Are in, I got one of the two I put in for.
Got only 1 draw but i have never hunted there, im pumped regardless!
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Got my #1 choice after 3 years of applying
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All I'm going to say is I'm 4-19 over the past 5 yrs in my HOME state. Good thing I've got the back 40 to hunt for a few weeks.
I can't hunt my own back yard for lst 2,weeks .
Not a fan of the ms draw system!!
Quote from: Howieg on February 24, 2023, 11:22:15 PM
I can't hunt my own back yard for lst 2,weeks .
Not a fan of the ms draw system!!
That sucks!
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I struck out on a non res permit
Quote from: Jbird22 on February 24, 2023, 10:15:24 PM
All I'm going to say is I'm 4-19 over the past 5 yrs in my HOME state. Good thing I've got the back 40 to hunt for a few weeks.
You're doing far better than me. I've put in every year since the draw hunts started, always on at least 2 wmas, and put in for every single hunt that is drawn on them and I've drawn 3 hunts total in all those years. When did the lottery start, like 2010, 2011? Something has to be off with it, nobody can be that unlucky.
Quote from: Howieg on February 24, 2023, 11:22:15 PM
I can't hunt my own back yard for lst 2,weeks .
Not a fan of the ms draw system!!
Not am I either. But that is the result of people who couldn't keep their mouths shut about a good thing. I so miss the days when there were deer hunters and there were turkey hunters and we foolishly thought that the twain would never meet.
I haven't drawn the last 3 years. My brother hasn't either. I've only been drawn once in the last 5 years. Don't get me started on the gator hunt! It's all about the money and who you know.
I'm irritated I didn't draw Mississippi. I've hunted there for years and years and due to loose lips of people trying to monetize a public resource I can't now. That being said after what I saw the last few years after the genie was let out of the bottle.....I cant blame them a bit for the draw. We will see more draws coming in the future. Newtons third law applies.
Quote from: arkrem870 on February 25, 2023, 01:04:18 PM
I'm irritated I didn't draw Mississippi. I've hunted there for years and years and due to loose lips of people trying to monetize a public resource I can't now. That being said after what I saw the last few years after the genie was let out of the bottle.....I cant blame them a bit for the draw. We will see more draws coming in the future. Newtons third law applies.
While I drew, I dread the day I don't and know it's going to happen.
Pretty much only place I've ever hunted.
Will force me to go to another state first few weeks (as long as I can before it's limited) or to buy land.
It's hard to buy enough to hold turkey's consistently though
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Hearing of considerably fewer folks getting the public land voucher this year vs. last. Not sure if last year it was too new and those not paying attention weren't aware of it, an increase in apps this year, or a change in the draw process (or all of the above).
Speaking for the northern part of the state, I fully expect it to be a zoo with TN opening two weeks later than normal. Know several folks who never gave MS a second thought talking of hunting it for a full month before TN opens. Suspect that will drive more change in the coming years and less opportunity. Are we having fun yet? All hail the hashtags.........
Quote from: J-Shaped on February 25, 2023, 01:19:44 PM
Hearing of considerably fewer folks getting the public land voucher this year vs. last. Not sure if last year it was too new and those not paying attention weren't aware of it, an increase in apps this year, or a change in the draw process (or all of the above).
Speaking for the northern part of the state, I fully expect it to be a zoo with TN opening two weeks later than normal. Know several folks who never gave MS a second thought talking of hunting it for a full month before TN opens. Suspect that will drive more change in the coming years and less opportunity. Are we having fun yet? All hail the hashtags.........
30-40% increase in apps
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Quote from: sasquatch1 on February 25, 2023, 03:50:22 PM
Quote from: J-Shaped on February 25, 2023, 01:19:44 PM
Hearing of considerably fewer folks getting the public land voucher this year vs. last. Not sure if last year it was too new and those not paying attention weren't aware of it, an increase in apps this year, or a change in the draw process (or all of the above).
Speaking for the northern part of the state, I fully expect it to be a zoo with TN opening two weeks later than normal. Know several folks who never gave MS a second thought talking of hunting it for a full month before TN opens. Suspect that will drive more change in the coming years and less opportunity. Are we having fun yet? All hail the hashtags.........
