Mississippi Hunting Seasons 2023 [Updated Schedule!]

We chose to make the most straightforward guide possible regarding the 2022–2023 hunting seasons in Mississippi. Want to know when the seasons are, what the rules and bag limits are, what the licensing requirements are, and where to discover useful links? The information provided in this guide will interest you if so. Let’s begin straight now.

Mississippi Hunting Seasons

Mississippi offers a range of hunting opportunities, including the chance to hunt alligators in the southern part of the state. There are a number of rules that must be followed during hunting season, including a prohibition on using decoys and bait on animals (with the exception of crows and nuisance animals). Hunting dogs are generally allowed, although they are not permitted during muzzleloader and archery deer seasons. It is important to familiarize yourself with the Mississippi Hunting Schedule to ensure that you are following all of the relevant regulations and guidelines.

Mississippi Hunting seasons
Mississippi Hunting seasons

Deer Season Mississippi 2022-2023

There are many deer hunting seasons in Mississippi that enable hunters to chase deer using various tactics and equipment. Archery, Youth, Antlerless Primitive Weapon, Gun with Dogs, Primitive Weapon, and Gun without Dogs are among the seasons available. Each season has its own set of rules, and you may need a hunting license to participate. All hunters may also check the most recent Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) outdoor digest for the most up-to-date information on unit maps, license and permit requirements, and deer hunting rules in the state.

Mississippi Deer SeasonsHunting Season-Start DateHunting Season-End DateNote
Deer (Archery-2)Saturday, October 01, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Deer Management Units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest
Deer (Archery-SE 2)Saturday, October 15, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Deer Management Unit in the Southeast. either sexual activity on a private or public space.
Deer (Youth-Gun 1)Saturday, November 05, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. any sexual activity on privately owned, sanctioned state and federal property.
Deer (Youth Gun-SE 1)Saturday, November 05, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Unit for Southeast Management. any sexual activity on privately owned, sanctioned state and federal property.
Deer (Antlerless Primitive Weapons)Monday, November 07, 2022Friday, November 18, 2022Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. Deer without antlers Only on private grounds.
Deer (Gun-with dogs)Saturday, November 19, 2022Thursday, December 01, 2022Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. Either on private property or in Holly Springs National Forest. Only on unrestricted public land are Bucks legal.
Deer (Youth Gun)Saturday, November 19, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. On private property, any sex. Youth are required to adhere to lawful deer requirements on open public grounds.
Deer (Gun-with dogs)Saturday, November 19, 2022Thursday, December 01, 2022Unit for Southeast Management. Either sex on private property. Only on unrestricted public land are Bucks legal.
Deer (Youth Gun)Saturday, November 19, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023Unit for Southeast Management. On private property, any sex. Youth are required to adhere to lawful deer requirements on open public grounds.
Deer (Primitive Weapon)Friday, December 02, 2022Thursday, December 15, 2022Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. On either private property, a public park, or Holly Springs National Forest. Any weapon may be used on private property with the proper authorization.
Deer (Primitive Weapon-SE)Friday, December 02, 2022Thursday, December 15, 2022Unit for Southeast Management. Either on open public land or on private property. Any weapon may be used on private property with the proper authorization.
Deer (Gun-without dogs)Friday, December 16, 2022Friday, December 23, 2022Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. Either on private property or in Holly Springs National Forest. Only on unrestricted public land are Bucks legal.
Deer (Gun-without dogs-SE)Friday, December 16, 2022Friday, December 23, 2022Unit for Southeast Management. Either sex on private property. Only on unrestricted public land are Bucks legal.
Deer (Gun-with dogs)Saturday, December 24, 2022Wednesday, January 18, 2023Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. Either on private property or in Holly Springs National Forest. Only on unrestricted public land are Bucks legal.
Deer (Gun-with dogs)Saturday, December 24, 2022Wednesday, January 18, 2023Unit for Southeast Management. Either sex on private property. Only on unrestricted public land are Bucks legal.
Deer (Archery/Primitive Weapon)Thursday, January 19, 2023Tuesday, January 31, 2023Unit for Southeast Management. Either sex on private property. Only on open, public land are deer legal. Any weapon may be used on private property with the proper authorization.
Deer (Archery/Primitive Weapon)Thursday, January 19, 2023Tuesday, January 31, 2023Deer management units in the Northeast, North Central, Delta, East Central, and Southwest. Either on private property or in Holly Springs National Forest. Only on unrestricted public land are Bucks legal. Any weapon may be used on private property with the proper authorization.
Deer (Archery/Primitive Weapon)Wednesday, February 01, 2023Wednesday, February 15, 2023Unit for Southeast Management. Only on open, private property are deer legal. Any weapon may be used on private property with the proper authorization.

