This complete Mississippi small game guide covers every detail you need to hunt small game legally and successfully across Mississippi. From early dove season through late-winter squirrel hunts, we’ll walk you through dates, limits, licenses, and the best places to hunt.
Here’s what we’re covering:
- All 2026 season dates and bag limits for every small game species
- License requirements and costs for residents and non-residents
- Top hunting locations from public WMAs to private lease opportunities
Let’s jump into the season dates you need to know.
Quick Overview: 2026 Mississippi Small Game Seasons
Save this table to your phone. You’ll reference these dates more than you think.
| Species | Season Type | Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Regular | Oct 1, 2026 – Feb 27, 2027 | 8 | $24.00 |
| Rabbit | Regular | Oct 17, 2026 – Feb 27, 2027 | 8 | $24.00 |
| Quail | Regular (WMAs only) | Nov 1, 2026 – Feb 27, 2027 | $10.00 | $30.00 |
| Dove | North Zone Split 1 | Sept 1–30, 2026 | $15.00 | $45.00 |
| Dove | North Zone Split 2 | Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 30, 2027 | 15 | $45.00 |
| Dove | South Zone Split 1 | Sept 1–30, 2026 | 15 | $45.00 |
| Dove | South Zone Split 2 | Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 30, 2027 | 15 | $45.00 |
| Rails/Gallinules | Regular | Sept 1–30 & Nov 21–Dec 30, 2026 | 15 | 45 |
| Coots | Regular | Sept 1–30 & Nov 21–Dec 30, 2026 | 15 | 45 |
Don’t forget these basics:
- Hunter education required for anyone born after January 1, 1972 – complete the approved course first
- Resident Small Game License: $10.00 (plus $2.49 processing)
- Non-Resident Small Game License: $95.00 (plus fees)
- WMA User Permit: $15.00 for hunting Wildlife Management Areas
- Buy licenses online through MDWFP’s outdoors.ms portal
Now let’s break down what you need to know for each species.
Squirrel Hunting Season
Mississippi’s squirrel season runs nearly five months, giving you plenty of chances to work different tactics as conditions change. Early season means thick cover and calling. Late season? You’re glassing bare branches and moving slow.
Regular Season
Season Details:
- Dates: October 1, 2026 – February 27, 2027
- Daily Bag Limit: 8 squirrels
- Possession Limit: 24 squirrels
That’s 149 days of squirrel hunting. You can hunt opening day when the leaves are still thick, or wait until January when you can spot movement from 100 yards away. The generous bag limit means you’re not stressed about making every shot count, which makes this perfect for teaching new hunters.
Rabbit Hunting Season
Whether you’re running beagles or walking up cottontails, Mississippi’s rabbit season gives you over four months to work different tactics. The season overlaps with squirrel hunting, so you can target both species on the same trip.
Regular Season
Season Details:
- Dates: October 17, 2026 – February 27, 2027
- Daily Bag Limit: 8 rabbits
- Possession Limit: 24 rabbits
Rabbit season starts about two weeks after squirrel, which works out perfectly. You can focus on bushytails early, then add rabbit hunting once you’ve got your squirrel spots dialed in. Look for rabbits anywhere there’s thick cover near open areas – field edges, grown-up clearcuts, and briar patches.
Quail Hunting Season
Here’s the catch with quail in Mississippi: you can only hunt them on Wildlife Management Areas. Wild quail numbers have dropped across the Southeast, so MDWFP restricts hunting to areas where they’re actively managing habitat.
Check out our Mississippi quail hunting guide for detailed WMA information and tactics.
Regular Season (WMAs Only)
Season Details:
- Dates: November 1, 2026 – February 27, 2027
- Daily Bag Limit: 10 quail
- Possession Limit: 30 quail
- CRITICAL: Only legal on Wildlife Management Areas
You’ll need that WMA User Permit ($15 for residents) on top of your hunting license. The restriction isn’t just bureaucracy – it helps MDWFP focus quail management efforts where they can actually make a difference.
