Dove & Migratory Birds
Mississippi Dove & Migratory
Bird Permits 2026
Complete requirements for hunting doves, woodcock, snipe, and other migratory birds in Mississippi. Mississippi is one of the nation's premier dove hunting states. Season opens September 1 with three segments.
HIP Required
Dove Season Open
Woodcock Season
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
State Fee
$25.00
Hunting license + HIP required.
Non-Resident
$65.00
Hunting license + HIP
Daily Bag Limit
15 mourning + white-winged doves combined; 3 woodcock
Federal maximum
HIP Required
Yes (Free)
Complete at license agent
Season Dates
2026 Migratory Bird Season in Mississippi
Sept 1–Oct 15; Oct 31–Nov 15; Dec 1–Jan 15 (approximate)
Season dates are set annually by USFWS. Always confirm current dates with Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks.
Step-by-Step
How to Get Licensed for Dove Hunting in Mississippi
1
Purchase a Mississippi Hunting License
A valid state hunting license is required for all migratory bird hunting. An additional state migratory bird fee of $25.00 applies. Purchase through Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks online or at an authorized license agent.
2
Complete Free HIP Registration
HIP registration is free and quick - answer a brief survey about last year's migratory bird harvests. This is typically completed when purchasing your hunting license at a license agent or online. You must have a valid HIP registration number before hunting doves or other migratory birds.
3
Check Season Dates & Bag Limits
Dove season dates are set annually by USFWS. Daily bag limit: 15 mourning + white-winged doves combined; 3 woodcock. Sept 1–Oct 15; Oct 31–Nov 15; Dec 1–Jan 15 (approximate) Always confirm current season dates with Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks before hunting.
Requirements
Mississippi Migratory Bird Requirements
Mississippi hunting license + HIP required.
Source: Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks (www.mdwfp.com).
Requirements verified 2026. Season dates are set annually - always confirm with Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks and USFWS before hunting.