Mississippi Deer Season 2025-2026: Latest Hunting Dates & Laws

Planning your wilderness adventures in Mississippi for the upcoming cycle? This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about pursuing whitetails across the Magnolia State’s diverse landscapes. We’ve compiled the latest information on dates, zones, and regulations for the 2025-2026 period to help you prepare for your next outdoor excursion. From the rolling hills of the northern regions to the lush bottomlands of the Delta, Mississippi offers varied opportunities for enthusiasts of all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or just starting out, understanding these timelines and rules will ensure you make the most of your time in the field while contributing to conservation efforts.

Summary of Mississippi’s Primary Deer Opportunities (2025-2026)

Table: Quick Reference for Key Seasons

🏹 Detailed Breakdown of All Deer Seasons

Mississippi’s whitetail calendar is carefully structured across multiple management units (Delta, North Central, Hills, and Southeast), each with slightly varying timelines to maximize both opportunity and herd health. The weapons and methods allowed change throughout the year, creating a diverse array of experiences.

Archery Periods

The archery seasons offer the first chance to pursue whitetails each year. A unique, three-day early archery opportunity for a single legal buck occurs from September 12-14, 2025, requiring a special permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling . This is followed by the main archery periods:

• Delta, North Central, and Hills Units: October 1 to November 21, 2025. Either-sex harvest is permitted on private and open public lands.
• Southeast Unit: October 15 to November 21, 2025. Either-sex harvest is permitted on private and open public lands .

Legal archery equipment includes longbows, recurves, crossbows, and compound bows with no restrictions on draw weight or arrow length. Both fixed and mechanical broadheads are permitted .

Firearms Seasons

The gun seasons are diverse, with regulations on the use of dogs and the types of deer that can be harvested depending on the land type (private vs. open public).

• Gun (With Dogs):
  • First Segment: November 22 to December 1, 2025
  • Second Segment: December 24, 2025, to January 21, 2026
  • Harvest: Either-sex on private land. Only legal bucks on open public land .
• Gun (Without Dogs): December 16 to 23, 2025. Either-sex on private land. Only legal bucks on open public land .

There are no caliber or magazine restrictions for firearms during these periods .

Primitive Weapon Seasons

This season blends traditional and modern hunting methods, running from December 2 to 15, 2025. Either-sex harvest is allowed on private and open public lands .

• Legal Weapons: Defined as muzzleloading rifles of at least .38 caliber, specific single-shot breech-loading rifles (.35 caliber or larger), or muzzleloading shotguns firing a single ball or slug. All archery equipment is also permitted during this season .
• A key exception: On private land after November 30, hunters may use any legal weapon of choice, including air bows and pre-charged pneumatic air guns, provided they have the appropriate license and permits .

Youth Seasons

Dedicated periods for young hunters aged 15 and under are a highlight of the calendar, designed to foster the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.

• Dates: The core youth gun season runs from November 8, 2025, to January 31, 2026, though specific harvest rules change after November 21 .
• Harvest Rules: Either-sex harvest is allowed on private lands throughout the entire season. On open public lands, either-sex is allowed from Nov. 8-21, but youth must follow legal buck criteria from Nov. 22 onward .

Other Deer-Related Game and Late Seasons

Non-Native Species

While Mississippi’s big game focus is primarily on the native white-tailed deer, hunters should be aware that occasional non-native or exotic species like axis deer or sika deer are not commonly found in wild populations and are typically regulated on private high-fence properties under different rules. Always verify the exact species and regulations with the MDWFP before planning a hunt for these animals.

Late Season Snapshot

Table: Late Season Opportunities (Jan-Feb 2026)

📋 Important Regulations and Legal Definitions

Knowing the dates is only half the battle. Understanding the rules is crucial for an ethical and legal experience.

• Legal Buck Definition: This varies by management unit.
  • Delta: Minimum inside spread of 12 inches OR a minimum main beam length of 15 inches.
  • Hills & Southeast: Minimum inside spread of 10 inches OR a minimum main beam length of 13 inches.
  • North Central: Simply a hardened antler above the hairline .
• CWD Regulations: Chronic Wasting Disease sampling and mandatory reporting are required in specific zones and during certain seasons (like the early September archery). Always check the latest MDWFP guidelines for current CWD management zones and requirements .
• Public Land vs. Private Land: Regulations often differ significantly. “Open Public Lands” include National Forests and Corps of Engineers lands, while Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) have their own specific sets of rules and seasons not covered in this general guide .

🎟️ License, Tag Fees and Requirements

• License Requirements: All hunters must possess a valid Mississippi hunting license. Residents and non-residents have different license options. You can purchase them online from the MDWFP website or from authorized license vendors throughout the state.
• Tag Fees: Mississippi’s license system includes tags for harvesting game. The required license types and their associated costs vary depending on your age, residency status, and the type of game you’re pursuing. For the most accurate and current fee structure, always refer directly to the official MDWFP licensing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the shooting hours for deer in Mississippi?

Shooting hours typically begin one-half hour before sunrise and end at sunset for most seasons, unless otherwise specified (e.g., special goose conservation orders) .

Can I use a crossbow during the archery season?

Yes, crossbows are explicitly listed as legal equipment for all archery seasons in Mississippi .

Are there any bag limits for deer?

The state allows for a generous bag limit, but the specific number of antlered and antlerless deer you can harvest can depend on the management unit and the type of season. It’s best to consult the official MDWFP regulations for a complete breakdown.

Do I need a special permit to hunt on public land?

For most “Open Public Lands” like National Forests, no special permit is needed beyond your hunting license. However, Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) often require a separate WMA permit and may have drawn hunts. Non-residents face restrictions on public land for turkey before April 1, a rule that highlights the importance of always checking specific land regulations .

What is the “Light Goose Conservation Order” mentioned in the dates?

This is a special conservation measure for harvesting light geese (snow, blue, Ross’s geese) that is not a traditional waterfowl season. It allows the use of electronic calls and unplugged shotguns to help manage overpopulated species . It does not apply to deer hunting.

Conclusion

Mississippi’s 2025 whitetail calendar offers a long and varied framework for hunters of all preferences, stretching from September’s early archery to February’s late primitive weapon sessions. Success hinges on understanding the distinct zones (Delta, North Central, Hills, Southeast), the constantly shifting harvest regulations based on land type, and the specific definitions of a legal buck in your chosen area. Grab your appropriate license, review the latest rules from the MDWFP, and prepare for a memorable time pursuing whitetails across the state’s beautiful and diverse landscapes.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes only and is based on regulations for the 2025-2026 seasons as provided by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). Hunting regulations are subject to change. Always confirm the most current rules, zones, and license requirements directly on the official 🔗 MDWFP website before heading into the field.

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James Ellis

James Ellis, the passionate creator of DeerSeason.Org, is dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation for wildlife. With over a decade of experience in exploring the world of deer, his writing reflects an extensive understanding of these magnificent creatures

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