New Mississippi WMA to offer hunting on land that hasn't been hunted in 20 years
When the 2023 deer season comes around, hunters in Mississippi will have a chance to hunt a new wildlife management area that hasn't been legally hunted in more than 20 years.
In its May meeting, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks gave final approval to create Calling Panther Lake Wildlife Management Area in Copiah County near Crystal Springs.
"There's roughly 1,000 acres around Calling Panther that hasn't been used and the state owns," said Amy Blaylock, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Wildlife Bureau director. "It will have permitted turkey hunts, permitted archery hunts and squirrel hunts. The squirrel hunting is just during the month of February."
The deer hunts are archery-only and take place from Sept. 30 through Jan. 31. Hunters will submit applications in a random drawing and four will be drawn for the Thursday-Sunday hunts. The application period will be Aug. 1-31. Hunters may harvest antlerless deer and legal bucks.
Turkey hunts will take place on weekends during the statewide season and are youth-only. Two hunters will be drawn for each hunt. The application period is Jan. 15-Feb. 15.
The February squirrel season is open to hunters and is shotgun-only.
The WMA also offers conveniences that most other WMAs do not. There are 23 camper pads with electrical, water and sewage hookups. There is a primitive camping area and a bath house, too.
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Things to note from the May commission meeting
The early velvet deer season for bucks is Sept. 15-17.
Archery season for deer begins Sept. 30 this year as the typical October 1 start date falls on a Sunday.
Air rifles no larger than .22 caliber are now allowed for small game hunting on WMAs.
Hunters 65 years and older may use E-bikes on existing trails marked foot traffic only on state-owned WMAs, but not on levees.
Seniors-only draw hunts for deer will take place at Phil Bryant WMA, Mahannah WMA, Trim Cane WMA, Hell Creek WMA and Pascagoula WMA, Land Between the Creeks Unit. Dates to be announced.
Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi wildlife commission approves Calling Panther Lake WMA
