MISSISSIPPI — Mississippi’s 2026 dove season opens Saturday, Sept. 5, giving hunters across the state one of the first major hunting opportunities of the fall.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks said hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
The season dates are the same for both the North and South zones:
Sept. 5-Oct. 4, 2026
Oct. 24-Nov. 22, 2026
Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 24, 2027
The North Zone includes areas north of U.S. Highway 84, along with areas south of U.S. 84 and west of Mississippi Highway 35. The South Zone includes areas south of U.S. 84 and east of Mississippi Highway 35.
Hunters planning to use Wildlife Management Areas are encouraged to review the specific rules and regulations for the area before heading out.
Opening day is among the state’s most popular hunting traditions, often bringing together friends and families for a day outdoors as Mississippi transitions from summer into fall.
MDWFP also offers public dove hunting opportunities on WMAs across the state. Due to increased interest at certain locations, draw hunts are being used for opening-day opportunities at Black Prairie and William (Billy) C. Deviney WMAs.
Black Prairie WMA’s draw hunt is scheduled for the first Wednesday of the regular dove season, while Deviney WMA’s draw hunt takes place on the regular season opener. Select standby opportunities will also be available.
The application period for those draws was July 15 through Aug. 15.
Hunters pursuing doves and other migratory game birds must also participate in the Harvest Information Program, or HIP, each year for each state where they hunt. The information collected helps wildlife officials estimate harvest rates and hunter participation and guide conservation and season-management decisions.
