remove them no more than 2 days after the hunting season closes (see § 27.93 of this chapter). You must mark your stand with your State hunting license identification number. We allow each hunter one portable stand or blind on the refuge.
(vii) Refuge users must check all deer (name) taken prior to leaving the refuge at one of the self-clearing check stations indicated on the map in the refuge public use brochure.
(viii) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (k)(1)(ii) and (iv) through (vii) and (k)(2)(iv) of this section apply.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We allow sport fishing from February 1 through November 15. On those days, you may fish from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset only.
(ii) On the Sibley Unit, we prohibit motorized boats north of the Ring Levee. Anglers may hand-launch boats in Swamp Lake during nonflood conditions.
(iii) An adult age 21 or older must supervise youth age 15 and younger who may fish in the Kid's Pond. We prohibit adults from fishing in this pond.
(iv) We allow bow fishing.
(v) We prohibit taking alligator gar.
(vi) We prohibit crawfishing.
(vii) We prohibit commercial fishing.
(viii) We prohibit possession of trotline equipment, including limb lines, nets, traps, yo-yos, and/or jugs.
(ix) The condition set forth at paragraph (k)(1)(ii) of this section applies.
(l) Tallahatchie River National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, geese, merganser, coot, rail, snipe, woodcock, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) All hunters age 16 and older must possess a North Mississippi NWR hunting permit (code 606, available from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks). While hunting on the refuge, all persons age 15 and younger (“youth hunter”) must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter age 21 or older. A hunter supervising a youth hunter must hold all required licenses and permits.
(ii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset except during raccoon and frog hunts.
(iii) We allow hunting of waterfowl (ducks, teal, mergansers, coot, and geese), rail, and snipe, including under the Light Goose Conservation Order, only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays ending at 12 p.m. (noon).
(iv) Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2542). You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle so that the State-issued license number is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested, and if you harvest no game, report “0.” We prohibit hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report at a time.
(v) It is unlawful to hunt from or shoot into the 100-foot (30.5-meter) zone along either side of designated roads and parking lots.
(vi) We allow the use of dogs on the refuge when hunting migratory game birds and upland game. We prohibit the use of dogs during big game hunts.
(vii) You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, other personal property, and litter from the hunting area following each morning's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
(viii) We allow no more than 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(ix) We allow the take of beavers, coyotes, nutria, and feral hogs during daylight hours only during any open season with weapons and ammunition legal for that season.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, nutria and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (ii), (iv), (v), and (ix) of this section apply.
(ii) All hunters using shotguns for small game must use approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (l)(1)(i), (ii), and (iv) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit dogs while hunting deer. We allow the use of dogs to hunt feral hog during designated hog seasons.
(iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
(iv) We prohibit hunting or shooting across any open, fallow, or planted field.
(v) We allow valid permit holders to possess and hunt from one portable stand or blind on the refuge. You must permanently and legibly write your State hunting license number on all stands on the refuge. Stands left on the area do not reserve the hunting locations. You may place stands up to 7 days prior to the hunt, and you must remove them no more than 7 days after the refuge's deer season closes (see § 27.93 of this chapter). Ground blinds may not be placed within mowed trails.
(vi) Hunters using climbing tree stands must use a fall-arrest system manufactured to Treestand Manufacturer's Association standards.
(vii) We prohibit the use of buckshot on the refuge.
(4) Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while fishing.
(ii) We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices.
(iii) We prohibit commercial fishing of any kind.
(iv) We only allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices for recreational use. You must tag or mark these devices with the angler's State fishing license number written in waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag. You must attend these devices a minimum of once every 24 hours. When not attended, you must remove them from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(v) We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
(vi) We allow frogging and crawfishing.
(m) Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge -
(1) Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, merganser, coot, and dove on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) Each person age 16 or older who is hunting or fishing must possess a valid Theodore Roosevelt Complex Annual Public Use Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System).
(ii) All youth hunters age 15 and younger must be in the presence and direct supervision of a Mississippi licensed or exempt hunter, age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
(iii) Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their Daily Visitor Information/Harvest Report Card (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. You must return all cards upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
(iv) We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all limited draw hunts.
(v) Valid permit holders may incidentally take opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria in any refuge hunt season with weapons legal for that hunt. Valid permit holders may incidentally take feral hog during deer hunts only.
(vi) We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30.5-meter (m)) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, and trails, and around parking lots. It is considered hunting if you have a loaded weapon, if you have a nocked arrow while bow hunting, or if you are in an elevated tree stand or ground blind with a means to take, within these areas.
(vii) Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
(viii) We allow the use of dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
(ix) We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning 1⁄2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
(x) We limit waterfowl hunters to 25 shotshells per person in the field.
(xi) Limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System) assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt, you must return the permit with information concerning that hunt to the refuge. Failure to return this permit will disqualify the hunter for any limited hunts the next year.
(2) Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section apply.
(ii) We allow the use of dogs for hunting squirrel and raccoon, and for the February rabbit hunt.
(iii) We allow rabbit hunting on the Brown Tract of Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge that is managed by Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.
(3) Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (m)(1)(i) through (vi) and (xi) of this section apply.
(ii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a “drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.
(iii) Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 m) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
(iv) The refuge brochure provides deer check station locations and requirements. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station (Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2542) following the posted instructions.
(v) Hunters may possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Hunters may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt, and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter), with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply.
(vi) During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single projectile; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
(vii) Limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application - National Wildlife Refuge System) assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt, you must return the permit with information concerning the hunt to the refuge. Failure to return this permit will disqualify the hunter for any limited hunts the next year.
(viii) We allow white-tailed deer hunting on the Brown Tract of Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge that is managed by Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge.
(4) [Reserved]
[84 FR 47675, Sept. 10, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 54120, Aug. 31, 2020; 86 FR 48868, Aug. 31, 2021]