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WMA · 23,000 acres

Red Creek Wildlife Management Area: Rules, Seasons and Permits

Wildlife management area in Stone County and 2 more counties, about 23,000 acres and managed by MDWFP.

Hunting gear

Borrowed from Grand Bay NWR, a neighbour of Red Creek WMA.

Photo: Steve Knight (CC BY 2.0)

About Red Creek WMA

The wildlife management area called Red Creek WMA holds 23,000 acres across 3 counties including Stone, Jackson and George and answers to MDWFP. The 2026-27 brochure for Red Creek WMA names the South Regional Office as the regional contact. Red Creek WMA carries the following game in its record: deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum and bobcat and trapping.

23,000Acres
3Counties
SouthMDWFP region
8Game groups
$15User permit
15Season rows
Whitetail doe standing at the edge of a green clearing
Whitetail doe standing at the edge of a green clearing

From the agency records read on November 14, 2026: MDWFP area page, MDWFP WMA list, WMA brochure, source 4.

Nearby

Places to hunt and shoot around Red Creek Wildlife Management Area

De Soto Ranger District, De Soto National Forest

Public land · 9 mi from Red Creek Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Pascagoula River Wildlife Management Area

Public land · 21 mi from Red Creek Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Shooting Ranges Near Biloxi

Range · 21 mi from Red Creek Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Hunting Near Biloxi, Mississippi

Town · 21 mi from Red Creek Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Shooting Ranges Near Gulfport

Range · 23 mi from Red Creek Wildlife Management Area

Directions
Hunting Near Gulfport, Mississippi

Town · 23 mi from Red Creek Wildlife Management Area

Directions

Where Red Creek WMA is and how to drive there

Plot Red Creek WMA at 30.7307, -88.9231, the point on the MDWFP WMA boundary layer. Benndale is the closest town with a page here, 12 miles in a straight line.

Directions as the agency prints them. Red Creek is located in Stone, George and Jackson Counties near Wiggins. From Wiggins, take Highway 49 south to Wire Road, turn east on Wire Road approximately 13 miles to headquarters. The headquarters is located on the north side of the road. For questions regarding Red Creek, please email southeastwma@wfp.ms.gov or call : 601-432-2199. The permit station with cards is located at the headquarters.

Directions as the agency prints them. Red Creek Wma: From Wiggins, take Highway 49 south to Wire Road Turn east on Wire Road and go approximately 13 miles. The WMA headquarters is on the left. Red Creek

From the area page and brochure (MDWFP area page, MDWFP WMA list, WMA brochure) and the MDWFP WMA boundary layer; checked November 14, 2026.

Dated hunts at Red Creek WMA

The 2026-27 brochure for Red Creek WMA prints 15 dated season rows: 7 for deer and 8 for other game. The brochure PDF outranks this table whenever a note looks too short.

SeasonOpensClosesEntryNotesToday
RaccoonJul 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026OpenFri and Sat nights
Youth squirrelSep 24, 2026Sep 30, 2026Open–
Raccoon, opossum, bobcatOct 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Open–
SquirrelOct 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Open–
Deer, archeryOct 15, 2026Nov 20, 2026OpenAntlerless and bucks
RabbitOct 17, 2026Feb 28, 2027Open–
TrappingNov 1, 2026Feb 28, 2027Open–
Deer, youth deerNov 7, 2026Nov 20, 2026OpenAntlerless and bucks
Deer, gunNov 21, 2026Dec 1, 2026Open–
Deer, primitive weapon (red creek)Dec 2, 2026Dec 15, 2026OpenBucks only
Deer, gunDec 16, 2026Dec 22, 2026OpenBucks only
Deer, gunDec 23, 2026Jan 20, 2027Open–
Deer, primitive weaponJan 21, 2027Feb 15, 2027OpenBucks only
Youth turkeyMar 8, 2027Mar 14, 2027Open–
TurkeyMar 15, 2027May 2, 2027Open–

From the 2026-27 WMA brochure (Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks), brochure dated April 2026; checked November 14, 2026.

Getting permitted for Red Creek WMA

Before you step onto Red Creek WMA, buy the annual WMA User Permit ($15.00 resident, $30.00 non-resident) unless you are exempt from licensing. Fees printed beside the resident price: $1.00 agent and $2.49 process. Add any license or stamp the game requires; the license page lists them. The MDWFP point layer maps these features on Red Creek WMA: 1 camp site, 1 data collection, 1 headquarters and 1 permit station. Drawn hunts are part of the picture at Red Creek WMA, covered on the draw hunts page.

ContactListed value
Phone(601) 783-2911, (601) 965-1600
Emailsoutheastwma@wfp.ms.gov
HQ GPS30.7304, -88.9230

MDWFP price page and the area brochure (MDWFP area page, MDWFP WMA list, WMA brochure); checked November 14, 2026.

Red Creek WMA: weapons, dogs, camping and more

Plan your deer rig around centerfire rifles, slug or buckshot shotguns, primitive weapons and centerfire handguns, the weapons the brochure names. Bucks must show 10 inches between the main beams or a 13 inch main beam, except that youth 15 and under may take any antlered buck. Every brochure repeats Rule 1.1, the general WMA safety and conduct rule, so it applies here as well. The WMA hub page sets Rule 1.1 out in one place.

