ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

J.B. Pritzker, Governor | illinois.gov

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Mississippi River State Fish and Wildlife Area

Mississippi River SFWA General Regulations

The Mississippi River SFWA is comprised of 12 waterfowl management areas, 5 of which have check stations (Batchtown, Calhoun, Glades, Godar-Diamond, and Stump). These are located within pools 25 and 26 on the Mississippi and lower Illinois Rivers, in Jersey and Calhoun Counties.

General Regulations:

  • It is unlawful to trespass on areas designated as waterfowl rest areas 14 days prior to duck season and until the end of duck season at Godar Refuge, Crull Impoundment Refuge, Dan Hudgins Rest Area, and Batchtown Refuge. (Areas indicated by dotted line on site-specific maps below.)
  • Parking only allowed along roadways and in parking areas. No driving off roadway.
  • No ATV’s allowed on site
  • No camping allowed
  • Fishing is permitted, except on waterfowl rest areas (until the end of waterfowl season), waterfowl areas as posted during waterfowl season, or within 250 yards of an occupied blind on the open river.
  • Commercial fishing allowed by permit only.
    There is no restriction on outboard motor size.
  • Dog training permits are required for training purposes and may be obtained from the Headquarters during regular business hours. The permits are valid from Apr 1 – Mar 31 annually. Hunting of all game species is permitted in all areas according to statewide, Federal and site specific regulations as listed, except in access areas, waterfowl rest areas, or within 200 yards of occupied waterfowl blinds during waterfowl season.
  • During duck season, no one is allowed to access the designated duck hunting areas by launching a boat at certain specifically posted boat ramps except waterfowl hunters. Boat ramps re-open to other hunters the day after duck season closes.
  • While held to a minimum, be aware that natural resource management activities such as prescribed burning and non-native plant control may be conducted during the hunting season.

2020 Waterfowl Hunting Procedures

  • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
  • Hunting areas that traditionally have a manned check station, will have a hunter card drop box placed where the check station is normally placed; except for Batchtown.
  • Batchtown drop box will be located at the Batchtown Sportsman Club Boat Ramp.
  • Areas that are affected and will have the Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location include:
    • Calhoun Point / Calhoun Point Goose Pitts
    • Godar Complex (Dimond Island, Huracan Island, Tarpie/Michael Landing)
    • The Glades
    • Stump Lake
  • Area’s that will not be affected and will operate as normal will include:
    • Helmbold Lake
    • Mississippi River Blinds
    • Piasa Island
    • Reds Landing
    • Rip Rap Landing
    • All walk in areas
  • Hunters will go to the drop box each day and retrieve a blank Harvest Card, fill it out, then take it to the blind with them.
  • Hunters are required to fully fill out all information including names, addresses, hunt hours and the amount of birds harvested for that day, including their species and sex.
  • The card is to be placed in the hunter card drop box upon completion of each day’s hunt.
  • Blind holders in these locations are required to have at least one registered blind builder occupy the blind 1 hour prior to legal shooting time.
  • Hunting is only allowed from a registered built blinds that has passed inspection.
  • Hunting is not allowed at empty blind stake sites.
  • All other rules, regulations and shooting/quitting times apply for this season. See species specific information under Waterfowl below.
  • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
  • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
  • Social distancing is required for all locations.
  • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
  • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
  • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.

Batchtown SFWA

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 2,436
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Check Station:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the Batchtown Sportsman Club Boat Ramp.
  • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • See all 2020 Waterfowl hunting procedure changes below under species specific rules for Waterfowl.
  • Walk-in Hunting: Allowed in all interior lakes and sloughs of Turner Island.
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply except deer hunting in Turner Island Walk-in Area opens at 12 pm daily and runs to legal closing time during duck season.
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • 2020 Waterfowl Hunting Procedures
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • Batchtown drop box will be located at the Batchtown Sportsman Club Boat Ramp.
    • Hunters will go to the drop box each day and retrieve a blank Harvest Card, fill it out, then take it to the blind with them.
    • Hunters are required to fully fill out all information including names, addresses, hunt hours and the amount of birds harvested for that day, including their species and sex.
    • The card is to be placed in the hunter card drop box upon completion of each day’s hunt.
    • Blind holders in these locations are required to have at least one registered blind builder occupy the blind 1 hour prior to legal shooting time.
    • Hunting is only allowed from a registered built blinds that has passed inspection.
    • Hunting is not allowed at empty blind stake sites.
    • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
    • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
    • Social distancing is required for all locations.
    • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
    • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
    • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
    • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
    • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
    • Social distancing is required for all locations.
    • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
    • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
    • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm except at Turner Island Walk-in Area close is at 12 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind except at Turner Island where walk-ins are provided.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • No hunting allowed in the designated Batchtown Waterfowl rest area.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • No hunting allowed in the designated Batchtown Waterfowl rest area.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons. 
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds ½ hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult
  • Snipe and Rail
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener.  However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Calhoun Point

