As the leaves begin to change color and the air turns crisp, hunters across Mississippi eagerly anticipate the arrival of deer season. This year, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has announced the official start dates for the 2024 and 2025 deer hunting seasons. Both archery and firearm seasons will open on the same day, providing hunters with ample opportunities to pursue their favorite game animal.
The 2024 deer season will kick off on **September 28th** and run through **January 19th, 2025**. The archery season will open on the same day and continue until **October 12th, 2024**. The firearm season will open on **November 1st, 2024** and close on **January 19th, 2025**. Hunters can expect similar dates for the 2025 season, with minor adjustments based on the calendar. The MDWFP recommends that hunters consult the official hunting regulations for the most up-to-date information.
In addition to the traditional deer hunting seasons, the MDWFP also offers a number of special hunts, including youth hunts, disabled hunts, and primitive weapons hunts. These hunts provide opportunities for hunters of all ages and abilities to participate in the deer hunting experience. Hunters are encouraged to visit the MDWFP website for more information on these special hunts. With its abundant deer population and diverse hunting opportunities, Mississippi is a prime destination for deer hunters. As the season approaches, hunters are advised to prepare their gear, study the regulations, and secure their hunting spots. The 2024 and 2025 deer seasons promise to be exciting and rewarding experiences for hunters across the state.
Archery Season Begins
Archery season is the first deer hunting season to open in Mississippi. It typically begins in late September and runs through early January. During this time, hunters are allowed to use archery equipment, such as bows and arrows, to hunt deer. Archery season is a popular time to hunt deer because the leaves have fallen from the trees, making it easier to see deer. Additionally, the weather is usually mild during this time, making it more comfortable for hunters to be in the woods.
There are a few things to keep in mind when hunting deer during archery season. First, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to make sure that you are not hunting in an area where there are other people. Second, it is important to be patient and to wait for the right opportunity to take a shot at a deer. Finally, it is important to be safe and to always follow the rules and regulations for hunting in Mississippi.
| Mississippi Archery Deer Season Dates 2024-2025 |
|---|
| September 28, 2024 – January 18, 2025 |
Youth Opening Weekend
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has announced the youth opening weekend for deer season 2024-2025. This special weekend is designed to give young hunters a chance to experience the thrill of deer hunting in a safe and controlled environment.
The youth opening weekend will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2024, and Sunday, September 1, 2024. During this weekend, only hunters who are 15 years of age or younger will be allowed to hunt deer. Youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years of age.
The following rules apply to the youth opening weekend:
- Only youth hunters may harvest deer, and they must be accompanied by an adult supervisor.
- Youth hunters may use any legal deer hunting method.
- Deer may be taken from any legal hunting location.
- Youth hunters must wear blaze orange while hunting.
- All other hunting regulations apply.
Additional information about the youth opening weekend is available on the MDWFP website.
Primitive Weapon Season
The primitive weapon season for deer in Mississippi typically begins in late September or early October and lasts for several weeks. During this season, hunters are restricted to using archery equipment, muzzleloaders, or crossbows. Primitive weapon seasons are designed to provide hunters with a more challenging and traditional hunting experience, as these weapons require a greater degree of skill and patience to use effectively.
Archery Season
The archery season for deer in Mississippi begins in early October and lasts for several months. During this season, hunters are allowed to use archery equipment only. Archery hunting is a popular choice for hunters due to its challenge and the fact that it allows hunters to get close to their prey. Archers must be proficient in their shot placement, as a poorly placed arrow can result in a wounded deer that is difficult to track and recover.
Muzzleloader Season
The muzzleloader season for deer in Mississippi begins in late October or early November and lasts for several weeks. During this season, hunters are allowed to use muzzleloaders. Muzzleloaders are a type of firearm that is loaded from the muzzle, and they offer a unique shooting experience. Muzzleloaders can be accurate at longer ranges than archery equipment, but they have a slower rate of fire. Hunters using muzzleloaders must be careful to follow all safety precautions, as these firearms can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Crossbow Season
The crossbow season for deer in Mississippi begins in late October or early November and lasts for several weeks. During this season, hunters are allowed to use crossbows. Crossbows are a type of bow that is mounted on a stock, and they offer a crossbow hunter stability and accuracy. They are easier to use than traditional archery equipment, making them a good choice for hunters who are new to the sport. Crossbow hunters must be careful to follow all safety precautions, as these weapons can be dangerous if not handled properly.
| Weapon | Season Length |
|---|---|
| Archery | Several months |
| Muzzleloader | Several weeks |
| Crossbow | Several weeks |
Regular Gun Season
The regular gun season for deer in Mississippi in 2024 and 2025 will be held from November 20 through December 15. During this season, hunters may use any legal firearm to harvest deer. The bag limit for deer during the regular gun season is four deer per hunter, of which no more than two may be antlered bucks.
