Duck Hunting Season in Mississippi: Season Dates, Bag Limits and More

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Published: October 27, 2022
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Located along the Mississippi Flyway you can imagine there are plenty of opportunities for duck hunting in Mississippi.  Whether you are a novice hunter or an experienced veteran, here is everything you need to know about duck hunting season in Mississippi including season dates, bag limits and more!

What Kind of Ducks are in Mississippi?

Fastest Birds in the World: Red-breasted Merganser

Mergansers are some of the waterfowl to be found in Mississippi.

©Brian E Kushner/Shutterstock.com

There are a variety of ducks and waterfowl that live in, or migrate to, Mississippi. In Mississippi the ducks and waterfowl that can be hunted include:

  • Ducks
  • Mergansers
  • Coot
  • Teal
  • Canada Geese
  • White-fronted Geese
  • Snow Geese
  • Blue Geese
  • Ross’ Geese
  • Brant
  • Snipe
  • Woodcock
  • Gallinules (Common and Purple)
  • Rails
  • Crows
  • Mourning Doves
  • White-winged Doves

Where can you Duck Hunt in Mississippi?

Marsh on Mississippi River

You can duck hunt in public waterfowl areas including Wildlife Management Areas managed by the MDWFP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Wildlife Refuges.

©RLW Photography/Shutterstock.com

You can duck hunt in public waterfowl areas including Wildlife Management Areas managed by the MDWFP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Wildlife Refuges. Hunting is statewide except there are two zones for hunting mourning doves and white-winged doves with different seasons. Check below for the dates for the North Zone and South Zone.

Duck Hunting Season Dates in Mississippi

SpeciesSeason Dates
DucksNov. 25, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
MergansersNov. 25, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
CootNov. 25, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Teal (Early Season)Sept. 10, 2022 – Sept. 25, 2022
Canada GeeseSept. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2022 Nov. 11, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
White-fronted GeeseNov. 11, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Snow GeeseNov. 11, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Ross’ GeeseNov. 11, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Blue GeeseNov. 11, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
BrantNov. 11, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 2, 2022 – Dec. 4, 2022 Dec. 9, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
SnipeNov. 14, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023
WoodcockDec. 18, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
Gallinules (Common and Purple)Sept. 1, 2022 – Oct. 2, 2022 Nov. 25, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
RailsSept. 1, 2022– Oct. 2, 2022 Nov. 25, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023
CrowNov. 5, 2022 – Feb. 28, 2023
Mourning DoveNorth Zone Sept. 3, 2022 – Oct. 14, 2022 Nov. 19, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 24, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 South Zone Sept. 3, 2022 – Sept. 18, 2022 Oct. 8, 2022 – Nov. 6, 2022 Dec. 19, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023
White-winged DoveNorth Zone Sept. 3, 2022 – Oct. 14, 2022 Nov. 19, 2022 – Nov. 27, 2022 Dec. 24, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023 South Zone Sept. 3, 2022 – Sept. 18, 2022 Oct. 8, 2022 – Nov. 6, 2022 Dec. 19, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023

Other Season Dates

Youth, Veterans and Active Military Waterfowl Hunt DaysFebruary 4-5, 2023
Light Goose Conservation OrderOct. 1, 2022 – Nov. 10, 2022 Nov. 28, 2022 – Dec. 1, 2022 Dec. 5, 2022 – Dec. 8, 2022 Feb. 1, 2023 – Feb. 3, 2023 Feb. 6, 2023 – Mar. 31, 2023

Bag Limits and Possession Limits for Duck Hunting in Mississippi

The daily bag limit for ducks is 6 in Mississippi, either singly or in the aggregate (group). Note that there is a change this year in the number of sea ducks you can take from 5 down to 4. Also note that sea ducks are included in the total 6-duck daily bag limit. Here are the bag limits and possession limits for all the migratory game birds:

SpeciesBag LimitsPossession Limits
Ducks*618
Mergansers (limit 2 hooded)515
Coot1545
Teal (Early Season)618
Canada Geese515
White-fronted Geese39
Snow Geese20None
Ross’ Geese20None
Blue Geese20None
Brant13
Snipe824
Woodcock39
Gallinules (Common and Purple)1545
Rails (King and Clapper)1545
Rails (Sora and Virginia)2575
CrowNoneNone
Mourning Dove1545
White-winged Dove1545

*Note: For ducks: “A total daily bag limit of 6 ducks, including no more than 4 mallards (no more than 2 of which may be females), 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 pintail, 2 canvasbacks, 1 mottled duck, and 2 black ducks. The daily bag limit for scaup is 1 scaup per day Nov. 25 – 27, Dec. 2 – 4, and Dec. 9 – 17; and is 2 scaup per day Dec. 18 – Jan. 31. Possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.”

What are Shooting Hours?

mallards in flight

The daily bag limit for ducks is 6 in Mississippi.

©iStock.com/photosbyjimn

Shooting hours in Mississippi are the same statewide:

  • Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end at sunset.
  • Exception: During early Light Goose Conservation order allows hunting ½ hour past sunset.

Check this link to find the official sunrise and sunset times: NOAA sunrise and sunset times.

Gear Up! What Gear do you Need for Duck Hunting Season in Mississippi?

Duck Hunting Gear

The right gear can make a big difference.

