Roads close as hunting season begins

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Bryan Franks
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  There's a crisp chill in the air, and the leaves are beginning to change to the colors of Fall. Across the land men and women have already begun their Saturday and Sunday rituals, prepping for primetime: hunting.

Yes, once again it's the time of the year that makes me smile inside and out--it's hunting season at Columbus Air Force Base. But for those who love to exercise there is no better time than the fall to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather on base. With hunting season beginning on Oct. 1, it's time for me to remind both hunters and non-hunters about the rules on Columbus AFB.

First and foremost, before you can legally hunt at Columbus AFB, you must obtain a Mississippi hunting license. For those who are here on orders (i.e. most of us) you should take those orders with you to purchase your license (you might get it cheaper).

Once you have a Mississippi license in hand, go to Outdoor Recreation and purchase the Columbus AFB Sportsman permit. Along with your permit, you will also receive a hunting tri-fold that will explain all of the ins and outs of hunting on base; but wait, there's more! You will also need to stop by and talk to one of the nine base game wardens to receive your official briefing. If you can't find one you can always come see me at the Public Affairs office--I'm an official game warden this year.

For those who enjoy running across the base, you could also be impacted by the hunting season. As with every hunting season safety is paramount: with that said, Shotgun Road will once again be closed to pedestrian traffic from Oct. 1 to Jan. 31.

Yes, the tree-covered gravel path across from the fire department that serves as both a road and a divider for hunters between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31 will be closed to ensure your safety. While this might impact your normal exercise routine there are many other areas that are still open for your use.

Perimeter Road, which was closed for most of the year due to center runway construction, is once again open for use. The trails surrounding SAC Lake are also still available to those wanting to get their sweat on.

Sharing the outdoors is important. Both hunters and non-hunters will be utilizing Perimeter Road from early in the morning to late in the evening, so please be on the lookout for each other and follow pedestrian and driving guidelines on base.

So, with hunting season just around the corner--next Tuesday, to be precise--let's all try to be safe and have a great fall at Columbus AFB.