The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has collected more than 5,000 samples for Chronic Wasting Disease testing across the state during the 2019-2020 hunting season.

Sample numbers are lower than expected, however, for counties in the North Mississippi CWD Management Zone.

CWD-positive deer have been detected from this zone since Oct. 2019.

In order to obtain additional samples, a 2-day February special hunting season has been set.

The season will be for all counties in the zone on the weekend of Feb. 8 and 9. Sample submissions for all harvested deer is mandatory. Existing CWD drop-off freezers may be used. One physical check station will be located in each of the five CWD-positive counties — Benton, Marshall, Panola, Pontotoc and Tallahatchie.

Hunters may use weapon of choice on private lands. Primitive weapons may be used on Graham Lake, Hell Creek, Malmaison, O’Keefe, Tuscumbia Unit 1 and Upper Sardis. Muzzleloaders/youth gun weapons may be used on Charles Ray Nix and Tuscumbia Unit 2.

No other Wildlife Management Areas are open for deer hunting during this season. Still hunting only on public and private lands.

Bag limit is two bucks, five does on private lands, Upper Sardis WMA and Holly Springs National Forest. Buck limit is one per day and one may be sub-criteria.

Bag limit on WMAs is two bucks, five does. Bucks are one per day and both must meet antler criteria.

For more information visit www.mdwfp.com or call 601-432-2400.