Mississippi

Mississippi deer population likely at record high. Hunters asked to shoot more

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1 year ago

November 14, 2024

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Mississippi deer population likely at record high. Hunters asked to shoot more

‘We’ve had good habitat conditions. We had a reduction in harvest. People are being more selective. All those things coupled together and you really see the population get on the increase.’

Mississippi’s deer population may be at an all-time high and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is asking hunters to help get the population under control by harvesting more deer.

“In looking at the numbers, I think we are probably looking at a record level of deer in the state,” said Russ Walsh, Wildlife chief of staff. “We’ve had good habitat conditions.

“We had a reduction in harvest. People are being more selective. All those things coupled together and you really see the population get on the increase.”

Deer numbers in the state are generated from data including Deer Management Assistance Program harvest records from public and private land. Figures are fed into a model which produces a population estimate.

“It is showing the population is increasing,” Walsh said. “We’re also looking at deer harvest over time. We’re not harvesting as many deer as we used to.”

Mississippi rises in number of collisions involving deer

Annual reports from State Farm Insurance seem to support that. Each year, the company ranks states according to the number of auto claims related to animals. In 2016-2017 Mississippi ranked No. 12 in the nation for the most claims. That translated to one in 95 drivers filing a claim related to animals.

In 2020-2021 Mississippi’s ranking rose to No. 7 with one in 57 drivers filing a claim. In the 2023-2024 report Mississippi was No. 6 in the nation and one in 65 drivers filed a claim and according to State Farm, deer are the No. 1 animal involved in those claims.

For perspective on Mississippi’s latest ranking, the national average for hitting an animal is one in 128.

Are deer numbers high everywhere in Mississippi?

The current population estimate of deer in Mississippi is 1.6 million. That’s up from the 2012 estimate of 1.5 million and 1.4 million in 2018.

However, the population estimate is statewide, so some areas will be higher than others. Walsh said if hunters aren’t sure about their deer numbers or if the population has exceeded the property’s capacity to maintain a healthy population, MDWFP can help.

“We’ll be glad to visit with them and discuss it and look at the land,” Walsh said. “That’s why we’re here. We’re glad to look at those situations.”

How you can help reduce the deer population

Harvest one deer more than you normally do, but don’t exceed the bag limit
Take a kid hunting
Target does
Spend more time hunting
Report deer harvests
Have deer tested for CWD

What are the benefits of reducing Mississippi’s deer population?

It would seem that more deer would mean better hunting, but that is not exactly the case. Chronic wasting disease is present in Mississippi and it is always fatal for deer. It is spread by direct and indirect contact between deer. By reducing the density of deer, the spread of the disease can be slowed.

Lower deer density can also produce healthier deer in general and bigger bucks because there is more food available to them. An extreme example of that is the 2019 South Delta flood that killed thousands of deer and other wildlife. However, those deer that survived had more food resources than before the flood and deer weights went up in following years.

“I don’t think I saw a buck harvested under 200 pounds in some of those areas,” Walsh said. “They had lots of resources. Why? There were fewer deer on the landscape.”

Do you have more deer meat than you can use? Donate some

Many hunters tend only to harvest as many deer as they can eat. So, if you harvest more than that this year, consider donating some to Hunter’s Harvest. It’s a program that distributes venison to families in need in Mississippi through churches and other organizations. Here are the processors where meat can be donated.

Thrasher’s Taxidermy and Deer Processing – Corinth, Alcorn County
Rut’n & Cut’n Deer Processing – Crystal Springs, Copiah County
Old River Road Deer Processing – Petal, Forrest County
Strick’s Deer Processing – Hattiesburg, Forrest County
D’Wayne’s Deer Processing – Holcolm, Grenada County
Stacie’s Deer Processing – Utica, Hinds County
The Meat Hook – Laurel, Hinds County
Jack’s Seafood – Lamar County
Sherman Deer Processing – Lena, Leake County
Boyd Deer Processing – Ruth, Lincoln County
Diamond J Meat Market & Deer Processing – Brookhaven, Lincoln County
Knight’s Deer Processing and Meat Market LLC – Brookhaven, Lincoln County
Buck Shop II – Canton, Madison County
The Buck Shop – Flora, Madison County
Sansing Meat Service – Maben, Oktibbeha County
Buck Shot Custom Processing – Pontotoc, Pontotoc County
Brister’s Taxidermy & Deer Processing – McComb, Pike County
MaxMan Deer Processing – Senatobia, Tate County
Oaks Deer Processing – Coldwater, Tate County
Backwoods Wild Game Processing – Tylertown, Walthall County
Dave’s Custom Meats – Vicksburg, Warren County
Moore’s Deer Processing – Vicksburg, Warren County
Milner’s Deer Processing – Yazoo City, Yazoo County
Rack Shack Outdoors – Benton, Yazoo County
Red Antler Processing – Yazoo City, Yazoo County
Van’s Deer Processing – Brandon, Rankin County
The Skinnin Shed – Meadville, Forrest County

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbrom@gannett.com.

