Sidebars Archives - Page 38 of 68 - Mississippi Sportsman

June 1, 2026

In the fall, bouncing a tail-spinner off sandbar points can produce some hot bass action. The Pearl River is loaded with the feisty fish.

Coming soon: Urban National Wildlife Refuge

July 15, 2014 David Hawkins

If the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service plan comes to fruition, the middle Pearl River will soon be part a federal agency’s latest initiative — Urban National Wildlife Refuges. […]

Bow hunter Randy Pearcy regularly hunts public lands and knows going in that he will have to work for big bucks, like this one taken at Hillside National Wildlife Refuge.

Research hunting pressure on WMAs

July 15, 2014 John J. Woods

Hunting pressure is a prime concern of deer hunters looking for a decent buck on public lands. […]

The information hunters must give at WMA check stations before and after each hunt is vital, in that it helps wildlife biologists analyze the many aspects of hunting. It is included in the annual Deer Program Report, which is a good tool for all deer hunters.

Annual Deer Program Report, when available, is important tool

July 15, 2014 John J. Woods

As valuable as any accessory to Mississippi deer hunters who concentrate their efforts on state wildlife management areas is the annual Deer Program Report. It is a must read. […]

Hunters like Tommy Hoff know there are more than enough quality open public land options in Mississippi.

Extensive Information Source

July 15, 2014 John J. Woods

As stated, this document is good tool for all deer hunters in Mississippi regardless of whether they exclusively hunt private lands or on state wildlife management areas, but is an absolute must for WMA deer hunters. […]

Public lands will have hunter check-in and out stations where harvest data is collected.

WMA Hunting Data Insights

July 15, 2014 John J. Woods

At the top of that list is the most important for WMA hunters. If they read nothing else in the entire report, they should be certain to study the data for the WMAs they hunt. […]

Many people consider public land to be void of good deer, unless it’s one where draw hunts are held. Charles Allen of Lake might argue that point. He took this 10-point on the Caney WMA just a few hours after dogs and hunters made a drive through the area during the 2013-14 season.

Draw Hunt Checklist

July 15, 2014 David Hawkins

Apply for WMA permits during the month of August. If you are selected, you will be notified by email. […]

This 10-point stepped out of a public woods pine thicket 300 yards away from Josh Hawkins, who took it with a 6.5 x 47 Lapua in a McQuirter custom rifle.

Barnett Reservoir draw in August

July 15, 2014 Bobby Cleveland

Expanded hunting opportunities are included in Year 2 of draw deer hunting at Barnett Reservoir, the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District announced. […]

A sign posted at the entrance gate to Okhissa Lake directs fishermen on what to do to have their fish weighed and entered in the C-Spire Share-A-Trophy program.

Okhissa Lake program protects lunker bass

June 16, 2014 Bobby Cleveland

When it opened in 2007, fishermen knew that Lake Okhissa near Bude would soon begin producing huge largemouth bass as the original stocking of fish cycled through to maturity. […]

Many Rez areas closed to juggin’

June 15, 2014 Bobby Cleveland

A combination of regulations set by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, which manages Barnett Reservoir, creates many zones on Barnett Reservoir that are closed to fishing with jugs. […]

When fishing a lake for the first time, Grace suggests picking a smaller cove first to get an idea of what’s going on.

Versatility a key to Kemper County Lake

June 15, 2014 Michael O. Giles

Steve Grace of Collinsville is an accomplished local, regional and national tournament angler, who excels in fishing a variety of lakes from large reservoirs to smaller public waters, like Kemper County Lake near DeKalb. […]

Flounder use their mouthful of teeth to grab prey, before going back down to the bottom, usually within a few feet of where they were laying. Kyle Perry said it’s important to give them a 5-count before setting the hook.

Gearing up: Medium spin, braided line, and the Gulp!

June 15, 2014 Sam Davis

The great thing about flounder fishing is that the necessities are minimal and most fishermen already have the tools necessary to get started. […]

Buck potential can increase over time for DMAP clubs.

The DMAP Cooperator’s pay day

June 15, 2014 John J. Woods

“One of the most frequently asked questions about joining the DMAP program is ‘what do we get out of it?” said Lann Wilf, the North Region Biologist. “It certainly is a fair question since we are asking these guys to spend an entire hunting season collecting data and sending it in for analysis.” […]