Mississippi archery season offers standard and non-standard options for wildlife. You can expect game like turkey and deer, but alligator is also a popular option for hunters visiting or residing in the hospitality state.
Mississippi (MS) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Mississippi has several regulations hunters need to adhere to in season. It’s illegal to bait any animal other than problematic species like crows. Hunting dogs are allowed on hunts, but there are several restrictions on using them during turkey and archery deer seasons.
When does Archery Season Start in MS?
Mississippi Alligator Seasons
- General Season Public Waters August 27-September 6
- Private Lands August 28-September 20
*You’ll need a specialized license to hunt alligators. You can apply for permits online. Hunters drawn through the state wildlife lottery system for receiving alligator permits must attend alligator hunting training courses. Hunters must be residents aged 16 or over.
Mississippi Deer Seasons
- Archery September 16-18 / October 15-November 18
- Primitive Weapon November 7-18 / January 19-31 / February 1-15
*Season dates vary by region, as well as for hunting with or without dogs. Mississippi has five active hunting regions for deer seasons: Delta, Northeast, East Central, Southeast, and Southwest.
Mississippi Wild Turkey Seasons
- Fall General Season October 15-November 15
- Spring 2023 Youth Season March 8-14
- Spring 2023 General Season March 15-May 1
- Spring 2023 Non-resident Season March 15-28
*The turkey fall season opens by permit only on private land in specific counties.
Mississippi Small Game Seasons
- Rabbit October 15-February 28
- Bobwhite Quail November 24-March 4
- Raccoon July 1-September 30
- Opossum October 1-February 28
- Squirrel October 1-February 28 / May 15-June 1
- Squirrel Youth Hunt September 24-30
*Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary on animal species and seasons.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Mississippi?
Hunting is permitted from 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in MS
For more information on purchasing archery hunting permits, licenses, and regulations, visit the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
Mississippi Residents
Mississippi residents are classified as homeowners or long-term renters. College students and active-duty military personnel stationed in Mississippi are residents. All residents aged 16 to 64 must purchase a hunting license.
Non-Residents
Non-residents aged 16 or older must purchase a non-resident hunting license.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Mississippi non-residents and residents under 16 don’t need a hunting license. Residents have the option to purchase a Youth Exempt License.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Mississippi residents aged 65 or older may purchase a reduced-fee Resident Senior Exempt License valid for life.
Disability Licenses
Disabled persons can buy the annual Disabled Exempt License.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Mississippi can purchase resident hunting licenses. Active-duty military personnel stationed elsewhere don’t need a hunting license on leave. Non-resident active-duty military personnel may buy an Armed Forces 14-Day Hunting License.
Migratory Waterfowl Licenses
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp and Mississippi Electronic Waterfowl Stamp for hunting migratory waterfowl. Additionally, hunters must have proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expirations
Hunting licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Mississippi residents and non-residents can purchase lifetime hunting licenses.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
