How Much Does a Mississippi Hunting License Cost?
How much does a Mississippi hunting license cost? For residents, the standard options fall in the $10-$30 range, while more inclusive packages cost more. Mississippi's Super Sportsman license costs $80, while several other resident licenses come in lower depending on your age and what you plan to hunt.
Non-resident licenses cost more, with short-term licenses starting around $150 for some all-game options. You can get hunting licenses through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks online system, which makes the process fairly simple once you know what you need.
That said, your final cost depends on whether you live in Mississippi, how long you plan to hunt, and whether you want a basic license or the full package with more privileges. If you know your residency status and hunting plans ahead of time, you'll have a much easier time picking the right license and avoiding extra confusion before the season starts.
Here's what you need to know before the season begins!
| Mississippi Hunting License Costs — Quick Facts | ||
| Adult License Costs $10–$30 | Adult Non-resident License Costs $95–$300 | Additional Costs License Fee, Processing Fee, Agent Fee, Permits, Hunter Education |
| Who Needs One Anyone hunting in Mississippi | ||
How Much Does a Mississippi Hunting License Cost?
Mississippi helpfully offers a flexible range of hunting license options. Some residents can get by with a lower-cost license, while others may prefer a package that includes more hunting and fishing privileges. Non-residents pay higher prices for longer hunts.
Mississippi offers short-term options, but even those cost more than resident licenses. If you're planning a trip into the state, it's worth building your license cost into the budget early so there are no surprises later.
Mississippi Resident Hunting License Costs | |
| License Type | Cost |
Standard License | $10–30 |
Small Game | $13 |
Sportsman (16–64) | $45 |
Super Sportsman | $80 |
Resident Senior Exempt | $2.30 |
Youth (Hunters under 16) | $2.30 |
Lifetime (13+) | $1,000 |
Standard Resident License Costs
Mississippi residents have several hunting license options for every hunter’s age, goals, and whether they also want fishing privileges. That flexibility is a plus because it means you don't always have to pay for more than you need.
Standard hunting licenses usually range from $10-$30 for residents, providing many hunters with an affordable way to obtain legal access to the field.
Meanwhile, all game hunting and freshwater fishing licenses cost $25. It’s a practical option if you want a combination package without stepping up to a more expensive sportsman-style license.
A resident small game hunting license costs $13, which can be a good fit if your plans are limited and you don't need broader all-game privileges.
Resident Sportsman Licenses
The Sportsman License costs $45 for Mississippi residents ages 16-64 and includes most hunting and fishing privileges. That's a good value if you want broader coverage without jumping all the way to the top package.
Mississippi also offers the Super Sportsman license for $80. This is the option many active outdoorsmen consider when they want a complete package and don’t want to piece together several separate licenses.
Resident Senior, Youth, and Lifetime Options
Mississippi has reduced-cost options for some groups. For hunters aged 65 and older, the Resident Senior Exempt License costs $2.30. Youth licenses for hunters under 16 also cost $2.30 and are voluntary or reduced, depending on the situation.
Mississippi even offers a lifetime license for hunters age 13 and older for $1,000. That's obviously a much higher upfront cost, but for someone who plans to hunt and fish in Mississippi for years, it may be worth considering.
Non-Resident License Costs
Non-resident hunters pay more in Mississippi, as they do in most states. How much does a Mississippi hunting license cost if you're not a resident? That depends on the exact license type and duration you need.
Mississippi non-resident licenses typically range from $50-$150 for the three-day all-game license, depending on the type of license and the length of the hunt. A short-term option might make more sense if you're coming in for a limited hunt and know you’ll only be in the field for a few days.
Annual non-resident licenses cost more and may also require additional permits, depending on where and how you plan to hunt. Just remember that if you're a non-resident, the base license may not be the only cost you need to think about.
Mississippi Non-Resident Hunting License Costs | |
| License Type | Cost |
All Game Hunting | $300 |
7–Day All Game Hunting | $150 |
3–Day All Game Hunting | $150 |
Small Game | $95 |
Deer Permit | $100 |
What Is a Mississippi Hunting License?
A hunting license is a legal permit issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. It allows you to hunt certain game species during regulated seasons, in accordance with state rules.
License revenue helps fund conservation work, wildlife management, and public land access. The license system is one way Mississippi hunters support conservation.
