Hunting License Mississippi- Steps to Buy in Ms

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Mississippi hunting license:


MS Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks for use in Mississippi for MS residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Mississip), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your MS Hunting License

Mississippi offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences, each governed by specific regulations.

Mississippi residents and non-residents under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a hunting license. Residents may voluntarily purchase the Youth Exempt License by submitting an application.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person whose permanent domicile is in Mississippi. College students with an ID card from a Mississippi college or university and active-duty military members stationed in Mississippi are considered residents. All Mississippi residents ages 16 to 64 must have a resident hunting license.

  • Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License – Required for Mississippi residents aged 16 to 64 to hunt small game and fish in freshwater.
  • All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License – Allows residents to hunt all game species and fish in freshwater.
  • Sportsman License – Includes all game hunting, freshwater fishing, archery/primitive weapon/crossbow privileges, and Wildlife Management Area (WMA) access .
  • Apprentice Sportsman License – A one-time license for residents aged 16 and older who have not completed hunter education; must be accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older .
  • Resident Lifetime Hunting License – Provides lifetime hunting privileges for residents; additional permits may be required for specific game species .

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents age 16 or older must have a non-resident hunting license.

  • All Game Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 16 and older to hunt all game species in Mississippi.
  • 7-Day All Game Hunting License – Allows non-residents to hunt all game species for seven consecutive days; fees apply.
  • 3-Day All Game Hunting License – Permits non-residents to hunt all game species for three consecutive days.
  • Non-Resident Native Lifetime License – Available to non-residents born in Mississippi; provides lifetime hunting privileges .

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Youth Exempt License – Available for residents under age 16; not required to purchase a hunting license but may obtain this voluntary license for documentation purposes .
  • Hunter Education Requirement – Individuals born on or after January 1, 1972, must complete a hunter education course before obtaining a hunting license .

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Resident Senior Exempt License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; includes all game hunting, freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, archery/primitive weapon/crossbow privileges, and WMA access .
  • Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting License – Provides lifetime hunting privileges for residents aged 65 and older; additional permits may be required for specific game species .

Lifetime Licenses

  • Resident Lifetime Hunting License – Available to residents; provides lifetime hunting privileges; additional permits may be required for specific game species.
  • Non-Resident Native Lifetime License – Available to non-residents born in Mississippi; provides lifetime hunting privileges .

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Exempt License – Available to residents who are blind, paraplegic, multiple-amputees, adjudged 100% disabled by the Social Security Administration, or 100% service-connected disabled by the Veterans Administration; provides hunting privileges .
  • Military Exemption – Mississippi residents who are active-duty military members stationed outside the state are not required to purchase a hunting license while on leave; must have official military leave form in possession .

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Deer Permit – Required in addition to a hunting license to hunt deer during all deer seasons .
  • Spring Turkey Permit – Required to hunt turkeys during the spring season; must be purchased in addition to the appropriate hunting license .
  • Archery/Primitive Weapon/Crossbow Permit – Required to hunt with archery equipment, primitive weapons, or crossbows during special seasons; must be purchased in addition to the appropriate hunting license .
  • Electronic State Waterfowl Stamp – Required for hunting waterfowl; hunters aged 16 and older must also possess a Federal Duck Stamp .
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification – Required to hunt migratory birds; must be renewed annually .
  • WMA User Permit – Required for any use of a Wildlife Management Area; must be purchased in addition to other required licenses .
  • Alligator Hunting License, Possession Permit, and Trapping License – Required for drawn applicants to hunt alligators; must be purchased in addition to an All Game Hunting License.

MS Hunting licenses are good for one year from the date of purchase. Mississippi residents and non-residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.


Where to buy your Mississippi Hunting License

To hunt in Mississippi, you can purchase your license either online through the MDWFP Hunting and Fishing License Portal or in person through a licensed agent. A full directory of authorized in-person license agents is available on the MDWFP License Agent Locator.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in Mississippi: