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
| Archery | Sept 15 – 17, 2023 |
| Archery | Sept 30 – Nov 17, 2023 |
| Youth Season | Nov 4 – Nov 17, 2023 |
| Youth Season | Nov 18 – Jan 31, 2024 |
| Antlerless Primitive Weapon | Nov 6 – 17, 2023 |
| Gun (with dogs) | Nov 18 – Dec 1, 2023 |
| Primitive Weapon | Dec 2 – 15, 2023 |
| Gun (without dogs) | Dec 16 – 23, 2023 |
| Gun (with dogs) | Dec 24 – Jan 17, 2024 |
| Archery/Primitive Weapon | Jan 18 – 31, 2024 |
| South East Unit | |
| Archery | Sept 15 – 17, 2023 |
| Archery | Oct 14 – Nov 17, 2023 |
| Youth Season | Nov 4 – Nov 17, 2023 |
| Youth Season | Nov 18 – Feb 15, 2024 |
| Gun (with dogs) | Nov 18 – Dec 1, 2023 |
| Primitive Weapon | Dec 2 – 15, 2023 |
| Gun (without dogs) | Dec 16 – 23, 2023 |
| Gun (with dogs) | Dec 24 – Jan 17, 2024 |
| Archery/Primitive Weapon | Jan 18 – 31, 2024 |
| Archery/Primitive Weapon | Feb 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 Season | August 25 – September 4 |
| Private Lands Season | August 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 Season | September 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 Teal | Sep. 10 – Sep. 25 |
| September Canada Geese | Sep. 1 – Sep. 30 |
| Woodcock | Dec. 18 – Jan. 31 |
| Snipe | Nov. 14 – Feb. 28 |
| Gallinules | Sep. 1 – Oct. 2, Nov. 25 – Jan. 1 |
| Rails: Clapper and King | Sep. 1 – Oct. 2, Nov. 25 – Jan. 1 |
| Rails: Sora and Virginia | Sep. 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 |
| Crows | Nov. 5 – Feb. 28 |
| Ducks, Mergansers, Coots | Nov. 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 Squirrel | Sep. 24 – Sep. 30 |
| Squirrel – Fall Season | Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 |
| Squirrel – Spring Season | May 15 – Jun. 1 |
| Rabbit | Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov. 24 – Mar. 4 |
| Frog | Apr. 1 – Sep. 30 |
| Raccoon | Jul. 1 – Sep. 30 |
| Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat | Oct. 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.