A license is part of the system that manages when people can hunt, what they can hunt, and how wildlife populations are protected from overharvest. That’s why having the correct license matters so much. It's about managing the state's hunting system effectively.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Mississippi Hunting License?
Before you buy a Mississippi hunting license, you need to make sure you meet the state's basic requirements. For many hunters, that starts with hunter education.
Hunter Education Requirement
Mississippi requires hunter education for anyone born on or after January 1, 1972. That means many first-time hunters and plenty of adult hunters still need to meet this requirement before getting licensed.
The course covers firearm safety, ethical hunting practices, and basic wildlife conservation. The course prepares hunters to use firearms safely, make sound decisions in the field, and understand the larger responsibilities that come with hunting.
If the requirement applies to you, it's one of the first things you should address. We recommend not waiting until the last minute, especially if you're trying to get ready close to opening day.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Mississippi?
Most residents and non-residents hunting in Mississippi need a hunting license. But, in general, the requirement applies to hunters aged 16 and older.
There are, however, some exceptions and special cases. Youth hunters may qualify for discounted or voluntary licenses, while seniors may qualify for reduced-cost licensing. Active-duty military members stationed in Mississippi can buy resident licenses, which can significantly reduce costs.
Even with those exceptions, assume you need a license unless you're sure you qualify for a specific exemption. It's much easier to verify your status ahead of time than to deal with the problems that come from getting it wrong.
How to Get a Mississippi Hunting License
Mississippi makes the purchasing process fairly accessible, and hunters can get licensed in several ways.
Purchase Options
You can buy a Mississippi hunting license online through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. You can also buy one through the Mississippi HuntFish app, which is a useful option if you prefer to handle things on your phone.
For in-person purchases, approved retailers such as Walmart may also sell hunting licenses. That can be convenient if you're out running errands.
What You'll Need
- Identification
- Completed a Mississippi hunter education course, if applicable
- A payment method
Why It’s Important to Have a Hunting License
A hunting license is important for several reasons, and all of them matter if you want to stay legal and keep future hunting privileges.
Why a Mississippi Hunting License is Important: |
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Take an Online Hunter Education Course to Get Your Hunting License in Mississippi
Mississippi offers flexible hunting license options for different types of hunters, which is helpful whether you're a resident looking for a lower-cost package or a visiting hunter seeking the right short-term option.
It's pretty simple to find out how much a Mississippi hunting license costs before you buy one. It all boils down to your residency status, age, the type of game you want to hunt, and whether hunter education applies to you.
Once you have those answers, it's easy. If you need to meet the education requirement, taking the Hunter-Ed course for Mississippi can help you get that step done and move toward a fun, legal hunting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We’ve got answers to some common questions about hunting licenses in Mississippi.
Q: How much is a hunting license in the state of Mississippi?
A: Mississippi hunting license costs vary by residency, license type, and hunting privileges. Resident hunting licenses generally range from about $10-$30, while Sportsman and Super Sportsman packages cost more. Non-resident licenses are typically more expensive, with some short-term all-game licenses costing more than $150.
Q: What is the MS hunter license package?
A: Mississippi offers several license packages, including the Sportsman's License and the Super Sportsman License. The Sportsman's License includes most hunting and freshwater fishing privileges, while the Super Sportsman License adds additional hunting and fishing benefits for hunters who want broader coverage.
Q: How to get a lifetime Mississippi hunting license?
A: Mississippi residents can apply for a lifetime sportsman hunting and fishing license through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. State law authorizes lifetime licenses for residents, with pricing starting at $1,000 for applicants ages 13 and older.
Q: Do I need a hunting license to hunt my own property in Mississippi?
A: In many cases, resident hunters do not need a hunting license while hunting on land titled in their own name. However, other hunting regulations, permits, seasons, and hunter education requirements may still apply. It's a good idea to review current state regulations before hunting.
Q: Who is exempt from a hunting license in Mississippi?
A: Several groups may qualify for hunting license exemptions, including Mississippi residents age 65 and older and certain residents with qualifying disabilities, such as those who are blind or have been determined totally disabled by the Social Security Administration or Veterans Administration. Exempt hunters must carry appropriate documentation while hunting.
Q: What is the fine for hunting without a license in Mississippi?
A: Penalties for hunting without the required license can include fines, loss of hunting privileges, and other legal consequences. The exact penalty depends on the circumstances and the specific violation. Because penalties can change, hunters should consult current Mississippi regulations for the most up-to-date information.
