Mississippi 2026 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Mississippi's listed 2026 other season runs Apr 1-Sep 30, 2026.
General Season Frog opens Apr 1, 2026 and closes Sep 30, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Mississippi MDWFP.
- other
- Apr 1-Sep 30, 2026
- other
- Apr 1-Sep 30, 2026
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Mississippi 2026-27
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Key seasons by species
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Mississippi MDWFP before hunting.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in Mississippi
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 9 stations in Mississippi. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
- AL · MS · NWR
Grand Bay NWR
Alabama / MississippiMIGRATORY BIRD: EXPANSIONUPLAND GAME: EXPANSIONBIG GAME: EXPANSIONFISHING: EXPANSION - MS · NWR
Hillside NWR
MississippiUPLAND GAME: OPENING - MS · NWR
Holt Collier NWR
MississippiMIGRATORY BIRD: OPENINGUPLAND GAME: OPEN + EXPANDFISHING: OPENING - MS · NWR
Mathews Brake NWR
MississippiUPLAND GAME: OPENING - MS · NWR
Morgan Brake NWR
MississippiMIGRATORY BIRD: OPENINGUPLAND GAME: OPENING - MS · NWR
Panther Swamp NWR
MississippiMIGRATORY BIRD: OPEN + EXPANDUPLAND GAME: OPEN + EXPANDBIG GAME: EXPANSIONFISHING: EXPANSION - MS · NWR
St. Catherine Creek NWR
MississippiMIGRATORY BIRD: OPENINGUPLAND GAME: OPENINGFISHING: OPENING - MS · NWR
Theodore Roosevelt NWR
MississippiMIGRATORY BIRD: NEW STATIONUPLAND GAME: NEW STATIONBIG GAME: NEW STATIONFISHING: NEW STATION - MS · NWR
Yazoo NWR
MississippiMIGRATORY BIRD: OPEN + EXPANDUPLAND GAME: OPEN + EXPANDBIG GAME: EXPANSIONFISHING: OPENING
Deer
34 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Archery - Velvet Buck
Sep 12-14, 2025
Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private land and authorized state and federal lands only.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Archery - Velvet (Special Permit)
Sep 12-14, 2025
Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private land and authorized state and federal lands only.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Archery - Velvet (Special Permit)
Sep 12-14, 2025
Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private land and authorized state and federal lands only.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Archery - Velvet Buck
Sep 12-14, 2025
Special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling required. Private land and authorized state and federal lands only.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Oct 1-Nov 21, 2025
Either-sex on private and open public lands.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Oct 15-Nov 21, 2025
Either-sex on private and open public land.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Youth Gun (15 and under)
Nov 8-21, 2025
Either-sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Youth Gun (15 and under)
Nov 8-21, 2025
Either-sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Youth (15 and under)
Nov 8-21, 2025
Either-sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Youth (15 and under)
Nov 8-21, 2025
Either-sex on private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Primitive Weapon
Nov 10-21, 2025
Antlerless deer only on private lands.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Gun (with dogs)
Nov 22-Dec 1, 2025
Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
Show 22 more deer rows
White-tailed Deer
Gun with Dogs
Nov 22-Dec 1, 2025
Either-sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Gun with Dogs
Nov 22-Dec 1, 2025
Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Youth Gun (15 and under)
Nov 22, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Either-sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow legal buck criteria.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Youth Gun (15 and under)
Nov 22, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Either-sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow legal buck criteria.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Youth (15 and under)
Nov 22, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Either-sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow legal buck criteria.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Gun (with dogs)
Nov 22-Dec 1, 2025
Either-sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Youth (15 and under)
Nov 22, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Either-sex on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow legal buck criteria.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Primitive Weapon
Dec 2-15, 2025
Either-sex on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Primitive Weapon
Dec 2-15, 2025
Either-sex on private and open public lands. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Gun without Dogs
Dec 16-23, 2025
Either-sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Gun without Dogs
Dec 16-23, 2025
Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Gun (without dogs)
Dec 16-23, 2025
Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Gun (without dogs)
Dec 16-23, 2025
Either-sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Gun (with dogs)
Dec 24, 2025-Jan 21, 2026
Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Gun with Dogs
Dec 24, 2025-Jan 21, 2026
Either-sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Gun with Dogs
Dec 24, 2025-Jan 21, 2026
Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Gun (with dogs)
Dec 24, 2025-Jan 21, 2026
Either-sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Primitive Weapon
Jan 22-31, 2026
Either-sex on private land. Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Primitive Weapon
Jan 22-31, 2026
Either-sex on private land and Holly Springs NF (excluding portions in Yalobusha County). Legal Bucks only on open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.
