MWFPM Foundation Programs
The Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries Parks Marine Foundation is proud to facilitate and support programs around our great state. Interested in what we are involved in? Have a look at the programs below. We are often growing the list of programs we support, and proud to be a resource for so many important programs and events.
Archery in Mississippi Schools
Launched in 2006, Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) has grown into one of the state’s largest youth programs, reaching hundreds of schools across Mississippi. The program introduces students to archery while fostering confidence, school engagement, and opportunities for success both in and out of the classroom.
Scholarships
The Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries Parks Marine Foundation supports the next generation of professionals dedicated to conserving Mississippi’s natural resources through annual scholarship opportunities.
Black Bear Program
Mississippi is home to two subspecies of black bears—the American black bear and the Louisiana black bear—both protected under state law. Since the launch of the MDWFP Black Bear Program in 2002, Mississippi’s black bear population has grown significantly through research, conservation, and habitat management efforts. Today, the program continues to monitor bear populations, educate the public, and help prevent conflicts between bears and people.
Fishing Rodeos
Youth Fishing Rodeos introduce children and families to the sport of fishing through fun, hands-on outdoor experiences. Participants learn about fishing, aquatic conservation, and outdoor stewardship while enjoying safe, well-stocked fishing opportunities across Mississippi.
Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program
The Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) is a team-based, youth development program that uses the shotgun sports of 5-Stand, Skeet, and Sporting Clays to instill life skills such as discipline, safety, teamwork, ethics, self-confidence, and other life values. The program utilizes these disciplines to teach hunting skills through the safe use of hunting equipment, including firearms, and their relationship to hunting situations. Team members can participate in any or all three of the clay target disciplines: 5-Stand, Skeet, and Sporting Clays.
Youth License
The Foundation is helping the young people of Mississippi make their first step in becoming a lifelong hunting & fishing license purchaser. Every young person who has completed the Hunter Education course and is age-eligible for the voluntary youth hunting/fishing license, the Foundation will purchase their $5.00 license. For every license, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks sells, they receive over $62.00 per license in federal funds from the Pittman Robertson Act. This is a 12 to 1 return on investment. By purchasing the youth licenses, the Foundation is helping these young people start the habit of buying a hunting & fishing license as well as providing funds to MDWFP through the Pittman Robertson Act. Year to date the Foundation has purchased over 28,000 licenses.
Law Fit
Conservation Officers from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) claimed the title of “Fittest in the Nation” as they took the top spot at the 16th annual National LawFit Challenge held this past weekend in Pearl, MS. Over 135 law enforcement officers from around the country competed in this year’s event which tests officers in 6 different events: bench press, a 1.5-mile run, sit-ups, flexibility, pull-ups, and a suspect pursuit course.
Employee Emergency Fund
This fund is maintained to provide emergency assistance to MDWFP staff due to a physical, medical, etc., emergency.
McIvor Shooting Facility
This 300-acre, state of the art shooting sports facility located near Sardis, MS provides the public a place to hone in their skills in a variety of options. From becoming more proficient with your bow, sighting in a new rifle or honing your shotgun skills, McIvor is the place to go.
LeFleur's Bluff Playground
The 21st century playground features 80 play activities, 73 of these features will be inclusive to children with accessibility needs, and is separated into different play areas based on age, for children ages 6 months to 12 years old.
Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey
The Spring Gobbler Hunter Survey (SGHS) was initiated in 1995 as a means of collecting long-term data on turkey activity and population numbers. The success of the survey is largely due to voluntary participation by hunters who are interested in assisting with turkey conservation within the state.
MWFPM Specific Fund Categories
Requests from MDWFP are being presented to the Foundation each month. To maintain the flexibility to fund these requests, we maintain funds specifically related to the following categories. You can direct your donation to any of these categories that is an interest to you:
Wildlife (Waterfowl, Deer, Alligator, Turkey, Black bear)
Law Enforcement
Fisheries
Conservation
Parks
Mississippi Museum of Natural Science