Deer Hunting Zones
Mississippi is divided into three deer hunting zones for the purpose of managing the deer population. The three zones are:
- Zone 1
- Zone 2
- Zone 3
Bag Limits
The bag limit for deer during the regular gun season is four deer per hunter, of which no more than two may be antlered bucks. The bag limit for deer during the archery season is two deer per hunter, of which no more than one may be an antlered buck. There is no bag limit for deer during the muzzleloader season.
Shooting Hours
The shooting hours for deer during the regular gun season are from sunrise to sunset.
| Zone | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | November 20 | December 6 |
| Zone 2 | November 20 | December 15 |
| Zone 3 | November 20 | December 15 |
Muzzleloader Season
The muzzleloader season in Mississippi for the 2024-2025 season will run from October 18th, 2024, to November 16th, 2024. During this season, hunters may use muzzleloading rifles or shotguns to hunt deer. Muzzleloaders must be loaded from the muzzle, and they must use black powder or a black powder substitute.
Permissible Weapons
During the muzzleloader season, hunters may use the following weapons:
| Weapon | Caliber | Ignition |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzleloading rifle | .40 caliber or larger | Flintlock, percussion, or inline |
| Muzzleloading shotgun | 20 gauge or larger | Flintlock, percussion, or inline |
Ammunition
Hunters may use the following types of ammunition during the muzzleloader season:
- Round balls
- Conical bullets
- Saboted bullets
- Shot (for shotguns only)
Hunting Hours
During the muzzleloader season, hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters may not hunt deer with a muzzleloader at night.
Bag Limits
The bag limit for deer during the muzzleloader season is one buck per hunter. Hunters may also harvest one antlerless deer during the muzzleloader season, but only if they have not already harvested an antlerless deer during the archery or youth season.
General Information
The Mississippi deer hunting season for 2024-2025 will run from October 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. The bag limit is two deer per day, with a season limit of eight deer. Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and a deer tag.
Special Late Season
In addition to the general deer season, there is also a special late season that runs from February 1, 2025, through February 28, 2025. During the special late season, hunters can harvest one deer per day, with a season limit of two deer. The bag limit for the special late season is separate from the bag limit for the general deer season.
The special late season is open in the following counties: Adams, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Claiborne, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, DeSoto, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Grenada, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lee, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Rankin, Scott, Sharkey, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Tunica, Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha, and Yazoo.
To hunt during the special late season, hunters must have a valid hunting license, a deer tag, and a special late season permit. The special late season permit is available for purchase from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP).
The special late season is a great opportunity for hunters to harvest deer during a time when they are typically less active. The weather is cooler during the special late season, which can make hunting more comfortable. Additionally, the leaves have fallen from the trees by this time, which can make it easier to spot deer.
Extended Season Hunting Areas
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has designated several areas as extended season hunting areas for deer. These areas are open for hunting during the regular deer season, as well as during specific extended seasons. The extended season dates for 2024-2025 are as follows:
| Area | Extended Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Area 1 | January 1-31, 2025 |
| Area 2 | February 1-28, 2025 |
| Area 3 | March 1-31, 2025 |
Extended season hunting is only allowed in these designated areas, and only during the specified dates. Hunters must have a valid hunting license and deer tag in order to participate in extended season hunting.
Area 1
Area 1 encompasses the following counties: Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clay, Grenada, Itawamba, Lafayette, Lee, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Webster, and Yalobusha.
Area 2
Area 2 encompasses the following counties: Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Clay, Coahoma, Humphreys, Issaquena, Kemper, Leflore, Montgomery, Noxubee, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Washington, Webster, and Yazoo.
Area 3
Area 3 encompasses the following counties: Adams, Amite, Clairborne, Copiah, Franklin, Hinds, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lincoln, Madison, Pike, Rankin, Simpson, Smith, Walthall, Warren, and Wilkinson.
License Requirements
To hunt deer in Mississippi during the 2024-2025 season, hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a deer tag. The following are the license requirements for deer hunting in Mississippi:
Resident Hunting License
A resident hunting license is required for all hunters who have resided in Mississippi for more than 30 consecutive days prior to the opening day of deer season. The cost of a resident hunting license is $25.
Non-resident Hunting License
A non-resident hunting license is required for all hunters who have not resided in Mississippi for more than 30 consecutive days prior to the opening day of deer season. The cost of a non-resident hunting license is $150.