©Denise Lett/Shutterstock.com

The right gear can make a big difference in a successful hunt. The more experienced you get the more you will know what is essential and what can be left behind. It also depends if you plan on taking a week long excursion in a remote area in the Mississippi Delta or you are going to pull up to the shore one morning for a couple of hours of morning shooting. Remember you can always experiment with different decoy spreads, callers and blinds to find your lucky recipe for success. Here are some of the essentials most duck hunters require:

  • A 12 or 20 gauge shotgun
  • Gun case or bag to keep moisture away from your gun
  • The right shells depending on the size of the bird and distance you are shooting. 3” shells are common.
  • Duck blind or boat blind: You can use a boat/blind combination or create a blind on the shore. Will you be along the Mississippi River, in some of the swamps and bayous, or hiking into the flooded woods? Decide what works the best for you. Take time to scout out the area you plan to hunt so you can learn the rhythm of the birds you are targeting. There are a variety of blinds and boat blinds to try, but be sure to get one that fits in with the conditions you plan to hunt. If you will be hunting in areas with strong winds be sure to consider the sturdiness of your blind.
  • Life vest or PFD: If you hunt from a boat, canoe or kayak you will want to wear a comafolged life vest or PFD. There are ones specifically made for hunting with the shoulder area free from foam, so it doesn’t interfere with your shooting.
  • Decoys: Experimenting with decoy spreads is a great way to switch up your hunt. Depending on the species you are after you will learn if you need to create a peaceful inviting scene or a more active one with bubblers and mojo’s (decoys on a pole that have moving wings that look like ducks landing).
  • Camo: Research the area you plan to hunt in and consider the time of year so you can match your clothing to your surroundings. Many hunters cover their face with a camouflaged gator, facemask or face paint.
  • Duck callers: You may want to have a string of duck callers or just one for the species you are targeting. Remember that electronic callers are not allowed in Mississippi.
  • Waders: Some hunters prefer one-piece waders with built-in boots while others prefer separate stocking foot waders paired with boots. Dress accordingly to the weather. If you are early Teal hunting you may want waders that are more breathable with later season hunting you will want to have roomier waders to make room for layers for warmth.
  • Dog (obviously not required but enjoyable for many): Many duck hunters in Mississippi hunt with their dogs. Popular dog breeds that can be trained for duck hunting include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, American Water Spaniel and the Boykin Spaniel. It is very rewarding to see your well trained dog enjoying a retrieval. Be sure to have the supplies you need to care for your dog for the duration of your trip. Think about food, clean water, leash, place board (if you have taught them to “place”) and towels.
  • Thermacell: Doesn’t hurt to have a mosquito plan and the Thermacell is a handy tool to ward off mosquitoes if you are hunting in a mosquito heavy habitat.
  • First Aid Kit: Always have a first aid kit handy. Think about safety for both you and your dog if you bring one. Remember the bottom of lakes, ponds and the coast can be littered with debris.

Factors for Success

dog with duck in mouth

Many duck hunters in Mississippi hunt with their dogs.

©Anna Pozzi – Zoophotos/Shutterstock.com

Some things you can control when you are duck hunting and some things are up to Mother Nature. With proper planning you can increase your chances for a successful trip. Three of the biggest factors for success include:

  • Blind: Choosing the location of your blind is one of the key factors to success. Making sure your blind is truly camouflaged makes a big difference. Do your homework and scout out the best location. Be sure to be considerate of other hunters and don’t set up shop too close to another party.
  • Decoy Spread: Usually a dozen decoys is a good start, but get to your hunting area early so you have time to set up your spread and have it settle in. Feel free to experiment with different spreads and research what has worked for other hunters.
  • Weather: You don’t have control over the weather but you can plan ahead. Check the weather reports a few days before your hunt and leave flexibility to change up the date to adjust if you can. Most duck hunters prefer a cool, wet morning with overcast skies.

Where are the Best Places to Duck Hunt in Mississippi?

Swampy Bayou

The most popular area for duck hunting is the along the Mississippi Flyway in the Mississippi Delta.

©MeganTea/Shutterstock.com

There really are a lot of great duck hunting locations in Mississippi weather you prefer to hunt along the river, in the swamps or down along the Mississippi Sound. The most popular area is the along the Mississippi Flyway in the Mississippi Delta.

Meet the Species: 3 of the Most Common Ducks in Mississippi

Animals That Play Dead duck

The wood duck or Carolina duck, Aix sponsa, is a species of perching duck found in North America. It is one of the most colorful North American waterfowl.

©Rudolf Ernst/Shutterstock.com

  • Mallards: Probably the most recognized duck species around, the male mallards (drakes) have an emerald green head and a yellow bill. Their bodies are black and white with green tail feathers.
  • Gadwall: These ducks are not flashy but are a classic duck with the males having a tan to brown patterned coloration, black bill and matching black rump.
  • Wood Duck: Compared to the gadwall these ducks are flashy and have a beautiful iridescent green head with a red patched eye and orange behind their beak. The rest of their bodies are a mix of brown chest, black wings and a gray belly.

Up Next

The photo featured at the top of this post is © MeganTea/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

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Sources
  1. National Migratory Bird Harvest Survey, Available here: https://fws.gov/harvestsurvey/harvest-vis
  2. Ducks Unlimited, Available here: https://www.ducks.org/hunting/retriever-training/top-ten-retrievers
  3. Digest of Migratory Game Bird Regulations, Available here: https://www.mdwfp.com/media/303123/mgb-digest-22-23.pdf
  4. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Available here: https://www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/waterfowl-program/hunting-regulations/