Mississippi Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Mississippi hunting seasons offer some standard – and not so standard – game options. Deer, turkey, and small game are expected, but alligator can also be found in the southern state for occasional hunting.
Mississippi has a variety of regulations for its hunting seasons. Decoys and bait are illegal to use for any animal except crow and nuisance animals. Hunting dogs are generally welcomed on hunts, though may not be used during turkey seasons, muzzleloader and archery deer seasons.
Hunting licenses may be purchased online. Licenses are available for both Mississippi resident and nonresident hunters. Wildlife permits are required for several seasons, and can be obtained through the Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks website.
Mississippi Alligator Seasons
| General Season | Public Waters: Aug. 25-Sept. 4 Private Lands: Aug. 25-Sept. 18 |
*In Mississippi, alligators may only be hunted by special permit. Permits can be applied for online. Individuals who are drawn through the lottery system to receive alligator permits are required to attend an alligator hunting training course, or must previously have completed the course. Hunters must be at least 16 years old and residents of Mississippi.
Mississippi Deer Seasons
| Archery | Sept. 15-17 Sept. 30-Nov. 17** Jan. 18-31** |
| Youth Gun | Nov. 4-17 Nov. 18-Jan. 31** |
| Firearms | Nov. 18-Dec. 1 Dec. 16-Jan. 18 |
| Primitive Weapon | Dec. 2-15 Jan. 18-31 Feb. 1-15** |
**Season dates vary by zone, as well as for hunting with and without dogs. Mississippi is divided into five regions, especially for deer seasons: Delta, Northeast, East Central, Southwest, and Southeast. Each has corresponding hunting dates. For more information on hunting dates in your specific area, visit the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks website.
Mississippi Wild Turkey Seasons
| Fall General Season | Closed** |
| Spring Youth Season | March 8-14 |
| Spring General Season | March 15-May 1 |
| Spring Non-resident Season | March 15-31 |
Mississippi has suspended the fall turkey season as of 2023 due to declining hen populations; experts believe that closing the season for the forseeable future may allow turkey numbers to stabilize. For more information on where you can hunt turkey in Mississippi, visit the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
Mississippi Small Game Seasons
| Rabbit | Oct. 14-Feb. 28 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Nov. 23-March 2 |
| Raccoon | July 1-Sept. 30 |
| Opossum | Oct. 1-Feb. 28 |
| Squirrel | Sept. 30-Feb. 28 May 15-June 1 |
| Squirrel, Youth Hunt | Sept. 23-30 |
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Mississippi hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. Mississippi is divided into three regions, especially for deer seasons: Delta (western Mississippi) Hill (middle Mississippi) and Southeast. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks website.