Mississippi Statewide Rule

Mississippi Statewide Rules on Feeding Wild Animals

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Mississippi (2026)

Key Facts

Authority: MDWFP rules
Citation: Miss. Admin Code 40-2-2.4
CWD zones: All feeding banned
Setback: 100 yards from boundary
Feeder type: Covered above-ground only

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia

Summary

Mississippi regulates supplemental feeding of deer and other wildlife through MDWFP rules. Feeding for hunting purposes is restricted, and feeding is banned in CWD management zones and on Wildlife Management Areas statewide.

The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall allow the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed and may place any reasonable conditions or restrictions on such taking. (b) The Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall establish a zone or zones of contiguous counties for the management and implementation of a program to allow the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed. (c) The commission shall allow the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed on private lands only. (2) The commission shall take any action it deems necessary and use its emergency powers to prevent the introduction of disease, to control disease, to eradicate disease, and to manage the taking of deer with the use of supplemental feed.

Source: JustiaView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Mississippi Administrative Code 40-2-2.4 and MDWFP rules, supplemental feeding of wild animals on private land is allowed only from above-ground covered or stationary spin-cast feeders, placed at least one hundred yards from any property boundary of sole ownership or exclusive hunting rights and out of sight from adjacent property. Feeding is entirely prohibited inside MDWFP-designated Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zones and on all Wildlife Management Areas. State law also bans hunting deer or other game with the aid of bait. These rules apply uniformly statewide and cannot be relaxed by city or county ordinance.

Violations & Penalties

Hunting over bait, feeding inside CWD zones or on WMAs, or placing feeders within prohibited setbacks can result in MDWFP citations, fines, equipment seizure, and license suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put corn out for deer in my backyard?

Only if your land is outside any CWD Management Zone, you use an approved covered feeder, and the feeder sits at least one hundred yards from property lines and out of sight of neighbors.

Is feeding deer the same as baiting for hunting?

No. Mississippi separates supplemental feeding from baiting. Even where feeding is legal, hunting deer or game over or near bait remains illegal under MDWFP regulations.

Where are the CWD Management Zones?

MDWFP publishes current CWD Management Zone maps on its website. Within those zones all supplemental feeding, salt, and mineral attractants are prohibited regardless of season.

Sources

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