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 2,215
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Check Station:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location.
  • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • See all 2020 Waterfowl hunting procedure changes below under species specific rules for Waterfowl.
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • 2020 Waterfowl Hunting Procedures:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • Hunting areas that traditionally have a manned check station, will have a hunter card drop box placed where the check station is normally placed; except for Batchtown.
    • Hunters will go to the drop box each day and retrieve a blank Harvest Card, fill it out, then take it to the blind with them.
    • Hunters are required to fully fill out all information including names, addresses, hunt hours and the amount of birds harvested for that day, including their species and sex.
    • The card is to be placed in the hunter card drop box upon completion of each day’s hunt.
    • Blind holders in these locations are required to have at least one registered blind builder occupy the blind 1 hour prior to legal shooting time.
    • Hunting is only allowed from a registered built blinds that has passed inspection.
    • Hunting is not allowed at empty blind stake sites.
    • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
    • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
    • Social distancing is required for all locations.
    • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
    • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
    • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons. 
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds ½ hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Snipe and Rail
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener.  However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Glades – 12 Mile Island SWMA

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 1814
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map – Glades/ 12 Mile Island
  • Printable Map – Hembold Island
  • Printable Map – Mortland Island

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Check Station:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location.
  • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • See all 2020 Waterfowl hunting procedure changes below under species specific rules for Waterfowl.
  • Walk-in Hunting: Allowed in all interior lakes and sloughs of 12 Mile Island.
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply except that deer hunting in 12-Mile Island Walk-in Area opens at 12 pm daily and runs to legal closing time during duck season.
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • 2020 Waterfowl Hunting Procedures:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location.
    • Hunters will go to the drop box each day and retrieve a blank Harvest Card, fill it out, then take it to the blind with them.
    • Hunters are required to fully fill out all information including names, addresses, hunt hours and the amount of birds harvested for that day, including their species and sex.
    • The card is to be placed in the hunter card drop box upon completion of each day’s hunt.
    • Blind holders in these locations are required to have at least one registered blind builder occupy the blind 1 hour prior to legal shooting time.
    • Hunting is only allowed from a registered built blinds that has passed inspection.
    • Hunting is not allowed at empty blind stake sites.
    • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
    • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
    • Social distancing is required for all locations.
    • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
    • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
    • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm, except 12-Mile Island Walk-in Area close at 12 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind except at 12 Mile Island where walk-in areas are provided.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons.
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Snipe and Rail
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener. However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Godar Rest Area & Diamond/ Hurricane/Crader/Michael Islands

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 2617
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map – Diamond Island/ Godar Rest Area
  • Printable Map – Hurricane/Crader/Michael Islands
  • Printable Map – Michael to Kampsville

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Check Station:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location.
  • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • See all 2020 Waterfowl hunting procedure changes below under species specific rules for Waterfowl.
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • 2020 Waterfowl Hunting Procedures:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location.
    • Hunters will go to the drop box each day and retrieve a blank Harvest Card, fill it out, then take it to the blind with them.
    • Hunters are required to fully fill out all information including names, addresses, hunt hours and the amount of birds harvested for that day, including their species and sex.
    • The card is to be placed in the hunter card drop box upon completion of each day’s hunt.
    • Blind holders in these locations are required to have at least one registered blind builder occupy the blind 1 hour prior to legal shooting time.
    • Hunting is only allowed from a registered built blinds that has passed inspection.
    • Hunting is not allowed at empty blind stake sites.
    • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
    • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
    • Social distancing is required for all locations.
    • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
    • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
    • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons.
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Snipe and rail
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulation apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp.
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener. However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Stump Lake WMA

