In March of 2025 Mississippi passed Senate Bill 2280, creating the state’s first required turkey stamp for turkey hunters. Funds from this new stamp are earmarked for wild turkey conservation, supporting habitat restoration, management, and research.
The 2026 season marks the first year that hunters must purchase a stamp alongside a Mississippi hunting license. Non-exempt residents will pay just $10, and the tag will cost non-residents $100 and is required for both private and public lands.
“Our state is a special place for turkey hunting,” Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Executive Director Lynn Posey said. “The Wild Turkey Stamp ensures Mississippi will remain at the forefront of turkey conservation for future generations.”
The Magnolia State’s new turkey stamp not only ensures long-term funding for turkey conservation, but it also reveals concerted efforts at the state and national level to address the Southeast’s declining turkey numbers over the past quarter century. Collaboration between MDWFP and the NWTF’s Mississippi chapter provided a catalyst for the passing of SB2280, bringing the turkey stamp to life.
In a similar move, the state of Georgia has proposed HB432, which would require hunters to possess a turkey permit in addition to a general hunting license starting after the 2027 season. Permits would be free for residents and $100 for nonresidents. It’s unclear at this point if the funds would be earmarked specifically for turkey research or wildlife conservation more broadly.
Mississippi opened its 2026 spring season on March 14. Hunters can purchase their turkey stamps online or in person anywhere licenses are sold.
Feature image of turkey stamp via MDWFP.
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