Mississippi Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Your guide to Mississippi hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to apply through MDWFP.
Mississippi Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident license: from $36.00 — Non-resident: from $300.00
- Managed by: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
- License year: 2025-2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — complete online
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military, landowner
- Buy online 24/7 at https://www.mdwfp.com/license/
Mississippi Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Mississippi is a premier hunting state in the Deep South, managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). The Magnolia State offers abundant white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game across its mix of Delta bottomlands, pine forests, and hardwood ridges. Mississippi has one of the longest deer seasons in the country, and the Delta region is legendary for its waterfowl hunting along the Mississippi Flyway. The state uses a Sportsman's License system where the base license covers all game with archery and primitive weapon privileges. Seniors aged 65 and older are exempt from most license requirements. Mississippi's unique velvet-season buck hunting in September is a popular early-season opportunity. Non-residents should budget for the All Game license plus separate deer and turkey permits. Hunter education is required for anyone born after January 1, 1972. Licenses can be purchased from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Sportsman's License | $36.00 | — | 1 year | All game + archery/primitive |
| NR All Game Hunting | — | $300.00 | 1 year | |
| NR 7-Day All Game | — | $200.00 | 7 days | |
| NR 3-Day All Game | — | $100.00 | 3 days | |
| NR Deer Permit | — | $225.00 | Season | Includes velvet season |
| Wild Turkey Stamp (All Hunters) | $10.00 | $100.00 | Season | New for 2026 — required for all turkey hunters |
| Resident WMA User Permit | $15.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR WMA User Permit | — | $50.00 | 1 year | |
| State Waterfowl Stamp | $5.50 | $15.00 | 1 year | |
| Armed Forces 14-Day Hunt/Fish | — | $32.00 | 14 days | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.00 | $30.00 | 1 year |
Prices from Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Mississippi license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for anyone born after January 1, 1972. Apprentice license available for one-time exemption.
How to Buy a Mississippi Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or an authorized retail agent (Walmart, sporting goods stores).
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Mississippi.
Need help? Call Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks at 601-432-2400
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Mississippi Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 1 | January 31 | Varies by zone |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | November 21 | January 20 | With dogs: Nov 21 - Dec 1, Dec 24 - Jan 20 |
| White-tailed Deer | Primitive Weapon | November 9 | January 31 | Antlerless only in some areas |
| White-tailed Deer | Velvet Buck | September 18 | September 20 | 3-day special season; permit required |
| Turkey | Spring | March 15 | May 1 | Youth season starts March 8 |
| Duck | General | November 27 | January 31 | Estimated flyway dates |
| Dove | General | September 5 | January 15 | |
| Quail | General | November 21 | March 1 |
View full Mississippi season regulations on MDWFP
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Free | Mississippi residents aged 65 and older are exempt from most license fees |
| Youth | Free for under 16 | Youth under 16 can hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced | Disabled Mississippi veterans may qualify for reduced-fee licenses |
| Active Military | 14-Day License ($32) | Active duty military — Armed Forces 14-Day Hunt/Fish license |
| Landowner | Exempt on own land | Resident landowners hunting on their own property |
Mississippi Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Mississippi official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- 500 square inches of solid, unbroken daylight fluorescent orange above the waist required during firearms deer season.
- Mississippi has a unique velvet-season buck hunting period in September.
- CWD management zone regulations apply in specific counties.
- Electronic game reporting is required for all deer, turkey, and certain other game.
Read full Mississippi regulations on MDWFP
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Recommended Mississippi Hunting Gear
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Mississippi Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Mississippi?
A resident hunting license in Mississippi starts at $36.00. Non-resident licenses start at $300.00. Additional tags and endorsements may be required depending on the species you plan to hunt.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi requires hunter education for first-time buyers. Required for anyone born after January 1, 1972. Apprentice license available for one-time exemption. The state accepts hunter education certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Mississippi?
Yes, non-residents can purchase a Mississippi hunting license. The non-resident general hunting license costs $300.00. Some special tags or units may have limited non-resident allocations.
What is the deer season in Mississippi?
Archery: October 1 – January 31. Firearms: November 21 – January 20. Primitive Weapon: November 9 – January 31. Velvet Buck: September 18 – September 20
Are there free hunting licenses in Mississippi?
Yes, Mississippi offers free or reduced-cost licenses for: senior (Mississippi residents aged 65 and older are exempt from most license fees); youth (Youth under 16 can hunt without a license when accompanied by a licensed adult).
Can I buy a Mississippi hunting license online?
Yes, you can purchase a Mississippi hunting license online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website at https://www.mdwfp.com/license/. Licenses may also be available at authorized retail locations.