The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
Refer to Sec. 32.37 Louisiana for regulations.
Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory waterfowl, coot, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must comply with all State hunter education requirements. All hunters age 16 years and older must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunting permit (signed brochure). All persons younger than age 16, while hunting on the refuge, must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least age 21, when hunting. A licensed hunter supervising a youth as provided in this section must hold all required licenses and permits.
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. We allow hunting of migratory game birds, including the Light Goose Conservation Order, on Wednesday, Saturdays, and Sundays from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise and ending at 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters must remove all decoys, blind materials (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
4. Each hunter must obtain a daily Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) available at each refuge information station and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle so that the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card/form and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested; if you harvested no game, report ``0''. Hunters may possess only one Harvest Report Card at a time.
5. We close certain areas of the refuge for sanctuary or administrative purposes. We will mark such areas with ``No Hunting'' or ``Area Closed'' signs.
6. During the refuge deer firearm season, including primitive weapons hunt and the youth gun hunt, all hunters and visitors on the refuge, except waterfowl hunters and nighttime raccoon hunters, must wear in full view a minimum of 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of solid, unbroken fluorescent orange. When hunting quail or rabbit on a refuge outside the refuge's general gun and primitive weapon season, hunters must wear a fluorescent orange vest or cap.
7. We allow dogs on the refuge only when specifically authorized for hunting. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded waterfowl. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
8. You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, other personal property, and litter (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the hunting area following each morning's hunt. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
9. We prohibit ATVs/UTVs (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
10. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
11. We prohibit all commercial activities, including guiding or participating in a paid guided hunt.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, nutria, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4 (substitute Upland/Small Game/Furbearer Report [FWS Form 3-2362] for Migratory Bird Hunt Report), A5, A7, A10, and A11 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to 2 hours before legal sunrise and to 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours. We may make exceptions for raccoon hunters possessing a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383). Contact the refuge office for details.
3. When hunting, we allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), .17 or .22-caliber rimfire rifles, or archery equipment without broadheads.
4. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open-refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm \2\) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent-orange-colored material above the waistline.
5. We allow dogs on the refuge only when specifically authorized for hunting. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter). Consult the refuge hunting brochure for specific seasons.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A2, A4 (substitute Big Game Harvest Report [FWS Form 3-2359] for Migratory Bird Hunt Report), A5, A7, A11, and B4 apply.
2. We prohibit dogs while hunting deer. Hunters may only use dogs to hunt hog during designated hog seasons.
3. We prohibit use or possession of any drug or device for employing such drug for hunting (see Sec. 32.2(g)).
4. We prohibit drives for deer.
5. 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.
6. Hunters may erect portable deer stands 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge and must remove them (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) by January 31. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition A11 applies.
2. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge fishing permit (name and address) certifying that they understand and will comply with all regulations.
3. We allow fishing in bar pits along the Corps of Engineers levee only.
4. We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices and commercial fishing of any kind.
5. 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 full name and full residence address, including zip code. 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.
6. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
7. We allow crawfishing.
8. We allow taking of frogs by Special Use Permit only.
Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory waterfowl, coot, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must comply with all State hunter education requirements. All hunters age 16 years and older must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunting permit (signed brochure). All persons younger than age 16, while hunting on the refuge, must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least age 21, when hunting. A licensed hunter supervising a youth as provided in this section must hold all required licenses and permits.
2. All users may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. We allow hunting of migratory game birds, including the Light Goose Conservation Order, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1-2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
4. Each hunter must obtain a Harvest Report Card (OMB 1018-0140) available at each refuge information station and follow the printed instructions on the card. Hunters must place the card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the hunter information stations. Include all game harvested, and if there is none, report ``0''. We prohibit hunters possessing more than one Harvest Report Card at a time.
5. We may close certain areas of the refuge for sanctuary or administrative purposes. We will mark such areas with ``No Hunting'' or ``Area Closed'' signs.
6. We restrict motor vehicle use to roads designated as vehicle access roads on the refuge map (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
7. During any open refuge hunting season, all hunters, or persons on the refuge for any reason, must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline. Waterfowl hunters must comply while walking/boating to and from actual hunting area. Waterfowl hunters may remove the fluorescent orange while actually hunting.