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Mississippi

How to watch Oklahoma Sooners: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

How to watch Oklahoma Sooners: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

The Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (1-12) head into a road matchup with Tae Davis and the Oklahoma Sooners (9-3) at Lloyd Noble Center on Monday, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

We provide more details below, and that includes how to watch this game on SEC Network+.

Here is everything you need to prepare for Monday’s college hoops game.

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Monday, December 29, 2025
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Arena: Lloyd Noble Center
TV Channel: SEC Network+
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State stats and trends

With 86.9 points per game on offense, Oklahoma is 46th in the nation. At the other end, it gives up 72.7 points per contest, which ranks 174th in college basketball.
The Sooners are grabbing 34.8 boards per game (111th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing 30.5 rebounds per contest (156th-ranked).
Oklahoma is averaging 16.7 dimes per game, which ranks them 76th in college basketball in 2025-26.
The Sooners are forcing 11.6 turnovers per game this season (214th-ranked in college basketball), but they’ve averaged just 9.3 turnovers per contest (20th-best).
This season, Oklahoma is making 10.2 three-pointers per game (45th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34.6% (143rd-ranked) from three-point land.
The Sooners are giving up 8.6 treys per game (281st-ranked in college basketball) this season, while allowing a 35.2% three-point percentage (285th-ranked).
Of the shots attempted by Oklahoma in 2025-26, 53.7% of them have been two-pointers (66.6% of the team’s made baskets) and 46.3% have been threes (33.4%).

Oklahoma vs. Mississippi Valley State Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Sooners (-44.5)
Total: 152.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 2:47 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

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Why Luke Kromenhoek’s availability solves bowl game concern for Mississippi State

Published

6 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

Why Luke Kromenhoek’s availability solves bowl game concern for Mississippi State

The powers-that-be have put college football coaches and players in very awkward spots with the transfer portal.

For roughly 68-70 FBS teams, there’s a stretch of time between its regular season finale and bowl game where important decisions have to be made.

Coaches have to be fired and hired. Coaching staffs have to be adjusted or changed entirely. Players have to make decisions about staying or going, whether via the portal or NFL Draft.

It leads to awkward moments with players announcing plans to enter the transfer portal and opting out of their team’s bowl game. There are good arguments to be made for all sides, too.

For example, fans may hate it, but if a player knows they’re entering the transfer portal then it’s a smart business decision to not play in a bowl game. (Playoff games are different.)

But not all players planning to enter the transfer portal are opting out of their team’s bowl game. Just like not all coaches are keeping transferring players at home for bowl games.

In those instances, it’s a good display of coaches and players having good relationships.

That brings us to today’s news that Mississippi State quarterback Luke Kromenhoek is going to be with the Bulldogs for their Duke’s Mayo Bowl game against Wake Forest on Friday.

“He is with us and will be available,” Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby announced Sunday morning. “So, appreciative of him staying with us, going through this, being a great teammate, and excited for what he’s going to be able to go do next.”

Kromenhoek has already announced his intention to enter the transfer portal after one season in Starkville. He played in two games (earning a redshirt) and threw only four passes, but his availability is important.

Blake Shapen started 11 of 12 games for Mississippi State this season before true freshman Kamario Taylor was handed the starting job in the Egg Bowl. Shapen is no longer with the team, as Lebby confirmed earlier this month.

That left some question as to who the No. 2 quarterback in the bowl game would be. With Kromenhoek planning to enter the transfer portal, the only other quarterbacks were Taylor and fellow true freshman Parker Puckett.

Taking just Taylor and Puckett to Charlotte would be a big gamble that Taylor doesn’t miss any plays. But Kromenhoek will be available, easing those concerns.

More than 20 Mississippi State players have announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal when it opens January 2. But Kromenhoek is the only one that’ll be available for the bowl game.

“The situation is exactly what it is, and I totally understand where (Kromenhoek’s) coming from, and that’s college football these days,” Lebby said. “Luke’s got a chance to be a great player, really talented and really intelligent.

“I think for us, that’s really the only one that has said he’s going to go in that is going to be with us.”

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Mississippi

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 27, 2025

Published

7 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

Mississippi Lottery Mississippi Match 5, Cash 3 results for Dec. 27, 2025

The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

03-04-10-14-16

Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 5-6-7, FB: 0

Evening: 3-9-7, FB: 8

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 4-0-6-9, FB: 0

Evening: 8-0-6-3, FB: 8

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 27 drawing

Midday: 12

Evening: 14

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Story continues below gallery.

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

Flowood, MS

39232

If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

Mississippi Lottery Headquarters

1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100

Flowood, MS

39232

Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?

Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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