Sportsman License holders are being urged to renew their license to avoid the rush, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, or in the case of the Sportsman License, the current date of expiration. Simply put, if your license expires June 30, as many do, you can renew it anytime before that date and still have a full year of coverage.

All hunters between the ages of 16 and 64 need a valid Mississippi hunting license, and the Sportsman’s License provides the best option. The collectable Sportsman’s License features a photograph of a mature whitetail by noted Mississippi photographer Joe Mac Hudspeth and can be purchased for $32.

The Sportsman’s License includes all-game hunting and fishing. A wildlife management area permit can be added to the Sportsman’s License for $15, allowing access to the state’s 46 WMAs. A saltwater fishing license, and state waterfowl stamp may be purchased for an additional fee. Persons born January 1, 1972 or after, must have a valid Hunter Education Card to purchase any hunting license.

The Sportsman License can be purchased at various retail outlets, MDWFP district offices, online at www.mdwfp.com , or by calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT. For more information contact the MDWFP at 601-432-2400.