Bag Limits

Bag Limits for Antlered Buck Deer in Mississippi
LocationBag Limit per DayBag Limit per Annual SeasonNotes
Statewide (excluding North Central DMU)13One of these three could have hardened antlers that are forbidden in the Holly Springs National Forest and on private property. Under the age of 15, a hunter may take any number of antlered deer up to the three-buck limit.
North Central DMU14There are no limits placed on the use of antlers. The 4 bucks might have antlers of varying sizes.

Bag Limits for Antlerless Deer in Mississippi
LocationBag Limit per DayBag Limit per Annual SeasonNotes
Private lands (excluding North Central DMU)No daily limit5In the Southeast Unit, you are only allowed to take two deer without antlers.
Private lands (North Central DMU)No daily limit10
U.S. Forest Service National Forests (excluding Southeast Unit)15
U.S. Forest Service National Forests (Southeast Unit)12

Note: It’s worth noting that the bag limitations shown are subject to change based on the hunting area and the weapons used. Before engaging in a deer hunting season, hunters in Mississippi should always check the outdoor digest published by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) for the most up-to-date restrictions and bag limits.

Velvet Buck Season 2023

Permit RequiredVelvet Season Permit
DatesSeptember 16-18, 2022
LocationPrivate Lands Only
Legal BucksOnly legal bucks for each Deer Management Unit
EquipmentArchery Only: Longbows, recurves, compound bows, and crossbows
Notes• There is no minimum or maximum draw weight.
• There is no minimum arrow length.
• Broadheads that are fixed or mechanical may be utilized.

Note: Permits are needed for the Mississippi Velvet Buck Season. Beginning on August 1, 2022, these licenses will be made available alongside hunting and fishing licenses. Archery hunters on private property in September during “Velvet Buck Season” must have a valid license. In order to hunt lawfully, hunters need to get permits well in advance of the hunting season.

Velvet Season Permit Cost
Permit HolderCostNotes
Residents$10.00
Non-Residents$50.00 (included in deer permit)In order to take part in the Special Velvet Buck Season, non-residents must have a valid deer permit that does not expire before the end of the season.

Note: For Complete Mississippi Deer hunting regulations you may read on the eregulation website: https://www.eregulations.com/mississippi/hunting/white-tailed-deer-hunting

Coyote season

Mississippi Coyote Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
CoyoteSaturday, January 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022Nuisance animal. Taken at any time by the landowner, lessee, or authorized representative.

Rabbit Season

Mississippi Rabbit Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
RabbitSaturday, October 15, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023There is bag limit of 8 per day.

Duck Season

Mississippi Duck Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
Duck (Teal)Saturday, September 10, 2022Sunday, September 25, 2022Bag limit of six per day.
Duck (All Part-1)Friday, November 25, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks, comprising no more than four mallards (two of which must be females), one mottled duck, two black ducks, one pintail, three wood ducks, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and two redheads.
Duck (All Part-2)Friday, December 02, 2022Sunday, December 04, 2022The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks, comprising no more than four mallards (no more than two of which may be females), one mottled duck, two black ducks, one pintail, three wood ducks, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and two redheads.
Duck (All Part-3)Friday, December 09, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks, comprising no more than four mallards (two of which must be females), one mottled duck, two black ducks, one pintail, three wood ducks, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and two redheads.
Duck (Youth, Veteran, & Active Duty Military.)Saturday, February 04, 2023Sunday, February 05, 2023The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks, comprising no more than four mallards (two of which must be females), one mottled duck, two black ducks, one pintail, three wood ducks, two canvasbacks, one scaup, and two redheads.

