State director of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks announces retirement

After nearly 3 decades as executive director of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Dr. Sam Polles is retiring this month.

MDWFP is one of a very few agencies that touches the lives of citizens across this state every single day.

Whether it be through out state park system, wildlife management areas, state lakes, fisheries education centers, hunting or boating education programs, the museum of natural science educational outreach programs, state shooting sports facilities, archery in schools program, or the officers of our law enforcement bureau, the dedicated men and women of this agency work tirelessly to provide daily services to Mississippians.

During 29 years under Polles’ leadership, the agency has had many groundbreaking accomplishments that include:

• Implemented point-of-sale systems for purchasing licenses, boat registrations, and park facilities reservations
• Expanded WMAs to offer the sporting public high quality hunting opportunities unlike any in the Southeast, and state lakes system and other public waterways providing anglers with storied fishing experiences
• Improved the state parks system despite continued budget cuts, record storms, aging infrastructure, and a lack of external support
• Developed state-of-the-art shooting facilities at McIvor, McHenry, and Turcotte
• Implemented an award-winning archery shooting programs in schools, which promote outdoor recreation to the state’s youth
• Built the new Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the state office headquarters

“I could have never imagined in 1992 that this opportunity would evolve into a life’s calling that would endure for nearly three decades,” said Polles.

“During this time, I have been blessed to work with one of the most capable, committed, and talented team of professional public servants found anywhere, at any level of government. The men and women of this Department are often not appreciated for their tireless efforts, but they remain steadfast in their commitment to preserve Mississippi’s rich and historic conservation heritage for generations to come.”