Mississippi offers exceptional opportunities for youth hunters to experience the thrill of the outdoors and develop valuable conservation skills. The state’s Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks has implemented youth-friendly policies to encourage participation in hunting activities. Resident and nonresident youth 15 years of age and younger can hunt without a license in Mississippi, making it easy for young people to get involved in the sport.

Youth hunters in Mississippi enjoy special privileges when it comes to bag limits and hunting seasons. On private land and authorized state and federal lands, hunters 15 and younger can harvest up to three antlered bucks per season, regardless of antler size. This provision allows young hunters to focus on developing their skills without the pressure of trophy hunting.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks also offers various programs to support youth hunting. These include draw hunts for dove, deer, turkey, and waterfowl, as well as educational initiatives like the Youth Participation Initiative Grant Program. These efforts aim to educate children about hunting, fishing, conservation, and safety, ensuring a new generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts.

Understanding Mississippi Hunting Regulations

Mississippi’s hunting regulations provide essential guidelines for youth hunters. These rules cover legal weapons, season dates, bag limits, and education requirements to ensure safe and sustainable hunting practices.

Legal Weapons and Seasons

Youth hunters in Mississippi can use various weapons during specific seasons. Firearms, archery equipment, and primitive weapons are permitted during designated periods. The youth deer season typically runs from November to January, with specific dates set each year.

For waterfowl, a special youth weekend is often scheduled in early February. Youth squirrel hunting season usually occurs in late September. Turkey season for young hunters is generally held in early March.

Hunters must use appropriate firearms for each game species. Shotguns, rifles, and handguns are allowed for deer hunting, while only shotguns are permitted for waterfowl.

Bag Limits and Deer Management Units

Mississippi’s bag limits vary by species and region. For deer, the state is divided into Deer Management Units (DMUs) with specific antler restrictions and harvest limits.

Youth hunters under 16 may harvest any antlered deer in most areas. The typical bag limit is three bucks per season, but this can change in certain DMUs. Doe harvest is regulated to manage populations effectively.

Daily bag limits for small game species:

• Squirrels: 8
• Rabbits: 8
• Quail: 8
• Ducks: 6 (varies by species)

Hunters must check current regulations for specific limits and any changes due to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management zones.

Hunter Education Requirements

Mississippi mandates hunter education for most youth hunters. All hunters born on or after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.

The course covers:

• Firearm safety
• Wildlife conservation
• Hunting ethics
• First aid

Youth under 16 can hunt without certification if supervised by a licensed adult hunter. However, completing the course is strongly recommended for all young hunters to promote safety and responsible hunting practices.

Online courses are available, but a field day with hands-on training is required to complete certification. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks offers these courses throughout the year at various locations across the state.

Youth Hunting License and Permits

Mississippi offers special licenses and permits for young hunters to encourage participation in outdoor activities. These options cater to different age groups and hunting experiences.

License Types and Requirements

Youth hunters in Mississippi have specific license requirements based on their age. Hunters under 16 years old do not need to purchase a hunting license. However, they must obtain a Youth Exempt Hunting License customer ID to participate in draw hunts.

For youth aged 16 and 17, regular hunting license requirements apply. These include completing a hunter education course approved by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) if born on or after January 1, 1972.

Licenses can be purchased online through the MDWFP website or at authorized retailers across the state.

Youth Exempt Hunting License

The Youth Exempt Hunting License is a free option for hunters under 16 years old. It provides a customer ID necessary for applying to youth draw hunts and participating in other MDWFP youth programs.

To obtain this license, young hunters or their guardians can contact the MDWFP or visit their website. The license does not expire until the hunter turns 16.

This exempt status allows young hunters to experience hunting without the financial barrier of purchasing a license.

Permits for Special Youth Hunts

Mississippi offers special youth hunts to provide young hunters with unique opportunities. These hunts often require additional permits beyond the standard hunting license or Youth Exempt Hunting License.

Youth hunters can apply for draw hunts through the MDWFP website. These may include deer, turkey, or waterfowl hunts on specific Wildlife Management Areas.

Some hunts may have age restrictions or require adult supervision. It’s important to carefully review the requirements for each hunt before applying.

Permits for youth hunts are typically limited and distributed through a lottery system to ensure fair access for all young hunters.

Educational Programs and Initiatives

Mississippi offers several programs to educate and engage young hunters. These initiatives focus on safety, skills development, and promoting responsible outdoor recreation for youth.

Hunter Education Course

The Hunter Education Course is mandatory for many Mississippi hunters. It covers firearm safety, wildlife conservation, and hunting ethics. The course is available to anyone 10 years or older.

Classes are held statewide and can be taken in-person or online. Topics include:

• Hunting laws and regulations
• Wildlife identification
• Outdoor survival skills
• Tree stand safety

Completion of the course is required for hunters born on or after January 1, 1972. It provides a solid foundation for safe and responsible hunting practices.

AIMS and MSSP

The Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) program introduces archery to students. It teaches proper technique, safety, and sportsmanship. AIMS is available in many schools across the state.

The Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) focuses on shotgun sports. It includes:

• 5-Stand
• Skeet
• Sporting Clays

MSSP is team-based and emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence. Both programs help youth develop valuable skills while fostering an appreciation for outdoor activities.

Youth Participation Initiative Grants

The Youth Participation Initiative (YPI) Grant Program funds projects that educate children about hunting, fishing, and conservation. Grants support various activities and educational efforts.

