The 2026 Velvet Season has officially opened in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP). Hunters are reminded that reporting their harvests is mandatory for velvet season, and submissions must be completed before 10 p.m. on the day of the harvest.
Hunters can submit their Game Check through three methods: the new MDWFP HuntFish App, the MDWFP website, or by calling 1-800-BE-SMART, as outlined by the department. A step-by-step guide and detailed instructions are available on the MDWFP website.
Additionally, all harvested bucks must be submitted for chronic wasting disease (CWD) sampling. Samples can be taken at MDWFP CWD drop-off freezers or participating taxidermists. The department provides a video tutorial on how to collect a CWD sample.
For more information, visit the MDWFP website or watch the CWD sampling video linked by the department.
