When is Gun Season in Mississippi?
If you’re a hunter residing in Mississippi or planning a hunting trip to the Magnolia State, it’s essential to know the opening and closing dates for different types of game during various gun seasons. In this article, we’ll break down the gun seasons for white-tailed deer, youth deer, wild boar, and waterfowl in Mississippi.
Important Dates to Remember
Before we dive into the gun seasons, here are the essential dates to mark in your calendar:
- September 1: Mississippi Wildlife Commission sets the seasons
- October 15-16: Youth Deer Hunt weekend
- November 5-14: Firearm Deer Season for antlered and unantlered deer (varies by region)
- December 19-January 1: Winter Wild Turkey Season
- January 10-29: Wild Boar Season (statewide)
- January 13-22: Late Wild Turkey Season
- November 11-19, January 15-25: Duck Seasons (varies by region)
Gun Seasons for White-Tailed Deer
Mississippi has an overabundance of white-tailed deer, which has led to various harvest regulations to maintain a sustainable population. Here’s an overview of the firearm seasons for white-tailed deer:
- Youth Deer Hunt: The two-day youth deer hunt, usually held on the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving, is designed for youngsters ages 15 and younger, accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years or older. The bag limit for youth hunters is 2 deer, with no antler restrictions.
- Firearm Deer Season: For hunters 16 and older, the firearm deer season typically runs from mid-November to late November and allows the harvest of one antlered and two unantlered deer. Important note: Antlered deer bag limits vary by Wildlife Management Area (WMA), so be sure to check the specific regulations for your hunting location.
- Late Deer Season (optional): This seasons allows hunters to take antlered deer in the western and southern regions. The dates and regulations will be announced closer to the season.
Gun Seasons for Wild Boar
The feral wild boar population in Mississippi is an increasing concern, leading the Wildlife Commission to establish specific seasons for hunting these wild pigs. Here are the essential details:
- Statewide Wild Boar Season: This season usually occurs in late January, typically from January 10 to January 29, during which hunters can harvest both male and female feral hogs. The bag limit is unlimited, and there are no closed days during this season.
Gun Seasons for Waterfowl
Mississippi has a rich waterfowl heritage, with many rivers, lakes, and marshes providing habitat for waterfowl species. The firearm seasons for ducks, geese, and coots are as follows:
- Duck Seasons: Mississippi has three separate duck seasons, each with unique dates and bag limits.
- Northern Zones: November 11-19 and January 15-25
- Central Zones: November 11-19, January 15-22, and January 15-25
- Southern Zones: December 10-17, January 15-25
- Geese Season: Mississippi has two main goose seasons: one in November and another in February. The bag limit and regulations vary by species, so be sure to review the specific guidelines.
Important Reminders and Permits
Before you hit the fields and marshes, remember the following important details:
- Make sure you have a valid Mississippi hunting license, which can be purchased online or at a license dealership.
- Tagged deer: All deer, including antlered and unantlered deer, must be tagged at the time of harvest using a valid Mississippi Deer Permit.
- Boating permits: If you plan to hunt waterfowl from a boat, make sure you have the necessary permits and follow boating regulations.
- Range etiquette: Always follow proper safety guidelines and respect fellow hunters when using public ranges.
- Regulations change: Check the Mississippi Wildlife Commission’s website regularly for updates on regulations, which may change from year to year.
Conclusion
Gun seasons in Mississippi provide a unique opportunity for hunters to pursue various game species. By understanding the important dates, regulations, and permits required, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience. Always be mindful of your surroundings, follow proper safety guidelines, and respect the natural habitat of the wildlife you’re targeting. Happy hunting!
