Mississippi does allow bear hunting, but the 2026 rule changes tighten season dates, require a specific “Black Bear” permit, and forbid hunting in counties where the population is classified as “Endangered.” If you obtain the statewide permit, hunt only during the federally‑approved season (October 1‑December 15), and respect the new population‑status map, your hunt will be legal.
2026 Regulatory Changes
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) issued revised regulations effective January 1 2026. The most consequential updates are:
- Season restriction – The traditional November‑December window is narrowed to October 1‑December 15 to align with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “Black Bear Management Plan.”
- Permit requirement – A separate Black Bear hunting permit, distinct from the general hunting license, must be purchased for each hunter. The permit costs $30 and is limited to 3,000 units statewide.
- Population status zones – MDWFP introduced a three‑tier map (Stable, Declining, Endangered). Hunting is prohibited in the 12 counties designated Endangered, and limited to one harvest per licensed hunter in Declining zones.
These modifications were adopted after the 2025 bear‑population survey, which recorded a 12 % decline in the northern forest region, prompting stricter controls.
Permit Acquisition and Compliance
Applicants must submit an online request through the MDWFP portal, provide proof of residency, and complete a brief wildlife‑ethics quiz. Once issued, the permit must be displayed on the firearm or bow. Violations—including hunting outside the season or in prohibited zones—carry a $500 fine and revocation of hunting privileges for two years, per Mississippi Code § 73-1-101.
Enforcement and Reporting
Game wardens conduct random checks during the season. Harvest reports are required within 48 hours via the MDWFP mobile app, detailing location, method, and measurements of the bear. Failure to report incurs additional penalties and hampers population monitoring.
Conservation Impact
Since the 2020 ban on bear hunting in the Upper Delta, the statewide bear count rose from 2,300 to 2,770. The 2026 limits aim to sustain this upward trend while allowing controlled harvest for hunters.
FAQ
What species of bear can be hunted in Mississippi?
Only the American black bear (Ursus americanus) is legal to hunt. The state does not have a population of brown or polar bears.
Can out‑of‑state residents obtain a bear hunting permit?
Yes, but they must first acquire a Mississippi resident hunting license or a non‑resident license and then purchase the separate bear permit. Out‑of‑state permits are limited to 500 per season.
Are bow‑hunting methods permitted?
Bow‑hunting is allowed if the bow meets MDWFP specifications (minimum draw weight 40 lb, broadhead tip length 2 in). The hunt must occur during the same October 1‑December 15 window.
What are the penalties for hunting in an Endangered county?
Violators face a minimum $500 fine, seizure of equipment, and a two‑year suspension of all hunting privileges under Mississippi Code § 73‑1‑105.
How can hunters verify the current population‑status zones?
The MDWFP website publishes an up‑to‑date PDF map each year. County offices also provide printed copies, and the mobile app displays real‑time zone data based on GPS location.