Dove Hunting Seasons
Dove hunting gets complicated because Mississippi splits into two zones with different boundaries. Make sure you know which zone you’re hunting before you head out.
Zone Boundaries:
- North Zone: North of U.S. Highway 84, PLUS south of Highway 84 and west of MS Highway 35
- South Zone: South of U.S. Highway 84 and east of MS Highway 35
North Zone Seasons
Split 1: September 1–30, 2026 Split 2: November 21, 2026 – January 30, 2027 Daily Bag Limit: 15 doves Possession Limit: 45 doves
September targets resident birds and early migrants. The November-January split hits peak migration and gives you cooler weather for longer hunts.
South Zone Seasons
Split 1: September 1–30, 2026 Split 2: November 21, 2026 – January 30, 2027 Daily Bag Limit: 15 doves Possession Limit: 45 doves
For 2026, both zones have identical dates. Don’t assume this will always be the case – zone dates can change year to year, so always double-check current regulations.
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Seasons
Most hunters encounter these species while waterfowl hunting, but they offer additional opportunities if you’re already in the marsh during the open seasons.
Regular Season
Season Details:
- Dates: September 1–30 and November 21–December 30, 2026
- Daily Bag Limit: 15 (each species)
- Possession Limit: 45 (each species)
The split season matches dove hunting dates, making these convenient bonus species if you’re already hunting during those windows. If you’re planning waterfowl hunts too, check our Mississippi waterfowl season guide for duck and goose regulations.
Mississippi Small Game Licenses and Permits
Getting your paperwork straight before opening day saves you from scrambling later. Mississippi has clear residency rules and several license options depending on how much you plan to hunt.
Mississippi Hunting Licenses
You’re a resident if you’ve lived in Mississippi for 30+ consecutive days. Your driver’s license determines which category you fall into.
| License Type | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game/Freshwater Fishing | $10.00 + $2.49 processing | $95.00 + $3.00 agent + $2.49 processing | Full season access |
| 7-Day Small Game | N/A | $38.00 + $3.00 agent + $2.49 processing | Short trips |
| Apprentice Small Game | $13.00 + $1.00 agent | N/A | No hunter education required |
| WMA User Permit | $15 | $30 | Required for all WMA hunting |
Don’t forget: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1972 needs to complete hunter education before buying any license. The online course costs $34.95 and takes a few hours to complete.
Mississippi Hunting Permits
WMA User Permit: You need this for any hunting on Wildlife Management Areas. The fee supports habitat work and facility maintenance across Mississippi’s 50+ WMAs covering over 700,000 acres.
Where to Buy: Get everything online through MDWFP’s outdoors.ms portal or at sporting goods stores statewide. Always carry your license, permits, and hunter education proof while hunting.
Mississippi Small Game: Where to Hunt
Mississippi gives you options from free public access to premium private leases. Your choice depends on your budget, how much pressure you want to deal with, and what kind of hunting experience you’re after.
Best Public Lands
Mississippi offers solid public hunting through several systems:
- Wildlife Management Areas: 50+ WMAs covering 700,000+ acres, managed specifically for wildlife and hunting
- National Forests: Homochitto, Bienville, DeSoto, Tombigbee, and Delta forests provide massive hunting access
- Chickasaw WMA: 25,000 acres in northwestern Mississippi with excellent small game habitat
- National Wildlife Refuges: Nine refuges offer additional hunting with specific seasons and rules
Guided Hunts
Professional guides make sense for non-residents who don’t know the area. Good outfitters provide local knowledge, access to productive private areas, equipment advice, and field dressing help. Research guides through MDWFP or hunting organizations to make sure you’re working with licensed, reputable operators.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Private land means less pressure, better management, and more flexibility in when and how you hunt. You’ve got two main ways to access private ground:
Hunting Leases: Annual leases give you exclusive or shared access to private property. Costs vary wildly based on size, game quality, and what’s included. Most leases run August through January, covering the full hunting season.
