2014 - Page 22 of 57 - Mississippi Sportsman

There are plenty of public-land opportunities for dove hunters this year, with fields being prepared on 16 WMAs across Mississippi.

16 public-land dove hunting fields available

August 18, 2014 Andy Crawford

Dove-hunting seasons will be kicking off in September, but if you don’t own a field you are just out of luck, right? Wrong. […]

Catching bull reds on the barrier islands won’t put food on the table but it is a thrill that even tournament bass fishermen like Madison BASS Elite Series pro Pete Ponds can enjoy in the summer.

Fishing through the heat

August 15, 2014 Bobby Cleveland

As we said at the beginning, it’s tough to enjoy a full day of fishing during August’s torrid dog days of summer. […]

The moments right after a summer pop-up thunderstorm can produce a great topwater bite in lowlight conditions when bass enjoy the cooler conditions.

Storm watch: Be careful, but also take advantage

August 15, 2014 David A. Brown

A constant concern for summer bass fishing is the afternoon thunderstorm, and savvy bass anglers know that such weather can positively influence the bite. […]

Catfish anglers can catch skipjack herring on Sabiki rigs in areas with clear, shallow running water.

Pickle: Gotta have skipjack bait

August 15, 2014 Phillip Gentry

A recurring theme from both the Mississippi and Tenn-Tom anglers is the importance of using river herring for bait when attempting to catch catfish, particularly trophy-sized blue cats. The hands-down favorite is skipjack herring, a.k.a. skipjack shad.

[…]

The Pascagoula crew depends on a heavy Penn spinning combo, an aluminum gaff, a weighted treble hook attached to a length of 650-pound nylon rope, a Bowie knife and an externally powered spotlight to ensure success.

Getting geared for gators

August 15, 2014 Sam Davis

Before teams hit the water for Mississippi’s public alligator season, they search the stores and the Internet to find the gear they will need to tangle with giant reptiles that can exceed 14 feet in length and 700 pounds in weight. […]

Before an alligator can be dispatched it must be secured properly. The mandatory training class for first timers covers recommended securing practices.

Nearly 7,000 apply for hunts

August 15, 2014 Sam Davis

Mississippi’s 2014 public alligator season runs from Aug. 29 through Sept. 8, but the drawing process was completed in June to fill the 920 permits available statewide. […]

Cumberland and Giles’ Creek fishing lures (Clockwise from the top): Rattlin’ Rogue, Bomber Long A, CP Custom Crankbait, Rapala Scatterrap shad, Middle- CP Custom Crankbait.

Okatibbee Creek fishing equipment

August 15, 2014 Michael O. Giles

Okatibbee Creek fishing equipment […]

Making lists can help hunters remember essential items, like scent removal spray.

A list for this, a list for that

August 15, 2014 John J. Woods

A mistake made deer hunting — whether it be forgotten gear, failure to maintain equipment, not pitching in to help around camp or failing to monitor any and all the aspects required for a successful hunt — can be forgiven the first time. […]

In addition to protecting natural habitat, planting supplemental food plots is an important part of herd and land management.

Accept stewardship

August 15, 2014 John J. Woods

The deer hunter who fails to cover all the bases is setting himself or herself — and possibly others — for failure. That includes land and deer management. […]

Deep-diving crankbaits and Carolina rigs can produce a lot of fish this month.

The revival of Okatibbee Reservoir

August 15, 2014 Paul Elias

Okatibbee Reservoir is located seven miles northwest of Meridian, encompasses 4,144 acres and is part of the Pat Harrison Waterway. […]

Mississippi waterfowlers are hoping for another early and cold winter to help push ducks south ahead of the early-ending season.

Duck season to end early

August 13, 2014 Bobby Cleveland

Unfortunately for Mississippi duck hunters, the state’s 2014-15 season will end at the earliest date possible — Jan. 25 — costing waterfowlers six precious days during the peak of migration. […]

All people born after Jan. 1, 1972, are required to pass a hunter ed course before purchasing a license, and youths 12 to 16 must complete a course before hunting alone.

Don’t forget Hunter Ed

August 13, 2014 Bobby Cleveland

With hunting season rapidly approaching, sportsmen and women of all ages are getting excited at the prospects of soon donning camo, grabbing a shotgun and hitting the fields, woods and even the water. […]