Flooding may cause temporary road and hunting season closures on Pascagoula River and Ward Bayou WMAs

Winter rains bring high waters to Pascagoula River and Ward Bayou Wildlife Management Areas that lie within the floodplain of the Pascagoula River in George and Jackson counties.

WMA visitors should be aware that roads and hunting seasons may be temporarily closed during high water conditions to minimize road damage and keep visitors safe. Roads are highly susceptible to damage during periods of high water and often require costly repairs.

Once flood waters recede, WMA personnel inspect roads and re-open when conditions are suitable. Road maintenance is a year-round job for personnel as the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks strives to provide adequate access for both public activities and management tasks. Visitors are encouraged to review the Pascagoula River and Ward Bayou WMA regulations for more specific information regarding road and hunting season closures.

During the spring, 22 miles of the Pascagoula River in George County was designated as a national blueway. The Pascagoula River is considered the nation's largest unimpeded river system. It's length covers the Pascagoula River WMA, a 37,000-acre tract of predominately bottomland hardwood forest located within George and Jackson counties. "The Pascagoula River was identified as being one of the nation's most important rivers," Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain Executive Director Judy Steckler said.

All visitors to Pascagoula River WMA and Ward Bayou WMA, except those exempt from purchasing an annual hunting or fishing license, must purchase and carry an annual statewide WMA User Permit. WMA User Permits may be purchased wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.

Visitors must complete a Daily Visitor Use Permit before entering the WMAs. These permit cards are available at permit stations located at major entrances to the WMAs.

This story was originally published December 26, 2015 at 12:15 PM with the headline "Flooding may cause temporary road and hunting season closures on Pascagoula River and Ward Bayou WMAs ."