{"id":8797,"date":"2026-10-15T10:26:08","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T10:26:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/?p=8797"},"modified":"2026-10-13T10:44:51","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T10:44:51","slug":"mississippi-deer-hunting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-deer-hunting\/","title":{"rendered":"Mississippi Deer Season Guide for 2026: Dates, Limits, Licenses &amp; Where to Hunt"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This Mississippi deer guide covers dates by Deer Management Unit, bag limits, legal buck rules, license costs for residents and non-residents, and where to hunt. It was built by <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\">Hunting Locator<\/a>, the marketplace that connects hunters with landowners and outfitters, and is current as of October 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Season dates and legal buck rules for all four Deer Management Units (Delta, Hills, North Central, and Southeast).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resident and non-resident licenses, the Deer Permit, and what a trip costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public land, private leases, and guided hunts. If you hunt more than deer, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-hunting-season-guide\">Mississippi hunting season guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The overview below comes first, followed by the details for each unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"530\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/02c2b569-40e0-4c9e-8a56-ba4127e23f41.jpeg\" alt=\"Mississippi deer\" class=\"wp-image-8807\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/02c2b569-40e0-4c9e-8a56-ba4127e23f41.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/02c2b569-40e0-4c9e-8a56-ba4127e23f41-300x155.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/02c2b569-40e0-4c9e-8a56-ba4127e23f41-768x398.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Deer Season 2026 Quick Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dates, limits, and antler rules all depend on your Deer Management Unit (DMU), so identify yours first. <strong>North Central<\/strong> covers Alcorn, Benton, DeSoto, Marshall, Tate, and Tippah counties. <strong>Southeast<\/strong> is south of US 84 and east of MS 35. <strong>Delta<\/strong> is west of I-55 and north of I-20, plus the area south of I-20 and west of US 61. <strong>Hills<\/strong> is everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-792\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-792\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Season<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Dates<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Bag Limit<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Regulations<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Velvet Archery<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sept. 11\u201313, 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Bucks only, within statewide buck limit<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Delta, Hills, North Central; private land only; permit required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Archery<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Oct. 1\u2013Nov. 20, 2026 (Southeast: Oct. 15\u2013Feb. 15, 2027)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Bucks 1\/day, 3\/season (North Central 4); antlerless per land type<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Legal buck criteria by DMU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Youth Gun<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nov. 7\u201320, 2026 and Nov. 21, 2026\u2013Jan. 31, 2027 (Southeast adds Feb. 1\u201315, 2027)<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Same statewide limits<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Hunters 15 and under<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Antlerless Primitive Weapons<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nov. 9\u201320, 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Antlerless only<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Private land only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Gun with Dogs<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Nov. 21\u2013Dec. 1, 2026<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Statewide limits<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Legal buck criteria by DMU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Later segments (Delta, Hills, North Central)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Primitive Weapon Dec. 2\u201315; Gun without dogs Dec. 16\u201323; Gun with dogs Dec. 24, 2026\u2013Jan. 20, 2027<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Statewide limits<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Legal buck criteria by DMU<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-792 from cache -->\n\n\n<p>Archery is open now, and access for gun season fills quickly. <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/mississippi\/\">Browse Mississippi leases<\/a> to secure ground before Nov. 21.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What you need before you hunt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hunter education:<\/strong> Required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resident licenses:<\/strong> The All Game Hunting\/Freshwater Fishing License ($25) or the Sportsman&#8217;s License ($45), plus agent and processing fees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-resident licenses:<\/strong> An All Game license ($300, or $150 for the 7-Day or 3-Day option) <strong>plus<\/strong> a $100 Deer Permit. Holders of a Non-resident Native Lifetime License are exempt from the permit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WMA User Permit:<\/strong> Required on state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Velvet permit:<\/strong> Velvet season required its own separate permit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Licenses can be bought online through MDWFP, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdwfp.com\/licenses-permits\/hunting-and-fishing-license-prices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">official MDWFP license prices<\/a> are posted on its site. MDWFP has the final word and regulations can change, so confirm details before you hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Deer Hunting Seasons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mississippi&#8217;s seasons run on a staggered calendar. The Southeast follows its own schedule, with a later archery opener and a February finish. For more on season structure, see our <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-deer-hunting-season\">Mississippi deer hunting season breakdown<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal buck rules and limits vary by unit. Use this table to check yours:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-793\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-793\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">DMU<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Legal