8. We only allow dogs on the refuge when specifically authorized for hunting. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded waterfowl. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
9. You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, other personal property, and litter (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the hunting area following each morning's hunt. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
10. We prohibit ATVs (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
11. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
12. We prohibit all commercial activities, including guiding or participating in a paid guided hunt.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon (raccoon by General Special Use Application and Permit [FWS Form 3-1383-G] only) on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A7, A8, A11, and A12 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours. We establish special provisions for raccoon hunting; contact the refuge office for details.
3. You may possess shotguns with approved nontoxic shotgun shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), .17, .22, .22-magnum rifles, and legal archery equipment.
4. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline.
5. We allow use of dogs, but they must remain under the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A8, A11, and A12 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline. We do not require this for turkey hunting.
4. We prohibit dogs for any big game hunt.
5. We prohibit use or possession of any drug or device for employing such drug for hunting (see Sec. 32.2(g)).
6. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
7. 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 right-of-way during all general gun and primitive weapon hunts.
8. You may erect portable deer stands (see Sec. 32.2(i)) 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must remove them by January 31 (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit hunters leaving their stands in the tree at the end of each hunting day. Hunters who wish to leave a stand on the refuge must chain the stand to the base of the tree and label it with the hunter's name and phone number legibly written on or attached to the stand. This does not reserve the site for their exclusive use. All hunting sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. We may confiscate and dispose of deer stands not in compliance with these regulations.
9. Hunters using a climbing tree stand must use a fall-arrest system manufactured to Treestand Manufacturers Association standards.
10. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers. We prohibit nailing deer stands and/or steps to trees and attaching any blind or stand to a tree by any metal object driven, screwed, or otherwise inserted into the tree (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition A12 applies.
2. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge fishing permit (name and address) certifying that they understand and will comply with all regulations.
3. We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices and commercial fishing of any kind.
4. We allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices for recreational use only. You must tag or mark these devices with your full name, full residence address including zip code, written with waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag. You must attend these devices a minimum of once a day. If you do not attend these devices (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), you must remove them from the refuge.
5. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
6. We allow crawfishing.
7. We only allow the taking of frog by Special Use Permit.
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Hunters may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
2. You must only use portable or temporary blinds.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) while hunting waterfowl in the field.
4. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal hunting activities.
5. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles on all refuge hunts.
6. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
7. We prohibit mules and horses on refuge hunts.
8. We allow retrievers for waterfowl hunting. We require all dogs to wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
9. You must unload and case or dismantle firearms (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) before transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the refuge.
10. Each hunter must possess and carry a current, signed copy of the refuge hunting permit while participating in refuge hunts.
11. Youth hunters under age 16 must possess and carry a State-approved hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. An adult may supervise no more than two youths during small game hunts and one youth during big game hunts.
12. We prohibit the use of airboats, mudboats, motorized pirogues, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A4 through A7 and A10 through A12 apply.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)). All shotgun ammunition must meet legal shot-size requirements. We only allow .22 caliber rimfire.
3. We prohibit the possession of dogs for squirrel hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A4 through A7 and A9 through A12 apply.
2. We only allow hunting with bow and arrow. We prohibit the use of poisonous arrows (see Sec. 32.2(g)). We prohibit firearms.
3. We prohibit the use or construction of any permanent tree stand. We allow portable and climbing stands, but you must remove them from the tree when not in use or they will be subject to confiscation (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit hunting by organized deer drives of two or more hunters. We define ``drive'' as the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as to make the animals more susceptible to harvest.
5. We prohibit hunting with the aid of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
6. We prohibit the use of dogs to hunt deer and feral hog.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, coot, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Each person age 16 and older hunting or fishing must possess a valid T R Complex Annual Public Use Permit card (name/address/phone number).
2. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate and 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.
3. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information/Harvest Report Card (Big Game Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2359) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. All cards must be returned upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
6. It is unlawful to throw, dump, dispose of, or intentionally leave any fish or wildlife, wildlife parts, or waste on the refuge. You must remove all parts from the refuge with the exception of field dressing.
7. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging tape.
8. Vehicles must be parked in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or fire lanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
10. For hunting, you may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
11. With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
12. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits, management may issue duplicates at their discretion, and we may charge a fee.
13. Valid permit holders may take the following in season incidental to other refuge hunts with weapons legal for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, nutria, and feral hog.
14. We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 28. We prohibit horses and mules.
15. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)). We prohibit the possession, direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid or other feed substance to attract game.
16. 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, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). 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.
17. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
18. We allow dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
19. We allow goose, duck, merganser and coot hunting beginning \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
20. There is no early teal season.
21. We allow dove hunting on specified dates and areas within the first and second State seasons. The first two Saturdays of the first season require a Limited Hunt Permit (name/address/phone number) 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. Contact the refuge headquarters for specific dates and open areas.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
2. We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for small game hunting.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and quail, and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. All hunters must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas during any firearm deer season (State and/or refuge) and while rabbit hunting.
5. Beginning the first day after the deer muzzleloader hunt, we prohibit entry into the Turkey Point area until March 1.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16, and B4 through B5 apply.
2. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
3. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields and tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.
4. Deer check station dates, locations, and requirements are designated in the refuge brochure. Prior to leaving the Refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station following the posted instructions.
5. 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 with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply (see brochure).
6. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
7. Turkey hunting opportunities will consist of three limited draw hunts within the State season time frame. These hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (Big/Upland Game Hunt Application Permit, FWS Form 3-2356) 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. Contact refuge headquarters for specific requirements, hunts, and application dates.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 and B5 apply.
2. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
3. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
4. We allow fishing in the borrow ponds along the north levee (see refuge brochure map) throughout the year except during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
5. We open all other refuge waters to fishing March 1 through November 15.
6. We prohibit fishing from bridges.
Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of rabbit and furbearers on designated areas in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Each person age 16 and older hunting or fishing must possess a valid T R Complex Annual Public Use Permit (name/address/phone number).
2. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a Hunter Safety Course Card or certificate and 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.
3. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information/Harvest Report Card (Big Game Harvest Report--FWS Form 3-2359) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. All cards must be returned upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
6. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging tape.
7. Vehicles should be parked in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or fire lanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all limited draw hunts.
9. Valid permit holders may take the following in season as incidental to other refuge hunts with weapons legal for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, nutria, and feral hog.
10. We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for small game hunting.
11. We allow rabbit hunting with dogs in February.
12. During the rabbit hunt, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
13. With the exception of raccoon hunting, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
14. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility-type vehicles (UTVs), horses, and mules on the refuge.
15. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)). We prohibit the possession, direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
16. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits (FWS Form 1383), management may issue duplicates at their discretion, and may charge a fee.
17. It is unlawful to throw, dump, dispose of, or intentionally leave any fish or wildlife, wildlife parts, or waste on the refuge. You must remove all parts from the refuge with the exception of field dressing.
18. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during muzzleloader deer hunts.
19. 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, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). 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.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B1 through B7, B9, and B13 through B19 apply.
2. All hunters must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8square centimeters) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas during any firearm deer season (State and/or refuge).
3. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
4. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.
5. Deer check station dates, locations, and requirements are designated in the refuge brochure. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station following the posted instructions.
6. 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 with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply (see brochure).
7. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Each person age 16 and older hunting or fishing must possess a valid T R Complex Annual Public Use Permit (name/address/phone number).
2. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate and 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.
3. Before hunting and fishing, all participants must display their User Information/Harvest Report Card (Big Game Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2359) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. All cards must be returned upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
6. It is unlawful to throw, dump, dispose of, or intentionally leave any fish or wildlife, wildlife parts, or waste on the refuge. You must remove all parts from the refuge with the exception of field dressing.
7. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging tape.
8. Vehicles should be parked in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. For hunting, you may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
10. With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1 \1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
11. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits (name/address/phone number), management may issue duplicates at their discretion, and the hunter may incur a fee.
12. Valid permit holders may take the following in season incidental to other refuge hunts with weapons legal for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, nutria, and feral hog.
13. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility-type vehicles (UTVs), horses, and mules on the refuge.
14. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)). We prohibit the possession, direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
15. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30.5m) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). 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.
16. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), boats, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
17. We allow dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
18. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
19. There is no early teal season.
20. We allow hunting during open State season. 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 (name/address/phone number) 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. Contact refuge headquarters for specific requirements, hunts, and application dates.
21. Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending the last day of duck season, we close refuge waters to all public use from 1 p.m. until 4 a.m.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon on designated areas in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15 and A21 apply.
2. We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for small game hunting.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. All hunters must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas during any firearm deer season (State and/or refuge) and while rabbit hunting.
5. Beginning the day before waterfowl season, we restrict hunting to the waterfowl hunt area (see refuge brochure map).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15, A21, B4, and B5 apply.
2. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
3. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.
4. Deer check station dates, locations, and requirements are designated in the refuge brochure. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station following the posted instructions.
5. Hunters may possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. A hunter may place a deer stand or blind 48 hours prior to a hunt and must remove it within 48 hours after each designated hunt with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply (see brochure).
6. We allow archery hunting October 1 through January 31.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A15, and A21 apply.
2. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
3. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
4. We allow fishing in all refuge waters throughout the year, except in the waterfowl sanctuary, which we close to fishing from the first day of duck season through March 1 (see refuge brochure map).
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Each person age 16 and older hunting or fishing must possess a valid T R Complex Annual Public Use Permit (name/address/phone number).
2. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a Hunter Safety Course Card or certificate and 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.
3. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information/Harvest Report Card (Big Game Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2359) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. All cards must be returned upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
6. It is unlawful to throw, dump, dispose of, or intentionally leave any fish or wildlife, wildlife parts, or waste on the refuge. You must remove all parts from the refuge with the exception of field dressing.
7. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging tape.
8. Vehicles should be parked in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or fire lanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
10. For hunting, you may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
11. With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1 \1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
12. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits (name/address/phone number), management may issue duplicates at their discretion, and the hunter may incur a fee.
13. Valid permit holders may take the following in season incidental to other refuge hunts with weapons legal for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, nutria and feral hog.
14. We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 28. We prohibit horses and mules.
15. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)). We prohibit the possession, direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
16. 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, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). 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.
17. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
18. We allow dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
19. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning 1-2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
20. There is no early teal season.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
2. We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for small game hunting.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. All hunters must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas during any firearm deer season (State and/or refuge) and while rabbit hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 and B4 apply.
2. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
3. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.
4. Deer check station dates, locations, and requirements are designated in the refuge brochure. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station following the posted instructions.
5. 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 with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply (see brochure).
6. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
2. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
3. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season
4. We open refuge waters to fishing March 1 through November 15, except Providence Ponds, which is closed one day prior to the beginning of waterfowl season until March 1.
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following regulations:
1. Each person age 16 and older hunting or fishing must possess a valid T R Complex Annual Public Use Permit (name/address/phone number).
2. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a Hunter Safety Course Card or certificate and 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.
3. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information/Harvest Report Card (Big Game Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2359) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. All cards must be returned upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
6. It is unlawful to throw, dump, dispose of, or intentionally leave any fish or wildlife, wildlife parts, or waste on the refuge. You must remove all parts from the refuge with the exception of field dressing.
7. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging tape.
8. Vehicles should be parked in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or fire lanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all limited draw hunts.
10. For hunting, you may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
11. With the exception of raccoon hunting and frogging, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
12. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits (name/address/phone number), management may issue duplicates at their discretion, and may charge a fee.
13. Valid permit holders may take the following in season incidental to other refuge hunts with weapons legal for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, nutria, and feral hog.
14. We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)/utility-type vehicles (UTVs) only on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 28. We prohibit horses and mules.
15. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)). We prohibit the possession, direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
16. 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, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). 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.
17. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
18. We allow dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
19. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
20. Beginning December 15 through March 1, we prohibit all entry into the Lower Twist and Carter Ponds area.
21. During the State Waterfowl season (except early teal season), waterfowl hunting in Unit 1 will be on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Waterfowl hunting in Unit 2 will be on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (see refuge brochure for details).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 and A20 apply.
