Mississippi

Wildlife mandate in statute

“It is hereby declared to be the intent of the Legislature to conserve, manage, develop and protect our natural resources and wildlife for the benefit of this and succeeding generations by reorganizing the natural resource and wildlife conservation functions of state government into the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks thereby providing more effective organizations through which the methods of conserving, managing, developing and protecting our natural resources and wildlife can be analyzed, coordinated and implemented.”

The Commission:

  • Name: Mississippi Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
  • Regulatory or advisory: Regulatory
  • Number of voting members: 5
  • Term length: 5 years
  • How selected: Appointed by Governor
  • Senate confirmation required: Yes
  • Selection criteria per statute: 

One (1) person shall be appointed from each congressional district…The Commission shall be composed of persons with a demonstrated history of involvement in at least one (1) of the matters of jurisdiction of the Commission and whose employment and activities are not in conflict.  All of the Commissioners shall be an active outdoorsman holding a resident hunting or fishing license in at least five (5) of the ten (10) years preceding appointment.  A member shall not have a record of conviction of violation of fish or game laws and regulations within five (5) years preceding appointment or a record of any felony conviction.”

  • From the Commission’s website

The Commission shall adopt, amend, and repeal such regulations, ordinances, and rules as may be necessary for the operation of the department and discharge such other duties, responsibilities, and powers as are prescribed by statute.

The Agency:

  • Name: Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks
  • Type: Standalone agency
  • Title of Agency Director: Executive Director
  • Selection process: Appointed by Governor
  • Mission statement from agency website

The mission of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is to conserve and enhance Mississippi’s wildlife, fisheries, and parks and provide quality outdoor recreation.”

Revenue for Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, FY2014:

Find Your State

America’s Wildlife Values was an extensive 2018 nationwide survey led by Colorado State University of public attitudes towards wildlife. Findings were compared with a 2004 survey to identify trends. Researchers also surveyed personnel at state wildlife agencies. Reports are available for national, state and agency results. (Some state agencies did not participate.)

State Report

National Report