Zone: Delta, North Central, and Hills Units
White-tailed Deer
Youth Gun (15 and under)
Feb 1-15, 2026
Legal bucks on private and open public lands.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Archery/Primitive Weapon
Feb 1-15, 2026
Legal Bucks only on private and open public land. Weapon of choice may be used on private land with appropriate license.
Zone: Southeast Unit
White-tailed Deer
Youth (15 and under)
Feb 1-15, 2026
Legal bucks on private and open public lands.
Zone: Southeast Unit
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth Season
Mar 7-13, 2026
Youth 15 and under. Non-residents cannot hunt public land before April 1 unless drawn for Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or WMA Draw Hunt.
Zone: Statewide - Private, authorized state and federal public lands, and open public lands
Wild Turkey
Youth Spring Turkey
Mar 7-13, 2026
Youth 15 and under. Non-residents cannot hunt public land before April 1 unless drawn for a permit.
Zone: Statewide - Private, authorized state and federal public lands, and open public lands
Wild Turkey
Spring Season
Mar 14-May 1, 2026
Non-residents cannot hunt any public land before April 1 unless drawn for Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or WMA Draw Hunt.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Turkey
Mar 14-May 1, 2026
Non-residents cannot hunt any public land before April 1 unless drawn for a Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or WMA Draw Hunt.
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl
Canada Geese
September Canada Goose Season
Sep 1-30, 2025
Season closed on Roebuck Lake in Leflore County.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
General Season
Nov 28, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Two splits: Nov. 28-Nov. 30 and Dec. 6-Jan. 31. Duck bag limit includes no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 females), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads. Scaup: 1/day Nov. 28-Dec. 17; 2/day Dec. 18-Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
General
Nov 28-30, 2025
Two season segments: Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 6-Jan. 31. Scaup limit is 1/day Nov. 28-Nov. 30 and Dec. 6-17; 2/day Dec. 18-Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Mergansers, and Coots
General
Dec 6, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Scaup limit 2/day Dec. 18-Jan. 31. No more than 4 mallards (max 2 female), 1 mottled duck, 2 black ducks, 3 pintails, 3 wood ducks, 2 canvasbacks, 2 redheads.
Zone: Statewide
Ducks, Mergansers, Coots, and Geese
Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Days
Feb 7-8, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross', and Brant)
General
Nov 14-30, 2025
Two season segments: Nov. 14-30 and Dec. 6-Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross', and Brant)
General
Dec 6, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Geese (Canada, White-fronted, Snow, Blue, Ross', Brant)
General Season
Nov 14, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Two splits: Nov. 14-Nov. 30 and Dec. 6-Jan. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Light Geese (Snow, Blue, Ross')
Light Goose Conservation Order
Oct 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
Special permit required. Four splits: Oct. 1-Nov. 13, Dec. 1-Dec. 5, Feb. 1-Feb. 6, Feb. 9-Mar. 31. Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns allowed. Non-toxic shot required. No federal duck stamp required. Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Light Goose (Snow, Blue, Ross')
Light Goose Conservation Order
Oct 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
Special permit required. Multiple segments: Oct. 1-Nov. 13, Dec. 1-Dec. 5, Feb. 1-Feb. 6, Feb. 9-Mar. 31. Electronic calls and unplugged shotguns allowed. Non-toxic shot required. No federal duck stamp needed. Valid MS hunting license and state waterfowl stamp required.
Zone: Statewide
Teal
September Teal Season
Sep 20-28, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl - Youth, Veterans, and Active Military
Special Youth/Veterans/Military Days
Feb 7-8, 2026
Youth, Veterans, and Active Military Waterfowl Days.
