Hunting Seasons & Licensing · MS
Mississippi Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonMississippi has one of the longest deer seasons in the country and a deep hunting culture. The state manages over 700,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas and has approximately 300,000 deer hunters. Mississippi is known for its long archery season, liberal bag limits, and quality white-tailed deer hunting across the Delta, Hill Country, and Piney Woods regions. The state is also a premier waterfowl destination along the Mississippi Flyway.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Oct 1 – Nov 21, 2025 & Dec 1 – Jan 31, 2026 | 3 antlered + 5 antlerless per season | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Gun | Nov 22 – Nov 29 & Dec 1 – Jan 31, 2026 (varies by zone) | 3 antlered + 5 antlerless per season | Rifle, shotgun, handgun, muzzleloader |
| White-tailed Deer | Primitive Weapon | Oct through Jan (varies by zone) | Included in season total | Muzzleloader, archery, crossbow |
| Feral Hog | Year-round | No closed season on private land | No limit | Any legal firearm, bow, trapping |
White-tailed Deer (Gun): Season dates vary by deer management zone
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Mar 15 – May 1, 2026 | 3 gobblers (1 per day) | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Bobwhite Quail | General | Nov 22 – Mar 7, 2026 | 8 daily | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep through Jan (split season) | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Nov through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Mississippi Flyway. Delta region is prime waterfowl habitat.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Oct 11 – Feb 28, 2026 | 8 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Squirrel | General | Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 8 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident All Game License | $25 | — |
| Non-Resident All Game License | $300 | — |
| Resident Sportsman License | $67 | Includes all hunting, fishing, and WMA access |
| Non-Resident 7-Day All Game | $175 | — |
| Youth (under 16) | Free | — |
| Senior (65+) | $5 | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Mississippi hunting licenses are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for standard deer or turkey. Quota hunts on select WMAs require an application. There is no preference point system. Alligator harvest permits are limited and issued by lottery.
Harvest Reporting
Mississippi uses a mandatory Game Check harvest reporting system for all deer and turkey. Reporting must be completed through the MDWFP app, website, or by phone. Tags must be validated before moving the animal. CWD surveillance is active in designated areas.
Mississippi Wildlife Resources
- Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: 1-800-BE-SMART (1-800-237-6278)
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.