Mississippi’s hunting traditions run deep, intertwining with the state’s rich wildlife heritage. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) oversees hunting regulations to ensure sustainable wildlife management and hunter safety. Firearm regulations play a crucial role in Mississippi’s hunting framework, balancing conservation needs with hunter access.

Hunters in Mississippi must adhere to specific firearm rules depending on the game and season. Youth hunters can use any firearm they can safely handle, while archery seasons allow various bow types. The MDWFP sets clear guidelines on weapon choices, ensuring ethical and effective hunting practices across the state’s diverse landscapes.

Understanding Mississippi’s hunting firearm regulations is essential for both novice and experienced hunters. These rules safeguard wildlife populations, promote fair chase principles, and maintain the integrity of Mississippi’s hunting legacy. By following these regulations, hunters contribute to ongoing conservation efforts and help preserve the state’s outdoor traditions for future generations.

Hunting License and Regulations

Mississippi hunters must obtain proper licenses and adhere to state regulations. Specific requirements vary based on residency status, age, and game species pursued.

License Requirements

Resident hunters aged 16-64 must purchase a hunting license to hunt in Mississippi. Non-resident hunters of all ages need a license. Licenses are available for different durations, from 3-day to annual options. Specialized licenses exist for specific game, like deer and turkey.

Mississippi residents must provide proof of residency when purchasing a license. Acceptable documents include a valid driver’s license or state-issued ID. Non-residents can obtain licenses with a driver’s license from their home state.

Hunters pursuing migratory birds need a free Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit in addition to their regular hunting license.

License Exemptions

Certain groups are exempt from standard license requirements in Mississippi:

• Residents under 16 or 65 and older
• Landowners hunting on their own property
• Disabled veterans with proper documentation
• Active duty military personnel on leave

While exempt individuals don’t need a license, they must still follow all other hunting regulations and seasons.

Hunter Education Course

Hunters born on or after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license. The course covers:

• Firearm safety
• Wildlife conservation
• Hunting ethics
• Basic survival skills

Courses are available online or in-person through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Upon completion, hunters receive a certification card required for license purchase.

Unlawful Purchase of License

It is illegal to:

• Provide false information when purchasing a license
• Use another person’s license
• Lend or transfer a license to someone else
• Alter or forge a hunting license

Violations can result in fines, license revocation, and potential criminal charges. Hunters must carry their valid license while in the field and present it to law enforcement upon request.

Legal Weapons and Ammunition

Mississippi has specific regulations governing the types of firearms and ammunition permitted for hunting. These rules vary based on the game being hunted and the hunting season.

Legal Weapons for Hunting

Rifles, shotguns, and handguns are allowed for deer hunting in Mississippi. Centerfire rifles and handguns of .22 caliber or larger are legal. Shotguns must be 20 gauge or larger, using slugs or buckshot.

For night hunting, weapons are restricted to handguns or rifles using .22 standard rim-fire cartridges or smaller. Shotguns with shot no larger than No. 6 are also permitted.

Archery equipment, including bows and crossbows, is legal during designated archery seasons.

Ammunition Restrictions

Ammunition restrictions in Mississippi focus on preventing the use of overly powerful rounds that could pose safety risks. Full metal jacket bullets are prohibited for hunting.

For deer hunting, only expanding bullets (soft point or hollow point) are allowed. This ensures ethical harvests and reduces the risk of stray bullets.

Shotgun shells for waterfowl hunting must be non-toxic. Steel shot is commonly used, but other non-toxic alternatives are permitted.

Primitive Weapons

Primitive weapons have their own designated hunting season in Mississippi. Legal primitive firearms include single or double-barreled muzzleloading rifles of at least .38 caliber.

Single-shot, breech-loading metallic cartridge rifles (.35 caliber or larger) and their replicas are also considered primitive weapons.

During primitive weapons season, all archery equipment is legal. This includes traditional bows, compound bows, and crossbows.

Hunters using primitive weapons must adhere to specific regulations regarding powder types and projectiles.

Wildlife Conservation and Protected Species

Mississippi’s wildlife conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered species and managing protected wildlife populations. These initiatives aim to preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems across the state.

Endangered Species

Mississippi is home to several endangered species that require special protection. The gopher tortoise, found in the state’s southern pine forests, is federally listed as threatened. Hunting or harming these tortoises is strictly prohibited. The Mississippi sandhill crane, with only about 100 individuals remaining in the wild, is critically endangered. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and captive breeding programs.

The red-cockaded woodpecker, once widespread in the Southeast, is now endangered due to habitat loss. Wildlife management areas in Mississippi provide protected habitats for these birds. The state also protects endangered aquatic species like the Gulf sturgeon and several freshwater mussels through fishing restrictions and habitat conservation measures.

Protected Wildlife

Mississippi’s wildlife management areas serve as sanctuaries for various protected species. These areas have specific hunting regulations to maintain wildlife populations. Black bears, though not endangered, are protected in Mississippi. Hunting them is illegal, with severe penalties for violations.

