If you’re planning your hunting calendar, you need to know when does deer hunting season start in Mississippi. The opening dates are crucial for your preparation and success in the field.
Mississippi offers a long and generous deer season, but the exact start date depends on the zone you hunt in and the type of weapon you use. This guide will break down all the key dates, zones, and regulations you need for the upcoming season. We’ll cover everything from archery to primitive weapons and modern gun seasons.
Let’s get you ready for a safe and productive hunt.
When Does Deer Hunting Season Start In Mississippi
Mississippi’s deer season is structured across three main hunting zones: the Delta, Northeast, and Southwest Zones. Each zone has slightly different dates, primarily for the modern gun season. The archery and primitive weapon seasons are mostly consistent across the state, with a few exceptions.
For the most current and official regulations, always check the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) website before you head out. Rules can change from year to year.
Mississippi Deer Season Zones Explained
First, you need to know which zone you’ll be hunting in. This is the biggest factor for your gun season dates.
- Delta Zone: This includes the Mississippi River floodplain counties. It typically has the earliest modern gun season opener.
- Northeast Zone: This covers the north-central and northeastern part of the state.
- Southwest Zone: This encompasses the south-central and southwestern counties. It usually has the latest modern gun opener.
You can find detailed zone maps on the MDWFP website. County lines determine the zone, so be sure of your location.
Archery Season Start Dates
Archery season is the longest season in Mississippi. It gives you a quiet, challenging way to start your hunt.
- The archery season typically opens around October 1st statewide.
- It runs continuously through the primitive and modern gun seasons, closing in late January.
- You can use archery equipment during any open season, as long as you follow the weapon-specific rules for that season.
This long window provides ample opportunity for those who enjoy the bowhunting challenge.
Primitive Weapon Season Start Dates
Primitive weapon season, often called muzzleloader season, is a favorite for many hunters. It offers a unique blend of tradition and challenge.
- The primitive weapon season usually opens in mid to late October.
- It runs for about two weeks before the modern gun seasons begin.
- Legal weapons include muzzleloading rifles of .38 caliber or larger, single-shot breech-loading rifles, and archery equipment.
This season is a great time to be in the woods with less pressure than the gun opener.
Modern Gun Season Start Dates
This is the main event for most hunters. The start dates vary significantly by zone.
- Delta Zone: Modern gun season often opens the Friday before Thanksgiving.
- Northeast Zone: It usually opens the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
- Southwest Zone: This zone commonly opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
All modern gun seasons run through late January, with a break in early January in some zones. Always verify the exact dates each year.
Youth Gun Season Dates
Mississippi has a special season for youth hunters. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce kids to the sport.
- The youth gun season is typically held in early November.
- It is open to youth hunters 15 and younger (and youth who are 16 and under who have a Youth Exempt License).
- Youth may harvest one legal buck and one antlerless deer per day during this season.
- They must be supervised by a non-hunting adult 21 or older.
How to Find Your Exact County Dates
Don’t guess your dates. Use these steps to be certain.
- Go to the MDWFP official website.
- Find the “Hunting” section and look for the current year’s “Mississippi Hunting Regulations” guide.
- Download the PDF and find the deer season summary table.
- Locate your county in the table to see the specific dates for each season type.
- Bookmark the page or print the regulations for quick reference.
License and Permit Requirements
Having the right license is just as important as knowing the dates. Here’s what you typically need:
- All Hunters: Mississippi Hunting License.
- All Deer Hunters: Mississippi Deer Permit (tag).
- Harvest Reporting: You must report your deer harvest through the MDWFP’s telecheck system. This is mandatory for every deer taken.
- Additional Permits: If hunting on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), you may need a WMA permit. Always check the specific WMA rules.
Licenses and permits can be purchased online, at license vendors, or at MDWFP offices.
Bag Limits and Legal Deer
Understanding what you can harvest is key to ethical and legal hunting.
- Legal Buck: A male deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline. Antlerless deer are does and button bucks.
- Bag Limits: Limits vary by zone and sometimes by county. A common structure is:
- 3 antlered bucks per season combined (archery, primitive, gun).
- 1 antlered buck per day.
- Antlerless deer limits are set by specific county regulations. Some counties have daily limits, while others may have season limits or specific “doe days.”
You must check the regulations for the county you hunt in to know the exact antlerless deer rules. They are subject to change annually based on herd management goals.
Pre-Season Scouting Checklist
Good scouting leads to successful hunts. Start early.