30-40% increase in apps
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Appreciate it. Kind of what I figured. Didn't seem to be much awareness last year unless you were a current customer or license holder.
Well ,,,,, let's all watch you tube and sing kumbaya !!!
I reckon I'm thank full that I have a lil private ground to hunt .
Lots of folks don't and depend on public only ...
Quote from: MISSISSIPPI Double beard on February 25, 2023, 12:49:11 PM
I haven't drawn the last 3 years. My brother hasn't either. I've only been drawn once in the last 5 years. Don't get me started on the gator hunt! It's all about the money and who you know.
You're dead on with the gator draw. I know people that draw out every year. I drew out the very first year. Never since.
The record # of applications is a direct result of MS being the first state that opens for Easterns. You might want to blame bordering states for FOOLISHLY pushing back their start dates or our OWN GREEDY A$$ state for such a terrible draw system. There should be a cap on the number of applications per person, both res and non-res.
To be honest Mississippi is being greedy money wise and not caring about its Turkey populations being in a slump. It's rebounding from years previous but it's still not anywhere where it once was. It'll be too late too soon in my opinion. Bump the starting date back at least a week or two and mandatory tagging. If not that at least change something up. On a bright note I did draw a few local wma's
I would argue that MS has some of the best wild Turkey management in the nation. Also, I would advise anyone that wants to push seasons back to look at information coming from states that jumped on the bandwagon and did just that. It doesn't look like it has been a game changer at all. You can start with Arkansas and go from there. I am thankful that our leadership has take a step back before making rash decisions based on emotion.
I think Mississippi is doing a good job as well. Adhesive tags/ one use tags that are mailed out would give limits / enforcement some teeth. Other than that they are trying to protect their residents with the non resident draw without reducing opportunity/ early opener. Also banning filming on public land is very very smart and they have signs everywhere on that.
The need for tags (sticky one time use) is desperately needed. It would slow some things down in my opinion
I got drawn for my non res permit. This was the 1st time I had put in for it. TN being pushed back 2 weeks was the main reason I put in.
Mississippi seems to be protecting it's residents with the quota draw for non residents and keeping season as it has been for years with it's residents. Seems to me they are not buying the hype of the dominant gobbler theory. Exactly where has pushing seasons back made a difference for any state? In TN the TWRA didn't even recommend the start of season being changed but the commission ( group of appointments) made the change anyway. What's funny is the preliminary results of the 5 year study going on in certain counties with a later starting date in TN showed that the delay didn't effect nesting success but rather predators were the main culprit, You think? All the great hatches some of these states have had in the past and even this summer with their opening date were all based on predators, weather and habitat and in the future will be based on predators, weather and habitat. Until someone's come up with something with teeth to it that will be my opinion. Again I may be wrong but just a thought and opinion.
Quote from: Turkeyfever on February 26, 2023, 10:33:49 AM
Mississippi seems to be protecting it's residents with the quota draw for non residents and keeping season as it has been for years with it's residents. Seems to me they are not buying the hype of the dominant gobbler theory. Exactly where has pushing seasons back made a difference for any state?
Protecting from a non-resident rush on WMAs? Yes. Protecting as in making sure there is equitable opportunity for residents to draw those WMAs? Not a chance! I'm 1-5 (4 yrs straight not drawn) the last 5 yrs on a certain WMA whereas a friend is 3-5 on the same one. I'm sure non-residents have drawn that particular WMA more times in 5 yrs than I have. Sorry, but that shouldn't happen in one's home state.
As for pushing back the opener, it absolutely DOES NOT need to happen!
Quote from: Jbird22 on February 26, 2023, 01:56:54 PM
Quote from: Turkeyfever on February 26, 2023, 10:33:49 AM
Mississippi seems to be protecting it's residents with the quota draw for non residents and keeping season as it has been for years with it's residents. Seems to me they are not buying the hype of the dominant gobbler theory. Exactly where has pushing seasons back made a difference for any state?
