State closes hunting seasons due to rising waters
Published 2:00 pm Friday, January 15, 2016
- A caution tape barrier closes off the parking spaces adjacent to the Tunica Riverpark in Robinsonville, Miss., as high water from the Mississippi River has flooded some of the area, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016. Because the National Weather Service predicts a slightly lower crest than earlier estimates, and a number of precautions have been employed, the casinos and motels are open for business. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — State wildlife regulators are expanding an order closing all open hunting seasons, except waterfowl, for the duration of the current high water event along the Mississippi River because rising waters are forcing deer and other animals out of their natural habitat.
Effective at the closing of legal hunting hours on Sunday, hunting seasons to include wild hogs will close from Vicksburg south to Port Gibson, west of Highway 61; from Port Gibson south to Highway 84 in Natchez, west of the Natchez Trace and from Natchez, south to the state line, west of Highway 61.
Trending
Waters are not expected to recede until after the close of most open hunting seasons. Sunday’s closure will remain effective until river levels drop or until the previously established ending date for the season — whichever occurs first.