50 CFR 32.43 - Mississippi.
§ 32.43
Mississippi.
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 § 32.37 Louisiana for regulations.
Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory waterfowl and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Youth hunters age 15 and younger 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. Hunters born after January 1, 1972, also must carry a Hunter Education Safety course card or certificate. All hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunting permit (name and address), certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. Hunters may obtain permits at the North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, MS 38901 or by mail from the above address.
2. We restrict all public use to 2 hours before legal sunrise to 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 only on Wednesdays, Fridays, 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 § 27.93 of this chapter), litter (see § 27.94 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day. After duck, merganser, and coot season closes, we allow hunting of goose in accordance with the Light Goose Conservation Order daily beginning 1/2 hour before legal sunrise and ending at legal sunset.
4. Each hunter must obtain a Migratory Bird Harvest Report Card (FWS Form 3-2361) available at each refuge information station and follow the printed instructions on the form. You must display the form 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 form and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested, and if you harvest no game, report “0.”
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. Waterfowl hunters may leave boats meeting all State registration requirements on refuge water bodies throughout the waterfowl season. You must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 72 hours after the season closes.
7. We restrict motor vehicle use to roads designated as vehicle access roads on the refuge map (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason while in the field 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. The only exception to this is waterfowl hunters who may remove the fluorescent-orange material once positioned to hunt. Waterfowl hunters must comply while walking/boating to and from the actual hunting area.
9. 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 in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
10. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
11. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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. All persons fishing who are 16 years of age and older must carry a State license on the refuge. You must have a signed refuge fishing permit in your possession when fishing on the refuge. You may obtain permits at North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, Mississippi 38901, or at the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Office, Box 381, Highway 446, Boyle, Mississippi 38730, or by mail from the above addresses.
2. We close the refuge to fishing from October 1 through February 28.
3. We allow fishing in bar pits along the Corps of Engineers levee only.
4. We prohibit possession of any weapon while fishing on the refuge. This does not include fishing knives unless they are longer than 3 inches (7.5 cm).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
8. We allow crawfishing.
9. 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. 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. All hunters must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunting permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations, and hunters must carry a State license and a signed Federal and State duck stamp on their person while hunting on the refuge. Hunters born after January 1, 1972, also must carry a Hunter Education Safety Course card or certificate. You may obtain permits at North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, Mississippi 38901, or at the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Office, Box 831, Highway 446, Boyle, Mississippi 38730, or by mail from the above addresses.
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 only allow hunting of migratory game birds on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day. After duck, merganser, and coot season closes, you may hunt goose daily from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until legal sunset.
4. Each hunter must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) 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.”
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 prohibit handguns of all kinds.
7. Waterfowl hunters may leave boats meeting all State registration requirements on refuge water bodies throughout the waterfowl season. You must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 72 hours after the season closes.
8. We restrict motor vehicle use to roads designated as vehicle access roads on the refuge map (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. 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. Waterfowl hunters must comply while walking/boating to and from actual hunting area. Waterfowl hunters may remove the fluorescent orange while actually hunting.
10. 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 § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
11. You must remove decoys, blinds, other personal property, and litter (see §§ 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 § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
12. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, beaver, nutria, raccoon, coyotes, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A8, 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 only possess shotguns with approved nontoxic shotgun shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rifles. We prohibit all handguns.
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 only allow dogs on the refuge after the general Gun Deer Hunt. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see § 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, A8, 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 cm2) 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 § 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 § 32.2i)) 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must remove them by January 31 (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). 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. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge fishing permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
2. We close the refuge to fishing from October 1 through February 28.
3. We prohibit possession of any weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) while fishing on the refuge.
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. 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 § 27.93 of this chapter), you must remove them from the refuge.
6. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
7. We allow crawfishing.
8. 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 § 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 in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. 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. Each hunter age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so that the Permit Number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see §32.2(j)).
6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see §27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
10. We allow ATVs only on designated trails (see §27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 28.
11. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) while in the field.
12. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot.
13. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see §27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
14. We allow goose, duck, merganser and coot hunting from ½ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the refuge at 4 a.m.
15. There is no early teal season.
16. We open for 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 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 subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A10 apply.
2. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and quail and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
5. Beginning the first day after the deer muzzleloader hunt, we restrict entry into the Turkey Point area until March 1.
6. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
7. We prohibit horses and mules.
8. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see § 32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid or other feed substance to attract game.
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 through A10, B5, and B8 apply.
2. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts: all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
3. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
4. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields and 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.
5. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We consider you to be hunting if you occupy a stand or a blind, have a loaded hunting firearm, or have an arrow nocked in a bow.
6. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and requirements in the refuge brochure.
7. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting from a tree in which metal objects have been screwed or driven (see §32.2(i)). 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. Hunters may place turkey blinds the day of the hunt and remove them after each day's hunt.
8. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball. While hunting, we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
9. Turkey hunting opportunities will consist of three limited draw hunts within the State season time frame. These hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit 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.
10. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
11. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We close all refuge waters during the gun and muzzleloader deer hunt.
2. We allow fishing in the borrow ponds along the north levee (see refuge brochure map) throughout the year except during the gun and muzzleloader deer hunt.
3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
5. We prohibit fishing from bridges.
6. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
7. We allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) September 15 through February 28.
8. With the exception for frogging during the State season, we limit refuge ingress and egress for fishing to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
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 of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. 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. Each hunter age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so that the Permit Number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see §32.2(j)).
6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see §27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with weapons legal for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
10. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game.
11. We allow rabbit and quail hunting with dogs in February.
12. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
13. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
14. We prohibit horses and mules.
15. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see § 32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
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 B1 through B7, B9, and B13 through B15 apply.
2. During the muzzleloader deer hunt all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
3. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
4. Hunting or shooting within or adjacent to open fields and 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.
5. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind, have a loaded hunting firearm, or have an arrow nocked in a bow.
6. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and requirements in the refuge brochure.
7. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects (see §32.2(i)). 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.
8. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball. While hunting, we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
9. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
10. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during muzzleloader deer hunts.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting during the 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 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.
2. 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. Hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
3. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so that the Permit Number is readable.
4. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
5. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
6. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see §32.2(j)).
7. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
8. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see §27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
10. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) while in the field.
11. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot.
12. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see §27.93 of this chapter), boats, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
13. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from ½ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the refuge at 4 a.m.
14. There is no early teal season.
15. 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 of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A2 through A9 and A15 apply.
2. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. During the rabbit hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
5. We prohibit horses and mules.
6. Beginning the day before waterfowl season, we restrict hunting to the waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
7. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see § 32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
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 through A9, A15, and B5 through B7 apply.
2. We allow archery hunting October 1 through January 31.
3. State bag limits apply.
4. We prohibit organized drives for deer and feral hog.
5. 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.
6. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind, have a loaded hunting firearm, or have an arrow nocked in a bow.
7. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and requirements in the refuge brochure.
8. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects (see §32.2(i)). 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.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing in all refuge waters throughout the year, except in the waterfowl sanctuary, which we close from the first day of duck season through March 1 (see refuge brochure map).
2. Beginning the day before duck season opens and ending March 1, we close refuge waters to all public use from 1 p.m. until 4 a.m.
3. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
4. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
5. With the exception for frogging during the State season, we limit refuge ingress and egress for fishing to the period from 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. 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. Hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so that the Permit Number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see §32.2(j)).
6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see §27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
10. We allow ATVs only on designated trails (see §27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 28.
11. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) while in the field.
12. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot.
13. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see §27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
14. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from ½ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the refuge at 4 a.m.
15. 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 subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A11 apply.
2. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and quail and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
5. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
6. We prohibit horses and mules.
7. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see § 32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid or other feed substance to attract game.
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 through A7, A9, A10, and B5 through B7 apply.
2. During muzzleloader deer hunts all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
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 m) in height must be from a stand a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above the ground.
5. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind or have an arrow nocked in a bow.
6. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and requirements in the refuge brochure.
7. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects. 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.
8. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball. While hunting, we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
9. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
10. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all muzzleloader deer hunts.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We close all refuge waters during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
2. From November 16 to February 28, we allow fishing in refuge waters north of Providence Road except Providence Ponds, which we close from the first day of waterfowl season until March 1.
