If you’re planning your hunting calendar, knowing when deer hunting season ends in MS is a key piece of information. This guide will give you the exact dates and all the details you need for a successful and legal season.
Mississippi offers some of the best deer hunting in the country. But the rules can be a bit complex, with different zones and weapon types. We’ll break it all down so you can plan your last trips afield with confidence.
When Does Deer Hunting Season End In MS
The end date for deer season in Mississippi isn’t a single day. It varies significantly based on the zone you’re in and the type of weapon you’re using. The season is managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). They set the calendar each year, and while dates are similar, you should always verify with the current year’s regulations.
Mississippi Deer Zone Breakdown
Mississippi is divided into three main deer hunting zones: Delta, Northeast, and Southwest. Each has its own opening and closing dates for archery, primitive weapon, and firearm seasons.
Delta Zone
This zone covers the fertile Mississippi River floodplain. It typically has the longest seasons.
- Archery Season: Usually opens around October 1 and closes around January 31.
- Primitive Weapon Season: Often runs in late October and again in late December into January.
- Firearm Season: Generally opens in early November and closes in late January.
Northeast Zone
This zone includes the hill country and has slightly different timing.
- Archery Season: Usually opens around October 1 and closes around January 31.
- Primitive Weapon Season: Typically occurs in late October and a segment in late December.
- Firearm Season: Commonly opens in early November and closes in early to mid-January.
Southwest Zone
This zone’s seasons are structured a bit differently, often with a later closing for some segments.
- Archery Season: Often opens in mid-October and closes around January 31.
- Primitive Weapon Season: Usually has a segment in early November and another in late January.
- Firearm Season: Typically opens in mid-November and closes in late January.
Weapon-Specific Season End Dates
Understanding the weapon classifications is crucial for knowing when you can legally hunt.
Archery Season End
Archery season is almost always the longest. In most zones, it runs continously from early October through January 31st. This gives bowhunters a massive window of opportunity, especially during the late season when deer patterns change.
Primitive Weapon Season End
Primitive weapon season, which includes muzzleloaders and certain shotguns, usually has two segments. The first is in the fall. The second segment often extends into January, sometimes ending around the 17th or the 31st, depending on the zone. Always check the specific dates for your zone.
Firearm Season End
Modern gun season is what most hunters think of. It generally ends earliest. In the Northeast Zone, it often closes in early January. In the Delta and Southwest Zones, it can extend into late January. This is the busiest time in the woods, so safety is paramount.
How to Find the Official Dates Each Year
The MDWFP releases the official hunting season dates each spring or early summer. Here’s how to get them:
- Visit the MDWFP website and navigate to the “Hunting” section.
- Look for the “Seasons and Regulations” guide. It’s a free PDF download.
- Find the deer season table, which lists all zones and weapon types clearly.
- You can also pick up a printed copy at most license vendors or MDWFP offices.
Late Season Hunting Strategies
Hunting near the end of the season requires a different approach. The deer have been pressured for months and weather conditions are harsh.
- Focus on Food Sources: With natural browse scarce, deer congregate around remaining food plots, agricultural fields, and hard mast like acorns if any remain.
- Play the Wind Religiously: Deer are extremly wary late season. Your scent control needs to be perfect.
- Consider All-Day Sits: Deer movement can become sporadic. Staying on stand longer increases your chances of seeing a mature buck moving mid-day.
- Use the Weather: A cold front or light snow can trigger great movement, even late in the year.
Bag Limits and Legal Requirements
Knowing when the season ends is useless if you don’t follow the harvest rules. Mississippi has specific bag limits that you must adhere to.
- Legal Bucks: A buck must have either a minimum inside antler spread of 12 inches OR a minimum main beam length of 15 inches. There are exceptions for youth hunters.
- Antlerless Deer: The rules for harvesting does vary by zone and sometimes by date. You must check the regulations for the specific antlerless dates in your zone.
- Tagging and Reporting: You must immediately tag your deer with your harvest log from your license. You are also required to report your harvest within 24 hours through the MDWFP’s game check system online or by phone.
Preparing for the Last Hunt
Your final outing of the year deserves careful preparation. Here’s a quick checklist.
- Check Your Gear: Inspect your weapon, ammo, stands, and safety harnesses for wear and tear.
- Scout Again: Late-season patterns shift. Take an afternoon to look for fresh sign near food sources.
- Review Landowner Permissions: Ensure your permission is still valid, especially if hunting private land.
- Pack for Extreme Cold: Include hand warmers, extra layers, and a thermos. Hypothermia is a real risk.
What Happens After the Season Ends?
Just because hunting season is over doesn’t mean your deer management work stops. The off-season is critical.
- Analyze Trail Camera Data: Review your photos to see which bucks made it through the season.
- Plan Habitat Work: February is a great time for planting native shrubs or conducting controlled burns.
- Maintain Equipment: Thoroughly clean and store your firearms and bows properly.
- Apply for Draw Hunts: The MDWFP offers special draw hunts; applications often open in the spring.
Common Mistakes to Avoid as the Season Closes
In the rush to fill a last tag, hunters often make errors. Avoid these common pitfalls.
- Ignoring Zone Boundaries: Know exactly where you are. The zone line can mean the difference between a legal harvest and a violation.
- Forgetting Antlerless Restrictions: The ability to harvest a doe often changes on specific dates. Don’t assume the rules are the same as they were in November.
- Poor Shot Selection: With sparse cover, waiting for the perfect, ethical shot is even more important. Don’t take risky shots out of desperation.
- Neglecting to Report: Failing to report your harvest within 24 hours is a common and easily avoided ticket.
FAQ: Mississippi Deer Season End Dates
What is the latest date you can hunt deer in Mississippi?
The latest date is typically January 31st for archery season in most zones. Some primitive weapon segments may also run through January 31st in certain zones, like the Southwest.
Does all deer hunting end on the same day in Mississippi?
No, it does not. Archery, primitive weapon, and modern gun seasons all have different end dates. Additionally, these dates vary between the Delta, Northeast, and Southwest zones.
When is the last day of rifle season in MS?
For modern firearm season, the last day is usually in early January for the Northeast Zone and in late January for the Delta and Southwest Zones. You must consult the annual regulations for the definitive date.
Can you hunt deer in February in Mississippi?
Generally, no. The main deer seasons all conclude by January 31st at the absolute latest. There are no general February deer seasons, though special youth or disability hunts may occasionally be scheduled, but these are rare.
How do I know which zone I’m hunting in?
The MDWFP provides detailed zone maps in their regulations guide and on their website. You can also use GPS hunting apps that often have the zone boundaries layered. If your unsure, contact a local MDWFP office for clarification.
Are the dates the same every year?
They are similar but not identical. The MDWFP sets the calendar annually, so you must check the new regulations each summer before making your plans. Relying on last year’s dates could lead to hunting out of season.
Planning around the final days of the season can lead to some of the most rewarding hunts of the year. The pressure is lower, and the deer are focused on survival, offering a unique challenge. By knowing the precise answer to “when does deer hunting season end in MS” for your zone and weapon, you can extend your time in the woods and make the most of every opportunity. Remember, safety and ethics should always be your top priority, especially as the season winds down. Good luck out there.