Dove Season

Mississippi Dove Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
Dove (North Zone-1)Saturday, September 03, 2022Friday, October 14, 2022A daily limit of 15 bags
Dove (South Zone-1)Saturday, September 03, 2022Sunday, September 18, 2022A daily limit of 15 bags
Dove (South Zone-2)Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, November 06, 2022A daily limit of 15 bags
Dove (North Zone-2)Wednesday, October 19, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022A daily limit of 15 bags
Dove (South Zone-3)Monday, December 19, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023A daily limit of 15 bags
Dove (North Zone-3)Saturday, December 24, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 2023A daily limit of 15 bags

Goose Season

Mississippi Goose Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
Goose (September Canada Goose)Thursday, September 01, 2022Friday, September 30, 20225 bags are allowed per day.
Goose (Light Part-1)Saturday, October 01, 2022Thursday, November 10, 2022Conservation Order. There is no restriction. need a permission
Goose (All Part-1)Friday, November 11, 2022Sunday, November 27, 202220 White-fronted, 3 Brant, 3 Snow, Blue, & Ross' Canada Goose.
Goose (Light Part-2)Monday, November 28, 2022Thursday, December 01, 2022Order for conservation. There is no restriction. need a permission
Goose (All Part-2)Friday, December 02, 2022Sunday, December 04, 202220 White-fronted, 3 Brant, 3 Snow, Blue, & Ross' Canada Goose.
Goose (Light Part-3)Monday, December 05, 2022Tuesday, December 06, 2022Order for conservation. There is no restriction. need a permission
Goose (All Part-3)Friday, December 09, 2022Tuesday, January 31, 202320 White-fronted, 3 Brant, 3 Snow, Blue, & Ross' Canada Goose.
Goose (Light Part-4)Wednesday, February 01, 2023Friday, February 03, 2023Conservation Order. There is no restriction. need a permission
Goose (Youth, Veteran, & Active Duty Military)Saturday, February 04, 2023Sunday, February 05, 202320 White-fronted, 3 Brant, 3 Snow, Blue, & Ross' Canada Goose.
Goose (Light Part-5)Monday, February 06, 2023Friday, March 31, 2023Order for conservation. There is no restriction. need a permission

Hog Season

Mississippi Hog Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
Wild HogSaturday, January 01, 2022Saturday, December 31, 2022Animal that causes Nuisance. Taken at any moment by the landowner, lessee, or authorized agent.

Quail Season

Mississippi Quail Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
Bobwhite QuailThursday, November 24, 2022Saturday, March 04, 2023Limit of 8 bags maximum per day.

Turkey Season

Mississippi Turkey Hunting SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
Turkey (Fall)Saturday, October 15, 2022Tuesday, November 15, 2022Limit of two turkeys, of either sex. See the rules regarding public spaces.
Turkey (Youth Spring)Wednesday, March 08, 2023Tuesday, March 14, 2023One bearded turkey per bag, every day. 3 maximum throughout the whole season. See the rules regarding public spaces.
Turkey (Spring)Wednesday, March 15, 2023Monday, May 01, 2023One bearded turkey per bag, every day. 3 maximum throughout the whole season. See the rules regarding public spaces.

• Non-residents cannot hunt on any public lands in Mississippi between March 15 and February 28 unless they are drawn for a Non-Resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or a WMA Draw Hunt.

• For complete Turkey season details you may read our article Mississippi Turkey Season 2023

Mississippi Small Game Seasons.

Mississippi Small Game SeasonsStart DateEnd DateNote
Youth-Squirrel*Saturday, September 24, 2022Friday, September 30, 20228
Squirrel - Fall SeasonSaturday, October 01, 2022Monday, February 28, 20228
Squirrel - Spring SeasonSunday, May 15, 2022Wednesday, June 01, 20224
RabbitSaturday, October 15, 2022Monday, February 28, 20228
Bobwhite QuailThursday, November 24, 2022Friday, March 04, 20228
FrogFriday, April 01, 2022Friday, September 30, 202225 per Nlght
RaccoonFriday, July 01, 2022Friday, September 30, 20221 per Party / Night
Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcal (Food and sport)Saturday, October 01, 2022Monday, October 31, 2022(5 per Day); (8 per Party No Limit)
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Monday, February 28, 2022(5 per Day); (8 per Party No Limit)
TrappingTuesday, November 01, 2022Tuesday, March 15, 2022No Limit

*Only in designated squirrel hunting locations on permitted state, federal, and private property.

