Noxubee
National Wildlife Refuge |
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| Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is located within three counties (Noxubee, Oktibbeha and Winston) of east-central Mississippi, and consists of approximately 48,000 acres. Approximately 44,000 acres of the refuge is woodlands and is occupied by a variety of upland species. The refuge was established in 1940 from lands formerly controlled by the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act. The primary objective of the refuge is to provide resting and feeding habitat for migrating waterfowl. Secondarily, nesting habitat is managed for waterfowl and other migratory birds. Compatible public activities are encouraged, including wildlife observation, fishing, and hunting. Concentrations of waterfowl occur on the refuge during the fall and winter months. During these periods, up to 15,000 ducks and 1,200 geese are present. Common species include mallard, pintail, American wigeon, green-winged teal, wood duck and Canada geese. Hunting of certain species is permitted in designated areas in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations, including refuge regulations. To reach the refuge from Starkville, take Oktoc Road till it dead-ends, and then follow refuge signs. Another option is to take Highway 25 South just into Winston County and turn left a the refuge sign. General Regulations Regulations - The regulations listed below supplement the general regulations which govern hunting on wildlife refuge areas as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Hunting will be in accordance with applicable State regulations, except where otherwise stated. Closed Areas - Certain areas of the refuge are closed to hunting. Such areas are conspicuously marked with "No Hunting" or "Closed" signs. GTR 1 will be closed to all types of hunting, except waterfowl hunting, on each Saturday and Wednesday morning of the state waterfowl season. At times other than these mornings, it will be open to all other types of hunting permitted on the refuge. GTR's 1, 2, and 4 are steel shot zones. Shotgun hunters in these zones must use and possess only approved non-toxic shot for small game hunts. Forfeiture of Hunting Privileges - Any person violating any refuge regulation may be requested by the refuge manager to forfeit the privilege of hunting on the refuge for the remainder of the hunting season and may be ineligible to apply for permits the following year. Camping - Camping is not permitted on the refuge. However, camping areas are available at locations within and adjacent to the refuge. Hunter Orange - During all deer gun hunts, all hunters and scouters (including small game hunters and with the exception of waterfowl hunters) must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of unbroken fluorescent orange colored material above the waistline at all times, even while in a tree stand. Alcoholic Beverages - The possession or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited while hunting on National Wildlife Refuges. Boats may not be left on the refuge overnight. Wanton Waste - No person may capture, kill or destroy any game bird, game mammal or game fish and remove the head, claws, teeth, hide, antlers or any or all of such parts from the body, with the intent to abandon the body. Artificial Lights - The use of artificial light, including headlights, to spot or locate any animal, except authorized nighttime hunting of raccoons and opossums, is strictly prohibited. Firearms - All handguns must comply with State regulations. All firearms transported on roads within the refuge boundary must be unloaded and either dismantled or cased. Loaded firearms are prohibited on any road or levee whether gated or not. Target Shooting - Target shooting is not permitted on the refuge. Motor Vehicles - Motor vehicles are allowed on all roads shown on the map, unless the road is closed by sign or gate. Vehicles must be parked adjacent to these roadways, and may not block gates. Other Wildlife - Beaver, nutria and coyote may be taken during any refuge hunt, and feral hogs may be taken by any refuge deer hunter with weapons legal for that hunt. Protected Species - Only species listed in this leaflet may be hunted in permitted areas. Please protect all other wildlife. Fires - Fires are prohibited. Littering - Please help us put litter in its place. Deposit all trash in barrels provided in parking areas. Accidents - All accidents and injuries occurring on the refuge should be reported immediately at refuge headquarters. Phone (662) 323-5548. Permits Deer Hunting Permit - A $12.50 permit is required
for all deer hunting (except during the Youth Deer Hunt - see below)
on Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. These permits will be issued
beginning September 1. This permit will allow a resident hunter to
take up to the state bag limit during the 2008-2009 hunting season.
State law dictates that a non-resident is ineligible to harvest an
antlerless deer; therefore, a non-resident hunter is allowed only
three bucks on the refuge. 1. Hunter's full name and residence address (including zip code)
Incomplete or illegible applications will be rejected. Only one application per hunter. Application Form
Waterfowl Permits (Fee permit required) Waterfowl hunt permits ($12.50 each) will allow the permit holder and up to two companions to hunt from a refuge blind until 12-noon on the selected day. Waterfowl hunts are scheduled each Wednesday and Saturday of the State waterfowl season, excluding the first Saturday which is reserved for the youth waterfowl hunt. Applications, accepted from September 1, shall include name, address, current hunting license number, and three hunt dates in order of preference. Each application shall be accompanied with a $12.50 money order or personal check made out to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A random drawing will be held on the first Monday in November, and successful applicants will be notified as to the day(s) they have been selected to hunt. Unsuccessful application deposits will be returned. Duck Hunt Application Form Standby hunters will also pay $12.50 per blind. Incomplete or illegible applications will be rejected. Only one application per hunter. A drawing will be held on the morning of each hunt to determine the sequence in which hunt blinds will be chosen by permittees. Hunters are encouraged to use retrievers. Hunters must stay within 50 yards of assigned blind. Boats are provided for the blinds that require them. Youth Hunts The following youth hunts will be held. A no-cost permit (the hunt brochure) is required for all youth hunters. Youth up to age 15 are eligible to participate in all youth hunts; however, they must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. Both adult and youth must be together (in sight) at all times. Only the youth may handle, carry, transport, or discharge firearms. Deer - November 15-21. State bag limit applies and any deer harvested must be checked in. Turkey - March 7-13. State bag limit applies and any turkey harvested must be checked in. Squirrel - October 11-17. State bag limit applies. Specific Refuge Regulations Special deer hunting blinds for persons who require the use of a wheelchair are available by reservation. Contact Refuge office for information. Deer - Permits must be carried at all times while hunting. Deer must be tagged before they are moved. Be sure to check harvested deer at the Refuge check station the day killed and before leaving the Refuge. Portable stands only may be placed on the refuge from September 1 - January 15. It is unlawful to drive a nail, spike, or other metal object into a tree or to hunt from any tree in which such an object has been driven. Archery - October 1 - November 21 (fee permit required). The possession or use of any drugged arrow for bow hunting is prohibited. (Hunter Orange Required November 15 - 21 During Youth Gun Hunt) Gun - November 22 - December 1, and December 26 - January 1 (fee permit required). Primitive Weapon - As defined by the State - December 2 - 15 (fee permit required). Waterfowl - Fee permit required. Until 12-noon on each Wednesday and Saturday of State waterfowl hunt season. Turkey - Gobblers only - March 14- May 3 (no-cost permit required). All turkeys must be checked in at a check station the day killed and before the hunter leaves the refuge. Turkey hunters are not required to use non-toxic shot in the non-toxic shot areas. Small Game - No-cost permit required. Weapons for small game are restricted to shotguns with shot size no larger than No. 2 or rifles no larger than .22 standard caliber (.22 magnums not allowed). State bag limits apply. Squirrel Hunt - October 18 - February 28. Dogs allowed beginning January 2. Rabbit Hunt - October 18 - February 28. Dogs allowed beginning January 2. Quail Hunt - November 27 - March 7. Dogs allowed. Woodcock Hunt - State season. Raccoon Hunt - October 1- February 28. Dogs required at night. Quality Hunting Depends on You! For State Regulations or Information: Http://mdwfp.com For further information contact: Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Refuge Office/Visitor Center Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM - 4:30 PM, Telephone: (662)323-5548 |
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