Mississippi 2026-2027 Hunt Season Guide – Key Wildlife & Region Maps
Planning a trip in the Magnolia State can get confusing fast, especially when deer units, waterfowl splits, WMA rules, and stamp requirements all start blending together. This guide pulls the big stuff into one place: verified date windows, top species, deer units, public-land access notes, and license add-ons.
Overview Of Mississippi Hunting Season 2026-2027
Here’s the latest, plain-English version: waterfowl and other migratory bird dates for 2026-27 are already published, so dove, teal, duck, goose, snipe, rail, gallinule, woodcock, and crow info is live. Deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail, and most furbearer windows have not yet been replaced with a 2026-27 statewide calendar on the official MDWFP dates page, so the safest move is to treat those as “pending official release” for now and use the last posted statewide framework only as a planning reference. If you like comparing nearby state calendars before locking in travel, the state hunting season archive can help you benchmark timing.
Quick-look summary table
| Species / Group | 2026-27 Status | Dates | Main Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer 🦌 | Resident-game update pending | Last posted framework shown below by unit | Archery, primitive weapon, gun |
| Wild turkey 🦃 | Resident-game update pending | Last posted youth: Mar 7-13; spring: Mar 14-May 1 | Shotgun or legal bow gear |
| Mourning & white-winged doves | Official 2026-27 | Sep 5-Oct 4; Oct 24-Nov 22; Dec 26-Jan 24 | Shotgun |
| Ducks, mergansers, coots | Official 2026-27 | Nov 27-29; Dec 4-6; Dec 9-Jan 31 | Shotgun, nontoxic shot |
| Geese & brant | Official 2026-27 | Canada geese Sep 1-30 plus late splits; other geese/brant Nov 13-Jan 31 split | Shotgun, nontoxic shot |
| Squirrel / rabbit / quail | Resident-game update pending | Last posted framework shown below | Rimfire/shotgun where legal |
| Furbearers & trapping | Mixed: last-posted dates + nuisance-animal year-round rules | See section below | Calling, firearms, trapping |
All Big Games: Archery & Rifle
For big-game planning, deer is the main story here. There is no open elk calendar, and black bears remain protected with no statewide open pursuit listed by MDWFP. Wild hogs are treated under nuisance-animal rules rather than a classic game calendar, which matters a lot when you’re figuring out what’s legal on private ground versus public acreage.
Deer units you need to know first
Mississippi uses four deer management units:
- Delta Unit: west of I-55 and north of I-20, plus areas south of I-20 and west of U.S. 61
- North Central Unit: Alcorn, Benton, DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tippah counties
- Southeast Unit: south of U.S. 84 and east of MS 35
- Hills Unit: everything else
Legal buck standards also change by unit:
- Delta: 12-inch inside spread or 15-inch main beam
- Hills: 10-inch inside spread or 13-inch main beam
- Southeast: 10-inch inside spread or 13-inch main beam
- North Central: any hardened antler
Deer dates by method
Important: final 2026-27 deer dates were not yet posted on the official statewide page at the time of review. The table below shows the last officially posted statewide framework so you can understand the usual layout and unit differences without treating it as a final 2026-27 proclamation.
