Poison Arrows and Deer Hunting in Mississippi

Archery hunting regulations in Mississippi do not prohibit the use of drugged arrows - sometimes called "poison pods" or "the pod" - in the hunting of deer. As long as the hunter has an archery permit and is using legal weaponry - a long bow, recurve, or compound bow - he or she may use drugged arrows.

Succinylcholine Chloride, or Anectine, is a muscle relaxant that can induce total paralysis. Deer are reported to be much more sensitive to it than are humans, which is why it is chosen for deer hunting. It is illegal to buy or sell Anectine in Mississippi, though a black market exists. It is legal to purchase Anectine in the neighboring state of Alabama. Some Mississippi hunters purchase "the pod" in Alabama for use in Mississippi.

Some hunters prefer poison arrows because it allows hunters to harvest a deer with even a superficial wound, and the drug may limit the animal's suffering. Other hunters consider the use of poison unethical and contend that drugged arrows are not a substitute for good marksmanship and sportsmanship.