‘It’s a completely new WMA. It is owned by the (U.S. Army) Corps of Engineers and we took over to manage it and create a WMA.’
Brian BroomMississippi Clarion Ledger
July 7, 2026, 11:33 a.m. CT
Alligator Wildlife Management Area is in prime deer country in Mississippi
- Mississippi has opened a new 2,882-acre state wildlife management area named Alligator WMA.
- The new area is located in Bolivar and Coahoma counties and is considered prime deer country.
- While archery deer hunting is open, primitive weapons hunting will be by special permit only through a draw.
Mississippi is moving into the Dog Days when the heat is oppressive and the humidity is higher than beef prices, but that doesn’t stop many Mississippians from dreaming about cooler weather and deer season. This year, hunters will have even more to look forward to as there’s a new state wildlife management area and it’s located in prime deer country.
“It’s a completely new WMA,” said Amy Blaylock, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks’ wildlife division director. “It is owned by the (U.S. Army) Corps of Engineers and we took over to manage it and create a WMA.”
The property is now called the Alligator Wildlife Management Area. Prior to this coming season, it was not open to the general hunting public.
Located in Bolivar and Coahoma counties in the Mississippi Delta, Alligator WMA was named after the nearby town of Alligator. The 2,882-acre WMA consists primarily of 20- to 24-year-old bottomland hardwood plantation, providing valuable habitat for wild turkey, small game, songbirds, and, of course, deer.
“There’s tons of deer there,” Castle said.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
How to hunt the new Alligator WMA in Mississippi
Like many WMAs, Alligator WMA has specific regulations. The WMA is open to deer hunting with archery equipment, but hunting deer with primitive weapons is by special permits which will be issued through a drawing. There are also opportunities for youth hunters as well.
The WMA is open to small game hunting and there are sloughs that offer waterfowl hunting opportunities, too.
When to enter the MDWFP draw for primitive weapons deer hunting at Alligator WMA
The application process for many draw hunts has typically taken place in August each year, but this year will be different. Blaylock said that in response to hunter requests, the draws will begin in July to allow hunters more time to plan their hunts.
The application period for primitive weapons draw hunts at Alligator WMA and other draw hunts will be July 15-August 15.
What are the hunting season dates at Alligator WMA?
- Deer, archery: October 1-November 20
- Deer, Youth: November 7-20
- Deer, primitive weapons, permit only: November 21-January 23
- Deer, archery/youth: January 4-31
- Squirrel, youth: September 24-30
- Squirrel: October 1-February 28, May 15-June 1
- Rabbit: October 17-February 28
- Raccoon: July 1-September 30
- Raccoon, opossum, bobcat: October 1-February 28
- Trapping: November 1-February 28
- Waterfowl: same as statewide seasons
For more information on the Alligator WMA, draw hunts and the Mississippi 2026-27 hunting seasons, visit www.mdwfp.com.