Magnolia Records Program
What is the Magnolia White-tailed Deer Records Program?
It is the official white-tailed deer record keeping program for the State of Mississippi. It is a program of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation (MWF) in collaboration with the MDWFP. This program gives hunters across the state the opportunity to appreciate and showcase the truly magnificent trophy deer that have been harvested.
The Magnolia Records Program serves two purposes. First, it is a means of recognizing outstanding white-tailed deer taken in Mississippi. Secondly, it provides management information that allows MDWFP wildlife biologists to identify areas that produce quality bucks.
This program is NOT, however, a "big buck" contest that awards the winner(s) with cash and/or prizes. The name of the hunter, official score, county of harvest, along with other necessary information will be placed on the state records list. Deer hunters who successfully harvest a deer in Mississippi with trophy-sized antlers are encouraged to have their antlers scored for possible entry into the state records list. Only deer harvested in Mississippi according to the then-current rules and regulations of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or pick-up antlers (skull plate attached) are eligible for scoring.
What scoring system is used and what are the minimum scores?
The antler scoring system used for the Magnolia Records Program is identical to that used by the B&C and P&Y Clubs. All antlers must undergo a minimum 60 day drying period before they can be officially scored. There is no time limit concerning how long ago a deer was harvested for listing in the state records. In order to qualify for the program, the antlers must be scored by an official scorer of the B&C Club, P&Y Club, Longhunter Society, or the Magnolia Records Program. A hunter's best bet to get an official score of their buck will be at one or more scoring sessions that will be scheduled in the upcoming year.
Minimum antler scores for the Magnolia Records Program are 125 typical and 155 non-typical. These minimum scores should allow every county in the state to be represented.
Why county-by-county listings?
There are 82 counties in the state with varying potential in the size of bucks that each county can produce. Because the soils in the Lower Coastal Plain are not as productive as those of the Delta region, the size of the bucks there on average will not be as large. By having county-by-county listings this levels the "playing field" and should give many hunters a true sense of accomplishment.
