Mississippi is an outdoorsman's paradise with an abundance of wildlife and an ideal climate for hunting. Deer hunting season in Mississippi is an exciting time for hunters, and the state offers a variety of hunting opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hunter, learning when deer hunting season starts and ends in Mississippi is important to ensure you don't miss out on the fun.
Mississippi Hunting Seasons by Region
In Mississippi, deer hunting season varies by region. The state is divided into three regions: North, Central, and South, each with its own season dates and bag limits. The North region includes Alcorn, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Coahoma, DeSoto, Grenada, Humphreys, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Leflore, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Panola, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Washington, Webster, and Yalobusha counties. The Central region includes Claiborne, Copiah, Hinds, Jackson, Jefferson, Rankin, Simpson, and Warren counties. The South region includes Adams, Amite, Clarke, Franklin, George, Greene, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, Newton, Noxubee, Pearl River, Perry, Smith, Walthall, Wayne, and Wilkinson counties.
Deer Hunting Season in Mississippi: North Region
In the North region of Mississippi, deer hunting season starts the first Saturday in September and runs through the last Sunday in January. During this season, hunters are allowed to take up to five antlerless deer, and any combination of antlered and antlerless deer up to a maximum of five. The bag limit for antlered deer is two, but only one buck may be taken with at least one unbranched antler.
Deer Hunting Season in Mississippi: Central Region
In the Central region of Mississippi, deer hunting season runs from the first Saturday in October to the last Sunday in January. During this season, hunters are allowed to take up to five antlerless deer, and any combination of antlered and antlerless deer up to a maximum of five. The bag limit for antlered deer is two, but only one buck may be taken with at least one unbranched antler.
Deer Hunting Season in Mississippi: South Region
In the South region of Mississippi, deer hunting season runs from the first Saturday in October to the last Sunday in January. During this season, hunters are allowed to take up to five antlerless deer, and any combination of antlered and antlerless deer up to a maximum of five. The bag limit for antlered deer is two, but only one buck may be taken with at least one unbranched antler.
Deer Hunting Regulations in Mississippi
In addition to the deer hunting season dates, regulations vary by region in Mississippi. Hunters should check the regulations for the specific area they will be hunting in to ensure they comply with all the rules and regulations. Some basic regulations that apply statewide include the use of only legal firearms, the use of non-toxic shot for the taking of migratory birds, and the use of only legal methods and devices for hunting.
Deer Hunting License Requirements in Mississippi
All hunters in Mississippi must have a valid hunting license in order to legally hunt. Hunting licenses can be purchased from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. Residents must be at least 16 years of age to purchase a hunting license, and non-residents must be at least 12 years of age. Hunters must also complete a hunter education course before being able to purchase a hunting license.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hunting license in Mississippi?
Hunting licenses can be purchased from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. Residents must be at least 16 years of age to purchase a hunting license, and non-residents must be at least 12 years of age. Hunters must also complete a hunter education course before being able to purchase a hunting license.
What is the bag limit for deer hunting in Mississippi?
The bag limit for deer hunting in Mississippi varies by region. In the North region, hunters are allowed to take up to five antlerless deer, and any combination of antlered and antlerless deer up to a maximum of five. The bag limit for antlered deer is two, but only one buck may be taken with at least one unbranched antler. In the Central and South regions, the bag limit is the same.
What type of firearms are allowed for deer hunting in Mississippi?
Only legal firearms are allowed for deer hunting in Mississippi. Legal firearms include shotguns, rifles, handguns, muzzleloaders, and bows. Air-powered guns and crossbows are also allowed for deer hunting in some regions.
When does deer hunting season end in Mississippi?
Deer hunting season in Mississippi ends on the last Sunday in January in all regions.
Are there any restrictions on when I can hunt deer in Mississippi?
Yes, there are restrictions on when you can hunt deer in Mississippi. The hunting season dates vary by region, and there are also restrictions on when you can hunt during the season. Generally, hunting is prohibited after sunset and before sunrise.
Do I need to wear blaze orange when hunting deer in Mississippi?
Yes, all hunters are required to wear blaze orange when hunting deer in Mississippi. This includes a hat, vest, and upper outer garment that is at least 400 square inches of solid blaze orange.
Are there any special licenses required for deer hunting in Mississippi?
No, there are no special licenses required for deer hunting in Mississippi. All hunters must have a valid hunting license in order to legally hunt.
How do I check the regulations for deer hunting in Mississippi?
The regulations for deer hunting in Mississippi can be found on the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. Hunters should check the regulations for the specific area they will be hunting in to ensure they comply with all the rules and regulations.
What is the bag limit for antlered deer in Mississippi?
The bag limit for antlered deer in Mississippi is two, but only one buck may be taken with at least one unbranched antler.
What type of bait is allowed for deer hunting in Mississippi?
Baiting of deer is prohibited in Mississippi. This includes the use of any type of bait, such as corn, salt, and other types of feed.
What types of firearms are prohibited for deer hunting in Mississippi?
Certain firearms are prohibited for deer hunting in Mississippi. These include fully automatic firearms and any firearm with a bore diameter greater than .50 caliber.
Are there any restrictions on the use of decoys while deer hunting in Mississippi?
Yes, the use of decoys while deer hunting in Mississippi is restricted. Decoys must be placed at least 50 yards from the hunter and must be removed after the hunt is over.