As a hunter you play a primary role in wildlife conservation. By protecting and preserving animals and habitats, you are ensuring the future of Mississippi's natural resources for those who come after you. Harvest more than a memory this hunting season, harvest a brighter future for generations to come.
Hunters are the key to preserving wildlife in Mississippi in many ways. Did you know that your hunting equipment purchases as well as hunting license dollars aid in conservation? Due to the Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937, state hunting license dollars are combined with funds from an excise tax on firearms, ammunition and other related equipment. These funds go to state wildlife agencies to be used for wildlife restoration projects, hunter education, and program administration.
Another way you as a hunter assist with conservation is through investing in land management. Developing quality habitat is key to ensure our native wildlife populations have the resources they need to survive. Whether you burn on your property, plant food plots, or even by maintaining a water source on your property, you are creating a healthy habitat for wildlife species.
Finally, a hunter's biggest impact is through wildlife management. Wildlife managers are tasked with monitoring populations by both maximizing harvest numbers to avoid overpopulation as well as ensuring a stable, healthy population for future generations to enjoy. As a hunter, it is vital that you not only continue to harvest deer but take the extra step and report your harvest. By reporting your harvests, wildlife biologists can make more accurate recommendations on managing Mississippi's deer herd.
Deer Population vs. Harvest Percentage
We have observed trends in Mississippi’s deer population over the past 50+ years and it is notable that when the harvest percentage goes below 22%, the deer population can become excessive and destructive. Over the last few years, our harvest percentage has decreased to 14%. Harvest percentage is measured in conjunction with the deer population size, which means when harvest percentage goes down, the population size goes up. We are asking hunters to aid in population management by exercising their bag limits and harvesting more deer this season.
Visit our Deer Program page for more information on white-tailed deer in Mississippi and our biologists' efforts to conserve our herd.
The Hunter's Role
Less than 1% of Mississippi hunters harvest their full bag limit for deer every season. That means on average, a hunter only kills 1.6 deer every year. With fewer deer being harvested, there are more deer left to reproduce year after year. Overpopulation can lead to issues like starvation and malnutrition, which lead to more destructive foraging behavior.
Hunters hold a unique role in preserving the balance of nature. By harvesting more deer this season, you can help contribute to a healthier deer population. Utilize more of your bag limit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this give me permission to shoot more deer than my bag limit?
Does this give me permission to shoot more deer than my bag limit?
MDWFP has not increased the bag limit for white-tailed deer this season. Only harvest deer within the bag limit restrictions listed in 2023-2024 Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits.
It has been evaluated that less than 1% of Mississippi deer hunters utilize their full bag limit. Therefore, we are encouraging the hunters who don't already use their full bag limit to harvest more deer and exercise their bag limits.
Is this a statewide issue?
Is this a statewide issue?
The population of white-tailed deer varies across the state. There are certain regions that are better suited geographically for deer to live in; therefore, some areas have a denser population of deer than others. Additionally, deer move! Deer travel many miles, crossing property lines and county lines throughout the year. Deer even reside in certain places during the winter and other places in the summer based on food availability and habitat needs. Hence, during certain times of the year, you may see more deer than usual depending on your location.
How do you monitor population numbers?
How do you monitor population numbers?
Our biologists evaluate deer population size by obtaining data through statewide surveys, DMAP harvest reporting, WMA harvest reporting, and even collaborations with Mississippi State University researchers. Using the estimated population total, they can utilize population reconstruction models to determine potential growth and density for the state as a whole.
Additionally, when harvest percentage (which is also an estimated number, since there is not currently mandatory deer harvest reporting) is applied to the population size, our biologists can determine the potential growth for the next generation of deer and the impact they will have on Mississippi's landscape. To get a better idea of our Mississippi deer herd, hunters can utilize game checks to report deer harvest and aid biologists in their research.
My family only needs two deer to eat per year. I would harvest more, but we don't need them. What can I do with additional deer?
My family only needs two deer to eat per year. I would harvest more, but we don't need them. What can I do with additional deer?
Great question! We want to encourage you to look at the community around you and offer to harvest a deer for someone else. There are many people who would love a source of lean protein like deer to feed their families, but maybe they just aren't hunters. Ask around in your community at either your church, neighborhood, local food bank, local shelters, etc. Reach out to your local MSU Extension Office - they might can help point you to someone in need!
Find your local MSU Extension Office - County Extension Offices | Mississippi State University Extension Service (msstate.edu)