TopicCondensed
CampingForest Service rules
HorsesHunting from horseback
DogsSmall game only
ORVs and ATVsForest Service rules
Legal buck10 in. spread or 13 in. beam
Bag limitsStatewide, with exceptions
TopicWhat the sources say
WeaponsOnly centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs or buckshot, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting, EXCEPT FOR Little Biloxi where only centerfire rifles, shotguns with slugs, primitive weapons, and centerfire handguns may be used for deer hunting and no buckshot allowed.
DogsHog hunting with dogs is allowed during daylight hours only during February 16 – February 28 with weapons legal for small game.
ORVsOff-road vehicle use will be governed by US Forest Service regulations or the regulations below:
CampingCamping is allowed subject to US Forest Service regulations or the regulations below: CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 36, will be enforced. For additional information, contact the Forest Service at (601) 965-1600.

From the 2026-27 area brochure and the MDWFP area page (MDWFP area page, MDWFP WMA list, WMA brochure); Rule 1.1 and area texts; checked November 14, 2026.

Harvest on file for Red Creek WMA

Hunters reported 7 deer from Red Creek WMA in the 2024 DMAP report (2 bucks, 5 does). The density figure on the report is 3286 acres per deer on 23,000 acres. In spring 2025 hunters at Red Creek WMA logged 524 man-days and took 14 turkeys. Back one year, the table lists 563 man-days and 13 birds, against ten-year averages of 370 and 7.

72024 deer reported
2Bucks
5Does
3286Acres per deer
14Spring 2025 birds
524Man-days 2025

Only reported animals are in these agency totals.

From 2024 DMAP report and the spring 2025 WMA turkey totals; checked November 14, 2026.

CWD and deer unit status for Red Creek WMA

The three CWD zones leave the 3 counties of Red Creek WMA out entirely. Samples tested for the 3 counties of Red Creek WMA: 574, with 0 positives, per the MDWFP county layer. The layer prints no season or date, so read the counts as running totals from the day we looked. Counties here are not on the North Central unit list; the Delta, Hills and Southeast units follow highways and rivers, so match your hunt to the unit map. Details are on the CWD zones page, the county results page and the deer units page.

CountyRegionMDWFP districtZoneSupplemental feedCWD positives
StoneSouth1Outside zonesNo ban0 of 316
JacksonSouth1Outside zonesNo ban0 of 144
GeorgeSouth1Outside zonesNo ban0 of 114

MDWFP county layer (County_Info), CWD management zones and deer management units; region labels are the layer’s only county source; checked November 14, 2026.

Shooting light schedule for Red Creek WMA

The sources print no separate spring turkey hours, so this Red Creek WMA table covers deer and waterfowl days only.

DayNoteSunupSundownDeer dayDuck day
Oct 1, 2026Archery, Delta and Hills6:48 a.m.6:42 p.m.6:18 a.m. to 7:12 p.m.6:18 a.m. to 6:42 p.m.
Oct 15, 2026Archery, Southeast6:57 a.m.6:26 p.m.6:27 a.m. to 6:56 p.m.6:27 a.m. to 6:26 p.m.
Nov 7, 2026Youth gun deer6:15 a.m.5:04 p.m.5:45 a.m. to 5:34 p.m.5:45 a.m. to 5:04 p.m.
Nov 21, 2026Gun deer opens6:27 a.m.4:57 p.m.5:57 a.m. to 5:27 p.m.5:57 a.m. to 4:57 p.m.
Nov 26, 2026Quail season opens6:31 a.m.4:55 p.m.6:01 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.6:01 a.m. to 4:55 p.m.
Nov 27, 2026Duck season opens6:32 a.m.4:55 p.m.6:02 a.m. to 5:25 p.m.6:02 a.m. to 4:55 p.m.
Dec 2, 2026Primitive weapon deer6:36 a.m.4:54 p.m.6:06 a.m. to 5:24 p.m.6:06 a.m. to 4:54 p.m.
Dec 21, 2026Year's shortest day6:49 a.m.4:58 p.m.6:19 a.m. to 5:28 p.m.6:19 a.m. to 4:58 p.m.
Mar 15, 2027Turkey season opens7:07 a.m.7:03 p.m.6:37 a.m. to 7:33 p.m.6:37 a.m. to 7:03 p.m.

Resident game runs half an hour past dark.

Hours rules from the MDWFP general hunting rules and the 2026-27 migratory game bird digest (Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks); sunrise and sunset worked out for this location with the NOAA solar formula on Central Time; checked November 14, 2026. Legal hours for every county.

The Red Creek WMA neighbourhood on the land map

The closest pin to the Red Creek WMA point is De Soto Ranger District, 9 miles north. Around the point you will find 5 WMA and 1 ranger district. Miles are measured as the crow flies from the Red Creek WMA point; roads add to them.

