About Hunting Quail in Mississippi

There are a number of public lands that are open to quail hunting in Mississippi, including Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands (see links below). The presence and abundance of quail on these areas vary depending on habitat quality and quantity.

Always check area regulations for open season dates and bag limits. A Wildlife Management Area User Permit (may be purchased anywhere hunting licenses are sold) is required of anyone using a WMA, unless exempt from purchasing a hunting and fishing license. For other public lands, consult the administrative agency for information on regulations and permits that may be required.

Quail Hunting Season

The 2023 - 2024 quail hunting season is from November 23 - March 2. The daily bag limit is 8 quail.

Obtain a Hunting License
Explore information related to obtaining your hunting license or Wildlife Management Area User Permit.
Obtain a License

Shooting Preserves and Bird Dog Training

Pen-raised quail may be released and hunted on private land during the statewide quail season. However, state bag limits must be observed. To harvest more released birds than bag limits dictate or to hunt released birds outside of the statewide quail hunting season, a shooting preserve license or dog training permit is required.

Bird Dog Training Permits

Bird dog training permits are useful for persons wishing to train dogs with pen-raised quail outside of the statewide quail season. Bird dog training permits allow the holder to use marked, pen-raised quail with release pens to train dogs. Marked, pen-raised quail may be recaptured or shot. To apply for a permit, refer to Tamed Quail Shooting Dog Training Application via the Permit Applications link below.

Pen-raised quail may be marked with dye, tags, or bands. Contact a commercial supplier of tags and bands for more information on sizes and types available. Local farm supply stores may be able to obtain bands or tags. An internet search can quickly yield sources.

Shooting Preserve License

A hunting license is required to harvest pen-raised quail on a shooting preserve. Shooting preserves must meet and follow some specific requirements. For more information on shooting preserves, view or download the regulations for establishing a quail shooting preserve.

Shooting preserve licenses and bird dog training permits can be purchased from Regional Offices, or applications for permits can be obtained online by visiting the Licensing & Permits page.

Contact Information

For more information on quail hunting opportunities, email Rick Hamrick at rick.hamrick@wfp.ms.gov, or contact our Jackson Office at (601) 432-2199, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Regional Office Locations

View a map of the counties served by each regional office.

North:
457 CR 26
Mailing Address:
Box 100
Enid, MS 38927
(662) 563-6222

Central:
506 Hwy 43 South
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-3421

South:
1201 N Clark Avenue
Magnolia, MS 39652
(601) 783-2911