Delta, Hills, and North Central Units — last posted statewide framework
| Method | Last Posted Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early archery (velvet) | Sept 12-14 | 1 legal buck only; special permit, reporting, and CWD sampling required |
| Archery | Oct 1-Nov 21 | Either-sex on private and open public ground |
| Youth | Nov 8-Nov 21 | Either-sex on private, authorized state/federal lands, and open public ground |
| Youth (extended) | Nov 22-Jan 31 | Either-sex on private land; public-land youth must follow legal buck rules |
| Antlerless primitive weapon | Nov 10-21 | Antlerless only on private land |
| Gun with dogs | Nov 22-Dec 1 | Either-sex private land; public land mostly legal bucks only |
| Primitive weapon | Dec 2-15 | Either-sex; weapon-of-choice option allowed on qualifying private land with proper privilege |
| Gun without dogs | Dec 16-23 | Either-sex private land; public land legal bucks only |
| Gun with dogs | Dec 24-Jan 21 | Same general setup as above |
| Late archery / primitive | Jan 22-31 | Either-sex private land; public land legal bucks only |
Southeast Unit — last posted statewide framework
| Method | Last Posted Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early archery (velvet) | Sept 12-14 | 1 legal buck only; special permit, reporting, and CWD sampling required |
| Archery | Oct 15-Nov 21 | Later opener than the other deer units |
| Youth | Nov 8-Nov 21 | Either-sex on private, authorized state/federal lands, and open public ground |
| Youth (extended) | Nov 22-Jan 31 | Either-sex on private land |
| Youth / legal buck only | Feb 1-15 | Legal buck only on private and open public ground |
| Gun with dogs | Nov 22-Dec 1 | Either-sex private land; public land legal bucks only |
| Primitive weapon | Dec 2-15 | Either-sex |
| Gun without dogs | Dec 16-23 | Either-sex private land; public land legal bucks only |
| Gun with dogs | Dec 24-Jan 21 | Same structure continues |
| Late archery / primitive | Jan 22-Jan 31 | Either-sex private land; public land legal bucks only |
| Late legal-buck window | Feb 1-15 | Legal bucks only |
Deer bag-limit notes worth remembering
- Statewide buck limit on the last posted framework: 1 per day / 3 per annual year
- North Central buck limit: 1 per day / 4 per annual year
- Statewide antlerless limit on private land: 5
- North Central private-land antlerless limit: 10
- Southeast antlerless limit: 3, with only 1 per day
- Primitive-weapon rules are broader than many newcomers expect, and on certain private-land setups after Nov. 30, weapon-of-choice may be allowed with the right license combination
Other big-game notes
- Black bear: no open statewide pursuit listed
- Elk: no open statewide pursuit listed
- Wild hog: treated as a nuisance species, not a standard big-game calendar item; live transport is tightly restricted, and public-land rules can differ by area
Turkey Season
Again, the official 2026-27 statewide turkey table had not yet replaced the prior posted version during review, so use these as last-posted references only:
- Youth turkey (last posted): Mar 7-13
- Spring gobbler (last posted): Mar 14-May 1
- Daily limit: 1 adult gobbler or gobbler with a 6-inch beard or longer
- Spring total: 3 birds
- Youth 15 and under: may take 1 gobbler of choice per day under the youth setup
- Fall turkey: no statewide fall turkey dates were shown on the current official dates page
- Public-land nonresident rule: nonresidents may not pursue turkeys on public land before April 1 unless drawn for the appropriate permit
A little heads-up that saves headaches: in spring, this state is strict about turkey gear. Shotguns with shot no larger than No. 2 and legal bow equipment are the standard tools, and dogs are not allowed for turkey pursuit during the spring gobbler period.
Furbearers Season
Here’s the clean breakdown using the last posted statewide framework plus current trapping regulations:
- Raccoon (summer window, last posted): Jul 1-Sep 30 — 1 per party per night
- Opossum, raccoon, and bobcat (food/sport, last posted): Oct 1-Oct 31 — 5 per day
- Opossum, raccoon, and bobcat (food, sport, pelt, last posted): Nov 1-Mar 15 — no limit listed
- Trapping (last posted): Nov 1-Mar 15 — no limit listed
- Trap tags: every trap must carry the trapper’s ID/customer number or required identifying information if exempt
- Trap checks: at least every 36 hours
- Road setback: generally not on or within 100 feet of a street or public road unless a listed exception applies
- Bobcat / river otter: CITES tags are required before shipping or transporting those pelts out of state
- Nuisance species: beaver, coyote, fox, nutria, skunks, and wild hogs may be taken year-round on private lands and on open public lands that follow statewide rules and don’t carry special restrictions
Upland Birds Season
For true upland-bird fans, bobwhite quail is the headline species here.