AreaKindAcresCountyMiles offCompass
De Soto Ranger DistrictRanger district381,023Perry9 milesnorth
Leaf River WMAWMA41,411Perry18 milesnorth
Little Biloxi WMAWMA13,699Stone20 mileswest
Pascagoula River WMAWMA37,415Jackson21 mileseast
Ward Bayou WMAWMA13,234Jackson21 milessoutheast
Theodore A. Mars Jr. Memorial WMAWMA887Pearl River34 mileswest

Point from the MDWFP WMA boundary layer; straight-line distances. Statewide public land map.

Nearest towns and services for Red Creek WMA

The nearest five towns stretch from 12 miles out to 21 miles from Red Creek WMA. With 48,144 residents in 2024, Biloxi is the largest nearby. Deer heads for CWD testing can go to Fire Station 8 (Saucier), 15 miles from here in Saucier.

TownCountyPeople (2024)DistanceDirection
BenndaleGeorge–12 milesnortheast
SaucierHarrison–15 milessouthwest
WigginsStone4,35015 milesnorthwest
VancleaveJackson–20 milessoutheast
BiloxiHarrison48,14421 milessouth

J.T.M. Deer Processing meat processing

Mc Henry, Stone County · about 14 mi

Replay Sporting Goods sporting goods

Wiggins, Stone County · about 15 mi

Red Creek Taxidermy taxidermy

Vancleave, Jackson County · about 17 mi

Charles W Thornton Taxidermist taxidermy

Biloxi, Jackson County · about 20 mi

East Central Sports Center sporting goods

Moss Point, Jackson County · about 26 mi

Magnolia Gun Shop sporting goods

Moss Point, Jackson County · about 28 mi

Towns from Census 2024 estimates; CWD drop-off sites from the MDWFP drop-off list; businesses from services listings; straight-line miles; checked November 14, 2026.

Bridge across Biloxi Bay at dusk, Jackson County

Bridge across Biloxi Bay at dusk, Jackson CountyPhoto: Jeremy Gilbrech (CC BY 2.0)

Tidal marsh creek on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson County

Tidal marsh creek on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson CountyPhoto: Gary J. Wood (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Salt marsh at Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Salt marsh at Grand Bay National Wildlife RefugePhoto: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (CC BY 2.0)

Red Creek WMA: questions and answers

Where will I find Red Creek WMA?

Red Creek WMA lies across 3 counties including Stone, Jackson and George, as a wildlife management area under MDWFP. Benndale is 12 miles away, the shortest hop to a town. The brochure names the South Regional Office as the regional contact.

Who manages Red Creek WMA and how big is it?

It is 23,000 acres of wildlife management area under MDWFP. The number is from the agency record.

What do I need in hand before hunting Red Creek WMA?

Yes. The annual statewide WMA User Permit is required of everyone except those exempt from licensing: $15.00 for residents and $30.00 for non-residents. Some hunts here also need a drawn permit.

What animals can hunters pursue at Red Creek WMA?

Game on file: deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum and bobcat and trapping. Dates for every species are on the seasons page.

When does hunting open at Red Creek WMA?

Brochure seasons run from Jul 1, 2026 (raccoon) to May 2, 2027 (turkey), 15 rows in all. 7 rows are for deer.

Are permits drawn for Red Creek WMA?

0 drawn hunts and 0 permits are on the schedules. You apply online within the type's window; unsuccessful applicants collect bonus points. The WMA draw hunts guide has the schedule rules.

Does Red Creek WMA allow overnight camping?

Per the record: Camping is allowed subject to US Forest Service regulations or the regulations below: CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, TITLE 36, will be enforced. For additional information, contact the Forest Service at (601) 965-1600.

Can I use dogs, ATVs or horses at Red Creek WMA?

The rules in brief are dogs: small game only; ORVs and ATVs: forest service rules; horses: hunting from horseback; exceptions are in the brochure.

What are the legal hunting hours at Red Creek WMA?

Deer and other resident game: half an hour before sunrise until half an hour past sunset. Ducks, geese and doves: until sunset. Spring turkey hours are not printed in the sources. Look up your date on the hours page.

Has CWD been found in the counties around Red Creek WMA?

For its 3 counties the layer lists 574 samples and 0 positives; 0 of 3 counties are in a zone. The CWD zones page has the rules.

Which public hunting areas are close to Red Creek WMA?

The next public lands on the map are De Soto Ranger District (9 miles), Leaf River WMA (18 miles) and Little Biloxi WMA (20 miles).

Which communities are near Red Creek WMA?

The three closest are Benndale (12 miles), Saucier (15 miles) and Wiggins (15 miles).

What data collection applies to deer at Red Creek WMA?

Every deer is recorded before you leave the area, on the card or in the app, with biological data taken at a check station.

A short list to settle ahead of Red Creek WMA

Look up weather, high water and road closures that affect Red Creek WMA before the trip.

Sources: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4 · source 5; statewide seasons from the 2026-27 MDWFP hunting seasons sheet. Checked November 14, 2026.

Other photos on this page: Gary Leavens (CC BY-SA 2.0).