3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
5. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
6. With the exception for frogging during the State season, we limit refuge ingress and egress for fishing to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
7. Conditions A2 through A10 apply.
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 subject to the following conditions:
1. We require waterfowl hunters to sign and carry the refuge brochure signifying that they have read and understood the rules of the hunt. The brochure must be in the hunter's possession at all times while hunting on the refuge. We also conduct a waterfowl drawing. There is a $15 fee per submission (one submission per individual), and we ask prospective hunters to submit their name and address for the drawing. We will send letters to those hunters selected and deposit those hunters' money orders or checks. The drawn name will be on a list and checked off at the refuge the morning of the hunt. We allow only two companions to accompany each selected hunter. If an individual is not drawn, we will return the $15 entry fee to the unsuccessful applicant.
2. There is no early teal season.
3. We allow waterfowl hunting from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
4. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material, and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 12 p.m. (noon) each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. All youth hunters 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.
6. Each day all waterfowl hunters must check in and out at the refuge's duck check station.
7. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see § 32.2(j)).
8. Handguns must be in compliance with State regulations.
9. Waterfowl hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
10. We prohibit leaving boats overnight on the refuge (see § 29.93 of this chapter).
11. During the deer firearm hunts, any person hunting woodcock or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, opossum, raccoon, coyote, beaver, and nutria on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit upland game hunting within the designated areas for waterfowl hunting when this hunt is taking place.
2. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shot for hunting upland game in greentree reservoirs 1, 2, and 4.
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 magnums).
4. The refuge allows the use of dogs for hunting rabbit and squirrel. We allow use of dogs for rabbit hunting only after January 1. We allow dogs for squirrel hunting between December 16 and December 23 and after January 1.
5. We allow the use of dogs for raccoon and opossum hunting between the hours of legal sunset and legal sunrise.
6. During the deer firearm hunts, any person hunting upland game or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,200 cm2) of unbroken fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
7. Conditions A5, A7, A8, and A10 apply.
8. We prohibit horses and mules.
9. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as being “closed” (see refuge brochure map).
10. We require hunters to sign and carry the refuge brochure signifying they have read and understood the rules of the hunt. This brochure must be in the hunter's possession at all times while hunting on the refuge.
11. Valid permit holders may take the following animals in season incidental to other upland game hunts with legal firearms used for that hunt: Coyote, beaver, nutria, and feral hog.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A5, A7, A8, A10, B8, and B9 apply.
2. We identify hunts and hunt dates in the refuge brochure/permit, which is available at the refuge headquarters.
3. We require hunters to sign and carry the refuge brochure signifying they have read and understood the rules of the hunt. This brochure must be in the hunter's possession at all times while hunting on the refuge. We also charge a $15 fee to hunt white-tailed deer. Hunters must provide their name either by mail or in person at the refuge, and we will issue a numbered permit containing tags. The hunter must sign each tag and must attach one tag to game at the time of harvest.
4. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
5. You may place portable stands on the refuge from September 1 through January 15 and must remove them by January 15.
6. Valid deer permit holders may also take feral hogs and coyotes while deer hunting.
7. We do not require turkey hunters to use nontoxic shot in greentree reservoirs 1, 2, and 4.
8. We prohibit big game hunting in the area designated for waterfowl hunting when this hunt is taking place.
9. We prohibit hanging and/or cleaning deer within the refuge's picnic area, boat ramp, parking lots, and other public use areas.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. The sport fishing, boating, and bow fishing seasons extend from March 1 through October 31, except for the Noxubee River and borrow pit areas along Highway 25 that are open year-round.
2. We prohibit anglers leaving boats overnight on the refuge (see § 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, snag lines, and hand grappling in Ross Branch, Bluff, and Loakfoma Lakes.
5. Anglers must tag pole and set hooks with their name and address when using them in rivers, creeks, and other water bodies. Anglers must remove these devices when not in use.
6. Trotlining:
i. Anglers must label each end of the trotline floats with the owner's name and address.
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.
7. Jug fishing:
i. Anglers must label each jug with their name and address.
ii. Anglers must attend all jugs every 24 hours and remove them when not in use.
8. We require a Special Use Permit for night time bow fishing.
9. We require anglers to possess and carry a signed, no-cost, refuge hunting, fishing, and public use permit (signed brochure) when fishing on the refuge.
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, merganser, and coot in accordance with State regulations subject to the following regulations:
1. 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. Each hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so that the Permit Number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see §32.2(j)).
