Two Bears Killed at Redwood, MS, North of Vicksburg

Within two days, two bears were hit and killed by vehicles in Warren County, Vicksburg, MS. MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks were notified.  They recently passed through town and were sad that they were killed in our Mississippi outdoors at night.

Are Bears Becoming a Problem in Mississippi?

 

Anthony Ballard, an officer with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, leads a presentation about black bears.

Following the recent sighting of a black bear near the Old Courthouse Museum in Vicksburg, some residents may be wondering about the status of the black bear in MS and whether or not safety from bears is something to be concerned about.  

Anthony Ballard of the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks recently gave a presentation at Crawford Street United Methodist Church about the status of black bears in the area. 

According to Ballard, black bears were placed on the federal "threatened and endangered species" list in 1974. By 2016, they had been removed from the list.

Ballard explained that black bears, although they can be cinnamon-colored, are usually black with a brown muzzle. There are two subspecies in MS: the American black bear and the Louisiana black bear. Adult males typically weigh between 250 and 350 pounds. An adult female usually weighs around 200 pounds and gives birth about once every two years. Ballard said cubs are born in the den and spend 12-18 months with their mother before becoming independent.

The most giant bear on record in MS, at 468 pounds, was killed on a roadway in Wilkinson County, Ballard said.

Bears are periodically trapped, tranquilized, and examined. A sample of their DNA is taken, and an overall health assessment is done before a small chip to identify them is implanted.

GPS collars help track the routes bears travel, referred to as "home ranges."  Their journeys throughout MS, even into Louisiana territory, and back again are charted on digital maps. Bears are more active in the summer, often traveling hundreds of miles. From this research, Ballard said they have learned not to relocate bears in MS (although other states do) because they are adept at finding their way back.

"This is one of the last great conservation success stories we have," Ballard said. "They were almost extirpated in the state, and what we're doing right now is monitoring that natural growth over time. We hope one day that they reach a number sustainable for harvest, like the Eastern wild turkey, the white-tailed deer, and, more recently, the alligator."

Once a bear crosses into MS, it becomes an "MS bear," as Hunter Fordice found out in 2006 when he received a call that a bear with a tracking device originally from Arkansas had pinged as been on his land, located in the MS Delta. This unexpected finding launched Fordice into the world of black bear conservation.

"It just sort of fell in my lap," Fordice said. He was notified by a previous MDWFP officer, Brad Young, that the bear had been located on his land.

"F920 was a female...caught in Arkansas and relocated to Felsenthal. We don't do that in MS, but Arkansas did. It's about 100 miles due west of my farm. She swam the river with a cub. I saw tracks (of the bear). That was in "06."

For those concerned about interactions with black bears, Ballard advised minimizing attractants.

"There's a good chance (In this area) that you have bears close by, whether you know it or not. It's important to put up pet foods and trash and take them out in the morning rather than the night before. You want to minimize the exposure to an attractant. Bears have a sense of smell about seven times better than dogs. So anything a dog will get into, a bear will get into, and he's even better at it," He added. Bird feeders and even barbecue grills will attract bears.

Confrontation with black bears is extremely rare, Ballard said.

"What we tell people to do, if they encounter a bear in the wild, from a distance, just let the bear go on about its business. The bear will often see or smell you and be gone before you have to deal with the bear. If you're in a situation where the bear gets too close for comfort, it's time to get big and loud and scare it away. If you're worried about it, bear spray is a good thing ... it's safe for the bears and very effective because their sense of smell is compassionate."  

Any sightings of black bears may be reported to MDWFP at their website, https://xnet2.mdwfp.com/NRIS/Home/BearReport.

By Sally Green - The Vicksburg Post

CHOMP!

Locals bag nearly 10-foot gator!

The Rev. Tom Potter, pastor at Crawford Street United Methodist Church, received a tag from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks for the gator hunt.  Potter tagged the 9-1/2-foot 220-pound gator in the Yazoo River about 10 minutes after launching from the Vicksburg Boat Launch.  Mark Jefferson, Hunter Parrett, Christa Parrett, Joey King, and Carson King hunted with Potter.