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 3,580
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Check Station:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location.
  • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • See all 2020 Waterfowl hunting procedure changes below under species specific rules for Waterfowl.
  • It is unlawful to trespass on areas designated as waterfowl rest areas 14 days prior to duck season and until the end of duck season at Crull Impoundment Refuge. 
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • 2020 Waterfowl Hunting Procedures:
    • There will not be a manned check station on the Mississippi River State Fish & Wildlife area this year for the 2020 Waterfowl season.
    • This site will have a Harvest Card Drop Box located at the normal check station location.
    • Hunters will go to the drop box each day and retrieve a blank Harvest Card, fill it out, then take it to the blind with them.
    • Hunters are required to fully fill out all information including names, addresses, hunt hours and the amount of birds harvested for that day, including their species and sex.
    • The card is to be placed in the hunter card drop box upon completion of each day’s hunt.
    • Blind holders in these locations are required to have at least one registered blind builder occupy the blind 1 hour prior to legal shooting time.
    • Hunting is only allowed from a registered built blinds that has passed inspection.
    • Hunting is not allowed at empty blind stake sites.
    • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
    • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
    • Social distancing is required for all locations.
    • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
    • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
    • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines.
  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons.
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Snipe and Rail
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp.
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener. However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Fuller Lake SWMA

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 1,817
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Non-Check Station Area: Registered blind builders in non-check station areas must occupy blinds by ½ hour before shooting time each day or the blind will be available to non-blind builders.
  • Walk-in Hunting: Allowed in all interior lakes and sloughs of 12 Mile Island.
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply except that deer hunting in 12-Mile Island Walk-in Area opens at 12 pm daily and runs to legal closing time during duck season.
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • 2020 Waterfowl Hunting Procedures:
    • Hunters will go to the drop box each day and retrieve a blank Harvest Card, fill it out, then take it to the blind with them.
    • Hunters are required to fully fill out all information including names, addresses, hunt hours and the amount of birds harvested for that day, including their species and sex.
    • The card is to be placed in the hunter card drop box upon completion of each day’s hunt.
    • Blind holders in these locations are required to have at least one registered blind builder occupy the blind 1 hour prior to legal shooting time.
    • Hunting is only allowed from a registered built blinds that has passed inspection.
    • Hunting is not allowed at empty blind stake sites.
    • From a safe distance, hunters can let other daily draw hunters know what blind number they will be claiming that morning.
    • If you have claimed a blind and you see someone out on the water looking for a blind, help them find one if you can. All of this will go a long way in making sure all hunters are in their blinds before shooting time and not bumping waterfowl.
    • Social distancing is required for all locations.
    • No congregating at hunter drop card boxes or boat ramps.
    • Only one hunter will retrieve a harvest card at a time.
    • Please be polite and courteous to fellow hunters while keeping mindful of social distasting guidelines
  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind except at 12 Mile Island where walk-in areas are provided.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons.
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Snipe and Rail
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener. However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Piasa Island SWMA

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 400
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Non-Check Station Area: Registered blind builders in non-check station areas must occupy blinds by ½ hour before shooting time each day or the blind will be available to non-blind builders.
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons.
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Snipe and Rail
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener. However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Red’s Landing SWMA

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 737
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map – Red’s Landing
  • Printable Map – Red’s Landing Walk-in
  • Printable Map – Red’s Landing Aerial View

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Non-Check Station Area: Registered blind builders in non-check station areas must occupy blinds by ½ hour before shooting time each day or the blind will be available to non-blind builders.
  • Walk-in Hunting: Red’s Landing is open to all hunting by site and statewide regulations; access by walk-in or boats without motors only. Hunting from legal opening until 12 pm. daily, no access before 4 am daily. No permanent blinds. Hunting parties will not hunt over less than 12 decoys or more than 24. Decoys must be picked up daily. No vehicles allowed. No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply except that hunting in Red’s Landing Walk-in Area opens at 12 pm daily and runs to legal closing time during duck season. 
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm, except at Red’s Landing Walk-in Area close at 12 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind except at Red’s Landing.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons.
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Snipe and rail

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener. However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities

Riprap Landing SWMA

Site Contact Info

Site Characteristics

  • Huntable acres: 2,949
  • Habitat: The Mississippi State Fish and Wildlife Area is primarily a waterfowl management area. The site offers waterfowl, forest game and furbearer hunting with limited upland game opportunities. The area is a typical bottomland complex of sloughs, backwater lakes, timbered ponds, bottomland timber comprised largely of willow, maple, and cottonwood, and open river. Waterfowl hunting is restricted to marked blind sites and a designated walk-in area.
  • Digital Map
  • Printable Map – Rip Rap Landing Aerial View
  • Printable Map – Rip Rap Landing Northern Acquisition
  • Printable Map – Rip Rap Landing Walk-in