Mississippi Migratory Birds Seasons

Migratory bird seasonStart DateEnd dateBag LimitsPOSSESSION LIMIT
Sept Teal-SeptSaturday, September 10, 2022Sunday, September 25, 2022618
Sept Canada GeeseThursday, September 01, 2022Friday, September 30, 202215
WoodcockSunday, December 18, 2022Monday, January 31, 20229
SnipeMonday, November 14, 2022Monday, February 28, 202224
Gallinules (Common & Purple)Thursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or in aggregate
Friday, November 25, 2022Saturday, January 01, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or in aggregate
Rails: Clapper and KingThursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or in aggregate
Friday, November 25, 2022Saturday, January 01, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or in aggregate
Rails: Sora and VirginiaThursday, September 01, 2022Sunday, October 02, 202225 Singly or in aggregate75 Singly or In aggregate
Friday, November 25, 2022Saturday, January 01, 202225 Singly or in aggregate75 Singly or In aggregate
Mourning and White-winged Doves (North Zone)'*Saturday, September 03, 2022Friday, October 14, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or In aggregate
Saturday, November 19, 2022Sunday, November 27, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or In aggregate
Saturday, December 24, 2022Monday, January 31, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or In aggregate
Mourning and White-winged Doves (South Zone)Saturday, September 03, 2022Sunday, September 18, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or In aggregate
Saturday, October 08, 2022Sunday, November 06, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or In aggregate
Monday, December 19, 2022Monday, January 31, 202215 Singly or in aggregate45 Singly or In aggregate
CrowsSaturday, November 05, 2022Monday, February 28, 2022No LimitNo Limit
Ducks, Mergansers, and CootsFriday, November 25, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022
Friday, December 02, 2022Sunday, December 04, 2022
Friday, December 09, 2022Monday, January 31, 2022
Geese:Canada, White-fronted,Snow, Blue, Ross', and BrantFriday, November 11, 2022Sunday, November 27, 2022Canada Geese : 5 Snow, Blue, & Ross': 20 White-fronted: 3
Brant: 1
Canada Geese : 15 Snow, Blue, & Ross':No limit
Whi e-fronted: 9 Brant: 3
Friday, December 02, 2022Sunday, December 04, 2022Canada Geese : 5 Snow, Blue, & Ross': 20 White-fronted: 3
Brant: 1
Canada Geese : 15 Snow, Blue, & Ross':No limit
Whi e-fronted: 9 Brant: 3
Friday, December 09, 2022Monday, January 31, 2022Canada Geese : 5 Snow, Blue, & Ross': 20 White-fronted: 3
Brant: 1
Canada Geese : 15 Snow, Blue, & Ross':No limit
Whi e-fronted: 9 Brant: 3
Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl DaysFriday, February 04, 2022Sunday, February 05, 2023Same as regular seasonSame as regular season
Light Goose Conservation Order (Special Permit Needed)Saturday, October 01, 2022Thursday, November 10, 2022No Limit***..No Limit·
Monday, November 28, 2022Thursday, December 01, 2022No Limit***..No Limit·
Monday, December 05, 2022Thursday, December 08, 2022No Limit***..No Limit·
Tuesday, February 01, 2022Thursday, February 03, 2022No Limit***..No Limit·
Sunday, February 06, 2022Thursday, March 31, 2022No Limit***..No Limit·

Alligator Hunting Season

Alligator Hunting DetailsDates
Submission of applicationsFeb 1, 10 a.m. - Feb 8, 10 a.m.
Drawn winners notified14-Feb
Purchase of permitFeb 16, noon
Second drawing (if necessary)21-Feb
Hunting period 1May 5-7
Hunting period 2May 12-14
Permit cost$100 + $25 Alligator Hunting License
All helpers age 16+Alligator Hunting License required

