Mississippi Hunting Digest Season 2025-2026 – Dates, Regulations & Public Lands
Planning your next outdoor adventure in the Magnolia State? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Mississippi’s 2025-2026 game calendar, from white-tailed deer dates to waterfowl regulations, permit requirements, and the best Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to explore.
Whether you’re a lifelong Mississippi resident or visiting from neighboring states like Alabama or Arkansas, understanding the state’s diverse wildlife schedule is crucial for a successful and legal outdoor experience. Let’s break down the dates, bag limits, weapon restrictions, and licensing requirements that’ll help you make the most of your time afield.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s what makes Mississippi’s 2025-2026 schedule stand out:
- Early Archery Season: Starts September 12th with special velvet buck opportunities
- Multiple Deer Management Units: Four distinct zones with varying antler restrictions
- Extended Small Game Calendar: Squirrel and rabbit opportunities from October through February
- Robust Waterfowl Program: Split seasons for ducks, geese, and specialty migratory birds
- Youth-Friendly Opportunities: Dedicated dates for hunters 15 and under
- Spring Turkey Action: March through May gobbler pursuits
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has structured these dates to provide maximum opportunity while supporting healthy wildlife populations across different habitat zones.
Big Game Overview
Mississippi’s white-tailed deer program operates through four distinct Deer Management Units (DMUs), each with specific antler restrictions designed to improve buck quality and age structure.
Deer Management Units Breakdown
| Management Unit | Geographic Area | Inside Spread | Main Beam Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Unit | West of I-55 and north of I-20, plus areas south of I-20 and west of US Hwy 61 | 12 inches | 15 inches |
| Hills Unit | All areas except Delta, North Central, and Southeast DMUs | 10 inches | 13 inches |
| Southeast Unit | South of US Hwy 84 and east of MS Hwy 35 | 10 inches | 13 inches |
| North Central Unit | Alcorn, Benton, DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tippah counties | Any hardened antler | Any hardened antler |
Complete White-Tailed Deer Schedule
Hills and North Central Units:
| Method | Season Dates | Legal Game |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept. 12-14 | Legal bucks only (CWD testing required) |
| Archery | Oct. 1 – Nov. 21 | Either-sex on private and public lands |
| Youth Season | Nov. 8 – Nov. 21 | Either-sex on private/authorized lands |
| Youth Season | Nov. 22 – Jan. 31 | Either-sex on private lands only |
| Antlerless Primitive | Nov. 10 – 21 | Antlerless deer only on private lands |
| Gun (with dogs) | Nov. 22 – Dec. 1 | Either-sex private, legal bucks public |
| Primitive Weapon | Dec. 2 – 15 | Either-sex on all lands |
| Gun (without dogs) | Dec. 16 – 23 | Either-sex private, legal bucks public |
| Gun (with dogs) | Dec. 24 – Jan. 21 | Either-sex private, legal bucks public |
| Archery/Primitive | Jan. 22 – 31 | Either-sex private, legal bucks public |
Southeast Unit (Extended Season):
The Southeast Unit includes an additional February archery period (Feb. 1-15) for legal bucks only, providing extra opportunity in this popular region.
Bag Limit Details
- Statewide Buck Limit: 1 per day, 3 per season maximum
- North Central DMU: 1 per day, 4 per season (no antler restrictions)
- Antlerless Deer: 5 per season statewide (10 in North Central, 3 in Southeast)
- Youth Exemption: Hunters 15 and under may harvest any antlered deer on private land
Turkey Opportunities
Mississippi’s turkey program offers both spring and fall opportunities, with special considerations for youth and non-resident participants.
| Season Type | Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Season | Mar. 7-13 | 1 gobbler per day, 3 per season | Any age gobbler for youth |
| General Spring | Mar. 14 – May 1 | 1 adult gobbler per day, 3 per season | 6-inch beard minimum |
Important Note for Visitors: Non-residents cannot access any public land before April 1st unless drawn for special permits or WMA hunts. This restriction helps manage pressure during peak activity periods.