Protecting from a non-resident rush on WMAs? Yes. Protecting as in making sure there is equitable opportunity for residents to draw those WMAs? Not a chance! I'm 1-5 (4 yrs straight not drawn) the last 5 yrs on a certain WMA whereas a friend is 3-5 on the same one. I'm sure non-residents have drawn that particular WMA more times in 5 yrs than I have. Sorry, but that shouldn't happen in one's home state.
As for pushing back the opener, it absolutely DOES NOT need to happen!
I was talking about the non resident draw for public land and the quota they have. I know nothing about your WMA draw system but it sounds like it needs a points system so each hunter gets a fair shot . If hunters are getting it two , three times while others have not drawn then all they need to do is a points system that gives you a point each year you do not draw and moving you up the ladder to be drawn next.
I am old enough to remember what it was like before the draws, a ZOO!! I know no one but I have been drawn every year I have put in except one year. The place I really like has a huge block of NF land right across a highway that's not in part of the draws.
Quote from: Jbird22 on February 26, 2023, 01:56:54 PM
Quote from: Turkeyfever on February 26, 2023, 10:33:49 AM
Mississippi seems to be protecting it's residents with the quota draw for non residents and keeping season as it has been for years with it's residents. Seems to me they are not buying the hype of the dominant gobbler theory. Exactly where has pushing seasons back made a difference for any state?
Protecting from a non-resident rush on WMAs? Yes. Protecting as in making sure there is equitable opportunity for residents to draw those WMAs? Not a chance! I'm 1-5 (4 yrs straight not drawn) the last 5 yrs on a certain WMA whereas a friend is 3-5 on the same one. I'm sure non-residents have drawn that particular WMA more times in 5 yrs than I have. Sorry, but that shouldn't happen in one's home state.
As for pushing back the opener, it absolutely DOES NOT need to happen!
I was talking about the non resident draw the first two weeks for public land and the quota they have for that. I know nothing about your WMA draw system but it sounds like it needs a points system so each hunter gets a fair shot . If hunters are getting it two , three times while others have not drawn then all they need to do is a points system that gives you a point each year you do not draw and moving you up the ladder to be drawn next.
Quote from: Shiloh on February 26, 2023, 08:38:01 AM
I would argue that MS has some of the best wild Turkey management in the nation. Also, I would advise anyone that wants to push seasons back to look at information coming from states that jumped on the bandwagon and did just that. It doesn't look like it has been a game changer at all. You can start with Arkansas and go from there. I am thankful that our leadership has take a step back before making rash decisions based on emotion.
Ms needs to push it back not because of breeding, but just to not be one of the earliest states to open
Quote from: fmf on February 26, 2023, 03:41:37 PM
Quote from: Shiloh on February 26, 2023, 08:38:01 AM
I would argue that MS has some of the best wild Turkey management in the nation. Also, I would advise anyone that wants to push seasons back to look at information coming from states that jumped on the bandwagon and did just that. It doesn't look like it has been a game changer at all. You can start with Arkansas and go from there. I am thankful that our leadership has take a step back before making rash decisions based on emotion.
Ms needs to push it back not because of breeding, but just to not be one of the earliest states to open
Or just make first 2 weeks resident only hunting if that is the true goal, not the "dominant gobbler" hypothesis being spun currently.
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Quote from: harleytom on February 26, 2023, 04:09:21 PM
Quote from: fmf on February 26, 2023, 03:41:37 PM
Quote from: Shiloh on February 26, 2023, 08:38:01 AM
I would argue that MS has some of the best wild Turkey management in the nation. Also, I would advise anyone that wants to push seasons back to look at information coming from states that jumped on the bandwagon and did just that. It doesn't look like it has been a game changer at all. You can start with Arkansas and go from there. I am thankful that our leadership has take a step back before making rash decisions based on emotion.
Ms needs to push it back not because of breeding, but just to not be one of the earliest states to open
Or just make first 2 weeks resident only hunting if that is the true goal, not the "dominant gobbler" hypothesis being spun currently.
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At the very least, cap non-residents to no more than 2-3 draw applications. And even cap residents to no more than 4-5. Also, as mentioned, a true point system would be nice too. But I am TOTALLY against pushing back the opener.