Eligible projects include:

• Youth hunting and fishing events
• Outdoor skills workshops
• Conservation education programs

These grants help organizations create opportunities for youth to engage with nature and learn about wildlife management. The program aims to cultivate the next generation of responsible hunters and conservationists in Mississippi.

Season-Specific Hunting Opportunities

Mississippi offers several youth-focused hunting seasons throughout the year. These special seasons provide young hunters with exclusive opportunities to pursue various game species under supervised conditions.

Youth Deer Season

The Youth Deer Season in Mississippi runs from November 9 to November 22, 2025. During this period, young hunters can target deer of either gender on private lands and authorized state and federal properties.

This season is open to hunters 15 years of age and younger. It allows youth to hunt before the regular deer season opens, increasing their chances of success.

Hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult at least 21 years old. The adult can guide and assist but cannot carry a weapon.

Spring Turkey Season

Mississippi’s Youth Spring Turkey Season typically occurs in early March, preceding the statewide spring turkey season. In 2023, it ran from March 8-14.

This season gives young hunters a head start on pursuing wild turkeys before the general season opens. Youth hunters can take advantage of less pressured birds and potentially higher success rates.

Safety is paramount during turkey season. Youth hunters must wear hunter orange and be accompanied by a licensed adult. The adult can call turkeys but cannot carry a firearm.

Youth Waterfowl and Squirrel Season

Mississippi offers special youth hunting opportunities for both waterfowl and squirrels. The Youth Squirrel Season usually takes place in late September, running for about a week.

For waterfowl, specific youth hunt dates are set each year. These hunts often occur on weekends during the regular waterfowl season.

Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult. For waterfowl hunts, a valid hunting license, state and federal duck stamps, and HIP certification are required for hunters 16 and older.

These seasons provide excellent opportunities for young hunters to learn safe hunting practices and gain experience in the field.

Private Lands and Public Wildlife Areas

Mississippi offers diverse hunting opportunities on both private lands and public wildlife areas. These options provide different experiences and regulations for youth hunters to explore.

Hunting on Private Lands

Private lands in Mississippi offer flexible hunting opportunities for youth. Landowner permission is required to hunt on private property. Youth hunters can pursue either-sex deer during designated seasons on private lands. The youth deer hunting season typically runs from early November to late January. This extended period allows young hunters more chances to harvest deer.

Private land hunting often provides less crowded conditions compared to public areas. Youth hunters may have easier access to prime hunting spots on family-owned or leased properties. However, it’s crucial to respect property boundaries and follow all state hunting regulations, even on private lands.

Wildlife Management Areas

Mississippi’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) provide public hunting access for youth. The state manages over 50 WMAs, offering diverse habitats and game species. Youth hunters must follow specific regulations on these public lands, which may differ from statewide rules.

WMAs often have special youth hunting seasons or designated areas. These opportunities allow young hunters to gain experience in a controlled environment. Some WMAs may require permits or have draw hunts for certain game species. Youth hunters should check the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website for current regulations and season dates on specific WMAs.

Public land hunting teaches valuable skills like map reading and wildlife tracking. It also exposes youth to different hunting techniques and habitats. While WMAs can be more crowded than private lands, they provide equal access for all young hunters to enjoy Mississippi’s outdoors.

Hunting Skills and Safety

The Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) plays a crucial role in developing youth hunting skills. It focuses on shotgun sports like 5-Stand, Skeet, and Sporting Clays to teach fundamental techniques.

Safety is paramount in youth hunting programs. Participants learn proper firearm handling, storage, and transportation. They also practice situational awareness and communication with fellow hunters.

Hunting seasons vary by game species in Mississippi. Youth hunters must familiarize themselves with specific dates and regulations for their target animals.

Archery skills are also emphasized in many youth programs. Proper bow handling, arrow selection, and shooting techniques are taught to ensure accuracy and safety.

The MSSP and similar initiatives instill important life values alongside hunting skills. These include discipline, teamwork, ethics, and self-confidence.

Youth hunters learn to identify game species and their habitats. This knowledge helps them make ethical hunting decisions and practice conservation.

Firearm proficiency is a key focus. Young hunters practice proper stance, aim, and trigger control to improve their marksmanship and safety.

Wildlife identification and tracking skills are essential. Youth learn to recognize animal signs, calls, and behaviors to enhance their hunting success.

Outdoor survival skills are often incorporated into youth hunting programs. These include navigation, first aid, and emergency preparedness.

Community and Youth Engagement

Mississippi offers diverse programs to engage young people in outdoor activities and conservation. These initiatives foster skills, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature.

Fishing Rodeos and Shotgun Sports

Fishing rodeos are popular events that introduce children to angling in a fun, supervised environment. Local communities and conservation groups often host these gatherings at public lakes and ponds. Participants learn fishing techniques, water safety, and fish identification.

Shotgun sports provide another avenue for youth engagement. Programs teach proper firearm handling, safety protocols, and marksmanship. These activities build confidence and discipline while promoting responsible gun ownership.

5-Stand, Skeet, and Sporting Clays

The Mississippi Scholastic Shooting Program (MSSP) focuses on shotgun sports like 5-Stand, Skeet, and Sporting Clays. 5-Stand challenges shooters with targets from multiple angles. Skeet involves hitting clay pigeons from various positions. Sporting Clays simulates hunting scenarios with diverse target presentations.

These disciplines enhance hand-eye coordination and mental focus. Participants develop teamwork skills through competitions. The program emphasizes safety, ethics, and sportsmanship. Youth gain valuable life lessons while enjoying outdoor recreation.