Site Specific Regulations

  • All statewide hunting regulations apply at site unless noted hereafter.
  • Non-Check Station Area: Registered blind builders in non-check station areas must occupy blinds by ½ hour before shooting time each day or the blind will be available to non-blind builders.
  • Walk-in Hunting: Area is open to all hunting by site and statewide regulations, access by walk-in or boats without motors only. Hunting from legal opening until 12 pm daily, no access before 4 am daily. No permanent blinds. Hunting parties will not hunt over less than 12 decoys or more than 24. Decoys must be picked up daily. No vehicles allowed. 
  • The northern acquisition at Rip Rap Landing is closed to waterfowl hunting.
  • No hunting within 200 yards of an occupied duck blind.
  • Use Hunt Planner to find hunting seasons open at this site.
  • Species-specific rules:

Deer

  • Statewide regulations apply except that hunting at Rip Rap Landing Walk-in Area opens at 12 pm daily and runs to legal closing time during duck season. 
  • Deer hunting (Archery, Firearm, Muzzleloader, Youth Firearm and Late Winter Seasons) is allowed in all areas except access areas, waterfowl rest areas (close 15 days prior to duck season) during duck season, or within 200 yards of occupied duck blind.
  • Late Winter Firearm Season is closed.
  • Requires county permit
  • It is unlawful to drive deer.
  • One non-piercing, portable stand per hunter. Hunters may leave stands unattended from Sept 15 – Jan 21, but stands must be legibly labeled with hunter’s name, address and telephone number.
  • It is unlawful to track deer with dogs on any Department-owned/managed site during hours when deer hunting is being conducted. Dogs must be certified as deer tracking dogs by a national dog tracking organization.
  • Deer hunters using a ground blind during any firearm deer season must display at least 400 inches of solid blaze orange material attached to the upper most portion of the blind and a substantial amount of orange must be visible for 360 degrees.

Turkey

  • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Requires county permit (Spring and Fall Gun Seasons)
  • Area could be under water during Spring Season due to spring flooding

Waterfowl

  • Season and bag limits determined by state and federal regulations.
  • Hunting times will be from legal opening to 3:30 pm, except at Rip Rap Landing Walk-in Area close at 12 pm.
  • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind except at Rip Rap Landing.
  • Teal
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during teal season. 
  • Early and Late Goose (Conservation Order, Snow Goose)
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Blind builders must claim their blind ½ hour before shooting time or the blind is open for that day’s hunt.
    • There is no requirement to hunt from blind sites during Early and Late Goose seasons.
  • Youth Waterfowl Season
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Held the weekend before the duck season opener
  • Blinds:
    • Blinds are allocated by public drawing for a three year period.
    • Blinds must be built to site specifications and maintained in a safe usable condition.
    • Blind builders are re-registered annually and any blinds not registered or constructed are re-allocated.
    • All waterfowl hunting must be done from within a staked and registered waterfowl blind.
    • No more than 4 persons may occupy a blind at one time.
    • Hunters are required to hunt over a minimum of 12 decoys.
    • Blind builders must claim their blinds hour before shooting time for teal, early goose and the conservation order light goose seasons. If blind is not claimed then it is open to first-come, first-serve. There is no requirement to hunt from the blind sites during these seasons.
    • No person under 16 years old may hunt unless accompanied by an adult.
  • Rail and Snipe

Squirrels/Rabbits

  • Squirrels
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Shotgun, .22 caliber or smaller rimfire and air rifles are allowed
  • Rabbits
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Upland Birds

  • Dove
    • Statewide regulations apply.
    • Only non-toxic shells permitted. Steel shot size #6 or smaller is allowed.
  • Pheasant, Hungarian Partridge, Quail
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Woodcock
    • Statewide regulations apply.
  • Crow
    • Statewide regulations apply.

Furbearers

  • Trapping
    • Site-specific permit required. Permit is issued via public drawing at site office on the first Wednesday following the opener of duck season.
    • A limited number of permits issued
    • Must have a current trapping license and habitat stamp
    • Only Egg Traps, D-P (Dog-Proof) Traps, box traps, cage traps and traps of similar design may be used for land sets.
    • Trapping will be permitted from the statewide opener. However, during the regular duck season, only live traps and land sets are allowed. All trapping will be permitted after the close of regular duck season.
    • Trappers are required to report harvest to the site office by April 15.
  • Hunting
    • Statewide regulations
    • Rimfire rifles .22 caliber and smaller may be used from sunset to sunrise.
    • Furbearer hunting closed during Firearm Deer Season
      • Hunters with a valid, unfilled firearm deer permit for the hunt area may take coyotes during legal hours of the firearm deer season. Otherwise, the use of shotgun slugs to take furbearing mammals is prohibited on state sites.
    • Coyote and striped skunk season coincides with the statewide fox season.

Amenities