State Guide

Mississippi Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Mississippi hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks

Official Site

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

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks before you plan around them.

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

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Mississippi Hunting Guides

destinations

Mississippi Deer Hunting: Delta Country and Southern Rut

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.