Bald eagles and other raptors are protected under federal law. Disturbing their nests or habitats is prohibited. Alligators, once endangered, have recovered but remain protected. Limited hunting is allowed through a strictly regulated permit system.

The state’s wildlife management efforts extend to game species as well. Bag limits and seasonal restrictions help maintain healthy populations of deer, turkey, and waterfowl. These measures ensure sustainable hunting practices while preserving wildlife for future generations.

Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

Mississippi’s hunting regulations establish specific seasons and bag limits for various game species. These rules ensure sustainable wildlife populations and fair hunting practices across the state.

Deer Hunting Seasons

White-tailed deer hunting is popular in Mississippi. The archery season typically runs from October 1 to November 22. Gun season with dogs is allowed from November 23 to December 1.

Primitive weapon season occurs from November 11 to 22. Youth gun season takes place on specific weekends in November and January.

Legal bucks must have antlers of 4 points or more. The bag limit is one legal buck per day, not exceeding three per annual season. Antlerless deer harvests vary by region.

Spring Turkey Season

Spring turkey season in Mississippi usually begins in mid-March and ends in early May. The bag limit is one adult gobbler or gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day.

Hunters can take a maximum of three gobblers during the spring season. Youth hunters have a special weekend before the regular season opens.

Migratory Bird Seasons

Migratory bird hunting seasons vary by species. Duck season typically runs from late November to late January, with a daily bag limit of 6 ducks.

For scaup, the daily bag limit is 1 from November 28 to December 1 and December 7 to 17. It increases to 2 from December 18 to January 31.

Merganser season coincides with duck season. The daily bag limit is 5 mergansers, with no more than 2 hooded mergansers.

Coot season also aligns with duck season. Hunters can take up to 15 coots per day.

Deer Management and Units

Mississippi divides its deer population management into distinct units. These units help regulate hunting practices and maintain healthy deer populations across diverse habitats.

Deer Management Unit Guidelines

Mississippi uses three main Deer Management Units: Delta, North Central, and Southeast. The Delta Unit covers areas west of I-55 and north of I-20, plus regions south of I-20 and west of U.S. Highway 61. The North Central Unit encompasses private and open public lands in Alcorn, Benton, Desoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tippah counties. The Southeast Unit includes areas south of U.S. Highway 84 and east of Mississippi Highway 35.

Each unit has specific regulations tailored to local deer populations and habitats. Hunters must familiarize themselves with the rules of the unit they plan to hunt in.

Bag limits and hunting seasons may vary between units. These differences reflect the unique ecological conditions and deer densities in each area.

Hunting in National Forests

National forests in Mississippi provide additional deer hunting opportunities. These areas often have their own set of regulations that complement state-wide rules.

Hunters in national forests must obtain the proper permits and adhere to federal guidelines. Some forests may have designated hunting areas or restricted zones.

National forests may impose different bag limits or seasons than surrounding private lands. It’s crucial for hunters to check both state and forest-specific regulations before their trip.

U.S. Forest Service Regulations

The U.S. Forest Service oversees hunting activities in national forests. They work in conjunction with state wildlife agencies to manage deer populations effectively.

Forest Service regulations may restrict certain hunting methods or equipment in specific areas. These rules aim to protect both wildlife and forest ecosystems.

Hunters must follow all posted signs and respect closed areas within national forests. The Forest Service may also require hunters to use non-lead ammunition in certain locations to protect other wildlife species.

Hunting in national forests often requires a free permit in addition to state licenses. These permits help the Forest Service track hunting activity and manage wildlife populations.

Safety and Compliance

Mississippi hunters must adhere to strict safety regulations to protect themselves and others. These rules cover essential aspects like visibility, vehicle use, and public safety measures.

Hunter Orange Requirements

During gun seasons for deer, hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of solid unbroken fluorescent orange visible from all sides. This rule applies to all hunters except those in elevated stands on private land. Archery hunters during archery-only seasons are exempt from this requirement.

Hunter orange increases visibility, reducing the risk of accidental shootings. The bright color is easily distinguishable from natural surroundings and wildlife.

Hunting from Roads and Vehicles

Hunting from public roads or right-of-ways is strictly prohibited in Mississippi. This ban includes shooting across roads or from any motorized vehicle.

Hunters may not shoot from, onto, or across any public road. It’s illegal to hunt from a moving vehicle or boat under power.

Disabled hunters with proper permits may hunt from stationary motor vehicles or electric-powered wheelchairs.

Public Safety Measures

Hunters must identify their target and what lies beyond it before shooting. It’s crucial to be aware of other hunters, hikers, and residential areas.

Firearms must be unloaded when in vehicles on public roads. Hunters should treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.

It’s illegal to discharge firearms near occupied buildings or dwellings. Local ordinances may have additional restrictions on firearm use in populated areas.

Hunters must obtain landowner permission before hunting on private property. Trespassing laws are strictly enforced to ensure public safety and property rights.

