Hunting in Mississippi: 4 Things to Know About Hunting on Private Lands

Hunting on private lands in Mississippi should be treated as a privilege, as in any state. Landowners that allow hunting on their private land open up a lot of options to hunters while also providing ample opportunities for their own hunting enjoyment.

Here are three things to keep in mind about hunting on private lands in Mississippi:

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1. Legal Weapon of Choice
Hunters have several choices when it comes to hunting on private lands during open seasons. For example, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks states, “During any open season on deer with primitive weapons after November 30, a person may use any legal weapon of choice on private lands only, if the person is the title owner of the land, the lessee of the hunting rights on the land, a member of a hunting club leasing the hunting rights on the land, or a guest of a person specified above. If the person is required to have a hunting license, the person must have a primitive weapon license, Sportsman's License, or a Lifetime Sportsman's License.”

For other animals, trapping, shooting, or keeping enclosed may be an option, such as in the case of coyotes and foxes.

2. Buck Size
Legal buck sizes vary between the three deer management zones, with the minimum inside spread typically listed as either 10 or 12 inches or a main team length of 13 or 15 inches. Bag limits apply to all legally-sized deer, with a limit of three per licensed year. If the hunter is under 15, then the antlered deer can be of any size.

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3. Hunting Seasons
There are differences between public and private land hunting seasons. For example, antlerless deer and legal bucks can be hunted on private land at certain periods when, during the same time, only legal bucks can be hunted on public land.

Checking the regulations of the zone you will be hunting in is vital to ensure that you are staying within that area’s regulations.

4. Private Land Permits
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, about 80 percent of Mississippi is privately owned. Hunters must carry a copy of their Mississippi Courtesy Card that shows the hunter is in fact allowed to hunt on their private property. Landowners are encouraged to also keep a copy of the courtesy card in their possession, too.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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