Mississippi Bird Hunting
Seasons Span November 27 – March 7, 2026
State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.
Season Dates
- Bobwhite Quail
- Season Dates: November 27, 2025 – March 7, 2026
- Daily Bag Limit: 8
- Possession Limit: Not explicitly stated, but typically three times the daily bag limit (24, based on standard hunting regulations)
- Woodcock
- Season Dates: December 18, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Daily Bag Limit: 3
- Possession Limit: 9
Required Licenses and Costs
- Resident Licenses:
- Sportsman License: $45.00 (includes small game hunting, freshwater fishing, and other privileges)
- Small Game/Freshwater Fishing License: $10.00
- Processing Fee: $1.29 (additional agent fees may apply, typically $1.00)
- Youth (under 16): Exempt from license requirement but can obtain a voluntary Exempt Under 16 license for $2.30
- Senior (65+): Senior Exempt Lifetime license for $2.30
- Non-Resident Licenses:
- All Game License: $300.00
- Small Game License: $95.00
- 7-Day Small Game License: $38.00
- Processing Fee: $3.00–$4.25 (depending on license type)
- Additional Requirements:
- Hunters pursuing migratory birds (e.g., doves, woodcock) must be H.I.P. certified.
- A Wildlife Management Area User Permit ($15.00 for residents, $30.00 for non-residents) is required for hunting on WMAs.
- Non-toxic shot is required for migratory game birds, and shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three rounds for migratory birds.
Notes
- Shooting hours for migratory game birds are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Always verify regulations with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) before hunting, as rules may change due to environmental or regulatory factors.
- Landowner permission is required to hunt on private property.
For the most detailed and up-to-date information, visit the MDWFP website or the Mississippi Outdoor Digest.
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Bird Hunting Karma Exists
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The Streak
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