Quote from: 3bailey3 on February 26, 2023, 02:53:26 PM
I am old enough to remember what it was like before the draws, a ZOO!! I know no one but I have been drawn every year I have put in except one year. The place I really like has a huge block of NF land right across a highway that's not in part of the draws.
I remember that as well. It seemed like WMAs in your area had more vehicles from Ark than MS. Strangely enough, that was before social media and Youtube were things.
Jbird there were a lot of lose lips on the ole Ms site, not the Bull but the MDWF site..
Quote from: Jbird22 on February 26, 2023, 07:30:14 PM
Quote from: harleytom on February 26, 2023, 04:09:21 PM
Quote from: fmf on February 26, 2023, 03:41:37 PM
Quote from: Shiloh on February 26, 2023, 08:38:01 AM
I would argue that MS has some of the best wild Turkey management in the nation. Also, I would advise anyone that wants to push seasons back to look at information coming from states that jumped on the bandwagon and did just that. It doesn't look like it has been a game changer at all. You can start with Arkansas and go from there. I am thankful that our leadership has take a step back before making rash decisions based on emotion.
Ms needs to push it back not because of breeding, but just to not be one of the earliest states to open
Or just make first 2 weeks resident only hunting if that is the true goal, not the "dominant gobbler" hypothesis being spun currently.
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At the very least, cap non-residents to no more than 2-3 draw applications. And even cap residents to no more than 4-5. Also, as mentioned, a true point system would be nice too. But I am TOTALLY against pushing back the opener.
And charge us, earmark the money for the wild turkey and wmas!!!
I am. Non resident, always hunted MS. I'd be glad to help fund habitat improvements!
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Quote from: 3bailey3 on February 26, 2023, 07:54:48 PM
Jbird there were a lot of lose lips on the ole Ms site, not the Bull but the MDWF site..
Yes indeed and plenty of locals around me with loose lips as well. Then along comes Facebook and the hero pic craze next to WMA signs. That ship had sailed long before YouTube, regardless to what some would like you to believe.
It was crowded before no doubt. But nothing like the last three / four years in the areas I frequent. Also you can see a sharp rise in non resident license sales data.
The draw had zero affect on pressure ,
I drive though a main highway that runs though a
big section of government timber almost daily .
Just as many trucks , " maybe more " then ever .
Several of my spots that where once areas you could get away from the main crowd , have been hammered with foot traffic in the last 5 years .
Any of you sportsman that still believe , social media / you tube and general loose lips don't sink ships ???
Well,,, wake up
I don't have a dog in the fight in regard to MS. It being my neighboring state that I have never hunted. I can most certainly understand how some of feel that have posted. Being from Alabama and out DNR leadership buying into the Chamberlain hogwash has cost many of us hunting opportunity in our home state. Living in the most one of far southern counties, the late opener greatly reduces the quality of the hunting experience. The additional time added in May is a joke for us in the lower part of the state. Our birds are for the most part done by the middle of April. I have had birds on camera for past month in their spring flocks strutting and gobbling for hens. I wish Alabama would divide the state into two zones and open our season on the 15th and close the end of April or at minimum revert back to season dates we had for a very long time in the south March 20th - April 25th.
Do y'all think that most of the influx is out of staters or home boys?
Quote from: squeaky on February 27, 2023, 09:50:06 AM
I don't have a dog in the fight in regard to MS. It being my neighboring state that I have never hunted. I can most certainly understand how some of feel that have posted. Being from Alabama and out DNR leadership buying into the Chamberlain hogwash has cost many of us hunting opportunity in our home state. Living in the most one of far southern counties, the late opener greatly reduces the quality of the hunting experience. The additional time added in May is a joke for us in the lower part of the state. Our birds are for the most part done by the middle of April. I have had birds on camera for past month in their spring flocks strutting and gobbling for hens. I wish Alabama would divide the state into two zones and open our season on the 15th and close the end of April or at minimum revert back to season dates we had for a very long time in the south March 20th - April 25th.
