JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks on Friday announced the closure of hunting season until Jan. 31 for areas in the southern Delta.

The announcement was made after the Steele Bayou landside flood gauge went over 90 feet.

The areas affected are listed as those in Sharkey, Humphreys, Yazoo, Issaquena and Warren counties which lie south of Highway 14, west of Highway 149, south of Highway 16/149, west of Highway 3, and east of Highway 61.

Due to this closure, deer season is closed on Lake George, Twin Oaks, and Sunflower Wildlife Management Areas. Additionally, the U.S. Forest Service has closed the entire Delta National Forest to the public, including those hunting waterfowl and other wildlife.