Buck<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Buck Limit<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Antlerless (Private)<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Antlerless (USFS)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">North Central<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Any antler<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1\/day, 4\/season<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">10<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">1\/day, 5\/season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Hills<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">10&#8243; inside spread or 13&#8243; main beam<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1\/day, 3\/season<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">1\/day, 5\/season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Southeast<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">10&#8243; inside spread or 13&#8243; main beam<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1\/day, 3\/season<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">1\/day, 3\/season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Delta<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">12&#8243; inside spread or 15&#8243; main beam<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1\/day, 3\/season<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">5<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">1\/day, 5\/season<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-793 from cache -->\n\n\n<p>The <strong>inside spread<\/strong> is the widest distance between the main beams, measured on the inside. The <strong>main beam<\/strong> is the primary antler length. Confirm your unit&#8217;s rule before judging a buck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"531\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2af53ff3-cf1b-427e-986a-f3dd9237225d.jpeg\" alt=\"Mississippi deer\" class=\"wp-image-8808\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2af53ff3-cf1b-427e-986a-f3dd9237225d.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2af53ff3-cf1b-427e-986a-f3dd9237225d-300x156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/2af53ff3-cf1b-427e-986a-f3dd9237225d-768x398.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Velvet Archery Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mississippi&#8217;s velvet archery season ran Sept. 11\u201313, 2026, in the Delta, Hills, and North Central units. It was limited to private land and bucks only, and it required a permit, mandatory reporting, and CWD sampling within 5 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The season is closed for 2026. Anyone who wants a velvet buck next September should buy the permit early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Archery Season (Including the Southeast Extension)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Archery runs Oct. 1\u2013Nov. 20, 2026, in the Delta, Hills, and North Central. The Southeast opens Oct. 15 and runs through Feb. 15, 2027, the longest archery window in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Archery is either-sex on private land and open public land. The late Southeast window gives traveling bowhunters extra flexibility, since the rut generally runs later in the South, so it makes sense to plan the trip around scouting reports instead of a fixed date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Youth Gun Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Youth season runs Nov. 7\u201320, 2026, and Nov. 21, 2026\u2013Jan. 31, 2027, for hunters 15 and under. The Southeast adds Feb. 1\u201315, 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The long window lets families pick a mild weekend and give a new hunter time to enjoy the woods. Confirm youth supervision rules with MDWFP before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Antlerless Primitive Weapons Season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The antlerless primitive weapons season runs Nov. 9\u201320, 2026. It is antlerless only and on private land only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>primitive weapon<\/strong> is a muzzleloader-type firearm, and archery gear also falls under MDWFP&#8217;s definitions, so confirm legal weapons with MDWFP. For landowners and clubs, this window is a chance to balance the herd by taking does before the main gun seasons open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gun Seasons (With and Without Dogs)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gun season with dogs opens Nov. 21 and runs through Dec. 1, 2026. Holly Springs National Forest is one place where this tradition continues. After that, the calendar splits by unit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Delta, Hills, and North Central:<\/strong> Primitive Weapon Dec. 2\u201315; Gun without dogs Dec. 16\u201323; Gun with dogs Dec. 24, 2026\u2013Jan. 20, 2027.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Southeast:<\/strong> Gun with dogs Nov. 21\u2013Dec. 1; Primitive Weapon Dec. 2\u201315. Check MDWFP for the remaining segments before you plan late-season hunts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Dog hunting is a long Southern tradition and carries responsibilities. Respect neighboring landowners and hunters, know where your dogs are running, and keep safety first. Deer move fast and unpredictably during dog seasons, so stay alert on your stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Deer Licenses and Permits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You need the right license, proof of hunter education if it applies to you, and any permit your hunt requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Hunting Licenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-794\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-794\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Residency<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">License<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Cost<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Notes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Resident<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">All Game Hunting\/Freshwater Fishing<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$25<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Plus agent and processing fees<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Resident<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Sportsman&#8217;s License<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$45.00<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">All-in-one option<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Non-resident<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">All Game Hunting<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$300<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Annual<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Non-resident<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">7-Day All Game<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$150<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Short