In just a few weeks, hunters will have the opportunity to take to the outdoors of the Magnolia State in search of turkeys.
Before anyone hits the trails, here is a list of what you need to know courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
Before going turkey hunting
One must obtain a hunting license (unless exempt) and harvest record. Two types of harvest records are acceptable — a digital record or a printed form. Digital record keeping may be done through the department’s Game Check feature found within the free MDWFP app. Register in the app and it will be your official harvest record. If you prefer a printed form, you can download the form here.
Spring turkey season dates
- Youth (15 and under) — March 8-14 — One adult gobbler or one gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, three per spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest one gobbler of choice.
- Mississippi residents (any age) — March 15 – May 1 — One adult gobbler or one gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, three per spring season.
- Non-residents (public lands) — March 15 – 31 — One adult gobbler or one gobbler with a six-inch or longer beard per day, three per spring season.
When harvesting a turkey
The reporting process must begin before you move a turkey from its harvest location. Using the Game Check feature on the MDWFP app, click the Report Turkey button and complete and submit an entry. If there is no cellular coverage where you hunt, the app will automatically upload your harvest when coverage resumes.
Using the printed form method, the reporting process must begin before you move the turkey from its harvest location. The printed form method can be done on a simple piece of paper and does not require an official game check form. You must record your name, license number, address, phone number, and date of the harvest on the printed form. You will also need to know the beard length, spur length, and the county of harvest when you report your harvest through the MDWFP website or by calling (1-800)237-6278.
After a successful hunt
Using the Game Check feature on the MDWFP app, you have no additional requirements. Using the printed form method, you must report the harvest through the MDWFP website or by calling (1-800)237-6278 before 10 p.m. on the day of harvest.
Once you complete the harvest-reporting process, you will receive a confirmation number. This number must be documented on the harvest record.