Furbearer Opportunities
Mississippi provides year-round and seasonal opportunities for various furbearer species, making it an attractive destination for trappers and predator hunters.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon (Food/Sport) | July 1 – Sept. 30 | 1 per party/night | Hunting only |
| Raccoon, Opossum, Bobcat | Oct. 1 – Oct. 31 | 5/day, 8/party | Food and sport |
| Raccoon, Opossum, Bobcat | Nov. 1 – Mar. 15 | No limit | Food, sport, and pelt |
| Trapping Season | Nov. 1 – Mar. 15 | No limit | Licensed trappers |
Coyotes can be taken year-round with no bag limit, making them an excellent option for hunters looking to help landowners with predator management while honing their skills.
Small Game Calendar
Small game provides consistent action throughout fall and winter, with generous bag limits and accessible hunting opportunities.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Squirrel | Sept. 24-30 | 8 | Private and authorized lands only |
| Squirrel (Fall) | Oct. 1 – Feb. 28 | 8 | Primary season |
| Squirrel (Spring) | May 15 – June 1 | 4 | Bonus opportunity |
| Rabbit | Oct. 18 – Feb. 28 | 8 | Excellent for beginners |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov. 27 – Mar. 7 | 8 | Challenging upland bird |
| Frog | April 1 – Sept. 30 | 25/night | Unique Mississippi tradition |
The extended squirrel calendar provides excellent opportunities for new hunters to develop skills, while the spring bonus season offers a unique chance to pursue bushytails during different behavioral patterns.
Complete Waterfowl Program
Mississippi’s location along the Mississippi Flyway makes it a premier waterfowl destination, with diverse species and extended opportunities.
Duck and Goose Schedule
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| September Teal | Sept. 20-28 | 6 | 18 |
| September Canada Geese | Sept. 1-30 | 5 | 15 |
| Ducks/Mergansers/Coots | Nov. 28-30, Dec. 6 – Jan. 31 | 6 ducks* | 18 |
| Canada/White-fronted/Snow/Blue/Ross’/Brant Geese | Nov. 14-30, Dec. 6 – Jan. 31 | Varies by species** | Varies by species** |
| Youth/Veterans/Military Days | Feb. 7-8 | Same as regular | Same as regular |
*Duck bag breakdown: 4 mallards (max 2 females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads. Scaup limit varies by date.
**Geese bag limits: Canada geese (5 daily/15 possession), Snow/Blue/Ross’ (20 daily/no possession limit), White-fronted (3 daily/9 possession), Brant (1 daily/3 possession).
Other Migratory Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodcock | Dec. 18 – Jan. 31 | 3 | 9 |
| Snipe | Nov. 14 – Feb. 28 | 8 | 24 |
| Mourning/White-winged Doves | Sept. 1-30, Oct. 18 – Nov. 16, Dec. 27 – Jan. 25 | 15 combined | 45 combined |
| Rails (various species) | Sept. 1-30, Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 | 15-25 depending on species | 45-75 depending on species |
| Crows | Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 | No limit | No limit |
Light Goose Conservation Order
This special program runs October 1 – November 13, December 1-5, February 1-6, and February 9 – March 31, targeting overpopulated snow, blue, and Ross’ geese. Electronic calls, unplugged shotguns, and extended shooting hours (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset) are permitted. No bag limits apply, and a special free permit is required.
Additional Game Opportunities
Beyond the major species, Mississippi offers several unique opportunities that add variety to your outdoor calendar.
Special Seasons:
- Light Goose Conservation: Extended methods and no limits during specified dates
- Gallinules and Rails: Early fall marsh bird opportunities
- Crow Season: Excellent for calling practice and pest control
- Velvet Buck Special: Three-day early archery season requiring special permits
These diverse opportunities mean there’s rarely a time when something isn’t in season, making Mississippi an ideal destination for year-round outdoor enthusiasts.
Wildlife Management Areas and Zones
Mississippi manages over 50 Wildlife Management Areas totaling more than 1 million acres of public land. These areas provide accessible opportunities for hunters without private land access.
Popular WMAs include:
- Pascagoula River WMA: Excellent waterfowl and deer habitat in southeast Mississippi
- Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge: Premier waterfowl destination with lottery draws
- Delta National Forest: Extensive public land in the Mississippi River bottoms
- Homochitto National Forest: Hill country deer and turkey opportunities
Important WMA Requirements:
- WMA User Permit required ($15) in addition to appropriate game licenses
- Some areas require lottery drawings or special permits
- Specific regulations may differ from statewide rules
- Check individual WMA regulations before your visit
The official MDWFP website provides detailed maps and specific regulations for each WMA, including access points, camping opportunities, and special hunt applications.