2. We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for small game hunting.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and raccoon, and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. All hunters must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas during any firearm deer season (State and/or refuge) and while rabbit hunting.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16, and B4 apply.
2. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
3. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.
4. Deer check station dates, locations, and requirements are designated in the refuge brochure. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station following the posted instructions.
5. 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 with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply (see brochure).
6. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
7. We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) and archery equipment for turkey hunting.
8. Limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (name/address/phone number) assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt, the permit with information concerning that hunt must be returned to the refuge. Failure to return this permit will disqualify the hunter for any limited hunts the next year.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A12 and A20 apply.
2. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
3. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, woodcock, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. You must purchase a refuge waterfowl permit (Waterfowl Lottery Application; FWS Form 3-2355) for waterfowl hunting in addition to meeting other applicable State and Federal requirements. No more than two companions may accompany each permitted hunter, and we do not require these companions to purchase permits. Permits are nontransferable and only issued to hunters ages 16 and older. Permit holders can hunt as standby hunters for any date for which waterfowl hunting is open.
2. Information on hunts and hunt dates are available at refuge headquarters, on the refuge Web site, and as specified in the refuge brochure. All hunters and anglers must possess and carry a signed refuge public use brochure when conducting these activities.
3. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested waterfowl from the refuge no later than 12 p.m. (noon) each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. All youth hunters of age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise not more than two youth hunters.
5. All waterfowl hunters must check-in and check-out at the refuge's duck check station both before and after a day's hunt.
6. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
7. Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter and specific refuge regulations in part 32).
8. All hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting within wetlands and green-tree reservoirs (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
9. We prohibit leaving any personal property, including, but not limited to, boats or vehicles of any type, geocaches, and cameras, overnight on the refuge (see Sec. 29.93 of this chapter). The only exceptions are tree stands used for deer hunting and trotlines and jugs used for fishing.
10. During the deer firearm (primitive or modern gun) hunts, any person hunting species other than waterfowl, accompanying another person hunting species other than waterfowl, or walking off-trail within areas open to deer hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of unbroken fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment at all times.
11. We allow unleashed dogs for retrieval of migratory game birds.
12. We prohibit marking trees and using flagging tape, reflective tacks, and other similar marking devices.
13. We require all hunters to record hours hunted and game harvested using the Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, opossum, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit upland game hunting within the designated areas for waterfowl hunting when waterfowl hunting is actively taking place.
2. We only allow use and possession of approved nontoxic shot and nontoxic ammunition for hunting upland game within wetlands with open water and green-tree reservoirs whether flooded or not (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
3. We only allow shotguns with a shot size no larger than No. 2 and rifles no larger than a standard .22 caliber for taking upland game. We prohibit .22 caliber magnum ammunition and .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) for hunting.
4. We allow hunting of squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, quail, and opossum with unleashed dogs during designated hunts.
5. We allow raccoon and opossum hunting between the hours of legal sunset and legal sunrise.
6. Conditions A2, A4, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A12 and A13 apply.
7. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility-type vehicles (UTVs), and livestock, including horses and mules.
8. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as being ``closed'' (see refuge brochure map).
9. Hunters may take incidental species (coyote, beaver, nutria, and feral hog) during any hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts.
10. We require all hunters to record hours hunted and all harvested game on the Upland Game Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2362) at the conclusion of each day at one of the refuge check stations.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A2, A4, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A12, A13, B2, B7, B7, B9, and B10 apply.
2. You must purchase a refuge quota deer permit (Quota Deer Hunt Application; FWS Form 3-2354) in addition to meeting State requirements for all refuge deer hunts. Permits are nontransferable. We do not require youth younger than age 16 to purchase a refuge quota deer hunting permit and can obtain a free permit at the refuge office.
3. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
4. You may place portable tree stands for deer hunting on the refuge only during the open deer season. You must clearly label all stands with your name, address, and phone number. When not in use and left on the refuge, you must place stands in a nonhunting position at ground level.
5. We require turkey hunters to use and possess nontoxic shot within locations mapped as green-tree reservoirs within the refuge brochure (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
6. We prohibit big game hunting in the area designated for waterfowl hunting when waterfowl hunting is actively taking place.
7. We prohibit hunting by aid or distribution of any feed, salt, scent attractant, or other mineral at any time (see Sec. 32.2(h)).
8. While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or hunting from a tree stand on the refuge, hunters must use a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to the Treestand Manufacturer's Association's standards.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. The general sport fishing, boating, and bow fishing season extends from March 1 through October 31, except for the posted southern shore of Bluff Lake, the entire Noxubee River, and all borrow pit areas along Highway 25 that are open year-round to fishing. Persons must possess and carry a signed refuge public use brochure when fishing.
2. Conditions A7, A9, and B7 apply (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Anglers must keep boat travel at idle speed, and they must not create a wake when moving.
4. We prohibit limb lines, jug fishing, trotlines, snag lines, and hand grappling in Ross Branch, Bluff, and Loakfoma Lakes.
5. When left unattended, anglers must tag fishing gear with their name, address, and phone number. Anglers must check all gear within 24 hours or remove these devices.
6. Trotlining:
i. Anglers must label each end of the trotline floats with the owner's name, address, and phone number.
ii. We limit trotlines to one line per person, and we allow no more than two trotlines per boat.
iii. Anglers must tend all trotlines every 24 hours and remove them when not in use.
iv. Trotlines must possess at least 6-inch (15.2-centimeter) cotton string leads.
7. Jug fishing:
i. Anglers must label each jug with their name, address, and phone number.
ii. Anglers must attend all jugs every 24 hours and remove them when not in use.
8. We prohibit night time bow fishing.
9. We prohibit fishing tournaments on all refuge waters.
10. We prohibit the taking of frogs and turtles (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
11. We prohibit the use of airboats, sailboats, hovercrafts, and inboard-water-thrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes.
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot during the State season in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting in Butler Lake, Salt Lake, and Gillard Lake from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2. We require that all hunters and anglers age 16 and older purchase an Annual Public Use Permit (name/address/telephone number). We waive the fee for individuals age 65 and older. The refuge user is required to sign, certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations, and carry this permit at all times while on the refuge.
3. The refuge will close for hunting when flooding restricts safe access.
4. We restrict access to Butler Lake for waterfowl hunting only to Butler Lake Road.
5. Hunters must remove harvested waterfowl, temporary blinds and decoys (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) used for duck hunting by 1 p.m. daily.
6. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
7. You must use portable blinds.
8. Refuge users may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit the refuge by 2 hours after legal sunset.
9. All persons in all underway boats must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.
10. You must hand-launch boats except at designated boat ramps, where you may trailer-launch them.
11. We allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility-type vehicles (UTVs) as per State WMA regulations and size specifications on designated trails (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter) from September 15 through the hunting season. An ATV is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: Weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 inches (62.5 cm) x 12 inches (30 cm) with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
12. Hunters must be age 16 or older to operate an ATV on the refuge.
13. State bag limits apply.
14. We prohibit the following acts: Possession of alcohol while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)); entering the refuge from private property; hunters entering the refuge from public waterways; overnight parking; parking or hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any petroleum facility or equipment, or refuge residences and buildings; parking by hunters in refuge headquarters parking lot; and use of handguns for hunting on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, and woodcock in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow hunting shotguns, .22 caliber rimfire rifles or smaller, and muzzle-loading rifles under .38 caliber shooting patched round balls, except for raccoon hunting (see condition 3.iv below). We prohibit the possession of hunting with slugs, buckshot, or rifle hunting ammunition larger than .22 rimfire.
2. You must wear a hunter-orange hat and upper garment when hunting in open fields or reforested areas.
3. We allow raccoon hunting only during the month of February from legal sunset to legal sunrise with the following conditions:
i. We require dogs.
ii. We prohibit hunting along/from Carthage-Linwood Road.
iii. We prohibit the use of boats and ATVs.
iv. You may use only .22 caliber rimfire rifles for hunting.
4. You may take beaver, nutria, coyote, and hog incidental to the hunt.
5. Conditions A2 and A6 through A14 apply.
6. We prohibit the following acts: Target practice; marking trails with tape, paper, paint, or any other artificial means; and riding horses or mules.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow deer and lottery youth turkey hunting in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow only still hunting.