Special Hunting Regulations

Mississippi has specific regulations for hunting on different types of land and managing nuisance animals. These rules aim to protect property rights, ensure sustainable hunting practices, and address wildlife conflicts.

Landowner Permissions

Hunters must obtain written permission from landowners before hunting on private property in Mississippi. This requirement applies to all types of hunting, including small game, big game, and waterfowl. Landowners have the right to restrict or deny access to their property for hunting purposes.

Verbal permission is not sufficient. Hunters should carry the written permission with them while hunting. This document should include the hunter’s name, the property location, and the dates permission is granted for.

Failure to obtain proper permission can result in trespassing charges and hunting license revocation.

Hunting on Private and Public Lands

Private land hunting requires landowner permission, as mentioned above. Public lands have specific regulations depending on the managing agency.

State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) require a WMA permit in addition to a regular hunting license. Each WMA may have unique rules regarding seasons, bag limits, and allowed hunting methods.

Federal lands, such as national forests and wildlife refuges, follow both state and federal regulations. Hunters must check with the specific federal agency for any additional permits or restrictions.

Some public lands may require draw hunts or have limited entry periods to manage hunting pressure and wildlife populations.

Nuisance Animal Control

Mississippi allows landowners to control certain nuisance animals without a hunting license on their own property. This includes animals like coyotes, beavers, and wild hogs.

Landowners can use firearms, traps, and other approved methods to remove these animals year-round. However, they must follow safety regulations and local ordinances regarding firearm use.

For protected species causing damage, landowners must contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for assistance. The department may issue special permits for controlling these animals.

Hunters assisting with nuisance animal control on someone else’s property must have the landowner’s permission and follow all applicable hunting regulations.

Hunting Techniques and Ethics

Mississippi’s hunting regulations encompass specific guidelines for using dogs, baiting, decoys, and trapping. These rules aim to promote fair chase principles and ethical hunting practices while preserving wildlife populations.

Use of Dogs in Hunting

Hunting dogs play a significant role in Mississippi’s hunting traditions. Dogs are permitted for hunting deer during specified seasons in designated areas. Hunters must keep their dogs under control and on leash when not actively hunting. For waterfowl hunting, retrievers are allowed to recover downed birds. Bear hunting with dogs is prohibited. Hunters using dogs must obtain proper licenses and follow area-specific regulations.

Coon hunting with dogs is popular in Mississippi. This nighttime activity has specific seasons and regulations. Hunters must wear orange vests and use lights only for locating treed animals.

Baiting and Decoy Restrictions

Baiting regulations in Mississippi vary by species and hunting method. For deer and turkey, baiting is generally prohibited on public lands. On private property, hunters can use bait but must follow specific guidelines. Bait sites must be clearly marked and located away from property lines.

Waterfowl hunting has strict baiting rules. It’s illegal to hunt waterfowl using bait or on baited areas. Natural vegetation manipulation is allowed in some cases.

Decoy use is permitted for many species. Waterfowl hunters can use a limited number of decoys. Electronic decoys are restricted during certain seasons.

Trapping Regulations

Mississippi requires trappers to obtain specific licenses and follow strict regulations. Traps must be checked daily and marked with the owner’s name and address. Certain trap types, such as body-gripping traps, have size restrictions.

Fur-bearing animals have designated trapping seasons. Trappers must report their harvest and follow guidelines for humane dispatch.

Nuisance wildlife trapping has separate regulations. Property owners can trap some species year-round if causing damage, but relocation may require permits.

Additional Hunting Considerations

Mississippi hunters must comply with several important regulations beyond basic licensing and season dates. These rules cover reporting harvests, transporting game, disease management, and restrictions on selling wild game.

Game Check and Transporting

Hunters must report all turkey harvests to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Game Check system by 10 PM on the day of harvest. This reporting is mandatory during spring turkey season. Hunters are required to carry a current harvest reporting record while turkey hunting.

When transporting game, hunters should follow proper procedures. Deer and turkey must be tagged before moving from the kill site. The tag should include the hunter’s name, hunting license number, and date of harvest. Game birds must have a fully feathered wing or head attached during transport.

Chronic Wasting Disease Management

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a concern for Mississippi’s deer population. The state has established CWD Management Zones with specific regulations. Hunters in these zones may face additional testing requirements and restrictions on transporting deer carcasses.

It is illegal to bring whole deer carcasses or certain body parts into Mississippi from states where CWD has been detected. Hunters must bone out meat and remove antlers from skull plates before bringing these items into the state.

Selling of Wild Game

The sale of wild game meat is strictly regulated in Mississippi. It is illegal to sell, offer for sale, or purchase any game animal, game bird, or game fish taken from the wild. This includes deer, turkey, and other commonly hunted species.

There are limited exceptions for certain furbearers like raccoons, opossums, and coyotes. These may be sold with proper documentation. Rabbit and squirrel meat from farm-raised animals may also be sold under specific conditions.