- Bobwhite quail (last posted statewide framework): Nov 27-Mar 7
- Daily bag: 8
Dove is often lumped into early-fall bird talk around camp, but legally it’s handled as a migratory bird here, so I’ve kept it in the migratory section where it belongs.
Upland Animals Season
These are the critters a lot of families start with, and honestly, they’re still some of the most fun.
- Youth squirrel (last posted): Sept 24-30 — daily bag 8
- Squirrel, fall (last posted): Oct 1-Feb 28 — daily bag 8
- Squirrel, spring (last posted): May 15-June 1 — daily bag 4
- Rabbit (last posted): Oct 18-Feb 28 — daily bag 8
If you’ve ever watched a beginner relax after their first squirrel morning, you know why these dates matter so much. Lower pressure, lighter gear, fewer moving parts. Great way to learn the woods without the full deer-camp stress level.
Other Small Games Season
| Species | Status | Dates | Daily Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning & white-winged doves | Official 2026-27 | Sep 5-Oct 4; Oct 24-Nov 22; Dec 26-Jan 24 | 15 singly or aggregate |
| Squirrel | Pending 2026-27 statewide update | Youth Sep 24-30; Fall Oct 1-Feb 28; Spring May 15-Jun 1 | 8 fall / 4 spring |
| Rabbit | Pending 2026-27 statewide update | Oct 18-Feb 28 | 8 |
| Bobwhite quail | Pending 2026-27 statewide update | Nov 27-Mar 7 | 8 |
| Frog | Pending 2026-27 statewide update | Apr 1-Sep 30 | 25 per night |
| Crow | Official 2026-27 | Nov 7-Feb 28 | No daily limit |
Migratory Birds Season
This is the part of the calendar that is fully live for 2026-27, and it’s a strong one. The early dove opener lands on September 5, teal returns in mid-September, and the duck split runs from late November into the last day of January. Non-toxic shot is required for waterfowl and coots, and HIP certification is part of staying legal.
Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese Season
| Species / Group | Official 2026-27 Dates | Key Limits / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks 🦆 | Nov 27-29; Dec 4-6; Dec 9-Jan 31 | 6 ducks daily total; species sub-limits apply |
| Scaup | Same duck framework | 1/day through Dec 17; 2/day Dec 18-Jan 31 |
| Mergansers | Same duck framework | 5 daily, only 2 hooded |
| Coots | Same duck framework | 15 daily |
| Canada geese | Sep 1-Sep 30; Nov 13-29; Dec 4-6; Dec 9-Jan 31 | 5 daily / 15 possession |
| Brant | Nov 13-29; Dec 4-6; Dec 9-Jan 31 | 1 daily / 3 possession |
| White-fronted geese | Nov 13-29; Dec 4-6; Dec 9-Jan 31 | 3 daily / 9 possession |
| Snow, blue & Ross’s geese | Nov 13-29; Dec 4-6; Dec 9-Jan 31 | 20 daily / no possession cap |
Other Waterfowls Season
- Early teal: Sept 19-27 — 6 daily
- Gallinules: Sept 1-30 and Nov 22-Dec 31 — 15 daily singly or aggregate
- Rails: Sept 1-30 and Nov 22-Dec 31
- King & clapper rails: 15 daily
- Sora & Virginia rails: 25 daily
- Woodcock: Dec 18-Jan 31 — 3 daily
- Snipe: Nov 14-Feb 28 — 8 daily
- Youth / veterans / active military waterfowl days: Feb 6-7, 2027
- Light Goose Conservation Order: Oct 1-Nov 12; Nov 30-Dec 3; Feb 1-5; Feb 8-Mar 31
- Important local note: Roebuck Lake in Leflore County is closed to Canada goose pursuit
More Games Season
A few leftovers deserve their own quick roundup:
- Crow: Nov 7, 2026-Feb 28, 2027 — no daily cap listed
- Woodcock: Dec 18, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
- Snipe: Nov 14, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
- Wild hog: handled under nuisance-animal rules, not a classic published statewide calendar
- Alligator: permit-based opportunity announced separately by MDWFP; not part of the general statewide deer/bird table
- Bear / elk: no open statewide framework listed
Game Units & Public Access
Public ground is where a lot of folks get tripped up, not because the rules are impossible, but because each area can add its own twist. Deer-unit boundaries matter for antler standards and timing, and WMA regulations may differ from statewide dates, legal buck rules, dog use, open days, or shooting hours.