2. Hunters may take only one deer per day. State regulations apply.
3. We require hunters to wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm \2\) of unbroken hunter orange as the outermost layer of clothing on the chest and back, and in addition, we require a hat or cap of unbroken hunter orange. You must wear the solid-hunter-orange items while in the field.
4. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older.
5. We must receive all applications for the limited youth lottery draw turkey hunt by February 28 of each year.
6. Youth (ages 10 to 15) gun deer and waterfowl hunts 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.
7. We prohibit insertion of metal objects into trees or hunting from trees that contain inserted metal objects (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
8. We prohibit the use or possession of climbing spurs.
9. You must dismantle blinds and tripods, and you must remove stands from the tree each day. You must remove all stands, blinds, and tripods (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge before February 7 of each year.
10. Refuge users must check all game (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.
11. State season bag limits apply.
12. Conditions A2, A6 through A14, B4, and B6 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing during daylight hours only from February 1 until the day prior to the State firearms season opening each year in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of ATVs (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter).
2. On the Sibley Unit, we prohibit motorized boats north of the Ring Levee. Anglers may hand-launch boats in Swamp Lake during nonflood conditions.
3. 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.
4. We allow bow fishing. Bow anglers must abide by State law.
5. We allow nighttime bow fishing on the refuge but only through a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383) issued by the refuge manager.
6. We prohibit the following acts: Crawfishing and commercial fishing or possession of trotline equipment including limb lines, nets, traps, yo-yos, or jugs.
7. Conditions A2, A10, A11, and A14 apply.
Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory waterfowl, coots, snipe, and woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters must comply with all State hunter education requirements. All hunters age 16 years and older must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunting permit (signed brochure). All persons younger than age 16, while hunting on the refuge, must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter at least age 21, when hunting. A licensed hunter supervising a youth as provided in this section must hold all required licenses and permits.
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset except during the raccoon hunt. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. We only allow hunting of migratory game birds, including the Light Goose Conservation Order, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1-2 hour before legal sunrise and ending at 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
4. We prohibit public hunting north of Mississippi Highway 8.
5. Each hunter must obtain a daily User Information/Harvest Report Card (OMB-1018-0140) available at each refuge information station and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle so that the personal information 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 User Information/Harvest Report Card at a time.
6. We may close certain areas of the refuge for sanctuary or administrative purposes. We will mark such areas with ``No Hunting'' or ``Area Closed'' signs.
7. We restrict motor vehicle use to roads designated as vehicle access roads on the refuge map (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering the refuge (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline. Waterfowl hunters must comply while walking/boating to and from actual hunting area. Waterfowl hunters may remove the fluorescent orange while actually hunting.
9. We only allow dogs on the refuge when specifically authorized for hunting. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded waterfowl. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
10. You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, other personal property, and litter (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94) from the hunting area following each morning's hunt. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
11. We prohibit ATVs (see Sec. 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
12. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting on the refuge (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
13. We prohibit all commercial activities, including guiding or participating in a paid guided hunt.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon (raccoon by General Special Use Permit [FWS Form 3-1383-G] only) on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4 through A6, A8, A9, and A11 through A13 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours. We establish special provisions for raccoon hunting; contact the refuge office for details.
3. You may possess shotguns only with approved nontoxic shotgun shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), .17, .22., .22-magnum rifles, and legal archery equipment.
4. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline.
5. Hunters may use dogs, but they must remain under the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit the cutting or removal of trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, turkey, and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, and A13 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to 2 hours before legal sunrise and to 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline. We do not require this for turkey hunting.
4. We prohibit dogs for any big game hunt.
5. We prohibit use or possession of any drug or device for employing such drug for hunting (see Sec. 32.2(g)).
6. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
7. 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.
8. You may erect portable deer stands (see Sec. 32.2(i)) 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must remove them by January 31 (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit hunters leaving their stands in the tree at the end of each hunting day. If they wish to leave the stands on the refuge, they may be chained to the base of the tree and labeled with the hunter's name and phone number legibly written on or attached to the stand. This does not reserve the site for their exclusive use. All hunting sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. We may confiscate and dispose of deer stands not in compliance with these regulations.
