HYDE-SMITH CALLS FOR RESTORATION OF TWO MISS. WILDLIFE REFUGES AFTER SUBPAR DUCK SEASON
Miss. Senator Asks FWS to Follow Directive to Fix Neglected Maintenance at Mathews Brake & Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today encouraged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to adhere to a directive she included in recently-enacted legislation to restore and improve two important national wildlife refuges in Mississippi to address neglected maintenance and declining duck and migratory bird populations.
Hyde-Smith made the request on the heels of a below average duck season, according to sportsmen across the State, and as duck population numbers remain on a steady decline.
“Many factors influence population numbers, migration patterns, and ultimately hunter success, but availability of quality habitat is a key driver for all three, and that is something we can control,” said Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee. “The federal government must do its part with respect to conservation and outdoor recreation.”
In a letter to FWS Director Brian Nesvik, Hyde-Smith highlighted a directive she included in the FY2026 Interior, Environment Appropriations Bill (PL 119-74) that directs the FWS to take necessary steps to properly manage, maintain, and restore the Mathews Brake and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges, both of which have historically attracted and provided valuable resting areas for millions of ducks each fall and winter.
“The Mathews Brake and Yazoo National Wildlife Refuges are located in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, and are managed as part of the larger Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Complex. Historically, they have provided thousands of acres of prime waterfowl habitat and attracted millions of migrating ducks each fall and winter. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case due to the lack of proper maintenance and management, and failure to implement Habitat Management Plans,” Hyde-Smith wrote Nesvik.
Hyde-Smith also pointed out that FWS has the authority to partner with state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private individuals to promote stewardship within the national wildlife refuge system. However, little has been done to engage surrounding private landowners and nonprofit conservation organizations that have sought to work with the FWS to restore the Mathews Brake and Yazoo National Refuges to their full potential.
“It’s important for everyone to remember that these refuges were established for the sole purpose of providing for the wintering needs of ducks and geese on their annual migration. When properly managed, they offer thousands of acres of prime waterfowl habitat that not only attract ducks, but also keep them around,” Hyde-Smith said. “When functioning as intended, the hunters who enjoy these public resources are not the only beneficiaries. Private landowners three or more counties away can enjoy robust duck numbers because waterfowl have larger areas to rest, feed, and settle down, as opposed to continuing on their migration south.”
This weekend, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks will hold its special Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl hunt days, which is the result of the first bill Hyde-Smith introduced as a member of the United States Senate.
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