The 2026 Velvet Season is now open in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP). Hunters are reminded that reporting their harvest through the MDWFP Game Check system is mandatory for the season.
Hunters can submit their harvest via three methods: the new MDWFP HuntFish app, the department’s website, or by calling 1-800-BE-SMART. All submissions must be completed before 10 p.m. on the day of harvest, according to MDWFP instructions.
Detailed submission guidelines and a step-by-step video are available on the department’s website. Additionally, all harvested bucks must be submitted for chronic wasting disease sampling at MDWFP CWD drop-off freezer locations or participating taxidermists. A video demonstrating how to collect a CWD sample is also provided on Vimeo.
The agency encourages hunters to follow these procedures to ensure compliance with state regulations during the velvet season.
