Season Dates and Bag Limits for Migratory Birds
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.
See more information regarding season dates and bag limits for hunting in Mississippi.
Mississippi's public lands are subject to special seasons and regulations that may vary from statewide seasons and regulations. It is always suggested to check the rules and regulations for the specific location you are interested in hunting before visiting. See more information on MDWFP's Wildlife Management Areas.
For the detailed breakdown of Migratory Game Bird regulations, download our Migratory Game Bird Digest.
State and Federal Waterfowl Stamps
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. Exempt landowners and hunters over the age of 65 also must have these stamps when hunting waterfowl. Dove, rail, gallinule, coot, woodcock, crows, and snipe are not classified as waterfowl and may be hunted without such stamps.
Please note: the federal waterfowl stamp expires on June 30th of every year, regardless of when it is purchased. Please make sure your federal waterfowl stamp is up to date before heading outdoors.
The Electronic Federal 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 electronic proof of purchase. This is unique to the purchaser and is valid as a Federal Duck Stamp across the nation. Your electronic proof of purchase may be printed out or downloaded onto your mobile device and must be carried on your person while hunting waterfowl. Physical Federal Duck Stamps will be mailed out to E-Stamp purchasers after March 10. Physical Federal Duck Stamps may also be purchased through the U.S. Postal Service. For more information on the Federal Duck Stamp, please visit https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php
Permit Requirements
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.
HIP Survey
All licensed hunters hunting migratory game birds (dove, rail, gallinule, coot, woodcock, snipe, crows, and waterfowl (ducks and geese) must be H.I.P. (Harvest Information Program) certified. H.I.P. certified means taking the Migratory Bird Survey at time of license purchase or separately.
When hunters register for HIP, they answer a few short questions about the types and numbers of migratory birds they harvested the previous season. These responses help biologists gather accurate data on harvest trends and hunter activity.
HIP Data Helps MDWFP:
- Estimate harvest rates and hunter participation
- Inform season frameworks and bag limits
- Guide conservation priorities based on species use
- Strengthen partnerships with other state and federal agencies
Federal Waterfowl Regulations
The following links should help you stay legal while waterfowl hunting in Mississippi and elsewhere.