Public Hunting Land in Mississippi

Mississippi offers a wide range of public hunting opportunities with more than 2 million acres open to hunters. From Delta bottomlands to piney hills, the Magnolia State provides excellent access to deer, turkey, waterfowl, small game, and hogs across state and federal lands.

Types of Public Land Available in Mississippi:

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Operated by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), these lands are open for seasonal hunting with permit and regulation compliance.

• National Forests: Homochitto, Bienville, DeSoto, Tombigbee, and Delta National Forests offer expansive access to big and small game.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Lands: Found near reservoirs and river systems, open to public hunting with certain restrictions.

• National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs): Select units are open by permit or lottery only, mostly for deer and waterfowl.

Seasons & Access Info

Mississippi requires a valid hunting license and often a WMA User Permit for public land hunts. Certain WMAs and NWRs also require drawn permits or sign-in procedures.

Key Resources:

• Hunting Seasons & Bag Limits

• Purchase Licenses & WMA Permits

• WMA Draw Hunt Info & Application Portal

Pro Tip: MDWFP updates WMA rules annually — always review each property’s regulations before hunting.

Explore Mississippi’s Hunting Lands

Mississippi offers a robust suite of digital tools to help hunters plan their public land access:

• WMA Property Search & Interactive Map

• National Forest Access Info

• Waterfowl Zones, PDFs, & Check-in Tools

Whether you’re chasing bucks in the Delta or mallards in the backwater sloughs, Mississippi’s public lands deliver strong opportunities with southern hospitality.