Guest Post by Joshua Berry, Cane Creek Munitions Owner

Today, I am honored to have a guest post from Joshua Berry, owner of Cane Creek Munitions. Enjoy his article on munitions.

1. What's up, gun enthusiasts!

Hey there gun enthusiasts! Are you tired of searching high and low for all your ammunition, gun parts, and hunting gear? Look no further, because Cane Creek Munitions has got you covered! From guns and firearms to scopes, sights, and optics, they've got everything you need for your shooting and hunting adventures. Keep reading to find out why Cane Creek Munitions should be your go-to for all things gun-related!

https://unsplash.com/@pope_moisa

2. So, why should you choose Cane Creek Munitions?

Let me break it down for you why Cane Creek Munitions is the place for all your gun needs. First off, their selection is top-notch, like, they've got everything under the sun for your shooting and hunting game. Plus, their customer service is off the charts - super friendly and always willing to help a fellow gun lover out. Trust me, once you shop at Cane Creek, you'll never look back. Time to gear up and lock 'n load, my friend!

 

3. Our products are top-notch, here's why.

Listen up, folks! Cane Creek Munitions ain't messin' around when it comes to their products. I'm talkin' top-notch quality that'll blow your mind! From guns to ammo to accessories, they've got it all. You won't find no flimsy stuff here, only the real deal for serious shooters like you. So, if you wanna step up your gun game and feel like a true boss on the range, Cane Creek is where it's at. Don't settle for mediocrity, aim for greatness with Cane Creek Munitions!

 

4. Connect with us and other gun lovers!

Hey there, gun enthusiasts! Ready to join a community that shares your passion for all things firearms? At Cane Creek Munitions, we're more than just a store - we're a family of like-minded individuals who appreciate the craftsmanship and power behind a good ol' gun. Connect with us on our social media channels to stay up to date on the latest products, deals, and maybe even share some shooting tips with your fellow marksmen. Let's build a network where we can all geek out over guns together! So what are you waiting for? Come on over and let's talk guns on Facebook or Instagram!

 

5. We've got the best platform for all things firearms.

If you're hunting for the ultimate hub for all things firearms, you've hit the jackpot with Cane Creek Munitions! We've curated the best platform where you can geek out over guns, check out the newest gear and deals, and swap shooting tips with your fellow gun enthusiasts. Our community is all about the love for firearms, craftsmanship, and the thrill of the range. Don't miss out on the action - join us on our social media channels to stay in the loop and be part of the coolest gun-loving family around! What are you waiting for? Let's dive into the world of guns together!

 

6. Get ready to join a community that has your back!

Get ready to join a community that has your back! When you're part of the Cane Creek Munitions family, you're not just a gun enthusiast - you're part of a tight-knit group that's got your six. Share your passion for firearms, swap stories, and get advice from fellow shooters who speak your language. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's a place for you in our group. Plus, with the latest gear and tips at your fingertips, you'll always be at the top of your game. So, why wait? Come on over and let's lock and load together! Join us on Facebook or Instagram

 

7. In conclusion, Cane Creek Munitions is the place to be for all your gun-related needs.

Alright, folks, in conclusion, if you're into all things gun-related, Cane Creek Munitions is the place you wanna be. This community isn't just about blasting targets; it's about having a squad that's got your back no matter what. From seasoned pros to newbies, everyone's welcome here. And with the latest gear and insider tips, you'll always be on top of your game. So, if you haven't already, what are you waiting for? Come check us out and let's lock and load together! See you on the firing line, shooters!

Starting To Get That Neck

 

My Facebook friend, Mike Persichini of Michigan, took these pictures of bucks starting to get that neck in our great wild outdoors!

MS Alligator Hunters Bag 800lb. Giant

The size and mass of his head is unreal.  MS alligator hunters bag 800-pound giant

Complete story at this link - 'The size and mass of his head is unreal.' MS alligator hunters bag 800-pound giant (newsbreak.com)

Sasser, the tag-holder, was hunting in the Yazoo River near Vicksburg. Her hunting party consisted of her mother and father, Marty and Lauren Sasser of Terry, Justin Pettway of Pelahatchie, Connie Flanagin of Terry and Brandi Robinson of Enterprise.