MDWFP Introduces Wild Turkey Stamp
JACKSON — Mississippi hunters will be required to purchase a new Wild Turkey Stamp beginning next spring, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
The Wild Turkey Stamp will be available for purchase starting January 15, and will be required for anyone 16 years of age or older who plans to hunt wild turkeys during the 2026 spring turkey season, unless otherwise exempt. The requirement applies to both resident and nonresident hunters and covers hunting on both public and private lands.
MDWFP officials said the stamp will function as a specialized permit, with revenue dedicated to restoring and protecting Mississippi’s wild turkey population. Funds generated by the program will be used to support scientific research, habitat improvement and expanded access to public hunting opportunities.
The cost of the stamp will be $10 for Mississippi residents and $100 for nonresidents. Each stamp will remain valid through the final day of the spring turkey season following its purchase. Hunters will be required to purchase a new stamp for each subsequent season.
In addition to the stamp, hunters will receive three unique harvest identifiers tied to the MDWFP Game Check system. Those digital Game Checks will be issued automatically once the stamp is purchased and must be used to report harvested birds.
Hunters who are exempt from purchasing the stamp will still be required to obtain the Exempt Turkey Game Check privilege, which is available at no cost, in order to receive the three required digital Game Checks.
MDWFP officials encouraged hunters to purchase the stamp and complete all requirements well in advance of their hunt, noting that while Game Checks are typically available immediately, delays can occasionally occur between purchase and activation.
The Wild Turkey Stamp can be purchased through the MDWFP HuntFish App, the MDWFP online license portal, at authorized license vendor locations statewide, or by calling 1-800-5GO-HUNT.