Land Ownership: Buying your own hunting property gives you complete control over management and access. Factor in property taxes, insurance, and ongoing management costs when you’re running numbers.
Hunting Locator connects hunters directly with landowners across Mississippi offering leases and land sales. Our platform shows verified properties with detailed info on acreage, game species, and lease terms. Stop guessing and find your perfect spot through our database of Mississippi hunting leases.
Small Game Hunting Tips
Success in Mississippi’s small game hunting comes down to adapting your approach to different species and changing conditions. Here’s what actually works:
- Scout During Off-Season: Find feeding areas, travel routes, and bedding sites when you have time to be thorough. Fresh sign beats old memories every time.
- Watch the Weather: Small game activity spikes during stable weather. Hunt the calm periods between fronts for best results.
- Time It Right: Early morning and late afternoon feeding times are prime. Don’t write off midday hunts during cold snaps though.
- Develop Your Ear: Squirrel chatter, rabbit distress calls, dove wing beats – learn to identify game by sound before you see it.
- Slow Down: Small game hunting rewards patience over covering ground. Stop often, scan everything, let the woods settle.
- Know Your Range: Small targets demand precise shooting. Practice regularly and be honest about your effective range.
- Hunt the Transitions: Edge habitat between different cover types concentrates game activity. Focus on field edges, creek bottoms, timber boundaries.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Get the complete picture of Mississippi hunting with these guides:
- Mississippi Hunting Season Guide: All hunting seasons including big game, waterfowl, and turkey
- Mississippi Deer Hunting Season: Complete deer hunting regulations and opportunities
- Mississippi Turkey Hunting Season: Spring and fall turkey hunting in Mississippi
- Mississippi Waterfowl Hunting Season: Duck and goose regulations, zones, and locations
- Hunting Locator Store: Gear up for small game hunting with our equipment selection
- Find Mississippi Hunting Leases: Browse private land hunting opportunities statewide
FAQ
When do Mississippi small game seasons open in 2026?
Dove, rails, gallinules, and coots open September 1, 2026. Squirrel season opens October 1, rabbit season opens October 17, and quail season opens November 1. Each species has different end dates and bag limits.
Do I need a WMA permit to hunt Mississippi public land?
Yes, you need a WMA User Permit ($15 residents, $30 non-residents) to hunt any Wildlife Management Area in Mississippi. This is required on top of your hunting license and supports habitat management across 50+ WMAs.
Can non-residents hunt small game on Mississippi public land?
Absolutely. Non-residents need a non-resident small game license ($95 full season or $38 for 7-day) plus a WMA User Permit ($30) for WMA access.
What’s the difference between Mississippi’s dove hunting zones?
Mississippi splits into North and South zones based on highways. North Zone includes areas north of U.S. Highway 84 plus areas south of Highway 84 and west of MS Highway 35. South Zone covers areas south of Highway 84 and east of Highway 35.
Where can I find private hunting land in Mississippi?
Hunting Locator has the most comprehensive database of private hunting leases and land sales in Mississippi. We connect you directly with landowners offering quality hunting opportunities.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Mississippi?
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1972 must complete approved hunter education before buying a Mississippi hunting license. The Mississippi Hunter Ed Course costs $34.95 and can be completed online.
The Final Shot
Mississippi’s 2026 small game seasons give you nearly six months of hunting opportunities across some seriously diverse terrain. From September dove fields to February squirrel woods, you’ve got options for every skill level and hunting style. Success starts with knowing the rules, getting proper licenses, and finding good places to hunt.
Whether you’re working public WMAs or looking for private land access, preparation and local knowledge separate successful hunters from those who go home empty-handed. Start your search for Mississippi hunting leases today and make this your best season yet.
