Is my hive set up correctly for winter?

[labradorfarms]

I am new and want to be sure I have my hives set up right for winter.......

Ok I have my brood boxes on the bottom with a med super on to of that....  Then I have  my inner cover with the open notch  facing the front  with my hive top cover over that........
The entrances are reduced to the med opening for now. When it gets colder. I will reduce to the smallest opening and add hardwire cloth to keep mice out.

Should I tape the open notch up? I didn't think wind would get it with the top covering that..

[OldMech]

Northern Miss... I wouldnt think you would need that much reserve honey..   I live in Iowa and make sure to have two deeps worth of honey to overwinter..  I leave the upper notch open, ansd reduce the lower opening to three inches by 3/8 inch. i wrap with tar paper as well.  YOU may not need to go to those extremes..  I would think your winter will be  much less traumatic than mine will. your bees will have more days to take cleansing flights etc...
   having said all of that...   As yopu have explained the situation, i would think your bees will overwinter VERY well with a lot of reserves left over come spring...   But seek advice from someone closer to you for the best advice!

[BlueBee]

I would second OldMechs sentiments.  I've lived in Memphis, you guys have pretty mild winters; relatively speaking.  I wouldn't cover the notch on the inner cover, I would put on the mouse guard, and I wouldn't bother to wrap down there.  I don't think it would hurt the hive if you want to wrap, but it's just extra work that isn't really needed in your area IMO.