“Mississippi Outdoors in 2023: Rare White Snake, Record-Breaking Alligator, Unbelievable Turkey, and Possible State Record Buck”

Accident – death – Obituary News : When it comes to stories about the great outdoors, Mississippi never fails to impress. Year after year, readers are captivated, astonished, and inspired by the incredible events that unfold in Mississippi’s forests and on its waterways. From peculiar snakes to bizarre turkeys, monstrous alligators, and an abundance of magnificent bucks, there is always something extraordinary happening in this state. So, let’s take a look back at some of the strange and remarkable occurrences that took place in 2023.

A Rare and Enigmatic White Snake Discovery

Mississippi occasionally reveals snakes with peculiar patterns or colors. In recent years, examples include copperheads with unusual markings and a blond timber rattlesnake. However, in April, a snake discovered in a Bay St. Louis man’s truck engine may have surpassed them all in terms of uniqueness.

Laura Mioton from Wild at Heart Rescue was taken aback when she came across a solid white snake. “I was even more surprised to see it was a blue-eyed leucistic because they’re so uncommon in the wild,” she said. Measuring approximately 4 feet in length, the snake was identified as a gray ratsnake with a genetic condition known as leucism, which causes a loss of pigmentation. Its skin lacks any normal coloration, appearing entirely white, and its eyes possess a striking blue hue.

Distinct from albinism, which results in a complete lack of pigmentation, including in the eyes, this snake exhibited scars and scabs, indicating a tough life in the wild. Consequently, it was not released back into its natural habitat. Instead, it underwent healing and now leads a safer existence as an educational ambassador. “In June, he made his debut at the Bay St. Louis Library during an educational program,” Mioton shared. “He was a huge hit.”

Setting a Mississippi State Record with a Colossal Alligator

On the opening day of alligator season, a Mississippi hunter embarked on a thrilling adventure and encountered the longest alligator ever officially recorded in the state. Donald Woods of Oxford, joined by Joey Clark of Jackson, Will Thomas of Madison, and Tanner White of Flora, was hunting on the Yazoo River. Having harvested numerous large alligators in the past, the group was determined not to settle for anything smaller on their first night.

“We’ve been hunting these things for a long time,” Woods said. “We’ve killed a lot of 12-footers.” After encountering several smaller alligators, Woods finally hooked a colossal specimen around 9 p.m. Over the next seven hours, the alligator put up a formidable fight, breaking almost all of their gear. Nevertheless, they managed to secure their prized catch in their boat.

“We knew we had a big alligator,” Woods exclaimed. “We were amazed at the width of its back and the size of its head. It was a surreal experience.” When officially measured by Andrew Arnett, the Alligator Program Coordinator at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the alligator measured an impressive 14 feet, 3 inches, and weighed a staggering 802.5 pounds. This remarkable specimen surpassed the previous state record set in 2017 by a mere 3/4 inches.

A Remarkably Rare Turkey Encounter

Red phase turkeys are exceptionally rare. The probability of encountering one is akin to winning the lottery. However, this is precisely what happened to a fortunate Mississippi hunter. Tyler Anderson of Carthage was on a hunt on March 25 when he experienced a particularly quiet outing, until a bird responded to his calls. As the gobbler drew closer, it appeared white, though Anderson initially dismissed it as a trick of the sunlight.

However, when the bird came within range, Anderson took the shot. Upon approaching the fallen turkey, he couldn’t believe his eyes. “I had no idea what to think,” Anderson recalled. “I just grabbed him and looked at him. It was crazy. I never expected it.” The situation became even more extraordinary when Anderson noticed something truly unusual. “When I picked him up, I saw three beards,” he exclaimed. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh. There’s no way I killed a red turkey with a triple beard.’ I still don’t know what to think.”

According to Mark Hatfield, the National Director of Conservation Services at the National Wild Turkey Federation, this bird is so uncommon that it is virtually impossible to calculate its rarity.

A Potential New State Record Buck

When it comes to the great outdoors in Mississippi, deer hold a special place. This year, there was an abundance of extraordinary bucks, but one, in particular, stands out, possibly exceeding the current state record. Treyce Felter of McComb was hunting in Adams County on the opening morning of deer season, November 18. He had his sights set on a colossal buck he had previously captured on trail camera photos.

After trying out a couple of different stands without satisfaction, Felter decided to settle on a live oak tree, perching on a branch for what turned out to be a long and uncomfortable wait. Passing the time by snacking, using his phone, and occasionally stretching, Felter suddenly caught a glimpse of the buck he had been pursuing.

“When he moved, I knew it was him,” Felter recounted. “It was like he stood up and popped out of nowhere.” Felter successfully harvested the buck, which has already undergone two unofficial measurements. One measurement yielded a gross score of 222 inches, while the other measured 226 inches. Felter noted that the buck possesses several abnormal points, which would result in approximately 31 inches of deductions if scored as a typical buck.

Even with deductions, the buck has the potential to break the state record. If it measures 222 inches with 31 inches of deductions, the final score would be 191 inches. This exceeds the current record of 184 6/8 inches, held by James Saunders for a buck harvested in 2010, which coincidentally was also taken in Adams County. The buck must undergo a mandatory 60-day drying period before it can be officially scored, determining whether it will claim the title of a state record.

Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com if you have a story idea..