When is Rifle Season in Mississippi?
Hunters across the state are eagerly anticipating the opening day of rifle season in Mississippi. In this article, we will provide you with the important dates, hunting regulations, and essential tips to help you plan a successful rifle hunting trip.
Understanding Mississippi’s Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) Designations
Mississippi’s wildlife management unit (WMU) is divided into three zones:
- Zone A: LeFlore, George, Greene, Wayne, Franklin, Sunflower, DeSoto, Tate, Pontotoc, Tishomingo, Alcorn, Lee, Pontotoc, and Tishomingo counties
- Zone B: Itawamba, Monroe, Calhoun, Webster, Chickasaw, Yalobusha, Grenada, Carroll, Montgomery, Webster, Leake, Winston, Clarke, Choctaw, Kemper, and Lowndes counties
- Zone C: All counties except those mentioned above
Contents
Dates and Details for Mississippi’s Rifle Hunting Season
When is Rifle Season in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the rifle deer season dates vary depending on the zone. Here is a table outlining the season dates and bag limits:
WMU | October 10-18 and November 14-15 | January 3-10, 2022 |
---|---|---|
Zone A | Open | Antlered Only |
Zone B | Open | Buck Only (1 buck tag) |
Zone C | Closed |
Types of Rifles Allowed During Mississippi’s Rifle Season
You can use only _centerfire rifles and handguns during the regular rifle seasons. The Centerfire Muzzleloader rifle is excluded from this classification.
Resident Hunting Licenses
To hunt in Mississippi, you’ll need a valid hunting license. A resident small game season license allows you to hunt deer with a muzzleloader, as well as other small game species during the small game season (October 25 – April 15). A resident general hunt license, on the other hand, allows you to hunt deer with a shotgun, archery equipment, or centerfire rifle (including rifles equipped with magazines).
Wear the Proper Gear during Mississippi’s Rifle Season
Recommended Gear for Safety and Camouflage
Remember to bring the following:
- Blaze orange or a hat with at least 10 square inches of flame-resistant material when hunting **deer or boar
- Appropriate eyewear, such as shooting glasses with a neck strap or protective eyewear with side protection
- Insulated, windproof clothing and a pair of gloves
- A backpack or camouflage bag with gear, as well as some extra necessities like food and water
Mississippi’s Deer Habitat and Recommendations
When planning your trip, consider Mississippi’s mature tree cover (more than 25 trees per acre) and dense understories, as they provide natural cover and resting areas for deer.
Recommended areas with suitable habitats are:
• Coastal flatwoods: Pinewoods, hardwood areas, and wetlands
• Piedmont: Tallgrass prairies and oak-hickory stands
• Black belt: Deciduous bottomlands, red oak-dominant timber, and agricultural areas