Mississippi 2025 Hunt Season Guide – Key Wildlife & Region Maps
Welcome to your complete resource for the 2024-2025 Mississippi hunting season! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsperson or just getting started with your first expedition, this guide covers everything you need to know about game seasons, regulations, and licensing requirements throughout the Magnolia State. From the fertile Delta to the picturesque Southeast, we’ve compiled detailed information on open dates, harvest limits, and zone-specific rules to help you plan your next adventure in Mississippi’s diverse wilderness.
Mississippi Hunting Season Overview
Mississippi offers fantastic opportunities for sportsmen and women with various game species available throughout the year. The state is divided into distinct wildlife management units, each with specific regulations to ensure sustainable harvesting practices. These zones include the Delta Unit, North Central Unit, Southeast Unit, and Hills Unit, all featuring unique terrains and wildlife populations.
Key Hunting Zones in Mississippi
- Delta Unit: Areas west of I-55 and north of I-20, plus areas south of I-20 and west of U.S. Highway 61
- North Central Unit: Includes Alcorn, Benton, Desoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tippah counties
- Southeast Unit: Areas south of U.S. Highway 84 and east of MS Highway 35
- Hills Unit: All areas except the Delta, North Central, and Southeast Deer Management Units
2024-2025 Mississippi Hunting Season Summary
Below is a quick-reference table showing the major game seasons in Mississippi for 2024-2025:
| Game Species | Season Dates | Method | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Delta, North Central, Hills) | Oct. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 (varies by method) | Archery, Primitive Weapon, Gun | 3 bucks per season; 5 antlerless (10 in North Central) |
| Deer (Southeast) | Oct. 15, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025 (varies by method) | Archery, Primitive Weapon, Gun | 3 bucks per season; 3 antlerless per season |
| Spring Turkey | Mar. 15 – May 1, 2025 | – | 1 adult gobbler per day, 3 per spring season |
| Squirrel – Fall | Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | – | 8 per day |
| Rabbit | Oct. 12, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | – | 8 per day |
| Quail | Nov. 28, 2024 – Mar. 1, 2025 | – | 8 per day |
| Ducks | Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | – | Varies by species |
| Doves | Sept. 1 – 29, Oct. 12 – Nov. 10, Dec. 27, 2024 – Jan. 26, 2025 | – | 15 per day |
🦌 Big Game: Deer Hunting Seasons
White-tailed deer are the most sought-after big game in Mississippi, with different regulations based on the management unit you’re hunting.
Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
| Method | Season Dates | Legal Deer |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept. 13-15, 2024 (Special) | Legal Bucks Only (Special permit required) |
| Archery | Oct. 1 – Nov. 22, 2024 | Either-Sex |
| Youth Season (15 and under) | Nov. 9 – 22, 2024 | Either-Sex |
| Youth Season (15 and under) | Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | Either-Sex on private lands |
| Antlerless Primitive Weapon | Nov. 11 – 22, 2024 | Antlerless Deer Only (private lands) |
| Gun (with dogs) | Nov. 23 – Dec. 1, 2024 | Either-Sex on private land |
| Primitive Weapon | Dec. 2 – 15, 2024 | Either-Sex |
| Gun (without dogs) | Dec. 16 – 23, 2024 | Either-Sex on private land |
| Gun (with dogs) | Dec. 24, 2024 – Jan. 22, 2025 | Either-Sex on private land |
| Archery/Primitive Weapon | Jan. 23 – 31, 2025 | Either-Sex on private land |
Southeast Unit
| Method | Season Dates | Legal Deer |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sept. 13-15, 2024 (Special) | Legal Bucks Only (Special permit required) |
| Archery | Oct. 15 – Nov. 22, 2024 | Either-Sex |
| Youth Season (15 and under) | Nov. 9 – 22, 2024 | Either-Sex |
| Youth Season (15 and under) | Nov. 23, 2024 – Feb. 15, 2025 | Either-Sex on private lands |
| Gun (with dogs) | Nov. 23 – Dec. 1, 2024 | Either-Sex on private land |
| Primitive Weapon | Dec. 2 – 15, 2024 | Either-Sex |
| Gun (without dogs) | Dec. 16 – 23, 2024 | Either-Sex on private land |
| Gun (with dogs) | Dec. 24, 2024 – Jan. 22, 2025 | Either-Sex on private land |
| Archery/Primitive Weapon | Jan. 23 – 31, 2025 | Either-Sex on private land |
| Archery/Primitive Weapon | Feb. 1 – 15, 2025 | Legal Bucks only |
Legal Buck Definitions
Different zones have unique antler requirements:
- Delta Unit: Either a 12-inch inside spread OR one main beam at least 15 inches long
- Hills Unit: Either a 10-inch inside spread OR one main beam at least 13 inches long
- Southeast Unit: Either a 10-inch inside spread OR one main beam at least 13 inches long
- North Central Unit: Any hardened antler (no size restrictions)
Bag Limits for Deer
- Antlered Buck: 3 per season statewide (4 in North Central Unit)
- Antlerless Deer: 5 per season statewide (10 in North Central Unit, 3 in Southeast Unit)
- Youth hunters 15 and under may take any antlered deer, regardless of size
🦃 Turkey Season
Spring turkey hunting is popular in Mississippi, with opportunities for youth hunters and regulations to protect the resource.
| Season | Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Youth (15 and under) | Mar. 8 – 14, 2025 | 1 adult gobbler per day, 3 per spring season |
| Spring | Mar. 15 – May 1, 2025 | 1 adult gobbler per day, 3 per spring season |
| Non-Resident (Public Lands) | Mar. 8 – 31, 2025 | 1 adult gobbler per day, 3 per spring season |
Important Note: Non-residents can’t hunt public lands before April 1 unless they have a Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or WMA Draw Hunt.
