Missouri has arguably of the best outdoor location in the nation because to its over 2 million acres of public property and diverse animals. The Department of Conservation has simplified and streamlined the licensing procedure to make it more convenient for everyone involved. This guide covers the basics of hunting in Missouri in 2025, such as the appropriate licenses, seasons, regulations, and bag limits. Let’s dive in right now!
Missouri Hunting Season
🥾 Big Game Seasons
🦌 Whitetail Deer
| Season Type | Dates | Limits & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 15 – Nov 14, 2025 Nov 26, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | 2 deer total (only 1 antlered before Nov firearms) |
| Firearms (Main) | Nov 15 – 25, 2025 | Antler-point restrictions in some counties |
| Antlerless | Oct 10 – 12, 2025 Dec 6 – 14, 2025 | Does only |
| CWD Portion | Nov 26 – 30, 2025 | Chronic Wasting Disease management |
| Alternative Methods | Dec 27, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026 | Special methods (e.g., muzzleloader) |
| Youth Hunts | Nov 1 – 2, 2025 Nov 28 – 30, 2025 | Hunters 15 or younger |
🐻 Black Bear
| Season | Dates | Special Rules |
|---|---|---|
| General | Oct 18 – 31, 2025 | – Must call 800-668-4045 for quota status – No cubs or bears in dens – Only lone bears |
🦌 Elk
| Season | Dates | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Oct 19 – 27, 2025 | Permit required (drawing system) |
| Firearms | Dec 14 – 22, 2025 | Permit required |
🦃 Turkey Hunting
Spring Turkey
| Season | Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | Apr 12 – 13, 2025 | 2 bearded (only 1 per day) |
| Regular | Apr 21 – May 11, 2025 | Hunting ends at 1 PM |
Fall Turkey
| Season | Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 15 – Nov 14, 2025 Nov 26, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | 2 turkeys (either sex) |
| Firearms | Oct 1 – 31, 2025 | 2 turkeys (either sex) |
🦊 Furbearer Seasons
| Species | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Badger | Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | – |
| Bobcat | Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | Pelts must be registered |
| Coyote (Hunting) | Year-round | Restrictions apply during other seasons |
| Coyote (Trapping) | Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | – |
| Beaver/Nutria | Nov 15, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | – |
| Raccoon/Opossum | Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | – |
🐦 Upland Bird Seasons
| Species | Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dove | Sep 1 – Nov 29, 2025 | 15 | 45 |
| Snipe | Sep 1 – Dec 16, 2025 | 8 | 24 |
| Crow | Nov 1, 2024 – Mar 3, 2025 | No limit | No limit |
🐿️ Small Game
| Species | Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | May 24, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | 10 | 20 |
| Rabbit | Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | 6 | 12 |
| Bullfrog/Green Frog | Jun 30 – Oct 31, 2025 | 8 (combined) | 16 |
🦆 Waterfowl & Migratory Birds
Duck Seasons
| Zone | Dates |
|---|---|
| North | Nov 1 – Dec 30, 2025 |
| Middle | Nov 1 – 9, 2025 Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
| South | Nov 27 – 30, 2025 Dec 7, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 |
- Daily limit: 6 (species restrictions apply)
Goose Seasons
| Season | Dates | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Early Canada/Brant | Oct 4 – 12, 2025 | 3 |
| Regular Goose | Varies by zone (Nov – Jan) | 3 (Canada/Brant), 20 (Light geese) |
Youth Waterfowl Weekends
| Zone | Dates |
|---|---|
| North & Middle | Oct 25 – 26, 2025 |
| South | Nov 22 – 23, 2025 |
🦅 Falconry Seasons
| Game | Dates | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Dove | Sep 1 – Dec 16, 2025 | 3 |
| Ducks/Coots | Feb 11 – Mar 10, 2026 | 3 |
📌 General Notes
- Hunting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset (unless specified).
- Permits Required: Check Missouri Department of Conservation for licensing.
- Restrictions: Some counties have special rules (e.g., antler-point limits).
This guide ensures hunters have all key dates in an easy-to-read format. Always verify regulations before hunting. 🎯
MO Important Resource
Missouri Hunting License
| MO Hunting Licenses Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Antlered Elk Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $50.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $50.00 |
| Apprentice Hunter Authorization | |
| Resident | $10 |
| Nonresident | $10 |
| Archer's Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $19.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $0.00 |
| Nonresident | $265.00 |
| Nonresident Landowner | $195.00 |
| Youth (6-15) | $9.50 |
| Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $7.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $0.00 |
| Nonresident | $25.00 |
| Youth (6-15) | $3.50 |
| Bear Permits | |
| Resident | $25.00 |
| Conservation Order Permit | |
| Resident | $5.00 |
| Nonresident | $47.00 |
| Fall Firearms Turkey Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $13.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $0.00 |
| Nonresident | $130.00 |
| Nonresident Landowner | $96.00 |
| Youth (6-15) | $6.50 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | |
| Resident | $7.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $0.00 |
| Nonresident | $25.00 |
| Youth (6-15) | $3.50 |
| Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $17.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $0.00 |
| Nonresident | $265.00 |
| Youth (6-15) | $8.50 |
| Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only) | |
| Youth (0-15) | $550.00 |
| Age 16-29 | $800.00 |
| Age 30-39 | $700.00 |
| Age 40-59 | $600.00 |
| Age 60-64 | $70.00 |
| Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only) | |
| Youth (0-15) | $275.00 |
| Age 16-29 | $400.00 |
| Age 30-39 | $350.00 |
| Age 40-59 | $300.00 |
| Age 60-64 | $35.00 |
| Managed Deer Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $17.00 |
| Nonresident | $265.00 |
| Youth | $8.50 |
| Migratory Bird Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $6.00 |
| Nonresident | $6.00 |
| Military Reduced Cost Permit | |
| Resident | $6.00 |
| Spring Turkey Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $17.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $0.00 |
| Youth (6-15) | $8.50 |
| Nonresident | $224.00 |
| Nonresident Landowner | $165.00 |
| Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit | |
| Nonresident | $14.00 |
| Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit | |
| Nonresident | $192.00 |
| Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit | |
| Nonresident | $19.00 |
| Small Game Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $10.00 |
| Nonresident | $94.00 |
| Spring Turkey Hunting Permit | |
| Resident | $17.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $0.00 |
| Youth (6-15) | $8.50 |
| Nonresident | $224.00 |
| Nonresident Landowner | $165.00 |
FAQ
In Missouri, what kinds of animals are legal to hunt?
You can deer, turkey, coyote, bobcat, fox, pheasant, quail, duck, geese, dove, and elk.
When is the turkey hunting season in Missouri?
The early-fall for archery starts on September 15.
How many acres are needed for rifle hunting in Missouri?
Missouri residents who want to apply for free rifle hunting permits for deer and turkey must possess at least 20 acres of property as of 2020.
Can I hunt in Missouri without a license?
Use only properties that qualify for landowner authorization. You must be 6 years old to request a landowner’s consent. Regular hunting permits are required for landowners to hunt on neighboring property.
Is it permitted to carry a gun when hunting in Missouri?
You can carry a hidden handgun throughout ANY hunting season, except for the autumn archery season, as long as you have an exposed projectile weapon.
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.
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