Outdoor Recreation

And it is big business, with annual expenditures in the state totaling $1.9 billion and supporting 26,150 jobs in MIssissippi. An estimated 1.7 million Mississippians and visitors age 16 and older participated in hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing in 2022, according to the latest survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Hunting

To help private landowners enjoy quality hunting experiences, Wildlife Mississippi offers low-cost seed through its Wildlife Habitat Seed Program. Seed is also provided to public land managers at a minimal cost. Wildlife Mississippi has also worked to curtail the poaching of deer by providing dozens of decoy deer to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

Fishing

We work to ensure quality fishing experiences by helping restore and enhance community lakes and private waters such as farm ponds. Our wetland mitigation projects along many river systems throughout the state, along with our other restoration efforts, help ensure that rivers and streams can support healthy fish populations and other aquatic life.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife viewing, including birding and photography, is growing in popularity. A recent national report said Mississippians spend more days watching birds during the year – an average of 155 – than their counterparts in any other state.

Public Lands

Our work to enhance public lands such as the Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area near Belzoni allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the habitats that support Mississippi’s rich diversity of wildlife. Across the state, Wildlife Mississippi is working to enhance and expand public lands and waters such as national wildlife refuges and national forests.

Private Lands

Approximately 95% of the lands in Mississippi are in private hands, so private land stewardship is crucial to the long-term health of the state’s wildlife. We are participating in collective stewardship efforts along the Mississippi River through the Mississippi River Landowners Alliance, and we are promoting incentives for conservation management through the federal Farm Bill and conservation easements.