Public hunting land question that I don't want to ask a.game warden, so I'm bringing it here. I've read the statute about shooting within 50 yards of public road. However would or should one consider that little crappy dirt (gravel if you're lucky ) road on a WMA or other public hunting area a "road" for purposes of the legal definition?

If it ain’t behind a locked gate and you’re allowed to drive a vehicle down it, it’s a road.

If it’s open to vehicle traffic it is defined as a road. If you’re on it and it’s not open to vehicle traffic then you’re in violation. If you shoot within 50 yards of a road open to vehicle traffic then you’re in violation. All roads open to vehicle traffic are clearly marked on the WMA map.

correct me if im wrong but does it only applies for deer hunting , the 50 yard rule for WMA ?

It was discharging any centerfire I “think”. But they can technically write you a ticket for having a center fire loaded within 50 yards of the road.

ok , i didnt know what the rules were on WMA for small game . i know you cant shot across a road with any gun .

I think Frankie might be asking about turkey 50 yards from a road. I have wanted to kill one strutting down a WMA road for a long time, they love to roost right at the road on one I like to hunt here in Ms.

The regs advise that it greatly impacts deer hunters. The law is not firing of anything greater than birdshot within 50 yards of a public road statewide. Not a WMA rule specifically

i remember right its #4 or smaller . i dont really know rules for the WMA , why i asked

for private land , if you own the land the 50 yard rule dont apply .

that would be a good question . another good question would be , if im riding thru and see a white fox squirrel can i stop get out of the car got out of the road load my shotgun and kill the squirrel ??? just a example .

“50 Yard Restriction from a Public Road

You may not hunt or discharge a firearm within 50 yards of the right-of-way of any public road, highway, or railroad with a centerfire rifle, a shotgun using slugs or shot larger than ­number four (4) shot or a muzzle loading rifle .40 caliber or larger. This law significantly impacts deer hunters. It is illegal to take any action to harvest a deer within the 50 yard restricted area with a weapon or shot listed above.”
There is no distinction in the posted regulations between public or private lands regarding the 50 yard restriction.

youre part right , heres the complete law



Section 9-11-257

Hunting or discharge of firearm from, upon, or across public roads, etc.

Any person, except a duly authorized law enforcement officer acting in the line of duty or person otherwise authorized by law, who hunts or discharges any firearm from, upon, or across any public road, public highway, or railroad, or the rights-of-way of any public road, public highway, or railroad, or any person, except a landowner or his or her immediate family hunting on land of the landowner, who hunts within 50 yards of a public road, public highway, or railroad, or their rights-of-way, with a centerfire rifle, a shotgun using slug or shot larger in diameter than manufacturer's standard designated number four shot, or a muzzleloading rifle .40 caliber or larger in this state, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished for the first offense by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and shall be punished for the second and each subsequent offense by a fine of not less than two thousand dollars ($2,000) and shall have all hunting license privileges revoked for one year from the date of conviction.

I think this is a good discussion for public land hunters as we start rifle season. I liked "If it's marked as a road on the WMA or any other map, and it's not behind a closed gate then it's a road" answers. There are many public areas where the official roads carry little distinction from the grown-over trails that are not official roads. It can be confusing for some.

Looks like that excludes a handgun.

What about a lease holder?