trip<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Non-resident<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">3-Day All Game<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$150<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Short trip<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Non-resident<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Deer Permit<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">$100<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Required in addition to the license<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-794 from cache -->\n\n\n<p><strong>Budget check:<\/strong> A 3- or 7-day non-resident trip runs $250 total, or $400 for annual access, plus agent fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hunter education is required for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1972. Buy your license online through MDWFP and carry your proof into the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"524\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e3b5bbc6-da0e-47c5-b297-59b2a46fd744.jpeg\" alt=\"Mississippi deer\" class=\"wp-image-8809\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e3b5bbc6-da0e-47c5-b297-59b2a46fd744.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e3b5bbc6-da0e-47c5-b297-59b2a46fd744-300x154.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e3b5bbc6-da0e-47c5-b297-59b2a46fd744-768x393.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Hunting Permits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Three permits matter for deer hunters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Deer Permit:<\/strong> Required for non-residents in addition to their license. Non-resident Native Lifetime License holders are exempt.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Velvet permit:<\/strong> Needed for the September velvet archery season on private land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>WMA User Permit:<\/strong> Required for residents and non-residents on state-operated WMAs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Licenses and permits are sold online through MDWFP&#8217;s licensing system, and <a href=\"https:\/\/licensing.outdoors.ms\/help\/faq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mississippi online licensing help<\/a> answers common purchase questions. The steps are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have your hunter education information ready.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buy your license.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add the Deer Permit or WMA permit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carry your proof in the field.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Hunt Deer in Mississippi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Public land is affordable but pressured. Private land offers more control and quieter woods. Guided hunts are the most turnkey option. The right choice depends on your time and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Public Lands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many Mississippi hunters start on public ground. Things to know:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>State WMAs:<\/strong> A WMA User Permit is required, and rules vary by unit, so check before you go.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National forests:<\/strong> Holly Springs National Forest is a well-known example. USFS antlerless limits are 1\/day, 5\/season (Southeast 3\/season).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pressure:<\/strong> Gun openers bring crowds. Plan midweek hunts and be ready to walk farther than the next hunter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/b99e0ab2-0ef4-4424-aafa-3e66157fba78.jpeg\" alt=\"Mississippi deer\" class=\"wp-image-8810\" srcset=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/b99e0ab2-0ef4-4424-aafa-3e66157fba78.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/b99e0ab2-0ef4-4424-aafa-3e66157fba78-300x156.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/b99e0ab2-0ef4-4424-aafa-3e66157fba78-768x400.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Private ground gives Mississippi hunters the most control. There are two main paths:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leasing:<\/strong> Annual or short-term leases give you exclusive access and lower pressure without the cost of ownership. They suit hunters who want a reliable spot season after season.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buying:<\/strong> Owning land gives you long-term freedom to manage habitat, food plots, and harvest as you see fit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Antler rules shape strategy by region. The Delta&#8217;s stricter 12&#8243;\/15&#8243; minimums let more young bucks walk, which suits management-minded buyers and lessees. North Central&#8217;s any-antler rule and 10-antlerless limit favor meat-focused or doe-management plans. These are inferences from the rules, not guarantees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When evaluating a property, look for creek frontage, thick regeneration timber, food plots, pinch points, and crop edges. These features concentrate deer and give you options for stand placement. Landowners considering a lease can read about <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.msstate.edu\/programs\/leasing-your-land-for-hunting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">leasing your land for hunting<\/a>, which can add income and support conservation on the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\">Hunting Locator<\/a> connects you directly with Mississippi landowners who lease or sell hunting ground. You can search by county, acreage, and game, then reach out on your own terms. <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/mississippi\/\">Browse Mississippi hunting leases<\/a> across multiple counties and find a fit before gun season arrives. Land for sale and outfitters are also available through the Hunting Locator homepage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Guided Hunts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Guides handle the logistics and make the most of limited time, which makes them a good fit for non-residents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Delta outfitters are known for trophy whitetails. Explore outfitters and leases on <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\">Hunting Locator<\/a> to compare your options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mississippi Deer Hunting Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mississippi whitetails reward planning around terrain, weather, and the rules. Some practical points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Early-archery heat and bugs:<\/strong> Insect control and scent control are must-have gear in October. Hunt near water and shade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Late Southeast window:<\/strong> Archery runs into February there, and the rut generally runs later in the South.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal buck checks:<\/strong> Know your DMU&#8217;s spread and beam minimums before you ever draw.