6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see §27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. We are open for hunting during the State season except during the limited draw hunts.
9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
10. We allow ATVs on designated trails (see §27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) from September 15 through February 28.
11. You may possess or use only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) while in the field.
12. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot.
13. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see §27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
14. We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from ½ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the refuge at 4 a.m.
15. There is no early teal season.
16. We allow hunting of snow geese during the Light Goose Conservation order seasons by Special Use Permit.
17. Waterfowl hunting in Unit 1 will be on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Waterfowl hunting in Unit 2 will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (see refuge brochure for details).
18. We reserve the last weekend of December for youth waterfowl hunting. One adult hunter age 21 or older, who we also allow to hunt, must accompany each youth hunter age 15 and under.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A10 apply.
2. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game.
3. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and quail and for the February rabbit hunt.
4. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
5. Beginning the first day after the last limited draw deer hunt until March 1, we restrict all entry into the lower twist area.
6. With exception for raccoon hunting, we limit refuge ingress and egress to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
7. We prohibit horses and mules.
8. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see § 32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
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 through A7, A9, A10, and B6 through B8 apply.
2. We allow shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) and archery equipment for turkey hunting.
3. You must immediately tag all deer harvested prior to moving it during limited hunts; we provide the tags.
4. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
5. We prohibit organized drives for deer or feral hog.
6. 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.
7. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind, have a loaded hunting firearm, or have an arrow nocked in a bow.
8. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and requirements in the refuge brochure.
9. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects. 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. Hunters may place turkey blinds the day of the hunt and remove them after each day's hunt.
10. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball. While hunting, we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
11. The limited draw hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit 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.
12. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
13. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all limited draw hunts.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We close all refuge waters during all limited draw hunts.
2. We open waters between the East and West levee, the Landside Ditch, and the portion of Panther Creek adjacent to the West Levee year-round except during limited draw hunts.
3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
5. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
6. With the exception for frogging during the State season, refuge ingress and egress for fishing is limited to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
7. Conditions A1 through A7 and A10 apply.
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. If you are a hunter age 16 or older, you must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Public Use Permit (only signature required) certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
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 § 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 (§ 32.2(k)).
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 § 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 § 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 shotguns, .22 caliber rimfire rifles or smaller, and muzzleloading rifles under .38 caliber shooting patched round balls, except for raccoon hunting (see condition 3iv below). We prohibit the possession of .22 caliber magnum rifles, slugs, buckshot, or rifle 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 § 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 § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge before February 7 of each year.
10. You must check all deer harvested on the refuge at one of the three self-clearing, mandatory deer check stations.
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 require a Public Use Permit (only signature required) for all anglers between ages 16 and 65.
2. We prohibit the use of ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. On the Sibley Unit, we prohibit motorized boats north of the Ring Levee. Anglers may hand-launch boats in Swamp Lake during nonflood conditions.
4. 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.
5. We allow bow fishing. Bow anglers must abide by State law.
6. We allow nighttime bow fishing on the refuge but only through a Special Use Permit (FWS Form 3-1383) issued by the refuge manager.
7. We prohibit the following acts: Crawfishing and commercial fishing or possession of trotline equipment including limb lines, nets, traps, yo-yos, or jugs.
8. Conditions 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. 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. Hunters born after January 1, 1972, also must carry a Hunter Education Safety Course card or certificate. All hunters must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Hunting Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. You may obtain permits at North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, Mississippi 38901, or at the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Office, Box 831, Highway 446, Boyle, Mississippi 38730, or by mail from the above addresses.
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 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 § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day. After duck, merganser, and coot season closes, we allow hunting of goose daily, during the period beginning 1/2 hour before legal sunrise and ending at legal sunset.
4. We prohibit public hunting north of Mississippi Highway 8.
5. Each hunter must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) 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.”
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 prohibit all handguns.
8. Waterfowl hunters may leave boats meeting all State registration requirements on refuge water bodies throughout the waterfowl season. You must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 72 hours after the season closes.
9. We restrict motor vehicle use to roads designated as vehicle access roads on the refuge map (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
10. 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. Waterfowl hunters must comply while walking/boating to and from actual hunting area. Waterfowl hunters may remove the fluorescent orange while actually hunting.
