Hunting Your Own Land in Mississippi – Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re fortunate enough to own land in Mississippi, but you’re not sure what, if any, licenses you need to hunt there, you’ve come to the right place. State hunting regulations can be complicated and confusing, but this article should clear up any confusion and get you outdoors legally hunting your property in no time. 

If you still have questions after reading this, feel free to drop them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer them for you.

RELATED: 2022-2023 Mississippi Deer Season Dates

Does a landowner need a hunting license in Mississippi?

The short answer is no. Mississippi resident landowners do not need a license to hunt on property titled in their name. However, they do still have to abide by the same hunting seasons, bag limits, and tagging/checking requirements as everyone else. More on that below. 

Resident Mississippi Landowners

It’s worth noting that any turkey killed by a landowner on their own property still must be checked in through Mississippi’s Game Check system by 10 p.m. the day of the harvest. Though not required, hunters are also encouraged to check in all deer harvests as well. That can be done through the official MDWFP app or online at mdwfp.com/gamecheck.

Nonresident Mississippi Landowners

If you are a nonresident who owns land in Mississippi, then you ARE required to purchase a nonresident hunting license. Basically, there are no special privileges for those owning land in Mississippi who don’t reside in the state.

Do My Family Members Need a License to Hunt My Land in Mississippi?

Yes. There is no license exemption for family members of Mississippi landowners. The only person exempt from buying a hunting license is the person on the property’s deed. 

Can I hunt year-round on my own property in Mississippi?

No. Landowners must still abide by Mississippi’s hunting season dates and bag limits. All turkeys harvested by a landowner on their own property must be checked in through Mississippi’s Game Check system, and hunters are encouraged to check all deer harvests as well.

There are situations where a landowner raising agricultural crops for profit can take deer out-of-season if they are causing damage to those crops, but they must first contact the MDWFP to obtain an animal control permit.

How many acres do I need to legally hunt in Mississippi?

Mississippi law does not specify a minimum acreage to be able to hunt. Technically you could hunt on a 1/2-acre lot. However, wherever you hunt, you have to be able to do so in a safe manner. That means not shooting in the direction of roads or other houses. 

Some municipalities and counties may also have regulations regarding the discharge of bows and firearms. So you’ll want to make sure you are aware of any local rules that may be in place before hunting on your property. However, a municipality or county CANNOT make it illegal to hunt with a bow or shotgun if you have at least 10 acres or hunt with a centerfire rifle if you have at least 50 acres.

Can I shoot deer at night on my own property in Mississippi?

No. It is illegal to shoot deer outside of legal shooting hours in Mississippi. Legal shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one half-hour after sunset.

Summary

I hope this article clears up any questions you had on hunting on your own land in Mississippi. If not, feel free to drop your unanswered questions in the comments section below. We may end up adding them to the article for others who may have that same question in mind. Be safe out there, and I hope you have a great hunting season!