Magnet Fishing Laws in Mississippi
State agency rules, waterway access, state park policy, and what happens when you find something significant.
State Agency & Regulatory Framework
Mississippi has no magnet fishing-specific statute. The Tombigbee and Mississippi River corridors have significant Civil War-era and Native American archaeological resources. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History manages state antiquities under the Mississippi Antiquities Law (§ 39-7-3 et seq.). Found firearms must be reported to local law enforcement.
State Park Policy
Mississippi State Parks (MDWFP) has not prohibited magnet fishing. Park rules follow general recreation guidelines. Contact specific parks.
Waterway Access & Navigability
Mississippi's major waterways — the Mississippi River, Pearl River, Tombigbee, and Yazoo River systems — are federally navigable. The Mississippi River and its oxbow lakes are managed with USACE Vicksburg District involvement. Public access is well-established at numerous boat ramps.
If You Find a Firearm
Regardless of Mississippi state law details, the protocol for a firearm find is consistent: do not transport it, call the local non-emergency police line immediately, document the find location, and turn it over to the responding officer. Request a case number. For the full protocol, see: Found a Gun While Magnet Fishing.
Historical Artifact Reporting
Items 100+ years old recovered from public land in Mississippi may be protected under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (federal) and Mississippi state antiquity law. Contact your State Historic Preservation Office before disturbing or retaining any potentially historical find.
Mississippi SHPO: Mississippi Department of Archives and History, (601) 576-6940
Quick Reference
- Managing Agency: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) — (601) 432-2400
- General Access Status: Generally Permitted
- State Parks: Mississippi State Parks (MDWFP) has not prohibited magnet fi...
- SHPO: Mississippi SHPO: Mississippi Department of Archives and History, (601) 576-6940
- Found Firearms: Call non-emergency police, do not transport
- Federal Waterways: Contact USACE district office for managed sites