License and Permit Details
Understanding Mississippi’s licensing structure is essential for legal compliance and accessing different opportunities.
Resident License Options
| License Type | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Sportsman’s License | $45.00 | All game hunting, freshwater fishing, archery/primitive/crossbow |
| All Game Hunt/Fish | $25.00 | Basic hunting and freshwater fishing |
| Archery/Primitive/Crossbow Add-on | $14.00 | Required addition to All Game for special seasons |
| Small Game Hunt/Fish | $10.00 | Small game, migratory birds, freshwater fishing |
| Senior Exempt (65+) | $2.30 | All Game, freshwater, archery/primitive, WMA access |
Essential Add-ons
- WMA User Permit: $15.00 (required for ANY WMA use)
- State Waterfowl Stamp: $10.00 (required for waterfowl, age 16+)
- Velvet Season Permit: $10.00 (3-day permit for early archery)
- Federal Duck Stamp: $25.00 (required for waterfowl, purchased separately)
Money-Saving Packages
- Mississippi Hunter Package: $70.00 (Sportsman + WMA + Waterfowl Stamp + HIP)
- Deer Hunter Package: $60.00 (Sportsman + WMA)
- Turkey Hunter Package: $60.00 (Sportsman + WMA)
Youth and Apprentice Options
Mississippi encourages new hunter participation through affordable apprentice programs and youth exemptions.
- Under 16: Exempt from license requirements (voluntary $2.30 license available)
- Apprentice Licenses: One-time opportunity with required supervision
- Youth Opportunities: Special seasons and relaxed antler restrictions
❓ Mississippi Quick FAQ
Q: Do I need a license to hunt on my own land?
A: Mississippi residents hunting on land titled in their name are exempt from license requirements, but may still need stamps for waterfowl and permits for special seasons.
Q: Can non-residents hunt public land during turkey season?
A: Non-residents cannot hunt public land before April 1st unless drawn for special permits or WMA draws. Private land access is available throughout the season.
Q: What’s the difference between “with dogs” and “without dogs” seasons?
A: During “with dogs” periods, hunters may use trained hounds to pursue deer. “Without dogs” seasons prohibit this method, often providing quieter hunting conditions.
Q: Are crossbows legal during archery season?
A: Yes, crossbows are included in the archery/primitive weapon license and may be used during designated archery periods.
Q: How do I identify a legal buck in different units?
A: Each DMU has specific antler requirements. Use the ear-tip measurement method (approximately 14-15 inches) to estimate inside spread, or observe main beam length relative to eye position.
Q: Can I use my weapon of choice on private land?
A: After November 30th during primitive weapon seasons, landowners and their guests may use any legal weapon (including air guns) on private land with appropriate licensing.
Q: What’s required for the Light Goose Conservation Order?
A: Valid Mississippi license, state waterfowl stamp, and free Light Goose Conservation Order permit. Federal duck stamp is NOT required.
🔗 Additional Resources and Planning Tools
Official MDWFP Resources:
- Season dates and regulations: mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/hunting-seasons-and-bag-limits
- License purchases: licensing.outdoors.ms
- WMA information and maps: mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/wildlife-management-areas
- Draw hunt applications: mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/wma-draw-hunts
Federal Requirements:
- Duck stamp purchases: Federal Duck Stamp Office
- Harvest Information Program (HIP): Required for migratory bird hunting
- National Wildlife Refuge regulations: Individual refuge websites
Hunter Education:
- Mississippi requires hunter education for first-time license purchasers
- Temporary licenses available for out-of-state visitors
- Online and in-person courses available through MDWFP
Conclusion
Mississippi’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from the early September teal season through late winter rabbit pursuits. The state’s four deer management units provide diverse opportunities and trophy potential, while robust small game and waterfowl programs ensure consistent action throughout the cooler months.
Remember that regulations can change, and special circumstances sometimes require season modifications. Always verify current information through official MDWFP sources before heading afield. Purchase your licenses early, scout your locations, and respect both the wildlife and the land that makes these opportunities possible.
The diversity of Mississippi’s wildlife program, combined with over one million acres of public hunting land, makes it a premier destination whether you’re chasing your first deer or your hundredth duck. Plan responsibly, hunt safely, and enjoy everything the Magnolia State has to offer during the 2025-2026 calendar.
