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Mississippi turkey season 2023: What to know before you go hunting

'I'm actually really optimistic. Last year, 2022, almost everybody had a phenomenal turkey hatch. It's in the top three or four hatches since 1994.'

Brian Broom
Mississippi Clarion Ledger

Mississippi's turkey season will be here before you know it and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Wild Turkey Program coordinator Adam Butler is excited about the outlook not only for this season, but for years ahead.

"I'm actually really optimistic," Butler said. "Last year, 2022, almost everybody had a phenomenal turkey hatch. It's in the top three or four hatches since 1994."

Butler said good hatches were reported in 2022 throughout the Southeast. Although unsure of exactly why, Butler said the general consensus is favorable weather conditions likely played a role in the success.

The 2022 hatch, along with good hatches in previous years, should mean hunters will see plenty of activity and Butler said this season is just the start.

"It's going to get better," Butler said. "There's better times ahead."

A good turkey season is expected in Mississippi in 2023 with even better years ahead.

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Mississippi turkey season dates and bag limits

  • Youth: March 8-14, private and authorized state and federal public lands, ages 15 and under
  • Spring: March 15-May 1
  • Bag limit: One adult gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, three per spring season
  • Youth bag limit: One gobbler of any age per day, three per spring season
  • Hunting opportunities and dates vary on public land, so check regulations for individual state and federal properties.

Nonresident turkey hunting on public land

  • Nonresident hunters must obtain a special, no-cost Public Land Endorsement through a drawing in addition to regularly required licenses when hunting open public lands between March 15-28.
  • Nonresident hunters selected to hunt during that time frame through drawings for individual wildlife management areas are not required to have a Public Land Endorsement.
  • Without additionally acquiring the Public Land Endorsement, nonresident hunters are limited to only hunting the WMA and timeframe for which they are drawn.
  • Drawings for the 2023 turkey season have concluded.

Turkey harvest reporting

  • Turkey harvest reporting is mandatory in Mississippi.
  • Harvests must be recorded before moving turkeys from harvest location.
  • Harvests may be recorded through the MDWFP app or by printed form.
  • Harvests must be reported by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest.
  • Harvests may be reported through the MDWFP app, online at mdwfp.com/gamecheck or by calling 1-800-237-6278 (1-800-BESMART).
  • If reporting through the MDWFP app where there is no cellular service, the data will be stored and automatically uploaded when service is available.

Contact Brian Broom at bbroom@gannett.com or 601-961-7225.