MS Hunting License

Mississippi Resident License Cost

Mississippi Resident License TypeLicense CostValidityProcessing FeeAgent Fees
Sportsman License$45.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing$25.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow Permit*$10.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Velvet Season Permit$10.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Fall Turkey Permit $5.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Wildlife Management Area User Permit$15.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing$10.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Apprentice Sportsman License$32.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Apprentice All Game License$17.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Apprentice Small Game License$13.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
North Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge Permit**$15.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
3-Day Sportsman Apprentice License$7.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Trapping License$25.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
3-Day Freshwater Fishing$3.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Saltwater Fishing$10.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Freshwater Commercial Fishing License$30.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Slat Basket License$30.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
State Waterfowl Stamp Electronic Privilege$10.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Federal Duck Stamp - Electronic $27.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Youth Exempt$2.30 1 Year$1.70 $1.00
Senior Exempt Lifetime $2.30 1 Year$1.70 $1.00
Senior Lifetime Saltwater License$5.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Disabled Exempt$2.30 1 Year$1.70 $1.00
Duplicate Hunting & Fishing License$5.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Lifetime License (birth through 12)$500.00
Lifetime License$1,000.00
Non-Resident Native Lifetime License$1,500.00

Jackson Office is the only place to submit an application for lifetime hunting license. You may call at (601-432-2055).

Mississippi Nonresident License Cost

Mississippi Non Resident License TypeLicense CostValidityProcessing FeeAgent Fees
All Game Hunting$300.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
7-Day All Game Hunting$150.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
3-Day All Game Hunting - Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow$150.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow $75.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
Wildlife Management Area User Permit$30.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
Deer Permit$50.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
Spring Turkey Permit$50.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
Fall Turkey Permit$20.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
Small Game Hunting$95.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
7-Day Small Game Hunting$38.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
North Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge Permit$15.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Trapping License$205.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
Shooting Preserve$13.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
Non-Resident State Waterfowl Stamp$19.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
Federal Duck Stamp - Electronic$27.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Freshwater Fishing$60.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
1-Day Freshwater Fishing$8.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
3-Day Freshwater Fishing$15.00 1 Year$4.25 $2.00
Saltwater Fishing$30.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
3-Day Saltwater Fishing$15.00 1 Year$4.25 $2.00
Freshwater Commercial Fishing License$200.00 1 Year$4.25 $3.00
Slat Basket License$30.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00
Armed Forces 14-Day License (Includes Spring or Fall Turkey Permit, Freshwater Fishing, Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow permit. Does not include WMA User Permit, Velvet Season Permit, State Waterfowl Stamp or Saltwater Fishing. Applications are available at Jackson office and online at www.MDWFP.com)$33.00 1 Year$4.25 $1.00
Duplicate Hunting & Fishing License$5.00 1 Year$1.29 $1.00

