40 Miss. Code. R. 4-5.3 - RUNNING OF DOGS DURING SPRING TURKEY SEASON

A. It shall be unlawful to run, hunt, chase or pursue with dogs any raccoon, opossum, fox or other wild animals, or wild birds during spring turkey season (youth and regular season), day or night, except as provided herein:

1. In areas that are closed to turkey hunting.

2. In permitted hunting enclosures (all free running dogs must remain inside the enclosure).

3. Bird dog field trials may be held in designated areas after application and obtaining a permit from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

4. Rabbit dog field trials may be permitted on lands owned or leased by organized beagle clubs provided the club property is posted by signs every 300 feet and the field trial has been approved by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

5. Raccoon dog field trials may be held in designated areas after application and obtaining a field trial permit from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Permitted field trials will be allowed from 1 hour after sunset until 3:00 a.m. on the following lands:

a. Private lands with consent from the landowner(s) on a minimum of 250 contiguous acres.

b. Public lands, excluding MDWFP Wildlife Management Areas, where the governmental agency charged with the management of said lands has not passed laws or regulations prohibiting the running of raccoon dogs.

c. Hunters must obtain a dog permit, at no charge, for each dog and are limited to two dog permits per hunter. Dogs must wear a functional tracking collar and be identified at all times with the dog permit number and the owner's contact information. A maximum of four dogs is allowed per party. Dogs must be kept upon properties for which consent has been obtained at all times.

6. The running of raccoon dogs and rabbit dogs will be allowed from 1 hour after sunset until 3:00 a.m. on the following lands:

a. A landowner and their accompanying guests may hunt on any lands titled in his/her name.

b. Private lands where hunters have consent from the landowner(s) on a minimum of 250 contiguous acres.

c. Public lands, excluding MDWFP Wildlife Management Areas, where the governmental agency charged with the management of said lands has not passed laws or regulations prohibiting the training of raccoon or rabbit dogs.

d. Hunters must obtain a dog permit, at no charge, for each dog and are limited to two dog permits per hunter. Dogs must wear a functional tracking collar and be identified at all times with the dog permit number and the owner's contact information. A maximum of four dogs is allowed per party. Dogs must be kept upon properties for which consent has been obtained at all times.

B. In addition to any penalty prescribed by law, the Commission may suspend an individual's hunting privileges and dog permit(s) for a period of one year for violation of any rules and regulations pertaining to this Rule.

C. To assist with the control of hogs for agriculture depredation only, an Animal Control Permit may be issued during spring turkey season to any property owner or lessee for the use of dogs for lethal removal of hogs.

a. To apply for an Animal Control Permit, contact the appropriate MDWFP Regional Office:

North Region (Tupelo): 662-840-5172

Central Region (Canton): 601-859-3421

South Region (Magnolia): 601-783-2911

Notes

40 Miss. Code. R. 4-5.3

Miss. Code Ann. §§ 49-1-29, 49-1-29(j), 49-4-4, 49-7-32, and 49-7-42.

Revised December 2013.