Deer Tag
In addition to a hunting license, hunters must also possess a deer tag to hunt deer in Mississippi. Deer tags are available for purchase at any authorized license vendor. The cost of a deer tag is $15.
Youth Hunting License
Hunters who are under the age of 16 are eligible to purchase a youth hunting license. The cost of a youth hunting license is $10. Youth hunters are required to be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter while hunting.
Lifetime Hunting License
Mississippi residents who are 65 years of age or older are eligible to purchase a lifetime hunting license. The cost of a lifetime hunting license is $250.
Disabled Veteran Hunting License
Mississippi residents who are disabled veterans are eligible to purchase a disabled veteran hunting license. The cost of a disabled veteran hunting license is $10.
Lifetime Sportsman License
Mississippi residents who are 16 years of age or older are eligible to purchase a lifetime sportsman license. The cost of a lifetime sportsman license is $500.
License Exemptions
There are a few exemptions to the license requirements for deer hunting in Mississippi. Hunters who are under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a hunting license or a deer tag. Hunters who are 65 years of age or older and are eligible for a homestead exemption are not required to purchase a hunting license.
Safety Regulations
To ensure a safe and enjoyable deer hunting season in Mississippi, it is imperative to adhere to the following safety regulations:
1. Hunter Education
All hunters born after June 1, 1972, are required to complete a Hunter Education Course before obtaining a hunting license.
2. Hunting License
A valid Mississippi hunting license is required to hunt deer.
3. Blaze Orange
Hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange material visible from all directions during firearms deer season.
4. Tree Stands
Tree stands must be securely attached and inspected before use. A safety harness must be worn when using an elevated stand.
5. Archery Equipment
Archery equipment must meet minimum specifications for draw weight and arrow velocity.
6. Firearm Requirements
Firearms used for deer hunting must meet minimum caliber and cartridge requirements.
7. Shooting Lanes
Hunters must establish clear shooting lanes and be aware of their surroundings before taking a shot.
8. Property Boundaries
Hunters must respect property boundaries and obtain permission before hunting on private land.
9. Ethical Hunting Practices
Hunters must follow ethical hunting practices, including:
- Hunting only during legal hunting hours.
- Using ethical hunting methods (no baiting or spotlights).
- Only taking shots at clearly visible deer.
- Recuperating and tagging deer promptly after the kill.
- Respecting the quarry and treating it with dignity.
- Reporting all accidents, injuries, or violations promptly to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Season Dates
The 2024-2025 deer season in Mississippi will run from September 28, 2024, to January 31, 2025. Archery season will begin on September 28, 2024, and run through January 31, 2025. Muzzleloader season will begin on October 12, 2024, and run through January 31, 2025. Youth deer season will be held on September 21-22, 2024.
Bag Limits and Harvest Reporting
The bag limit for deer in Mississippi is three per day. The daily bag limit includes one antlered deer. The possession limit is six deer, only three of which may be antlered deer.
Harvest Reporting
All deer harvested in Mississippi must be reported to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) within 24 hours of harvest. Hunters can report their deer harvest online, by phone, or through a mobile app. MDWFP uses harvest data to manage the deer population in Mississippi.
| Type of Deer | Bag Limit |
|---|---|
| Antlered Deer | 1 per day, 3 per season |
| Antlerless Deer | 2 per day, 3 per season |
| Total Deer | 3 per day, 6 per season |
Hunters are also required to have their deer checked by an MDWFP representative within 48 hours of harvest. Deer can be checked at MDWFP offices, check stations, or with a certified deer processor.
Mississippi Deer Season 2024 – 2025 Start Date
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has announced the start date for the 2024-2025 deer season. The season will begin on Saturday, October 12, 2024, and end on Sunday, January 31, 2025.
The MDWFP sets the deer season dates in order to manage the state’s deer population. The agency uses a variety of factors to determine the start and end dates, including the deer population size, the number of deer killed in previous seasons, and the amount of habitat available for deer.
The deer season is an important part of the Mississippi economy. Hunters spend millions of dollars on equipment, licenses, and travel each year. The season also provides a way for hunters to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.
People Also Ask About Deer Season Mississippi 2024 2025 Start Date
When is the deer season in Mississippi in 2024?
The deer season in Mississippi in 2024 will begin on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
When does the deer season end in Mississippi in 2025?
The deer season in Mississippi in 2025 will end on Sunday, January 31, 2025.
How long is the deer season in Mississippi?
The deer season in Mississippi is 102 days long.
What are the deer season dates in Mississippi for 2024-2025?
The deer season dates in Mississippi for 2024-2025 are Saturday, October 12, 2024 – Sunday, January 31, 2025.
