Waterfowl Hunting Regulations
Seasons and Bag Limits
Migratory bird season dates, season length, and bag limits are subject to change annually. By Federal law, our migratory bird seasons may only occur during certain season frameworks. For example, states in the Mississippi Flyway can set their regular duck season any time between the Saturday nearest September 24 and the last Sunday in January. Federal frameworks are typically received in late winter or early spring, and states typically make their season selections in April. After the hunting season dates are set by the Commission, they will be posted here and distributed to various media outlets. If you'd like to learn more about all of the efforts that go into setting waterfowl seasons, check out the FLYWAYS.US website.
License Requirements for Waterfowl Hunting
Waterfowl hunters between the ages of 16 and 65 must have a minimum of a small game hunting license (Sportsman or All-game licenses are also valid), Mississippi waterfowl stamp (electronic or physical), Federal waterfowl stamp (electronic or physical), and Harvest Information Program (HIP) certification. Physical waterfowl stamps are not valid unless signed in ink. Youth under the age of 16 are exempt from purchasing a hunting license and waterfowl stamps, but must be in the presence of a properly licensed adult while waterfowl hunting. Adult hunters exempt from purchasing a hunting license are still required to possess state and Federal waterfowl stamps for waterfowl hunting.
The Electronic Duck Stamp, or E-Stamp, allows customers to buy Federal Duck Stamps online for immediate use. When you buy an E-Stamp, you will receive an E-Stamp certificate. This certificate is unique to the purchaser and is valid as a Federal Duck Stamp across the nation for up to 45 days from the date of purchase. Within that time, a physical Duck Stamp will be mailed to you. Your E-stamp certificate may be printed out or downloaded onto your mobile device and must be carried on your person while hunting waterfowl.
As soon as you receive your physical stamp, you must sign it and use it for hunting. Your E-Stamp certification is no longer valid once you receive your physical stamp. Regardless of whether you received your physical stamp, after 45 days from the date of purchase, the E-Stamp certificate is no longer valid. You must carry your current, signed Federal Duck Stamp while hunting. For more information on the Federal Duck Stamp, please visit https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php
Waterfowl hunters who hunt on state Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) must purchase a WMA user permit (unless otherwise exempt) in addition to their hunting license and waterfowl stamps. For information on permit requirements for other public lands (e.g., National Wildlife Refuges, National Forests, etc.) please contact the agency responsible for those lands.
Federal Waterfowl Regulations
The following links should help you stay legal while waterfowl hunting in Mississippi and elsewhere.