- Get permission if hunting private land. Do this well in advance.
- Look for deer sign: tracks, rubs on trees, and scrapes on the ground.
- Identify feeding areas (acorn trees, agricultural fields) and bedding areas (thick cover).
- Set up trail cameras to pattern deer movement.
- Plan your stand locations based on wind direction and access routes.
- Clear shooting lanes and check stand safety a few weeks before the season.
Essential Gear for Mississippi Deer Season
Being prepared with the right gear makes your hunt safer and more enjoyable.
- Safety Harness: Never climb a tree stand without one. This is non-negotiable.
- Appropriate Weapon: Bow, muzzleloader, or rifle, sighted-in and practiced with.
- Blaze Orange: During any gun season, you must wear at least 500 square inches of solid blaze orange (a vest and cap usually covers it).
- Licenses and Permits: Keep them on you in a waterproof bag.
- Field Dressing Kit: Sharp knife, gloves, and game bags.
- Navigation: GPS or detailed map and compass.
- Basic Survival Kit: First aid, fire starter, water, and a whistle.
Step-by-Step: Reporting Your Harvest
You must report every deer you harvest. Here’s how.
- Field dress your deer and prepare it for transport.
- Before moving the deer, you must attach your deer permit/tag to the carcass. This is your temporary tag.
- Within 24 hours of harvest, you must report the deer through the MDWFP telecheck system.
- You can report online or by phone. Have your license number and harvest details ready (county, date, sex of deer, etc.).
- You will recieve a confirmation number. Write this number on your temporary tag. This is your proof of reporting.
- Keep this tag with the deer until it is processed.
Hunting on Public Land in Mississippi
Mississippi has excellent public hunting opportunities on its Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
- You need a valid hunting license, deer permit, and a WMA permit to hunt on most WMAs.
- Some WMAs have special draw hunts for specific dates. Apply for these early.
- Scouting is even more important on public land. Learn the terrain and find spots away from easy access points.
- Be courteous to other hunters. Public land is a shared resource.
Always get the specific WMA regulations brochure from the MDWFP for the area you plan to hunt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others so you don’t make these errors.
- Not Checking Current Regulations: Assuming last year’s rules still apply is a big mistake.
- Poor Shot Placement: Know your weapon’s effective range and wait for a good, ethical shot.
- Ignoring the Wind: Deer have an incredible sense of smell. Always hunt with the wind in your face.
- Over-hunting a Stand: Going to the same stand too frequently leaves your scent and disturbs the area.
- Not Being Prepared for the Weather: Mississippi weather can change quickly. Dress in layers and have rain gear.
- Failing to Report a Harvest: This is a violation and hurts wildlife management efforts.
FAQs About Mississippi Deer Season
What is the earliest you can hunt deer in Mississippi?
The earliest season is archery, which typically starts on October 1st statewide.
Can you hunt deer with a rifle in Mississippi?
Yes, during the modern gun season. Legal rifles include centerfire .22 caliber or larger, and shotguns with slugs are also permitted.
How long is deer season in MS?
From the archery opener in early October to the final season closures in late January, the total opportunity spans nearly four months, depending on the weapon type.
What are the Mississippi deer hunting dates for the Delta Zone?
The Delta Zone usually has the earliest modern gun opener, often the Friday before Thanksgiving. Check the regulations for exact archery and primitive weapon dates, which are more consistent across zones.
Is there a late season for deer in Mississippi?
Yes, the archery and primitive weapon seasons often reopen for a short period in late January after the modern gun season closes in most zones.
Do I need to wear orange during bow season?
You are not required to wear blaze orange during the archery-only season. However, if you are hunting during a primitive or modern gun season with archery equipment, you must wear the required blaze orange.
Final Preparation Tips
As the season approaches, focus on these final steps.
- Sight-in your weapon one more time a week before the season.
- Pack your gear bag early so you’re not rushing the night before.
- Tell someone your hunting plan: where you’ll be and when you expect to return.
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Your awareness and safety depend on it.
Knowing when does deer hunting season start in Mississippi is your first step. The next steps involve careful preparation, understanding the rules, and practicing safe hunting habits. Mississippi’s diverse seasons offer something for every hunter, from the quiet solitude of October bowhunts to the classic traditions of fall gun seasons. By following the guidelines and respecting the resource, you can have a rewarding and memorable season in the Magnolia State. Remember, the most important part of any hunt is returning home safely to do it again.