Mississippi spring turkey season forecast

Geographic variation will exist in turkey populations, but most turkey hunters in Mississippi should expect a 2019 spring season similar of the past two.

Poult per hen figures, total turkey observations, and jake sightings over the past several years have remained relatively consistent at the statewide level. Average harvest rates will likely decline slightly in 2019, but the drop will probably not be noticeable to most.

Spring weather and regional variability will play a large role in the timing of gobbling activity, but if prior years are any indication, gobbling should peak during the week or so that straddles April 1.

Wild turkey game check for 2019 season

This spring, Mississippi hunters who bag a gobbler will be more engaged than ever in ensuring the future of Mississippi’s turkey flock.

Beginning with the 2019 season, turkey hunters are required to report their harvests to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks by 10 p.m. on the day the turkey is harvested.

The new MDWFP Game Check system provides hunters with three available options to report their bird: the MDWFP hunting and fishing smartphone app, www.mdwfp.com/gamecheck, or by calling 1-800-BE-SMART.

WMA turkey hunters get new season frameworks

Several Wildlife Management Areas will be receiving new turkey season frameworks in 2019.

On Malmaison, Choctaw, Marion County, Mason Creek and Little Biloxi WMAs, the start of the regular spring turkey season has been delayed until April 1. These changes were made to address long-term declines in harvest so that it more closely aligns with the timing of peak gobbling and nesting.

Trace State Park has trails from biking to horseback riding

Some of the best views of Mississippi’s sunsets, foliage, and waterways are best appreciated on a recreational trail.

Mississippi’s trails carry you through the hills, straightaways, valleys, small towns, cities, quiet country roads, and just about any terrain you can imagine in the Southeastern United States.

Trace State Park offers a variety of trails suited for mountain biking, horseback riding, ORVs (off-road vehicle), and hiking.

Hunters thanked for helping track CWD

The 2018-2019 deer season is over, and since Oct. 1 the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks has collected more than 7,400 samples for Chronic Wasting Disease testing. MDWFP thanks hunters for submitting the majority of those samples and appreciates hunters in engaging in this important conservation effort.

–Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks