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
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
- 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
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.