Zone: Statewide
Dove
Mourning and White-winged Doves
General Season
Sep 1, 2025-Jan 25, 2026
Three season splits: Sept. 1-Sept. 30, Oct. 18-Nov. 16, and Dec. 27-Jan. 25.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General - Season 1
Sep 1-30, 2025
Three separate season segments.
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General - Season 2
Oct 18-Nov 16, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove
General - Season 3
Dec 27, 2025-Jan 25, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Bobwhite Quail
General
Nov 27, 2025-Mar 7, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Bobwhite Quail
General Season
Nov 27, 2025-Mar 7, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Rabbit
General
Oct 18, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
General Season
Oct 18, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Squirrel
Youth Squirrel
Sep 24-30, 2025
Youth 15 and under only.
Zone: Private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands in areas open for squirrel hunting
Squirrel
Youth Season
Sep 24-30, 2025
Youth 15 and under. On private lands, authorized state and federal lands, and open public lands only in those areas open for squirrel hunting.
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Fall Season
Oct 1, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Spring Season
May 15-Jun 1, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
Furbearer (Trapping)
Trapping Season
Nov 1, 2025-Mar 15, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat
Food and Sport Season
Oct 1-31, 2025
Food and sport only.
Zone: Statewide
Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat
Food and Sport
Oct 1-31, 2025
Food and sport only. No pelt sales.
Zone: Statewide
Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat
Food, Sport, and Pelt Season
Nov 1, 2025-Mar 15, 2026
Food, sport, and pelt.
Zone: Statewide
Opossum, Raccoon, and Bobcat
Food, Sport, and Pelt
Nov 1, 2025-Mar 15, 2026
Food, sport, and pelt season.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
General Season
Jul 1-Sep 30, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
General
Jul 1-Sep 30, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Trapping
Trapping
Nov 1, 2025-Mar 15, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
15 listed rowsCanada Geese
September Canada Geese
Sep 1-30, 2025
Season is closed on Roebuck Lake in Leflore County.
Zone: Statewide
Gallinules (Common & Purple)
General Season
Sep 1-30, 2025
Two season splits: Sept. 1-Sept. 30 and Nov. 22-Dec. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Gallinules (Common and Purple)
General
Sep 1-30, 2025
Two seasons: Sept. 1-30 and Nov. 22-Dec. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Gallinules (Common and Purple)
General
Nov 22-Dec 31, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Rails: Clapper and King
General
Sep 1-30, 2025
Two seasons: Sept. 1-30 and Nov. 22-Dec. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Rails: Clapper and King
General Season
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2025
Two season splits: Sept. 1-Sept. 30 and Nov. 22-Dec. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Rails: Clapper and King
General
Nov 22-Dec 31, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Rails: Sora and Virginia
General Season
Sep 1-Dec 31, 2025
Two season splits: Sept. 1-Sept. 30 and Nov. 22-Dec. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Rails: Sora and Virginia
General
Sep 1-30, 2025
Two seasons: Sept. 1-30 and Nov. 22-Dec. 31.
Zone: Statewide
Rails: Sora and Virginia
General
Nov 22-Dec 31, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
General
Nov 14, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
General Season
Nov 14, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Show 3 more migratory birds rows
Teal
September Teal
Sep 20-28, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
General
Dec 18, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
General Season
Dec 18, 2025-Jan 31, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crows
General Season
Nov 1, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Crows
General
Nov 1, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Frog
General
Apr 1-Sep 30, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Frog
General Season
Apr 1-Sep 30, 2026
Zone: Statewide
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Mississippi Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Mississippi?
No current deer opener is listed for Mississippi yet. Check Mississippi MDWFP for the latest published dates.
When is Mississippi's firearm deer season?
Mississippi does not have a firearm deer row in the current data set yet. Check Mississippi MDWFP for firearm, rifle, or general deer season details.
When does spring turkey open in Mississippi?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for Mississippi yet. Check Mississippi MDWFP for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in Mississippi?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Mississippi hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Mississippi MDWFP.