11. 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 § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
12. You must remove decoys, blinds, other personal property, and litter (see §§ 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 § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
13. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, beaver, nutria, raccoon, coyote, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A6, A9, and 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. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shotgun shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rifles. We prohibit all handguns.
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 only allow dogs on the refuge after the general Gun Deer Hunt. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit the cutting or removal of trees and other vegetation (see § 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 cm2) 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 § 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 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by January 31. We prohibit the cutting or removal of trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). 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. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge fishing permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations. You may obtain permits at North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, Mississippi 38901, or at the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Office, Box 381, Highway 446, Boyle, Mississippi 38730, or by mail to the above addresses.
2. We close the refuge to fishing from October 1 through February 28.
3. We only allow bank or boat sport fishing south of Mississippi Highway 8.
4. We prohibit possession of any weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) while fishing on the refuge.
5. 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.
6. 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 § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge.
7. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
8. We allow crawfishing.
9. 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 the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. 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. Each hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
2. Before hunting or fishing, all participants must display their User Information Card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so that the Permit Number is readable.
3. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the participant's annual refuge Public Use Permit.
4. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
5. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages (see §32.2(j)).
6. We prohibit use of plastic flagging tape.
7. You must park vehicles in such a manner as not to obstruct roads, gates, turn rows, or firelanes (see §27.31(h) of this chapter).
8. We are open for hunting within specific dates and areas during the State season except during limited draw deer hunts.
9. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal weapons used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
10. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) while in the field.
11. You may take migratory birds with shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot.
12. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see §27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
13 We allow goose, duck, merganser, and coot hunting from ½ hour before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow entry into the refuge at 4 a.m.
14. There is no early teal season.
15. We allow hunting of snow geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order seasons by Special Use Permit.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel, rabbit, quail, and raccoon on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting during the open State season except during limited draw hunts.
2. Conditions A1 through A9 apply.
3. We allow shotguns with only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)), and .22 and .17 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game.
4. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel and quail and for the February rabbit hunt.
5. During the rabbit and quail hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
6. With exception for raccoon hunting, refuge ingress and egress is limited to the period of 4 a.m. to 1½ hours after legal sunset.
7. We prohibit horses and mules.
8. We allow rabbit hunting on the Herron and Brown Tracts. Contact refuge headquarters for hunt dates, maps, and additional information.
9. We prohibit hunting over or the placement of bait (see § 32.2(h)). Baiting means the direct or indirect placing, exposing, depositing, or scattering of any salt, grain, powder, liquid, or other feed substance to attract game.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 through A7, A9, B6, B7, and B9 apply.
2. We allow shotguns shooting only approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)) and archery equipment for turkey hunting.
3. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken, fluorescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment while hunting and en route to and from hunting areas.
4. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
5. 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.
6. We prohibit hunting or shooting into a 100-foot (30-m) zone along either side of pipelines, power line rights-of-way, designated roads, trails, or around parking lots (see refuge brochure map). We consider it hunting if you occupy a stand or blind, have a loaded hunting firearm, or have an arrow nocked in a bow.
7. We designate deer check station dates, locations, and requirements in the refuge brochure.
8. We allow hunters to possess and hunt from only one stand or blind. Complex Headquarters will use a specific method to identify stands and blinds. We prohibit the use of climbing spikes or hunting from a tree into which hunters have screwed or driven metal objects. 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. Hunters may place turkey blinds the day of the hunt and remove them after each day's hunt.
9. During designated muzzleloader hunts, we allow archery equipment and muzzleloaders loaded with a single ball. While hunting, we prohibit breech-loading firearms of any type.
10. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
11. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all limited draw hunts.
12. We allow archery deer hunting on the Herron and Brown Tracts. Contact refuge headquarters for hunt dates, maps, and additional information.
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]
Title 50 published on 2012-10-01
no entries appear in the Federal Register after this date.
This is a list of United States Code sections, Statutes at Large, Public Laws, and Presidential Documents, which provide rulemaking authority for this CFR Part.
This list is taken from the Parallel Table of Authorities and Rules provided by GPO [Government Printing Office].
It is not guaranteed to be accurate or up-to-date, though we do refresh the database weekly. More limitations on accuracy are described at the GPO site.
