Mississippi Hunting Overview
Mississippi combines a generously bundled hunting license — deer, turkey, and archery all included — with one of the highest non-resident fees in the country, reflecting strong demand for the state's private-land and hunting-club-driven deer hunting. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks manages a nearly four-month combined deer season across archery, primitive weapon, and gun phases. Understanding Mississippi's fully bundled structure alongside its steep non-resident pricing helps hunters plan an accurate season budget.
MS Hunting License Fees at a Glance
Fees are approximate 2025–2026 rates. Verify at Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks.
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Complete Mississippi Hunting License Fee Schedule
| License / Tag | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | $25.00 | $300.00 | Base license |
| Deer Tag | Included | Included | No separate purchase |
| Spring Turkey Tag | Included | Included | No separate purchase |
| Archery Endorsement | Included | Included | No separate purchase |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $27.00 | $27.00 | Required for waterfowl |
| Senior Resident | 65+ free | — | Verify at Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks |
| Youth | Under 16 free | — | Junior hunting license |
| Active Duty Military | Active duty free | — | With military ID |
Mississippi Hunting License Fees — What You're Actually Paying For
Mississippi's $25.00 resident license bundles deer and turkey access at no extra tag cost, similar to Alabama and Georgia's generous approach. But Mississippi's $300.00 non-resident fee is among the highest in the country — more than double Alabama's already-steep $399.50 and far above Georgia's $325.00 — reflecting strong demand for the state's deer hunting, much of which runs through private land and hunting clubs.
Mississippi's combined deer season is one of the longest in the country, running from October through January across archery, primitive weapon, and gun phases — nearly four months, similar to Alabama's and Georgia's extended Southeastern calendars, giving hunters ample time across multiple weapon seasons.
Both turkey and archery are included in the base license at no extra cost, keeping Mississippi's fee structure simple despite the high non-resident price. For residents, the $25.00 fee delivers strong value; for non-residents, Mississippi's price tag puts it closer to Oklahoma's ($209.00) than to its immediate Southeastern neighbors.
Mississippi's Wildlife Management Areas include several quota-based deer hunts requiring advance application, similar to Alabama's system, though general public land access outside quota hunts remains open to any license holder statewide, a common structure across the Deep South.
Mississippi vs. Nearby States: Hunting License Cost Comparison
Here's how Mississippi's resident and non-resident hunting license fees stack up against nearby or commonly compared states.
| State | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi (this page) | $25.00 | $300.00 |
| Alabama | $34.35 | $399.50 |
| Louisiana | $20.00 | $200.00 |
| Arkansas | $25.00 | $410.00 |
| Tennessee | $33.00 | $305.00 |
How to Buy a Mississippi Hunting License
Mississippi hunting licenses are sold online through the MDWFP's licensing portal, by phone, or at license agents statewide. Online purchases are issued instantly as a digital license. Since deer, turkey, and archery are all bundled into the base license, most Mississippi hunters only need the one purchase — just confirm any Wildlife Management Area-specific access rules before hunting public land.
Buying a MS License, Step by Step
1. Go to the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks online licensing portal (or call/visit an agent in person).
2. Select residency status and the license type — base license, plus any required deer, turkey, or archery add-ons.
3. Enter hunter education certification details if this is your first license, or your existing customer ID if you've bought one before.
4. Pay online for an instant digital license, or complete the purchase in person.
5. Print or save your license and any tags to your phone, and review current season dates for your specific zone or unit before heading out.
Mississippi Residency Rules & License Exemptions
Mississippi requires residents to have lived in the state for at least 30 days immediately before applying, with a Mississippi driver's license or state ID as proof, and extends resident rates to active-duty military stationed in Mississippi. Residents 65 and older and youth under 16 hunt completely free. Landowners hunting their own qualifying land are exempt from license requirements, a significant benefit given how much of Mississippi's deer range is managed through private hunting clubs and family land.
Is a Mississippi Hunting License Worth It?
Is Mississippi's $300.00 non-resident license worth it? For hunters targeting private hunting club or lease access — where much of Mississippi's best deer hunting happens — yes, since deer, turkey, and archery are all bundled in at no extra tag cost. For hunters relying purely on public WMA land, cheaper neighboring states may offer comparable access for less.
Other State Hunting License Costs
Mississippi Hunting Season Dates
| Season | Typical Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer — Archery | October – January | Check zone/unit dates |
| Deer — General Firearm | November – January | Varies by zone/unit |
| Spring Wild Turkey | March – April | Included with license |
| Waterfowl / Duck | November – January | Duck Stamp + state validation |
Season dates vary by zone/unit. Verify your area's exact calendar at Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks.