Duck hunters need to experience waterfowl season in Mississippi at least once. It’s a well-known wintering ground for ducks and geese, and the state is known for world-class hunting for waterfowl.
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.
Updated February 24, 2025
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.
Note that some dates here have been updated for 2025. We'll continue making updates as future season dates become available.
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 13-15: Legal buck only on private land.
October 1 – November 22: Either-Sex on private land.
Youth:
November 9 – 22: Either-Sex on private land and authorized state and federal lands.
November 23 – January 31: Either-Sex on private land.
Antlerless Primitive Weapon: November 11 – 22(Antlerless on private land).
Guns:
With Dogs: November 23 – 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 22 (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 23 – 31(Either-Sex on private land and Holly Springs NF).
Southeast Unit
Archery:
September 13-15: Legal buck only
October 15 – November 22: Either-Sex on private land and open public land.
Youth:
November 9 – 22: Either-Sex on private land and authorized state and federal lands.
November 23 – February 15: Either-Sex on private land and authorized state and federal lands.
Guns:
With Dogs: November 23 – 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 22 (Either-Sex on private land. Legal bucks only on open public land.)
Primitive Weapon: December 2 – 15
Archery/Primitive Weapon:
January 23 – 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, 2025 (Private and authorized state and federal public lands)
Spring Season: March 15 – May 1, 2025
Non-Resident (Public Lands): March 15 – May 1, 2025
Small Game
Squirrel:
Youth: September 24 – 30
Spring Season: May 15 – June 1
Fall Season: October 1 – February 28
Rabbit: October 12 – February 28
Raccoon: July 1 – September 30
Bobwhite Quail: November 28 – March 1
Migratory Birds
September Teal: September 14 – 29
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, 2025
Light Goose Conservation Order (Special Permit Needed): October 1 – November 10, November 25 – 27, December 2 – 6, February 1 – 7, 2025, and February 10 – March 31, 2025
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots: November 28 – December 1 and December 7 – January 31, 2025
Woodcock: December 18 – January 31, 2025
Snipe: November 14 – February 28, 2025
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
Gallinules: September 1 – 30 and November 22 – December 31
Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Days: February 8 – 9, 2025
What Do I Need to Know About Mississippi Hunting Regulations and 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.
Deer
Antlered buck deer: 1 buck per day (3 per season),
Antlerless: 5-10 antlerless per year (depending on the management zone)
Snipe
8 per day (24 in possession)
Turkey
1 adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day (3 per Spring season)
Squirrel
8 per day (Youth and Fall Season), 4 per day (Spring Season)
Ducks
6 per day (3x daily in possession)
Bobwhite Quail
8 per day
Mergansers
5 per day (3x daily in possession)
Rabbit
8 per day
Coots
15 per day (3x daily in possession)
Raccoon
1 per party/night
Mourning or White-Winged Dove
15 singly or aggregate per day (45 singly or aggregate in possession)
Canada Goose
5 per day (15 in possession)
Rail (Clapper and King)
15 per day (45 in possession)
Snow, Blue, and Ross’s Geese
20 per day (no possession limit)
Rail (Sora and Virginia)
25 per day (75 in possession)
White-Fronted Geese
3 per day (9 in possession)
Teal
6 per day (18 in possession)
Brant Geese
1 per day (3 in possession)
Woodcock
3 per day (9 in possession)
Light Geese
No limit
Gallinules
15 singly or aggregate per day (45 singly or aggregate in possession)
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 things like 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 idealwind and weather, map layers (including Wildlife Management Areas and WMA Roads & Trails for Mississippi), real-time animal behavior predictors, landowner 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!
Content and season dates reviewed and updated February 24, 2025.
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