Want to know the laws for hunting bobcats in Mississippi? This article covers many of the fundamental laws you will need to know to get started. It also provides information such as seasons, harvest limits, and required permits for bobcat hunting in Mississippi. It is not a legal document and is not intended to cover all hunting laws and regulations.
In Mississippi, bobcat hunting season runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, with a 5 per day; 8 per party bag limit, and Nov. 1 – Feb. 28 with no bag limit. Night hunting is allowed, and artificial lights and electronic callers are permitted.
You may purchase a hunting license for Mississippi here.
Check out the Mississippi hunting seasons.
If this is your first time hunting bobcats, please give these two articles a read.
How to read and age bobcat sign.
Three vital tips for a successful bobcat hunt.
Related: You can also hunt coyotes in this state. Learn the rules for hunting coyotes in Mississippi.
Related: You can also hunt fox in this state. Learn the rules for hunting fox in Mississippi.
Is night hunting bobcats in Mississippi allowed?
Raccoon, fox, opossum, beaver, and bobcats may be legally hunted at night, with or without the use of a light, and with dogs, except during the spring turkey season. The nuisance classification of coyotes also permits night hunting.
Using thermal and IR Scopes when hunting bobcats in Mississippi.
Both devices are legal when hunting on private lands.
Starting with a simple scope mounted light is inexpensive—but truly an exciting way to hunt foxes. Read this article to choose the right color of light for night hunting predators.
Infrared scopes have their value in terms of better target identification compared to thermal, but they cost a lot more. Beginners should consider the ATN X-Sight 4K Pro, but read this article before buying one.
A thermal riflescope is a major purchase. You must wait until you have determined you are addicted to coyote or predator hunting before buying one. For new hunters, I recommend the ATN Thor 4 (good for up to 150 yards). Please check out my article on ATN Thor 4 scope before buying one.
Night vision equipment is available on Amazon. Check prices here.
Related: Need more property to hunt on? Learn how to ask for permission here.
Are suppressors legal when hunting fox in Mississippi?
Yes, you may use a properly registered suppressor while hunting in Mississippi.
Can I shoot a bobcat on my property in Mississippi?
Not according to this law:
NUISANCE WILDLIFE REGULATIONS in MISSISSIPPI
RULE 7.1 GENERAL REGULATION FOR THE TAKING OF NUISANCE ANIMALS.
A. MISS. CODE ANN. §49-7-1, as amended, classifies nutria, beaver, fox, skunks, coyotes, and wild hogs, as “nuisance” animals. According to the authority stated therein, the Commission issues this regulation for the taking of nuisance animals:
B. Nuisance animals may be hunted, trapped, taken, killed, chased, or pursued on private lands.
- Landowners and any leaseholders may hunt nuisance animals year-round at any time of day or night with no weapon/caliber restrictions on property titled in their name or otherwise owned, or leased by them.
- Designated agents of the landowners / leaseholders may hunt nuisance animals year-round at any time of day or night with no weapon / caliber restrictions, provided they have written permission from the landowner or leaseholder in his or her possession, when hunting nuisance animals. Permission letters must be signed and dated by the landowner or leaseholder, shall include:
a. the contact information of the landowner or leaseholder; b. the contact information of the permitted person; and
c. a specific a date of expiration. - Persons hunting nuisance animals during any open gun season on deer will be required to wear, in full view, 500 square inches of solid unbroken hunter orange, unless they are hunting from a fully enclosed stand.
- Nuisance animals may be hunted with the aid of electronic calls.
Given that, you should contact your local game warden or animal control officer for assistance.
Tagging of Otter and Bobcat In Missouri.
Federal regulations, which require tagging to account for harvest of bobcat and river otter, are in effect. The Commission requires the tagging of otter and bobcat, to account for harvest of these species, which are subject to federal export regulations (CITES Tags). Bobcat and river otter harvested in Mississippi must be CITES tagged prior to shipping or transporting out of Mississippi. It is not required to present the carcass or pelt to the MDWFP in order to purchase CITES tags.
CITES tags (via over-the-counter purchases) are only available for purchase from November 1 – April 15 at the following MDWFP locations: Jackson Office, North Region Office, Central Region Office, South Region Office, Buccaneer State Park, Clarkco State Park, Hugh White State Park, J. P. Coleman State Park, John Kyle State Park, Legion State Park, Leroy Percy State Park, Natchez State Park, and Paul B. Johnson State Park. Tags are sold in lots of five each for $1.29 only at the above listed locations. Quantities at each location may be limited, therefore, it is recommended to call in advance.
