How and When To Get a Mississippi Hunting License

With a million acres of public forest, a hunting pressure that's surprisingly low considering the whitetail deer numbers, and a reputation as one of the most coveted duck hunting zones not only in the nation but worldwide, Mississippi is a state that beckons any hunter seeking a unique challenge. 

However, before you get too fired up about heading to this stunning landscape on a hunt, a couple of administrative boxes must be ticked, including gaining a Mississippi hunting license.

Licenses in Mississippi are varied, so we're doing a deep dive into everything you need to know about licensing before heading to the Magnolia state for a hunting season. 

What Are the Types of Hunting Licenses in Mississippi?

Hunting licenses are administered by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fishers, and Parks (MDWFP) and are essential to ethical, legal, and conservation-based hunting experience.

Here are some of the different types of hunting licenses and how they're classified. 

Resident vs Non-Resident Licenses

A resident is a person whose permanent home is in Mississippi and who can prove this with documentation. This definition extends to college students with an ID card from a Mississippi higher-ed institution or active-duty military personnel stationed in Mississippi. 

All resident and non-resident hunters, except minors under sixteen, must obtain a hunting license while hunting in the State of Mississippi.

Short-term and Annual Licenses 

There are a range of short- and long-term fishing licenses available. For example, a resident aged thirteen and over can purchase a lifetime license for $1,000. In contrast, a shorter-term sportsman license is available for $45.

When considering the license you need, establish your guidelines, including hunting style and budget, before reviewing the various licensing types and their restrictions. 

Special Licenses 

The MDWFP allocates special licenses and exemptions based on established conditions related to age, disability status, or military service, either active or past. 

• Youth: Residents and non-residents under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a license 
• Senior: Residents over 65 are not required to purchase a license. 
• Disabled: Mississippi residents with disabilities are not required to purchase a hunting license but can purchase an annual disabled-exempt license. 

Take advantage of these special licenses if you qualify!

Military Exemptions or Discounts

Additionally, Mississippi offers some exemptions and discounts for members of the military and veterans.

These include:
 

• Active duty members who are residents of Mississippi but stationed outside the state are not required to purchase a license while on leave. 
• Non-resident active-duty members have the option of purchasing a 14-day armed forces hunting/fishing license (limited to two per year) 
• Veterans who are residents of Mississippi with a 100% service-connected disability are not required to purchase a license.

Before buying a resident or non-resident license at full price, look for these military and veteran options to save money on your Mississippi hunting license.

How To Obtain a Hunting License in Mississippi

Obtaining a Mississippi hunting license is a multi-step process. Before hitting the field for opening day, here are the steps you'll need to take.

1. Meet the Safety Education Requirements 

Like many states across the U.S., Mississippi requires proof of a hunter education safety course for all applicants born after January 1, 1972. However, once you pass the course, your certification never expires – allowing you to get a new license or renew your license every season without taking the course again. 

2. Gather the Necessary Documentation 

You must provide a copy of your driver's license, social security card, and proof of residency for this step. Have everything handy to purchase a license online or at a certified retailer in person. 

3. Choose the Appropriate License 

To determine the proper license, consider the following:
 

• The type of game you intend to target
• The time of year
• Your budget considerations 
• Hunting plans
• Whether you qualify for any discount or exemption

4. Make the Purchase

After you have paid the fee, you must complete and submit the appropriate application form. 

You can purchase your license using any of three methods: 
 

• Online: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.

• In-Person: Authorized retailers, county tax collector's office. 

• By Phone: Call 1-800-5GO-HUNT (1-800-546-4868)

The last step is to make sure you bring your license with you on every hunt!

When to Get a Hunting License

When should you get your license to be ready for the upcoming hunting season? Here's what you need to know.

Seasonal Considerations

Hunting seasons will differ depending on the species you plan to target.

Mississippi deer season typically runs from October to January, whereas turkey hunting is from April to May. However, these can shift based on population management requirements.

Whitetail deer are much more regulated and determined based on zoning, firearm type, antler status, and other factors. This will require a personal analysis of the various hunting insights. 

Here are some of the most popular species for hunting in Mississippi and season dates:

• Quail: November 23 - March 2 
• Wild Hog: 1st January - 31st December
• Turkey (Fall): October 14 - November 12
• Turkey (Spring): March 15 - May 1 
• Ducks: November 28 - December 1 and December 7, 2024 - January 31, 2025

Renewals and Discounts 

Remember to get in early for your license, as there may be early bird discounts. If you're a resident or plan on hunting Mississippi for several seasons, purchasing a longer-term license option may be worthwhile, as these are often offered at a discount. 

Licenses are valid from the date of purchase and expire either one year from the date or the number of days allocated to them. If you purchase online, you may have the option of automatic renewal. 

Additional Permits and Endorsements 

What else should hunters know about license and hunting regulations in Mississippi? Here are a few things to be aware of.

Wildlife Management Areas

Mississippi has over 50 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with 700,000 acres of opportunity. These areas are closely managed to protect resources and ecological balance.

To hunt one of these zones, an annual, individual, or family wildlife management area user permit is required, in addition to a hunting license. 

Special Endorsements

Special endorsements may further dictate these periods within specified hunting seasons. These endorsements outline specific hunting dates for a game type or a period in which a particular firearm, such as a primitive archery-style firearm or a double-barreled muzzleloading rifle, is permitted. 

Regulation and Compliance

At the heart of licensing is a dedication to conservation and maintaining ecological balance.

The MDWFP carefully dictates and enforces this ethos through further limitations, including bag limits, legal hunting methods, and protected species allocations. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of these limitations to avoid fines and prosecution. 

Get Your Mississippi Hunting License, Then Tag Out With Huntwise

Once you've sorted out your Mississippi hunting license, you'll be well on your way to hunting in an environment rich in species diversity and natural wonder. 

For extra insights and strategizing as you plan your hunting season, use the HuntWise app. With its mapping features and layers, weather predictors (including WMAs), and RutCast forecasting, you can push your hunt further into less-pressured zones, leading to a higher bounty and success. 

If you don't have the app, now is the time to download it and get ready for hunting in Mississippi this season. Download it today and explore every feature – free – for a week.