Mississippi Hunting & Fishing
Season Calendar 2026

Liberal limit

Mississippi firearms deer season runs Nov 21–Jan 20 with zone-specific dates; legal methods include centerfire rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzleloaders. Hunters must possess a valid Mississippi hunting license and deer hunting license. Antler restrictions in some zones require a minimum 4-inch antler length or fork configuration — verify zone-specific rules. Mississippi deer populations are high statewide — the Delta region holds exceptional trophy genetics fueled by agricultural nutrition. Blaze orange is required on National Forest lands; private land hunters are encouraged but not legally required to wear it. Some WMAs have quota hunts requiring advance reservation.

Mississippi spring turkey season runs Mar 15–May 1 targeting eastern wild turkey; Mississippi holds one of the earliest turkey season openings in the nation, taking advantage of early spring breeding activity. Hunters must possess a valid Mississippi hunting license and turkey license; the bag limit is three gobblers per season, one per day. Legal methods include shotguns, archery, and crossbows; electronic calls are prohibited. The coastal plain longleaf pine forests, Delta hardwood bottoms, and central hill country all hold strong turkey populations. March turkey hunting in Mississippi features active gobbling from birds that begin breeding weeks before their northern counterparts.

Mississippi dove season opens Sep 5 in the North Zone; hunters must possess a valid Mississippi hunting license and be HIP certified. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves with a possession limit of 45. Mississippi dove hunting is centered on the agricultural Delta region, which hosts one of the largest concentrations of migratory doves in the Southeast. Managed dove fields and Wildlife Management Areas require a WMA license in addition to standard requirements. Delta crop fields of sunflower, milo, and corn provide outstanding dove hunting through the September-October peak migration period.

No limit