Mississippi Hunting Guide
Complete Mississippi hunting guide. Mississippi hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.
Wildlife Agency
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Mississippi Hunting Seasons
Whitetail Deer
Res: $15 Non-res: $300
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Oct 1 | Nov 17 |
| Rifle | Nov 18 | Feb 1 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 14 | Nov 17 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 3 bucks, 5 does
Antler restrictions: main beam must be at least 10 inches outside spread or have 4+ points on one side. Generous doe harvest allowed.
Turkey
Res: $15 Non-res: $300
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Mar 15 | May 1 |
| Archery | Mar 15 | May 1 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 3
Spring gobblers only. Mississippi has strong Eastern turkey populations. Youth weekend prior to regular season.
Wild Hog
Res: $15 Non-res: $300
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Jan 1 | Dec 31 |
Bag limits: daily: No limit, season: No limit
Year-round on private land. May be taken during any open season on WMAs. No bag limit.
Planning Tools
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
- Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?
Mississippi Hunting Guides
Mississippi Hunting FAQ
Do I need a hunting license in Mississippi?
Yes. All hunters in Mississippi must hold a valid hunting license from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.
What is the hunting license cost in Mississippi?
Mississippi license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $15, non-resident $300. Turkey: resident $15, non-resident $300.
When is deer season in Mississippi?
Mississippi deer seasons: Archery: Oct 1 - Nov 17, Rifle: Nov 18 - Feb 1, Muzzleloader: Oct 14 - Nov 17.
Does Mississippi require a hunter safety course?
Yes, Mississippi requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.
Who manages hunting regulations in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Mississippi. Their website (https://www.mdwfp.com) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.