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 2023, such as the appropriate licenses, seasons, regulations, and bag limits. Let’s dive in right now!
Missouri Hunting Season
Deer 2024-25
| Firearms | Early Antlerless (in open counties) | 11-Oct-24 | 13-Oct-24 |
| Early Youth | 2-Nov-24 | 3-Nov-24 | |
| November | 16-Nov-24 | 26-Nov-24 | |
| CWD (in open counties) | 27-Nov-24 | 1-Dec-24 | |
| Late Youth | 29-Nov-24 | 1-Dec-24 | |
| Late Antlerless (in open counties) | 7-Dec-24 | 15-Dec-24 | |
| Alternative Methods | 28-Dec-24 | 7-Jan-25 | |
| Archery | 15-Sep-24 | 15-Nov-24 | |
| 27-Nov-24 | 15-Jan-25 |
Elk
| Archery | 21-Oct - 29-Oct |
| Firearms | 9-Dec - 17-Dec |
Note: One (1) elk with at least one antler measuring at least 6″ in length may be taken by those who are chosen to get a permit. Both the archery and firearms sections of the elk are open to the usage of antlered elk hunting licenses.
Bear
| 16-Oct - 25-Oct |
Turkey 2024-25
| Spring Youth | 6-Apr-24 | 7-Apr-24 |
| Regular Spring | 15-Apr-24 | 5-May-24 |
| Fall Firearms | 1-Oct-24 | 31-Oct-24 |
| Archery | 15-Sep-24 | 15-Nov-24 |
| 27-Nov-24 | 15-Jan-25 |
Furbearers
Bobcat
| 15-Nov - 29-Feb |
Note: Bobcat pelts must be registered or tagged. Any limit.
Coyote
| Hunting | 1-Jan - 31-Dec |
| Trapping | 15-Nov - 29-Feb |
Beaver
| 15-Nov - 31-Mar |
Badger
| 15-Nov - 31-Jan |
Fox
| Red | 15-Nov - 31-Jan |
| Gray | 15-Nov - 31-Jan |
Opossum
| 15-Nov - 29-Feb |
Mink
| 15-Nov - 29-Feb |
Otter and Muskrat
| 15-Nov - 29-Feb |
Groundhog
| 8-May - 15-Dec |
Rabbit
| Hunting | 1-Oct - 15-Feb |
| Trapping | 15-Nov - 31-Jan |
Raccoon
| 1-Aug - 15-Oct |
| 15-Nov - 29-Feb |
Squirrel
| 27-May - 15-Feb |
Striped Skunk
| 1-Aug - 15-Oct |
| 15-Nov - 29-Feb |
Upland Birds
Quail
| Youth | 1-Nov - 15-Jan |
| General | 28-Oct - 29-Oct |
Note: A daily bag limit of 8.
Pheasant
| Youth | 1-Nov - 15-Jan |
| General | 28-Oct - 29-Oct |
Note: You may only take male pheasants. Limit of two male pheasants each day.
Migratory Birds
Dove
| Falconry | 1-Sep - 16-Dec |
|---|---|
| General | 1-Sep - 29-Nov |
Note: A daily bag limit of 15 and Possession limit of 45
Crow
| 1-Nov - 3-Mar |
Waterfowl
Ducks
| Middle | 4-Nov - 12-Nov |
| 18-Nov - 7-Jan | |
| 4-Nov - 12-Nov | |
| 18-Nov - 7-Jan | |
| North | 28-Oct - 26-Dec |
| South | 23-Nov - 26-Nov |
| 7-Dec - 31-Jan | |
| 23-Nov - 26-Nov | |
| 7-Dec - 31-Jan | |
| Youth-Middle | 21-Oct - 22-Oct |
| Youth-North | 21-Oct - 22-Oct |
| Youth-South | 18-Nov - 19-Nov |
| Falconry | 11-Feb - 10-Mar |
Note: A bag limit of 6 each day: Blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon teal are all available for hunting. Despite having similar-looking plumage, the northern shoveler, northern pintail, and wood ducks cannot be shot during this hunting season.
Teal
| 9-Sep - 24-Sep |
Goose
| Light Geese | 11-Nov - 6-Feb |
| Youth-Middle Zone | 21-Oct - 22-Oct |
| Youth-North Zone | 21-Oct - 22-Oct |
| Youth-South Zone | 18-Nov - 19-Nov |
| Brant | 7-Oct - 15-Oct |
| 11-Nov - 6-Feb | |
| 7-Oct - 15-Oct | |
| 11-Nov - 6-Feb | |
| Canada | 7-Oct - 15-Oct |
| 11-Nov - 6-Feb | |
| 7-Oct - 15-Oct | |
| 11-Nov - 6-Feb | |
| Greater White-Fronted | 11-Nov - 6-Feb |
Light Goose Conservation Order
| 7-Feb- 30-Apr |
Woodcock
| 15-Oct - 28-Nov |
Snipe
| 1-Sep - 16-Dec |
Rails
| Sora and Virginia Rails | 1-Sep - 9-Nov |
Youth Waterfowl
| North Zone | 22-Oct |
| Middle Zone | |
| South Zone | 19-Nov - 20-No |
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.
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