🦊 Furbearers
Mississippi offers opportunities for trapping and hunting various furbearing animals:
| Season | Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | July 1 – Sept. 30, 2024 | 1 per party/night |
| Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat (Food and sport) | Oct. 1 – 31, 2024 | 5 per day; 8 per party |
| Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat (Food, sport, and pelt) | Nov. 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | No limit |
| Trapping | Nov. 1, 2024 – Mar. 15, 2025 | No limit |
🐿️ Small Game
Small game hunting provides excellent opportunities for beginners and seasoned hunters alike:
| Game | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Squirrel | Sept. 24 – 30, 2024 | 8 |
| Squirrel – Fall | Oct. 1, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | 8 |
| Squirrel – Spring | May 15 – June 1, 2025 | 4 |
| Rabbit | Oct. 12, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | 8 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov. 28, 2024 – Mar. 1, 2025 | 8 |
| Frog | April 1 – Sept. 30, 2024 | 25 per night |
| Crow | Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | No limit |
🦆 Waterfowl Seasons
Mississippi lies in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, offering fantastic waterfowl opportunities:
| Type | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| September Teal | Sept. 14 – 29, 2024 | 6 |
| September Canada Geese | Sept. 1 – 30, 2024 | 5 |
| Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots | Nov. 28 – Dec. 1, Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | Varies by species* |
| Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross’, Brant) | Nov. 11-24, Nov. 28-Dec. 1, Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | Varies by species** |
| Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Days | Feb. 8-9, 2025 | Same as regular season |
| Light Goose Conservation Order | Various dates between Oct. 1, 2024 – Mar. 31, 2025 | No limit |
*Duck daily bag limit: 6 total, including no more than 4 mallards (2 females max), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 1 pintail, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, and 2 redheads.
**Goose daily bag limits: 5 Canada, 20 Snow/Blue/Ross’, 3 White-fronted, 1 Brant
🕊️ Other Migratory Game Birds
| Game | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning and White-winged Doves | Sept. 1-29, Oct. 12-Nov. 10, Dec. 27, 2024-Jan. 26, 2025 | 15 singly or in aggregate |
| Woodcock | Dec. 18, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 | 3 |
| Snipe | Nov. 14, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | 8 |
| Gallinules | Sept. 1-30, Nov. 22-Dec. 31, 2024 | 15 singly or in aggregate |
| Rails | Sept. 1-30, Nov. 22-Dec. 31, 2024 | Varies by species |
🗺️ Mississippi Hunting Zones Map
For detailed maps of Mississippi’s hunting zones and Wildlife Management Areas, visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. The state offers more than 50 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across various regions, providing excellent public hunting opportunities.
🎟️ Hunting License Information
Resident License Options
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Sportsman’s License | $45.00 |
| All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing | $25.00 |
| Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow | $14.00 |
| Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing | $10.00 |
| Wildlife Management Area User Permit | $15.00 |
| State Waterfowl Stamp | $10.00 |
| MS Super Sportsman Package | $80.00 |
Non-Resident License Options
| License Type | Price |
|---|---|
| All Game Hunting | $300.00 |
| 7-Day All Game Hunting | $150.00 |
| 3-Day All Game Hunting | $150.00 |
| Wildlife Management Area User Permit | $30.00 |
| Deer Permit | $100.00 |
| Spring Turkey Permit | $50.00 |
| Small Game Hunting | $95.00 |
Youth and Senior Options
- Youth under 16 are not required to purchase a license but can obtain a voluntary Exempt Under 16 license for $2.30
- Residents 65 and older can purchase a Senior Exempt License for $2.30
Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 Do I need a tag for deer hunting in Mississippi?
While Mississippi doesn’t issue physical tags, all deer and turkey hunters must purchase either an All Game Hunting/Fishing License or a Sportsman’s License. For non-residents, a Deer Permit is also required.
🌲 Where can I find public lands to hunt in Mississippi?
Mississippi offers over 50 Wildlife Management Areas totaling more than a thousand square miles. You’ll need a WMA User Permit ($15 for residents, $30 for non-residents) to access these areas.
🌙 Is night hunting allowed in Mississippi?
Night hunting is prohibited for deer. However, raccoon, opossum, and bobcat hunting is permitted at night during their respective seasons.
📱 How do I report my harvest in Mississippi?
While Mississippi doesn’t have a mandatory harvest reporting system for all game, some special hunts may require reporting. Always check current regulations before your hunt.
🏹 Can I use a crossbow during archery season?
Yes, crossbows are legal during all deer seasons, including archery. The Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow permit includes crossbow use.
Related Resources
- White-tailed Deer Hunting Tips
- Alabama Hunting Seasons
- Louisiana Hunting Seasons
- Tennessee Hunting Seasons
The Sportsman’s Responsibility
As you prepare for your Mississippi hunting adventure, remember that responsible sportsmanship includes understanding and following all regulations. The rules are designed to protect and enhance wildlife populations while providing quality recreational opportunities.
Always verify current regulations with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks before heading afield, as seasons and regulations can change. Don’t forget to purchase the appropriate licenses and permits for your specific hunting activities, and consider taking a newcomer along to share in the rich Mississippi hunting tradition.
Happy hunting in the Magnolia State, where abundant wildlife and diverse habitats await your next outdoor expedition!
