Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp Becomes Law, Securing Major Win for Conservation

“This is a huge win for turkey management in Mississippi,” said Kacie Bauman, NWTF district biologist for Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. “Funds from the Wild Turkey Stamp will ensure dedicated funding for the management of habitat, education and research, all geared towards improving the wild turkey populations within the state.”  

The effort to establish a Wild Turkey Stamp was set in motion in 2022 when the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, in partnership with the Mississippi NWTF State Chapter, organized the inaugural Wild Turkey Summit in Jackson. The summit gathered respected outdoorsmen, industry leaders and conservation professionals who shared growing concerns about the future of wild turkeys in Mississippi. Through collaborative discussions, two major priorities emerged: improving the ability to track turkey hunting participation and creating a dedicated funding source for habitat and management projects. These insights provided the catalyst for the Wild Turkey Stamp.

With the passage of SB 2280, Mississippi has secured a consistent, long-term revenue stream to directly benefit wild turkey conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the state.

Under the new law, the Mississippi Wild Turkey Stamp will: 

• Require all persons 16 years of age or older to procure a Wild Turkey Stamp before hunting wild turkeys in the state of Mississippi (exemptions apply). 

• Establish the fee and provide for the furnishing of the stamp. 

• Set penalties for violations. 

• Provide the purposes for which funds raised from the sale of stamps may be expended. 

The National Wild Turkey Federation and the NWTF Mississippi State Chapter, alongside the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, championed this legislation as a critical step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of wild turkey populations. The Wild Turkey Stamp will is $10 for Mississippi residents who are not otherwise exempt from license requirements, and $100 for nonresidents. This dedicated funding stream will significantly enhance habitat restoration projects, scientific research and active management strategies, reinforcing Mississippi’s commitment to conservation and its rich hunting heritage.

"Turkey hunting is a proud tradition in Mississippi," said Lynn Posey, MDWFP executive director. "With the creation of the Wild Turkey Stamp, we’re making sure that tradition has a strong future. We’re grateful to the Legislature, our partners and the hunting community for standing up for Mississippi’s turkey hunting heritage."

Active participation from hunters and conservationists is crucial in shaping policies that impact wildlife and hunting traditions. By engaging in advocacy efforts, individuals can contribute to the conservation of public lands, promote responsible wildlife management, and uphold our shared hunting heritage. It’s vital for hunters and conservationists to make their voices heard, and the NWTF encourages all stakeholders to join in these efforts, emphasizing that collective action is essential for the future of outdoor conservation. 

Learn more about the NWTF’s policy efforts. 

About the National Wild Turkey Federation    

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.