Mississippi Hunting Guide
Long deer seasons and excellent turkey hunting across forests and farmland.
Hunting Highlights
Mississippi Hunting Seasons 2026
| Species | Archery | Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | Velvet hunt Sep 12–14 (permit/CWD rules); regular archery Oct 1 – Nov 21 (Southeast Unit from Oct 15) | Gun w/ dogs Nov 22–Dec 1 & Dec 24–Jan 21; gun w/o dogs Dec 16–23; youth Nov 8–21 (+ late archery Jan 22–31) |
| Wild Turkey | — | Youth Mar 7–13, 2026; general spring Mar 14 – May 3, 2026 (public-land drawing rules for NR early) |
| Waterfowl | — | Ducks/geese splits + teal/woodcock/snipe (MDWFP migratory table) |
* Season dates are approximate and may vary by zone or unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency for current regulations before hunting.
Key Species in Mississippi
Hunting Near Major Cities
Mississippi Hunting Articles
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Mississippi Channel Catfish Fishing 2026: Oxbows, Dams, Stink and Cut Bait
Mississippi channel catfish in 2026—MDWFP creel rules, oxbows and tailwaters, and night fishing on current seams and log jams.
Mississippi Crappie Fishing 2026: Grenada, Arkabutla, Spawning and Troll
Mississippi crappie in 2026—MDWFP creel and length rules, famous spillway and open-basin trolling, and minnow and jig programs.
Mississippi Largemouth Bass Fishing 2026: Barnett, Grenada, MDWFP Black Bass
Mississippi largemouth bass in 2026—MDWFP black bass regulations, major flood-control reservoirs, and grass, wood, and offshore summer patterns.
Mississippi Red Drum Fishing 2026: Mississippi Sound, Biloxi Marsh, Slots
Mississippi red drum in 2026—MDWFP saltwater regulations for Mississippi Sound and nearshore, slot and tag rules, and live-bait and lure tactics.
Mississippi Speckled Trout Fishing 2026: Sound Grass, Popping Corks, Limits
Mississippi speckled trout in 2026—MDWFP marine regulations, shallow flats and nearshore, ID from weakfish, and topwater and jig tactics.
Mississippi Fishing 2026: Licenses, Delta Lakes, and Gulf Shores
Mississippi fishing 2026—license options, MDWFP freshwater and saltwater regulations, Delta lake planning, Mississippi Sound rules, and official links.
Mississippi Spring Turkey Hunting 2026: New Turkey Stamp, Early Season & WMAs
Mississippi spring turkey 2026—youth March 7–13, regular March 14–May 3, Wild Turkey Stamp requirement, WMA rules, and Game Check reporting.