License Details
Here’s the beginner-friendly version of the current fee lineup.
| License / Add-on | Resident | Nonresident | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sportsman | $45 | — | Broad resident privilege; includes archery/primitive/crossbow |
| All Game | $25 | $300 | Base big-game privilege; extra add-ons may still be needed |
| Small Game | $10 | $95 | Small game and many bird pursuits, but not deer/turkey |
| 7-Day All Game | — | $150 | Short-trip nonresident option |
| 7-Day Small Game | — | $38 | Short-trip bird/small-game option |
| Archery / Primitive / Crossbow add-on | $14 | $75 | Needed when applicable beyond base license |
| Deer Permit | Velvet permit $10 | $100 | Required as applicable for deer privileges |
| WMA User Permit | $15 | $30 | Needed before using most state WMAs |
| State Waterfowl Stamp | $10 | $19 | Required for waterfowl hunters age 16+ |
| Wild Turkey Stamp | $10 | $100 | Required for turkey pursuit age 16+ |
| Trapping License | $25 | $205 | Needed for trappers age 16+ |
| Youth under 16 voluntary | $2.30 | — | Includes broad youth privileges and WMA access |
| Senior 65+ exempt license | $2.30 | — | Includes broad resident privileges and WMA access, but not state waterfowl stamp |
License fine print that actually matters
- Deer and turkey participants need either an all-game or sportsman-type base privilege
- Waterfowl hunters age 16+ need the proper license plus state waterfowl stamp, federal duck stamp, and HIP certification
- Youth under 16 are exempt from buying waterfowl stamps, but must be with a properly licensed adult
- Hunters over 65 are still not automatically exempt from waterfowl stamp requirements
- Federal duck stamps expire every June 30, no matter when you bought them 🎟️
FAQ
Do I need tags or extra permits for deer?
Usually, yes—depending on the method and window. The early velvet archery opportunity in the last posted framework required a special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling.
Can nonresidents chase turkeys on public land right away?
Not automatically. Before April 1, nonresidents need the proper draw permit for public-land turkey access.
Is night hunting allowed?
Only in limited circumstances and with weapon restrictions. Mississippi rules limit legal nighttime tools to certain rimfire rifles or shotguns with smaller shot sizes, so don’t assume your regular daytime setup is fine after dark.
Can I carry a loaded gun on a public road or right-of-way?
No. That’s one of the easiest tickets to avoid—keep it unloaded while on roads, railways, levees, or those rights-of-way.
Are baiting and feeding the same thing here?
Not exactly. Supplemental feeding is allowed on certain private lands outside CWD management zones under specific feeder rules, but taking wildlife with the aid of bait is still unlawful.
Do public lands follow the same dates as statewide rules?
Not always. WMAs and other public parcels may run special openings, closures, or method restrictions.
Prepare for Your Mississippi Hunt
If you’re getting serious about a 2026-27 outing here, the smartest move is to plan in layers. First, decide whether you’re dealing with a live, official date set—that’s the case for ducks, geese, dove, teal, woodcock, snipe, rail, gallinules, and crow. Second, if you’re planning deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail, or furbearers, wait for the official resident-game update before treating any dates as locked. Third, match your county to the right deer unit before you buy gear or book days off, because Southeast timing does not mirror the Delta or Hills. And finally, if you’re bound for public land, buy the WMA permit early and read that specific area’s rules page like it’s part of the map—because in this state, it kind of is. One last practical tip: if Canada geese are on your list, remember Roebuck Lake is closed to goose pursuit, and if light geese are your thing, grab the free conservation-order permit before you roll out. That’s the kind of local detail that saves a trip.
