JACKSON – During January, youth 15 years old and younger are encouraged to take advantage of special deer hunting opportunities in the Northeast Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Region.  
Certain Northeast WMAs offer a combination of relaxed weapon restrictions and special access to improve hunt quality for youth deer hunters. Canal and Divide Section WMAs each provide a specially designated area for youth hunters.
Consult WMA-specific regulations before the hunt. When hunting a WMA, youth hunters must be in the presence and under the direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter of at least 21 years of age. WMA visitor permits must be completed for supervising adults and youth hunters when visiting a WMA.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) reminds all hunters that they are required to wear a full-body harness (fall-arrest system) while climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or while hunting from a tree stand on a WMA. Hunters need to take time before the hunt to be sure they have all the proper safety equipment.