Mississippi enjoyed safe boating enforcement period during Independence Day weekend

The Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks conservation officers conducted a boating enforcement period during the Fourth of July weekend.

Officers issued 404 citations during the four-day period, including 30 for alcohol and drugs and five for boating under the influence.

Boating traffic was down slightly compared to previous years. Officers conducted 2,169 safety checks on vessels operating on Mississippi’s public waters.

Conservation officers during the holiday weekend conducted saturation patrols and safety checkpoints. The period began at 6 p.m. July 1 and ended at midnight on Independence Day.

“Increased patrols over the course of this boating season have led to lower numbers of boaters operating under the influence, which leads to a safer, more enjoyable experience for everyone,” Col. Steve Adcock said in a press release.

Leave young wildlife alone

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is urging people to leave young wildlife alone — hatching birds, newborn squirrels and white-tailed deer fawns.

State law prohibits the capture, possession or caging of any young wild animal, including white-tailed fawns, squirrels and birds.

“Baby birds, squirrels, and white-tailed deer fawns are among the most frequent wildlife that people often report as abandoned each spring or summer,” said Chad Dacus, director of the wildlife bureau. “Well-meaning people often pick these animals up in an attempt to care for them, but often do more harm than good.

“If someone finds a fawn in the woods, they should not touch it. People need to remember that thousands of fawns do just fine without human assistance. I know it can be difficult, but people should keep their distance from the fawn. The fawn has a much better chance at survival if it is left alone.”

Fishing summit coming to New Orleans

New Orleans will host the Sportfishing Summit Oct. 4-7 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Jay Baer and David Stillman will be the keynote speakers.

Last year’s summit was at St. Pete Beach, Fla., and more than 200 people attended, including 160 from 101 member companies and organizations.

The summit is part of the American Sportfishing Association, created in 1933 to represent tackle manufacturers and their business interests.

This story was originally published July 10, 2016 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Mississippi enjoyed safe boating enforcement period during Independence Day weekend."