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dog seasons:<\/strong> Wear orange, expect fast-moving deer and dogs, and confirm orange requirements with MDWFP.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reporting and sampling:<\/strong> Follow CWD sampling and reporting rules, which are mandatory for velvet bucks within 5 days.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gear:<\/strong> Stands, scent control, optics, trail cameras, and blaze orange all earn their place. Find gear at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntinglocator.com\/store\">Hunting Locator Store<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deer and ducks:<\/strong> Delta hunters often combine deer and duck trips. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-waterfowl-hunting-season\">Mississippi waterfowl season guide<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Resources from Hunting Locator<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These pages cover other parts of a Mississippi hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Platform<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\">Hunting Locator<\/a> \u2013 Search leases, outfitters, and guides nationwide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/mississippi\/\">Mississippi hunting leases<\/a> \u2013 Browse available hunting ground across the state.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mississippi season guides<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-hunting-season-guide\">All Mississippi seasons<\/a> \u2013 The big-picture overview of every species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-deer-hunting-season\">Deer<\/a> \u2013 A deeper breakdown of deer season structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-turkey-hunting-season\">Turkey<\/a> \u2013 Spring gobbler dates and rules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-waterfowl-hunting-season\">Waterfowl<\/a> \u2013 Duck and goose seasons.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-small-game-hunting-season\">Small game<\/a> \u2013 Squirrel, rabbit, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-bobwhite-quail-hunting-season\">Bobwhite quail<\/a> \u2013 Quail seasons and limits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gear<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.huntinglocator.com\/store\">Hunting Locator Store<\/a> \u2013 Gear for your next Mississippi hunt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does deer season start in Mississippi in 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Velvet archery ran Sept. 11\u201313, and regular archery opened Oct. 1 (Southeast Oct. 15). Youth Gun opens Nov. 7, and gun season with dogs opens Nov. 21. Check your DMU&#8217;s dates in the overview table above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much is a non-resident deer license in Mississippi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A non-resident needs an All Game license ($300 annual, or $150 for the 7-Day or 3-Day option) plus the $100 Deer Permit. That totals $250\u2013$400 before agent fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a legal buck in the Delta?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Delta, a legal buck has a 12-inch inside spread or a 15-inch main beam. The Hills and Southeast use 10 inches and 13 inches, while North Central allows any antler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Mississippi&#8217;s deer bag limits?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bucks:<\/strong> 1\/day, 3\/season (North Central 4\/season).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Antlerless on private land:<\/strong> 5\/season (North Central 10, Southeast 3).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Antlerless on USFS land:<\/strong> 1\/day, 5\/season (Southeast 3\/season).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need hunter education to hunt deer in Mississippi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, if you were born after Jan. 1, 1972. You&#8217;ll need to provide your hunter education information when you buy your license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is youth deer season in Mississippi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Youth season runs Nov. 7\u201320 and Nov. 21, 2026\u2013Jan. 31, 2027, for hunters 15 and under. The Southeast adds Feb. 1\u201315, 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does Southeast archery season end?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Southeast archery season ends Feb. 15, 2027, the longest archery window in the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I lease private land for deer hunting in Mississippi?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Leasing gives you exclusive access without buying, and buying gives you long-term control. Search <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/mississippi\/\">Mississippi hunting leases<\/a> on Hunting Locator to compare options. If you hunt other species too, see our guides for <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-turkey-hunting-season\">turkey<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-small-game-hunting-season\">small game<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/mississippi-bobwhite-quail-hunting-season\">bobwhite quail<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Final Shot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2026 season comes down to a few steps. Know your DMU. Mark Nov. 7 and Nov. 21 on your calendar. Budget for the license: $25 or $45 for residents, $250\u2013$400 for non-residents. Then verify every detail with MDWFP before you head out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you&#8217;re taking a young hunter out for the first time, planning a rut trip from out of state, or hunting family land you&#8217;ve worked for years, the season is here. <a href=\"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/leases\/state\/mississippi\/\">Find Mississippi hunting leases<\/a> before the gun openers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This Mississippi deer guide covers dates, bag limits, legal buck rules, license costs, and where to hunt.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":8804,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[7,68,10,16,17],"class_list":["post-8797","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hunting-seasons","tag-deer-hunting","tag-hunting","tag-hunting-seasons","tag-season-dates","tag-whitetail-deer"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8797","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8797"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8797\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8811,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8797\/revisions\/8811"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8797"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8797"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/huntinglocator.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8797"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}