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Mississippi

Mississippi Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Mississippi hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $25 General hunting
Non-Resident License $300 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1972-01-01
Online Purchase Yes Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026
LICENSE FEES

Mississippi Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026.

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident All Game Hunting/Fishing $25
Resident Sportsman's License $45
Resident Deer Hunter Package $60
Resident Super Sportsman Package $80
Resident Senior (65+) All Game Free

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident All Game Hunting $300
Non-Resident Deer Hunter Package $475
Non-Resident Super Sportsman Package $494
Non-Resident 7-Day All Game $150
Non-Resident Small Game $95

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Deer Permit $10 $75
Archery/Primitive/Crossbow Permit $14 $50
Wild Turkey Stamp $10 $35

Endorsements & Stamps

WMA User Permit $15 Required for hunting on Wildlife Management Areas
State Waterfowl Stamp $15 Required for waterfowl hunting in Mississippi
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required nationwide for waterfowl
HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Mississippi Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit outdoors.ms. Create an account or sign in. Select a package (Deer Hunter or Super Sportsman recommended). Add deer permit and turkey stamp separately if not in package. Pay with credit/debit card. Print your license and Game Checks

2

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Academy Sports + Outdoors, County circuit clerk offices, Local sporting goods stores

3

Buy By Phone

Call 601-432-2400. Agent and process fees may apply

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Mississippi hunting license is online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Mississippi

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1972
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required
Minimum age: 10 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education
Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Mississippi?

Category Benefit Details
Youth (Under 16) Free No license required for youth under 16; must be with licensed adult
Senior (65+) Free lifetime Mississippi residents 65+ get a free lifetime hunting and fishing license
Disabled Veteran Free 100% disabled veterans receive free hunting and fishing licenses
Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Mississippi hunt at resident rates
Landowner Exempt on own property Resident landowners may hunt on their own property without a license
SEASONS

Mississippi Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
White-tailed Deer Archery (Zone 1-5) Oct 1 – Nov 21 Bow, crossbow
White-tailed Deer Gun (Zone varies) Nov 22 – Feb 1 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow
White-tailed Deer Primitive Weapon Oct 13 – Nov 21 Muzzleloader, bow
Turkey (Spring) Spring Mar 15 – May 1 Shotgun, bow
Dove Regular Sep 1 – Nov 2 Shotgun
Duck/Waterfowl Regular Nov 22 – Jan 25 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)
BAG LIMITS

Mississippi Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
White-tailed Deer 1 buck 3 antlered + unlimited antlerless on private land Buck must have hardened antlers and minimum spread varies by zone
Turkey (Spring) 1 3 Gobblers only; 3 turkey Game Checks per stamp
Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged
Duck 6 No season limit Species-specific limits apply
COMPARE

How Mississippi Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

State Resident License Non-Resident License
Mississippi $25 $300
Alabama $34.35 $399.50 Tennessee $33 $305 Arkansas $25 $410 Louisiana $20 $200
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Mississippi?

Resident All Game costs $25. The Sportsman's License ($45) adds archery/primitive privileges. The Deer Hunter Package ($60) bundles Sportsman's + WMA User Permit. Non-resident Deer Hunter Package is $475 — best NR value.

How many deer can you kill in Mississippi?

3 antlered bucks per season (1 per day). Antlerless are unlimited on private land during gun season with a valid license. Bucks must have hardened antlers with minimum spread requirements varying by zone.

What is the Deer Hunter Package?

The Deer Hunter Package ($60 res / $475 NR) is the best value for deer hunters. It bundles the Sportsman's License (All Game + archery/primitive) with a WMA User Permit for public land access. Most serious hunters choose this.

Do seniors hunt free in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi residents 65+ receive a free lifetime All Game hunting and fishing license — one of the most generous senior programs in the country. No renewal needed.

Can I hunt alligators in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi has an alligator hunting season (August-September). Permits are by lottery. Resident tags are $25, non-resident $100. The season covers public waters and private lands in designated zones.

How long is Mississippi deer season?

Mississippi has a very long deer season. Archery opens October 1, primitive weapons in October/November, and gun season runs November through February. Combined season is 5+ months — one of the longest in the Southeast.

What is the minimum age to hunt in Mississippi?

No minimum age. Youth under 16 hunt free without needing a license but must have adult supervision. The apprentice hunting license allows first-time hunters to try before completing hunter education.

Can I buy a Mississippi hunting license online?

Yes, at outdoors.ms. The Deer Hunter Package is the most popular choice. Also available at Walmart, sporting goods stores, and county circuit clerk offices.

Ready to Get Your Mississippi Hunting License?

Visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks website to purchase your license online today.