The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) announced at the March Commission meeting a series of proposed habitat enhancement projects aimed at improving conditions for wild turkey populations across the state. The recommendations, developed by MDWFP staff outline 11 targeted projects funded through Wild Turkey Stamp revenues.
Collectively, the proposed initiatives represent an investment of approximately $180,500 and will impact 1,501 acres of public land on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) throughout Mississippi.
The proposed projects focus on a variety of proven habitat management techniques, including midstory and understory mulching, prescribed fire preparation, timber stand improvement, and the establishment of clover and chufa plots. These efforts are designed to improve nesting cover, expand brood-rearing habitat, and increase food availability for wild turkeys, positively impacting the turkey population across the state.
Project requests include:
- Midstory mulching on Black Prairie WMA to enhance wild turkey habitat by opening a timber stand which has become overgrown with undesirable midstory.
- Enhancing wildlife openings and roadsides on Okatibbee WMA to create habitat diversity for wild turkeys by expanding wildlife openings and daylighting roadsides.
- Establishing clover plots on Choctaw, Leaf River, Bienville, Caney Creek, and Tallahala WMAs to enhance turkey brooding areas.
- Understory mulching on Old River WMA to increase turkey habitat by removing undesirable mid-story vegetation.
- Establishing fire lanes and critical infrastructure at Marion County WMA on new property additions.
- Timber stand improvement on Pascagoula and Tuscumbia WMAs to increase nesting habitat for wild turkeys.
- Establishing clover and chufa plots on Chickasawhay WMA to benefit turkey brooding areas and food resources.
- Reestablishing wildlife openings at Canemount WMA to provide valuable diversity for wild turkeys.
The Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp plays a role in both hunting and habitat conservation. Established for the 2026 spring season, the stamp ensures a dedicated funding source that supports projects for managing and protecting wild turkey populations, improving habitat on public and private lands, and advancing research and monitoring to sustain hunting opportunities for future generations. These initial projects are just the beginning of ongoing efforts to enhance turkey habitat and populations across Mississippi.
