Press Release

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

1505 Eastover Drive, Jackson, MS, 39211 – 601-432-2400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 16, 2009

Oxford Deer Depredation Permit

Jackson – In the past few days news stories have circulated regarding a “state bow-hunting permit” which runs through October 7 in the city of Oxford.  No “hunting permit” has been issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to the city of Oxford.  The city of Oxford has received a depredation permit valid only on the University golf course and the airport.  No other city-owned properties or any private properties within the Oxford city limits are included in the permit.  MDWFP Conservation Officers and city employees under the direct supervision of the MDWFP are the only personnel authorized to depopulate deer under the depredation permit.  Deer harvested under this permit may not be retained by the individuals involved in the permit.  The deer must be donated to a charitable organization or disposed of if unsuitable for human consumption. 

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks referred the city of Oxford to USDA Wildlife Services to discuss other means of controlling the deer population within the Oxford area.

Neither the city of Oxford, nor the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, has the authority to open the deer hunting season prior to October 1.  Anyone hunting prior to October 1 is in violation of state law and may be cited for hunting out of season.