Mississippi Hunting Regulations

  • Obtaining a hunting license with false information includes a $2,000 fine and a one-year prison term.
  • In Mississippi, resident game may be shot a half-hour before dawn and a half-hour after dusk, while migratory birds can be shot the same way.
  • Raccoon, fox, opossum, beaver, nutria, coyotes, and bobcats may be hunted at night except during turkey season.
  • Nuisance animals may be taken year-round on a hunter’s own or leased land.
  • Only pistols or rifles firing.22 standard rimfire (no.22 magnums) and No. 6 shotguns are authorized for nocturnal hunting.
  • A shotgun may only hold three rounds for hunting migratory birds when “plugged.”
  • Compound, recurve, or long bows and No. 2 shotguns are allowed for spring turkey hunting. Quadriplegics may rifle hunt during this season.
  • Shotguns loaded with No. 2 ammunition are permitted for fall turkey hunting.
  • Live decoys or bait are not allowed while hunting animals or birds, but liquid odors are.
  • Electrically driven calling or sound-reproducing devices may be used for crow and bothersome animal hunts.
  • Dogs are only allowed to hunt spring turkeys under specified conditions.
  • Deer cannot be hunted with bows, traditional weapons, or stills.
  • MDWFP must receive dog field trial applications five days before the event.
  • A weapon is “unloaded” when no cartridge or shell is in the barrel, magazine, clip, or retainer.
  • Cap-lock muzzle-loading firearms need their caps removed.
  • In flintlock muzzle-loading guns, empty the flashpan.
  • Hunting or shooting on a roadway, highway, railroad, or right-of-way is illegal.
  • An MDWFP inspector may issue Animal Control Permits to control crop-damaging deer.
  • Killing deer out of season might have your hunting license revoked.
  • Illegal to shoot deer at night with a light or other illumination; offenders risk a $2,000 fine and a one- to three-year suspension of hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges.
  • The authorities may confiscate equipment used to shoot deer at night using a light.
  • It’s illegal to flash lights on a public road while carrying a weapon, although emergency vehicles and regular drivers are exempt.
  • Game animals, birds, and fish that were lawfully taken may be kept at any time.
  • Dead animals, wildlife parts, or trash cannot be dumped on public or private property without permission.
  • No game animal, game bird, or game fish may be bought, sold, or traded for goods or other considerations, save for lawfully captured deer skins and sinews, objects manufactured from deer bone or antlers that are not velvet, wild turkey parts other than the flesh, and nuisance animal parts.
  • All birds of prey, native non-game birds, and endangered species are protected and may not be killed, harassed, bought, or sold.
  • You need a federal and state waterfowl stamp to shoot ducks and geese.
  • To hunt migratory game birds, hunters must be H.I.P. certified (dove, rail, gallinule, coot, woodcock, snipe, crows, and waterfowl).
  • Public waterways are specified by Mississippi law and may be utilized for free transit, fishing, and water sports, but motorized vehicle travel on streambeds or hunting, fishing, or traversing neighboring property when they are under floods are prohibited.

Note: For Complete Mississippi hunting regulations you may read on the eregulation website: https://www.eregulations.com/mississippi/hunting/white-tailed-deer-hunting

Often Asked Questions on Mississippi Hunting Seasons

When going squirrel hunting in Mississippi, is orange required?

While hunting squirrels does not require wearing hunters orange, it is recommended to follow firearm safety guidelines while in the woods. Both inside and outside of Wildlife Management Areas, hunters must register their hunt.

How much does a Mississippi lifetime hunting license cost?

Mississippi charges $1,000 for a lifetime hunting license for those aged 13 and above.

What kinds of animals can be hunted in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, it is possible to hunt a variety of animals including deer, hogs, turkeys, coyotes, quail, ducks, geese, doves, and rabbits. Before hunting, learn species-specific limits and seasons and secure the proper licenses and permits. To conserve the state’s wildlife populations, hunters must always act responsibly and follow all laws and regulations.

When is deer season in Mississippi?

Deer hunting season in Mississippi runs from October through January, covering the fall and winter months. The state is split into six Deer Management Units (DMUs), each with its own set of season dates. Bag restrictions and the definition of a Legal Buck, on the other hand, may differ across units.

4 thoughts on “Mississippi Hunting Seasons 2023 [Updated Schedule!]”

  1. Need to stop the deer hunting “gun with dogs” season.
    The dog runners are hunting every one’s land without regard for who owns it. The old excuse that the dogs can’t read is BS! and with the tracking collars they use now there is no excuse for them not to catch their dogs before they trespass. I’m in Prentiss County and own about 85 acres. I’ve planted and managed the deer on my property that get run off every year while we are out or at work or even in the stand.
    There are a lot of people (Landowners) that are up in arms about this, and it needs to stop.!!

    Reply
    • Yea and I know the feeling because we own around 300 acres in clay county and they do the same thing. What they gonna do when their dog gets caught in a foot trap? They gonna trespass then to come get their dog then call the game warden on you and then have to pay vet bills and ain’t nothing you can do to them. Not even for trespassing! We as people of the community just trying to protect what’s ours and make a living don’t have any rights in this country anymore! And that’s about to change because I am sick and tired of worrying about something that I shouldn’t have to!

      Reply

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