Find information about hunting and wildlife programs and useful resources to enhance your hunting and wildlife knowledge, management, and experiences.

Plan Your Next Hunt

Hunting Rules
General Hunting Rules & Regulations

Gear up for the hunt with our general rules and regulations—your quick guide to a safe and successful outdoor experience.

Hunter Education Class
Hunter Education

Any person born after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course to legally hunt in Mississippi.

Game Check Deer
Deer & Turkey Game Check

Learn more about Game Check and download the MDWFP app to report your white-tailed deer and turkey harvests.

Hunting Photo Shoot
More Than a Hunt

With the population of Mississippi's deer herd rising, MDWFP is calling on hunters to take action to preserve the balance of nature.

Caston Creek
Wildlife Management Areas

Looking for a place to hunt? MDWFP has more than 50 Wildlife Management Areas across the state that are open to hunting.

Waterfowl Hunt

Apply for WMA Draw Hunts

Here hunters can submit applications for MDWFP-permitted hunts on select Wildlife Management Areas.

Hunting Seasons

View all hunting seasons
Spring Turkey
SeasonDates
Youth (Private and authorized state and federal
public lands. Youth 15 and under) 		Mar. 8 - 14 
Spring Mar. 15 - May 1 
Non- Resident (Public Lands) Mar. 8 - 31 

Non-residents Turkey Hunting on Public Lands: Non-residents cannot hunt any public land in Mississippi before April 1 unless drawn for either a Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or WMA Draw Hunt. During youth season on public land, any non-resident accompanying adult must be permitted/ drawn.

White-tailed Deer - Delta, North Central, and Hills Deer Management Units
MethodSeason Dates
ArcherySept. 13 - 15
Oct. 1 - Nov. 22
Youth Season (15 and under) Nov. 9 - Nov. 22 
Nov. 23 - Jan. 31 
Antlerless Primitive WeaponNov. 11 - 22
Gun (with dogs)Nov. 23 - Dec. 1 
Primitive WeaponDec. 2 - 15
Gun (without dogs)Dec. 16 - 23
Gun (with dogs)Dec. 24 - Jan. 22
Archery/Primitive WeaponJan. 23 - 31

There are additional details pertinent to regional and WMA hunting dates and limits.

White-tailed Deer Southeast Unit
MethodSeason Dates
ArcherySept. 13 - 15
Oct. 15 - Nov. 22
Youth Season
(15 and under)		Nov. 9 - Nov. 22
Nov. 23 - Feb. 15
Gun (with dogs)Nov. 23 - Dec. 1
Primitive Weapon Dec. 2 - 15
Gun (without dogs)Dec. 16 - 23
Gun (with dogs)Dec. 24 - Jan. 22
Archery/Primitive WeaponJan. 23 - 31
Feb. 1 - 15

There are additional details pertinent to regional and WMA hunting dates and limits. 

Hot Topics

Two Deer
Chronic Wasting Disease

Learn about Chronic Wasting Disease in Mississippi, including how to submit samples in suspected CWD cases.

Wild Hogs
Nuisance Wildlife

Find resources, information, and tools to manage wildlife that might be a nuisance to your land.

Licenses
Licenses & Permits

Learn about available licenses, permits, boating registration, and more.