Alabama is divided in zones now, NW Bama opens April 1 now, but you are right that more zones are probably needed. The problem might be N Bama hunters flooding south each year to get an extra week or so of the season. I don't know of a practical way to fix that.
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Quote from: Shiloh on February 27, 2023, 12:09:13 PM
Do y'all think that most of the influx is out of staters or home boys?
I'd call it about 50 /50 honestly
I thought that's what most might think Howie, but I was told this morning that the overwhelming majority was homeboys. I was honestly a little surprised by that.
Quote from: Shiloh on February 27, 2023, 12:09:13 PM
Do y'all think that most of the influx is out of staters or home boys?
I'm a Ms hunter as a Non resident
And the last few years there was definitely a huge increase in resident pressure
Yea there's plenty non residents but, most vehicles at gates when I'd pull in have been residents and it wasn't always like that.
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Quote from: Shiloh on February 27, 2023, 12:09:13 PM
Do y'all think that most of the influx is out of staters or home boys?
It really doesn't matter, too many PEOPLE is too many PEOPLE. And as a hunter and a nation, we have too many PEOPLE.
Quote from: silvestris on February 27, 2023, 04:23:03 PM
Quote from: Shiloh on February 27, 2023, 12:09:13 PM
Do y'all think that most of the influx is out of staters or home boys?
It really doesn't matter, too many PEOPLE is too many PEOPLE. And as a hunter and a nation, we have too many PEOPLE.
Please don't tell that to the libs that get up in their feelings. We should always want more people and more babies! Humans unlimited
One day we can all live off tofu and live in high rises
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Mr. Silvestris,
With all due respect sir, I know you'll not be happy until everyone but me and you quit turkey hunting and goes to crappy fishing!! ;D
Shiloh, you hit the nail on the head. I don't begrudge anyone their pleasure, just enjoy it somewhere else. I prefer solitude.
I'm 0 for 3 on this year's turkey draws. It sucks but still beats the public wmas getting pounded hard the first couple weeks.
You guys might get what you wish for. I'm hearing there might be some changes to the draw system that actually is in line with some of these requests.
Nonresident and resident pressure has increased. Alot of of it is this damn public land craze. I know residents who have awesome private lands to turkey hunt but will go to the closest NF or WMA to hunt public. I would recommend splitting the state into 2 zones. Have a north and south zone and both zones open at the same time. Keep the same nonresident quota but split it between the zones. Make each NR apply for only 1 zone. That would help keep the pressure down from the nonresidents on public lands closer to TN and LA.
Quote from: Stoeger_bird on March 02, 2023, 04:11:54 PM
Nonresident and resident pressure has increased. Alot of of it is this damn public land craze. I know residents who have awesome private lands to turkey hunt but will go to the closest NF or WMA to hunt public. I would recommend splitting the state into 2 zones. Have a north and south zone and both zones open at the same time. Keep the same nonresident quota but split it between the zones. Make each NR apply for only 1 zone. That would help keep the pressure down from the nonresidents on public lands closer to TN and LA.
Witness the same thing.
Even in Missouri two years ago (a place I've never seen another hunter) was mega crowded with residents that all told me that
"We into the public land thing now and hit our private during the second week"
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I'm a Mississippi resident. In my opinion I think each state should be closed to non residents the first week. We get hammered because our season opens before everyone else's except Florida. No gonna happen because it will hurt the powers that be , checkbook.
I love to travel and hunt. But now public turkey hunting has gone mainstream and has been monetized things will have to change from what they were. We enjoyed a long stretch before this madness. Unfortunately the free for all will be reigned in. And I hope each state puts residents first. Just as I hope arkansas puts residents first with our public duck hunting.
I also didnt draw anything for the fourth year straight. However, they probably did me a favor. Last year I exclusively hunted MS Public for the first 15 days and did not see or hear a bird in the same places I have been successful for a lot of years. Swapped to hunting private and killed on 3 consecutive hunts. Mississippi still has turkeys, they just arent on public land!!!!
PEOPLE, the scourge of the thinking turkey hunter, not to mention the bird himself who changes his behavior drastically when besieged by people who don't respect his character.