From staff reports

Favorable weather conditions and the onset of the rut are giving Mississippi’s deer hunters good chances for success as the season passes the halfway mark, representatives of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks say.

“We are seeing an increase in deer movement statewide,” MDWFP Deer Program Coordinator Chad Dacus said. “The cooler weather and the rut should have the bucks on the move.”

Resident and non-resident hunters need to make sure their license is current. If you’re planning on hunting one of the state’s Wildlife Management Areas, you’ll also need at WMA permit. Licenses may be purchased from a local sports retailer, online at www.mdwfp.com or by calling 1-800-546-4868. The second youth season and primitive weapon season both conclude Monday, while the gun without dogs season will wrap up Dec. 23.

Bag limits for all seasons are one buck per day — four points or more — not to exceed three per license year. The bag limit on antlerless deer is the same as bucks, except two additional does may be taken with a bow per license year.