Mississippi Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations

*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.

There are many different types of game that can be found while hunting in Mississippi. One of which, is the seminal alligator. There is of course also the standard selection of smaller game, and good old fashion deer.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks sets regulations for hunting seasons and bag limits. These regulations are put in place to help ensure that game populations remain healthy and sustainable.

Hunting has been a part of Mississippi’s history for many years. Some of the first hunters in the area were Native Americans who used every part of the animals they killed for food, clothing, and shelter.

Mississippi Deer Seasons

ArcherySept 15 – 17, 2023
ArcherySept 30 – Nov 17, 2023
Youth SeasonNov 4 – Nov 17, 2023
Youth SeasonNov 18 – Jan 31, 2024
Antlerless Primitive WeaponNov 6 – 17, 2023
Gun (with dogs)Nov 18 – Dec 1, 2023
Primitive WeaponDec 2 – 15, 2023
Gun (without dogs)Dec 16 – 23, 2023
Gun (with dogs)Dec 24 – Jan 17, 2024
Archery/Primitive WeaponJan 18 – 31, 2024
South East Unit
ArcherySept 15 – 17, 2023
ArcheryOct 14 – Nov 17, 2023
Youth SeasonNov 4 – Nov 17, 2023
Youth SeasonNov 18 – Feb 15, 2024
Gun (with dogs)Nov 18 – Dec 1, 2023
Primitive WeaponDec 2 – 15, 2023
Gun (without dogs)Dec 16 – 23, 2023
Gun (with dogs)Dec 24 – Jan 17, 2024
Archery/Primitive WeaponJan 18 – 31, 2024
Archery/Primitive WeaponFeb 1 – 15, 2024

*Mississippi has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks site for more information.

Bag limits for Antlered are one buck per day and three per year. Antlerless bag limits are five per year.

Mississippi Alligator Seasons

Public Water SeasonAugust 25 – September 4
Private Lands SeasonAugust 25 – September 18

*Mississippi has a number of zone-specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks site for more information.

Alligators are on a lottery system.

Mississippi Velvet Buck Seasons

Private Land Velvet Buck SeasonSeptember 16 – 18, 2022

*Mississippi has a number of zone-specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks site for more information.

Make sure to read the specific information on the official Mississippi hunting site as the Velvet Buck season is a new introduction for 2022.

Mississippi Migratory Gamebird Seasons

September TealSep. 10 – Sep. 25
September Canada GeeseSep. 1 – Sep. 30
WoodcockDec. 18 – Jan. 31
SnipeNov. 14 – Feb. 28
GallinulesSep. 1 – Oct. 2, Nov. 25 – Jan. 1
Rails: Clapper and KingSep. 1 – Oct. 2, Nov. 25 – Jan. 1
Rails: Sora and VirginiaSep. 1 – Oct. 2, Nov. 25 – Jan. 1
Mourning and White-winged Doves (North Zone)Sep. 3 – Oct. 14, Nov. 19 – Nov. 27, Dec. 24 – Jan. 31
Mourning and White-winged Doves (South Zone)Sep. 3 – Sep. 18, Oct. 8 – Oct. 6, Dec. 19 – Jan. 31
CrowsNov. 5 – Feb. 28
Ducks, Mergansers, CootsNov. 25 – Nov. 27, Dec. 2 – Dec. 4, Dec. 9 – Jan. 31

*Mississippi has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks site for more information.

Pay especially careful attention to the official Mississippi website when it comes to Migratory bird because there are a number of special zones, restrictions and unique bag limits that have to be attended to when hunting these birds.

Mississippi Wild Turkey Seasons

Turkey (Fall)Oct 14- Nov 12
Turkey (Youth Spring)Mar 8 – Mar 14
Turkey (Spring)Mar 15 – May 1

*Mississippi has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks site for more information.

The Fall turkey season is open by permit only.

Mississippi Small Game Seasons

Youth SquirrelSep. 24 – Sep. 30
Squirrel – Fall SeasonOct. 1 – Feb. 28
Squirrel – Spring SeasonMay 15 – Jun. 1
RabbitOct. 15 – Feb. 28
Bobwhite QuailNov. 24 – Mar. 4
FrogApr. 1 – Sep. 30
RaccoonJul. 1 – Sep. 30
Opossum, Raccoon, and BobcatOct. 1 – Oct. 31, Nov. 1 – Feb. 28

*Mississippi has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks site for more information.

Mississippi Crossbow Regulations

Mississippi has pretty restrictive regulations surrounding crossbows. They can only be used during the January deer Archery season. Also, keep in mind:

  • It is illegal to hunt with a crossbow using anything other than broadheads. Field points may be carried with your gear but must never be shot at an animal.
  • Mechanical devices used to control arrow trajectory are not permitted.

Mississippi Hunting License

If you plan on hunting deer or turkey, hunters must purchase a sportsmans license or an all game hunting license. There are a number of other specific licenses to purchase so make sure to check the official site. It can be found here.

If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Missouri.

Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Minnesota.

About Al Parsons

Al Parsons is originally from Alabama, but has had the pleasure of hunting all over the United States. Al is an expert on crossbow hunting, as well as traditional rifle hunting. His favorite time of year is the start of Archery Deer season in Alabama, so usually in October.