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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Getting Over the Snowcock Curve
There is definitely a learning curve anytime you try and hunt a new species in a new area. No amount of research or reading can truly prepare you the same as having boots on the ground. Of course all the ground in the Rubys points uphill. With Snowcock you hear tales of hunters rounding a…
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Gerber Zilch and Impromptu
A super-heavy pen and a super-light knife, like peanut butter and chocolate. I could tell you to JUST get the Gerber Zilch because it’s a joy to carry: razor sharp right out of the box, holds that edge and is the best pocket knife you’ll find for the price. But, if you just get the…
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Garmin Fenix 3 and VIRB XE
To list all the features of this duo in a gift guide is daunting. Garmin used to be known simply for preventing hunters from getting lost. But it seems they are doubling down on their commitment to outdoorsman offering wearables, cameras and sporting dog gear. They are becoming an outdoor brand. The Fenix 3 ($400) hasn’t left my wrist…
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GSI Outdoors – Microlite 1000 Twist
Better than any water bottle on the market, the GSI Microlite weighs the same as the cheap plastic bottles holding 33 ounces of liquid, nearly indestructible and can keep ice for what seems forever. On multiple occasions this season I errantly left a cold drink in my bird vest overnight, only to find it still…
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Sage One Fly Rod and 4250 Reel combo
Normally I’m all blast and no cast. But even the toughest bird dogs need to take breaks. Sage convinced us that during these down times we should try slinging some flies. It is addictive. The Sage One Fly Rod and 4250 Reel combo ($995) and a handful of flies gave us everything we needed to chase fish…
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The Dogs, The Mountains and One Spooky Bird
This is the second attempt I’ve made to close the distance on the Himalayan Snowcock. You have to put in the time. The learning curve is nearly as steep as the mountains since this is the only place in the Western Hemisphere these birds can be found. We’re going to keep at it, adjust tactics and…