9. Hunters using a climbing tree stand must use a fall-arrest system manufactured to Treestand Manufacturers Association standards.
10. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers. We prohibit nailing deer stands and/or steps to trees and attaching any blind or stand to a tree by any metal object driven, screwed, or otherwise inserted into the tree (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition A13 applies.
2. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge fishing permit (name and address) certifying that they understand and will comply with all regulations.
3. We only allow bank or boat sport fishing south of Mississippi Highway 8.
4. We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices and commercial fishing of any kind.
5. We only allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices for recreational use. You must tag or mark them with the angler's full name and full residence address, including zip code written with waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag; and attend the devices a minimum of once daily. When not attended, you must remove these devices (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge.
6. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
7. We allow crawfishing.
8. We only allow take of frog by Special Use Permit.
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, merganser, coot, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Each person age 16 and older hunting or fishing must possess a valid T R Complex Annual Public Use Permit (name/address/phone number).
2. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must possess and carry a Hunter Safety Course Card or certificate and 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.
3. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information/Harvest Report Card (Big Game Harvest Report, FWS Form 3-2359) in plain view in their vehicle so that the required information is readable. All cards must be returned upon completion of the activity and before leaving the refuge.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as ``CLOSED'' (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
6. It is unlawful to throw, dump, dispose or intentionally leave any fish or wildlife, wildlife parts, or waste on the refuge. You must remove all parts from the refuge with the exception of field dressing.
7. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging tape.
8. Vehicles should be parked in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or fire lanes (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all limited draw hunts.
10. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)) while in the field.
11. With the exception of raccoon hunting, we limit refuge entry and exit to the period of 4 a.m. to 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
12. For instances of lost or stolen public use permits (name/address/phone number), management may issue duplicates at their discretion, and may charge a fee.
13. Valid permit holders may take the following in season as incidental to other refuge hunts with weapons legal for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, nutria, and feral hog.
14. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility-type vehicles (UTVs), horses, and mules are prohibited.
15. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see Sec. 32.2(h)). We prohibit the possession, direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
16. 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, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). 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.
17. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
18. We allow dogs for retrieving migratory birds.
19. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting beginning \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16 apply.
2. We allow only shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)), .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for small game hunting.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and raccoon, and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. All hunters must wear at least 500 square inches (3,225.8 square centimeters) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas during any firearm deer season (State and/or refuge) and while rabbit hunting.
5. We allow rabbit hunting on the Brown Tract.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A16, and B4 apply.
2. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
3. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields or tree plantations less than 5 feet (1.5 meters) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 meters) above the ground.
4. Deer check station dates, locations, and requirements are designated in the refuge brochure. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must check all harvested deer at the nearest self-service check station following the posted instructions.
5. 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 with the exception of closed areas where special regulations apply (see brochure).
6. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball; we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
7. Limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit (name/address/phone number) assigned by random computer drawing. At the end of the hunt, the permit with information concerning that hunt must be returned to the refuge. Failure to return this permit will disqualify the hunter for any limited hunts the next year.
8. We allow archery deer hunting on the Brown Tract.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved] [58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29085, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6694, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55187, Nov. 3, 1994; 61 FR 45367, Aug. 29, 1996; 61 FR 46396, Sept. 3, 1996; 62 FR 47379, Sept. 9, 1997; 63 FR 46917, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30785, May 12, 2000; 66 FR 46358, Sept. 4, 2001; 68 FR 57317, Oct. 2, 2003; 69 FR 54362, 54418, Sept. 8, 2004; 69 FR 55995, Sept. 17, 2004; 70 FR 54182, Sept. 13, 2005; 73 FR 33186, June 11, 2008; 74 FR 45692, Sept. 3, 2009; 75 FR 18421, Apr. 12, 2010; 76 FR 3980, Jan. 21, 2011; 76 FR 56078, Sept. 9, 2011; 77 FR 56047 , Sept. 11, 2012; 80 FR 51914, Aug. 26, 2015]