Due to anticipated, flooding of the Mississippi River, areas along the Mississippi River will come to a close when gauges become high enough.

In a statement released by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks the following gauges, river stages and areas closed at the following levels:

-Vicksburg, MS gauge at 43 feet. Areas closed: Issaquena, Sharkey and Warren counties South of Highway 14, West of Highway 61 and North of the Big Black.

-Greenville, MS gauge at 48 feet. Areas closed: Washington and Issaquena Counties South of Highway 82, West of Highway 1 and North of Highway 14.

-Memphis gauge at 34 feet. Areas closed: Desoto, Tunica and Coahoma counties West fo Highway 61 and North of Highway 49

-Helena, AR gauge at 41 feet. Areas closed; Coahoma, Bolivar and Washington counties South of Highway 49, West of Highway 61 to the intersection of Highway 61 and Higway 444, West of Highway 1 and North of Highway 82.

The MDWFP said that as water rises, many deer and other wildlife might be displaced from their normal habitat, which will place additional pressure on food sources.

“Supplemental feeding is not recommended in areas that will be inundated with floodwater,” the press release stated. “Private landowners adjacent to areas inundated with flood waters may utilize supplemental feeding as permitted by law, rule or regulation. Remember it is illegal to pour pile or place any supplemental feed directly on the ground.”

The MDWFP also said it will increase its law enforcement presence in the affected areas to promote public safety for residents affected by the rising water and to enforce the wildlife laws that protect game animals affected by flooding.

For more information regarding hunting in Mississippi, visit www.mdwfp.com or call 601-432-2400.