Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
APRIL 2017
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MDWFP News

OUTDOOR EXPO AT THE REZ PRESENTED BY MDWFP


While more than a hundred of the world's best bass fishermen are battling it out at the Ross Barnett Reservoir for the Bassmaster Elite Series tournament, spectators will be able to enjoy the Outdoor Expo at The Rez, presented by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). This free event will be held Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, at Madison Landing and Old Trace Park.
 
The MDWFP will fill Old Trace Park with many of its assets, highlighting the great heritage of outdoor recreation in Mississippi. In addition to providing information on the many hunting and fishing opportunities in the state, the agency will have hands-on fun for children.


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REPORT YOUR TURKEY HARVESTS
New voluntary online reporting system






In an effort to increase information on the well-being of Mississippi's wild turkey population, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is asking turkey hunters to voluntarily report their harvests this spring through a new online system produced by the agency. 
 
Hunters can report their harvests online at www.mdwfp.com/turkeyharvest. The reporting process is easy and should only take a few moments. Hunters begin the process by creating a user account within the new Mississippi Game Check system.




LOOK OUT FOR STATE LAKE RECORD FISH


The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Fisheries Bureau operates 20 State Fishing Lakes, and big fish records are kept for each lake. Lake records are recognized for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, and catfish. 
 
Anglers who catch a lake record fish will receive a certificate acknowledging their catch. Framed copies of each certificate will also be displayed in the lake office. Potential record fish must be verified by a member of the Fisheries Bureau staff. Lake record fish can be viewed on each lake's webpage at www.mdwfp.com
Unleash Your Wild Side at NatureFEST!
At MDWFP's Museum of Natural Science






Unleash your wild side at MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science at "NatureFEST!" on Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. "We are excited to welcome Wildlife Wonders' exotic animal stage show and the Magic Funtastic Comedy Show to this year's festival!" says Museum Director Charles Knight. The event is a festival, a nature outing, and a fascinating museum trip, all wrapped into one exciting day! Food will be available for purchase from several food trucks.



EASTER EGG HUNT OPPORTUNITIES
AT MISSISSIPPI STATE PARKS


Join us for family fun this month with Easter Egg Hunt opportunities at several of our state parks. Participating parks include: Lake Lowndes, Tishomingo, Roosevelt, G.P. Cossar, J.P. Coleman, and Golden Memorial.
 
See links for event guidelines: 


BIRD SONG AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
ARE YOU WATER READY?
Boater Registration/Safety






Before you hit the water this spring, make sure you have your boater registration. In Mississippi, if you were born after June 30, 1980, you are required to take an initial boater education class before you can obtain boat registration.
 
Boater education prevents accidents and saves lives. All boaters have a responsibility to learn about boat operation, communications, navigation, and life-saving techniques before taking to water. Those without boater education put themselves and others at risk. 


TEN BOATING SAFETY TIPS FROM MDWFP
1. Be Weather Wise: Always check local weather conditions
2. Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist: Be prepared for any possibilities on water
3. Use Common Sense: Know your surroundings and operate at safe speeds
4. Designate an Assistant Skipper: Make sure more than one person can operate the boat
5. Develop a Float Plan: Inform someone you can trust of your boat trip details
6. Make Proper Use of Lifejackets: Majority of drowning victims were not wearing PFDs
7. Avoid Alcohol: Chances of being in an accident doubles if alcohol is involved
8. Learn to Swim: Find a class at a YMCA or Red Cross
9. Take a Boating Safety Course: Offered by state agencies and U.S. Coast Guard Floatilla
10. Consider a Free Safety Check: Offered by U.S. Coast Guard
POND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS




The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) Fisheries Bureau, in conjunction with the Mississippi State University County Extension Service, will hold two Pond Management Workshops in April. Workshop attendees will learn about pond design, fish stocking, harvest, vegetation control, liming, and fertilization. A question-and-answer period will follow.
 
April 6
Yazoo City - MSU Yazoo County Extension Office
6 p.m., (662) 746-2453
 
April 8
Tunica - MSU Tunica County Extension Office
9 a.m., (662) 363-2911


TAKE PART IN A MDWFP FISHING RODEO NEAR YOU




Youth Fishing Rodeo Opportunities will be in almost every part of the state this April. These events are good opportunities for young anglers to fish lakes well-stocked  with catfish, which are typically easy to catch. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy quality time together in a safe environment.
 
April 1
Woodville - Let's Wet a Hook at Woodville Park Pond

9 a.m., (601) 248-6956

 

April 8
Tupelo - Veteran's Park
8 a.m., (662) 841-6440  
   
Brookhaven - Hansel King Sportsplex

8 a.m., (601) 833-3791
  
Amory - Railroad Festival at McAlpine Lake
8 a.m., (662) 256-3221    


Pearl - Bright Park

9 a.m., (601) 932-3564

 

April 15
Canton - Turcotte Education Center

9 a.m., (601) 432-2128

 

April 22
Diamondhead - Diamondhead Twin Lakes
9 a.m., (228) 596-1121    


Tupelo - Choctaw Lake in the Tombigbee National Forest
9 a.m., (662) 285-3778
    
Brooksville - Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
8 a.m., (662) 323-5548    


Meridian - Q. V. Sykes Park Pond

7:30 a.m., (601) 485-1802
 

April 29
Sardis - Sardis Lower Lake at Cypress Point
7 a.m., (662) 712-1188    


Natchez - Natchez State Park

8 a.m., (601) 442-2658
  
Roxie - Clear Springs Lake in the Homochitto National Forest
7 a.m., (601) 384-5876
    
Walnut Grove - Willow Lake near Walnut Grove
9 a.m., (601) 267-9576   


Louisville - Legion State Park

7:30 a.m., (662) 773-8323
SCHOLASTIC SPORTS STATE TOURNAMENT
Wednesday, April 12






The Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) will hold its annual State Tournament at the Turcotte Education Center near Canton on April 22.
 
MSSP is a team-based, youth development program that uses the shotgun sports of 5-Stand, Skeet, and Sporting Clays to instill life skills such as discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, and self-confidence. The program utilizes these disciplines to teach hunting skills through the safe use of hunting equipment, including firearms, and their relationship to hunting situations. 
 
If you would like information to see how your school can get involved in MSSP, contact Jad Touchton at (601) 859-5164 or jadt@mdwfp.state.ms.us.
 
REGISTER FOR SUMMER CAMPS
At MDWFP's Museum of Natural Science






Remember those magical childhood summers spent exploring the outdoors? This June your children can experience similar adventures at one of the summer camps at MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. of Natural Science. Age-appropriate camps include: "Go Outdooors ... Camp!" for those entering kindergarten through sixth grade, "Jr. Naturalist Camp" for those entering seventh-ninth grade, and "Field Camp" for those entering 10th-12th grade.
 
Register Online Here

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MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks | 1505 Eastover Dr. | 601.432.2400 | Jackson | MS | 39211