Following in the footsteps of states like Tennessee and Kentucky, Mississippi has added an opportunity for bowhunters to hunt velvet bucks in their new velvet season schedule for the 2022/2023 deer season.
Kentucky has had the opportunity for hunting velvet bucks for years with a bow season that begins the first week of September. In 2018, Tennessee added their own unique velvet buck season that takes place over a 3-day weekend in late August. Now, Mississippi extends the opportunities for bowhunting white-tailed deer in velvet with an exciting hunt scheduled for September of 2022.
The 3-day hunt has been scheduled for September 16 – 18, with a 1- buck bag limit for the weekend. While bucks further to the north (Tennessee and Kentucky) will likely be out of velvet by this time, it’s believed to be the perfect timing to notch a tag on a velvet buck in Mississippi, according to state officials.
“We feel that mid-September is not too early, not too late, but just about right,” says Russ Walsh, Wildlife Chief of Staff for the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
What to Know Before You Go
As with any new hunt or special season, it’s important to know the rules and regulations. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know before you plan your velvet buck hunt in Mississippi.
- Season runs September 16 – 18, 2022.
- The hunt will take place on private lands only.
- Weapons allowed include: compound bows, longbows, recurves, and crossbows.
- Hunters may take one legal buck (counts toward annual antlered deer bag limit).
- Hunters must have special permits for the season – $10 for residents / $50 for non-resident.
- Hunters are required to report harvest by 10:00 p.m. on day of harvest.
- All bucks reported must be submitted for CWD testing.
As you might expect, there’s always a little controversy when something new is added, or taken away, for hunters. As was the case when Tennessee launched its inaugural velvet hunt, critics of the hunt spoke up. Some say it’s not a good move for the deer herd, while others claim it’s not necessary, or that it’s unfair to gun hunters.
Bottom line – the velvet hunt is all about increased opportunity for hunters. Wildlife biologists have done their due diligence. They know what’s good, or bad, for the local herd. This hunt provides a unique opportunity to hunt deer in a phase that most bowhunters have never experienced. It’s a win for hunters.
Of course, we’d love to hear what you think. Are these velvet hunts a good idea? Would you do it? Comment below, and let us know what you think.
