The Guide to the Mississippi Hunting Season 2024

If you live in Mississippi, you probably already know it’s one of the best places to hunt waterfowl. However, it’s also an excellent state for whitetail hunting if geese and ducks aren’t the game you’re after. 

Whether you live in the Magnolia State or are now considering an epic duck hunt there this season, make sure you understand season dates, bag limits, and more to plan a successful hunt. 

In this resource, you’ll find details you need to hunt game in Mississippi, no matter what you’re after. We also suggest downloading the HuntWise app. The maps and other features will help you understand the terrain and improve your chances of tagging out this season. 

So, keep reading to learn what hunters need to know about the Mississippi hunting season.  

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Mississippi?

We’ve already mentioned that it’s one of the best places to hunt ducks and geese. You may have heard it called the Mississippi Flyway, and rightly so, as it’s a primary migration route for birds heading south for the winter. 

Mississippi is also the highest-ranked state for harvesting big bucks 3-1/2 years or older.  

So, whether you’re after ducks or deer, Mississippi offers an excellent experience for both! 

Where Should I Hunt?

You’ll find a lot of marshlands in Mississippi, especially if you’re hunting waterfowl. However, there are also some hills in the north toward the east, with woods, prairies, and river lowlands throughout the state.  

Within the state’s hunting areas, you’ll need to fine-tune the locations best suited for finding the game you’re after. Whether you’ve hunted in Mississippi before or you’re planning your first trip, e-scouting using HuntWise can help you gain an advantage over the land and game – and other hunters. 

During the offseason, you can explore various terrains and mark potential public or private hunt areas to maximize your time in the field.

When Can I Hunt?

You’re probably excited to head out for that big buck or a flock of geese to fill your freezer. However, it’s crucial to know when the seasons open and the rules regarding how you can hunt and how much you can bring home.  

HuntWise is here to help! We’ve compiled the latest Mississippi hunting information to help you plan – just be aware that information can change. Make sure you check state websites for hunting in Mississippi for the latest details as you plan your hunts. 

Mississippi Deer Season

Deer hunting in Mississippi is managed through four primary Deer Management Units: Delta, North Central, Southeast, and Hills. Pay close attention to each unit's season dates and details before heading out for your hunt. 

Delta, North Central, and Hills Deer Management Units

• Archery:
  • September 15-17: Legal buck only on private land.
  • September 30 – November 17: Either-Sex on private land.
• Youth:
  • November 4 – 17: Either-Sex on private land and authorized state and federal lands.
  • November 18 – January 31: Either-Sex on private land.
• Antlerless Primitive Weapon: November 6 – 17 (Antlerless on private land).
• Guns:
  • With Dogs: November 18 – December 1 (Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs)
  • Without Dogs: December 16 – 23 (Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs).
  • With Dogs: December 24 – January 17 (Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs).
• Primitive Weapon: December 2 – 15 (Either-Sex on private land, open public land, and Holly Springs NF).
• Archery/Primitive Weapon: January 18 – 31 (Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF).

Southeast Unit

• Archery:
  • September 15-17: Legal buck only
  • October 14 – November 17: Either-Sex on private land and open public land.
• Youth:
  • November 4 – 17: Either-Sex on private land and authorized state and federal lands.
  • November 18 –17: Either-Sex on private land and authorized state and federal lands.
• Guns:
  • With Dogs: November 18 – December 1 (Either-Sex on private land. Legal bucks only on open public land.)
  • Without Dogs: December 16 – 23 (Either-Sex on private land. Legal bucks only on open public land.)
  • With Dogs: December 24 – January 17 (Either-Sex on private land. Legal bucks only on open public land.)
• Archery/Primitive Weapon: 
  • January 18 – 31: Either-Sex on private land. Legal bucks only on open public land.
  • February 1 – 15: Legal bucks only on open public land.

Spring Turkey

• Youth (15 and under): March 8 – 14 (Private and authorized state and federal public lands)
• Spring Season: March 15 – May 1
• Non-Resident (Public Lands): March 15 – May 1

Migratory Birds

• Geese: 
  • September Canada Geese: September 1 – 30
  • Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’s, and Brant: November 11 – 24, November 28 – December 1, and December 7 – January 31
  • Light Goose Conservation Order (Special Permit Needed): October 1 – November 10, November 25 – 27, December 2 – 6, February 1 – 7, and February 10 – March 31
• Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: November 28 – December 1 and December 7 – January 31
• September Teal: September 9 – 24
• Snipe: November 14 – February 28
• Rails:
  • Clapper and King: September 1 – 30 and November 22 – December 31
  • Sora and Virginia: September 1 – 30 and November 22 – December 31
• Mourning and White-Winged Dove (North and South Zones): September 1 – 29, October 12 – November 10, and December 27 – January 26

Small Game

• Squirrel: 
  • Youth: September 23 – 30
  • Spring Season: May 15 – June 1
  • Fall Season: September 30 – February 1
• Rabbit: October 14 – February 28
• Raccoon: July 1 – September 30
• Bobwhite Quail: November 23 – March 2

Nuisance Animals

• Coyote: Year-round
• Wild Hog: Year-round

For more details about these species (and others), season dates, and bag limits, check the website for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. You can also visit the eRegulations pages for Mississippi hunting. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

All hunters in Mississippi need a hunting license. However, there are a few exceptions based on impairments and other criteria. Hunters can purchase a license online. 

What Are the Bag Limits for the Mississippi Hunting Season?

How many ducks, geese, or deer can you bring home this season? To comply with Mississippi's hunting regulations, follow the bag limits for everything you hunt. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

All hunters born on or after January 1, 1972, must take a hunter education course before getting a Mississippi hunting license.  

Depending on what you hunt and where to find the game you’re after, you'll also want to pack the right gear. HuntWise subscribers have access to discounts on gear from our partners, with the potential to save hundreds on trail cams, hunting knives, clothing, binoculars, calls, scopes, and more. 

Use HuntWise for Mississippi Hunting Success This Season

We hope you can use this information to help you hunt successfully in Mississippi this season.

You’ll also want to make sure you have the best hunting tool before starting your hunt. With HuntWise, you gain an advantage over other hunters and improve your chances of tagging out – no matter the game you hunt. 

Download the HuntWise app for immediate access to current information on hunting in Mississippi, including regulations, bag limits, and season dates. 

The app also gives you access to ideal wind and weather, map layers (including Wildlife Management Areas and WMA Roads & Trails for Mississippi), real-time animal behavior predictors, privatelandowner boundaries and contact information, and more. 

If you haven’t hunted with HuntWise yet, download the app and enjoy access to every feature – free for a week!