Too young to hunt in MS? Here’s what to know before taking children on their first hunt
Hunting season is upon us here in Mississippi and despite some of the new rules for the 2024-2025 season, it is a fairly youth-friendly state when it comes to hunting. There are no minimum age requirements for Mississippi sportsmen, and licensing rules are fairly lax for hunters under 16.
However, before you turn over that shotgun to your toddler, there are some guidelines that Mississippi has set forth to keep everyone safe (except the deer, of course).
Under 12: supervision is key
For the littlest hunters:
No hunting license needed
No hunter education required
No weapons restrictions
Hunters must be at least 10 to take the Mississippi Hunter Education Certification test
MUST be directly supervised by a certified adult (21+)
In this context, “direct supervision” means the adult needs to be within sight and hearing of the kiddo at all times. Sending them off to the woods alone is not permitted.
Ages 12-15: more freedom, more options
As your young hunter grows up:
Still, no hunting license is needed, but you have a couple of choices:
No hunting license required
Must complete hunter education certification
May hunt without a hunter education certificate if they are under direct supervision of a Mississippi licensed hunter (21+)
16: it’s time to get official
Once they hit 16 years old they are not considered “youth hunters” and must have all the same licenses and permits
Hunting license required
Must complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing a license
No supervision required
Youth hunting, by season
Youth Deer Season:
- Saturday, Nov. 9, to Friday, Nov. 22: Either gender on private and authorized state and federal lands.
- Saturday, Nov. 23, to Friday, Jan. 31 (Saturday, Feb. 15, in Southeast Zone): Either gender on private lands. On open public lands, youth must follow legal deer criteria.
Youth Turkey Season:
- Saturday, March 8, to Friday, March 14, 2025 (The seven days preceding the statewide spring turkey season)
Youth Squirrel Season:
- Sept. 24 to Sept. 30 (on private lands and authorized state and federal lands)
Youth Waterfowl Days:
Saturday, March 8, 2025, to Sunday, March 9, 2025
There are some safety concerns
Ultimately, it’s up to the parent to consider your child’s maturity, physical abilities and understanding of safety rules.
Allowing access to weapons at a young age has proven to contribute to shooting accidents. Mississippi has the second-highest rate of unintentional shooting by children.
In fact, children ages 14 to 17 are the most likely to unintentionally shoot themselves or others and almost 70% of these shootings occur in a familiar environment. Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens, so safety around firearms is paramount to keep hunting safe and casualty-free.
Mississippi has some of the most dedicated and enthusiastic hunters and sportsmen, but hunting is, first and foremost, about responsibility and respect.
Whether your child is 5 or 15, be sure to prioritize safety, follow the rules and enjoy the season.
