Missouri is a fantastic choice for outdoor enthusiasts like hunters who are seeking for a new hunting ground. Missouri has arguably of the best hunting seasons 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
Missouri could provide some great hunting in 2023. There is a wide variety of game available to suit the preferences of every hunter, from deer and turkey to squirrels and rabbits. Sportsmen may take use of the state’s abundant resources since hunting is permitted on a broad range of both public and private land. The Youth Hunting Season and the Muzzleloader Season are only two of the unusual hunting seasons that are offered in the state. 2023 will be a great year for hunting in Missouri, whether your goals are to harvest a monster buck, stock your freezer with delectable turkey, or just to take in the great outdoors.
Deer Season
| Missouri Deer Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | 15-Sep-23 | 10-Nov-23 |
| Deer (Archery) | 22-Nov-23 | 15-Jan-24 |
| Deer (Archery) | 15-Sep-23 | 10-Nov-23 |
| Deer (Archery) | 22-Nov-23 | 15-Jan-24 |
| Deer (Firearms-Alternative Methods) | 23-Dec-23 | 2-Jan-24 |
| Deer (Firearms - Antlerless Portion) | 6-Oct-23 | 8-Oct-23 |
| Deer (Firearms - Antlerless Portion) | 2-Dec-23 | 10-Dec-23 |
| Deer (Firearms-Antlerless Portion) | 6-Oct-23 | 8-Oct-23 |
| Deer (Firearms-Antlerless Portion) | 2-Dec-23 | 10-Dec-23 |
| Deer (Firearms-CWD) | 22-Nov-23 | 26-Nov-23 |
| Deer (Firearms-November Portion) | 11-Nov-23 | 21-Nov-23 |
| Deer (Firearms-Youth) | 28-Oct-23 | 29-Oct-23 |
| Deer (Firearms-Youth) | 24-Nov-23 | 26-Nov-23 |
| Deer (Firearms - Youth) | 28-Oct-23 | 29-Oct-23 |
| Deer (Firearms - Youth) | 24-Nov-23 | 26-Nov-23 |
Note: For A comprehensive guide you may read the the article Deer Hunting Season Missouri 2023-2024
Elk Season
| Missouri Elk Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Elk (Archery) | 21-Oct-23 | 29-Oct-23 |
| Elk (Firearms) | 9-Dec-23 | 17-Dec-23 |
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 hunting season are open to the usage of antlered elk hunting licenses.
Bear Season
| Missouri Bear Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bear | 16-Oct-23 | 25-Oct-23 |
Note: Before each day of hunting, you must contact (800-668-4045) to find out the status of the daily season quota and closure.
Bobcat Season
| Missouri Bobcat Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bobcat (Hunting/Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Note: Bobcat pelts must be registered or tagged. Any limit.
Coyote Season
| Missouri Coyote Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Coyote (Hunting) | 1-Jan-23 | 31-Dec-23 |
| Coyote(Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Beaver Season
| Missouri Beaver Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver and Nutria (Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 31-Mar-24 |
Badger Season
| Missouri Badger Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Badger (Hunting and Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 31-Jan-24 |
Fox Season
| Missouri Fox Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fox (Red) | 15-Nov-23 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Fox (Gray) | 15-Nov-23 | Jan 31, 2024 |
Note: There is no limit
Dove Season
| Missouri Dove Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Dove (Falconry) | 1-Sep-23 | 16-Dec-23 |
| Dove (Hunting) | 1-Sep-23 | 29-Nov-23 |
Note: A daily bag limit of 15 and Possession limit of 45
Ducks Season
| Missouri Duck Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks (Middle Zone) | 4-Nov-23 | 12-Nov-23 |
| Ducks (Middle Zone) | 18-Nov-23 | 7-Jan-24 |
| Ducks (Middle Zone) | 4-Nov-23 | 12-Nov-23 |
| Ducks (Middle Zone) | 18-Nov-23 | 7-Jan-24 |
| Ducks (North Zone) | 28-Oct-23 | 26-Dec-23 |
| Ducks (South Zone) | 23-Nov-23 | 26-Nov-23 |
| Ducks (South Zone) | 7-Dec-23 | 31-Jan-24 |
| Ducks (South Zone) | 23-Nov-23 | 26-Nov-23 |
| Ducks (South Zone) | 7-Dec-23 | 31-Jan-24 |
| Ducks (Youth-Middle Zone) | 21-Oct-23 | 22-Oct-23 |
| Ducks (Youth-North Zone) | 21-Oct-23 | 22-Oct-23 |
| Ducks (Youth-South Zone) | 18-Nov-23 | 19-Nov-23 |
| Ducks (Falconry) | 11-Feb-24 | 10-Mar-24 |
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.
Goose Season
| Missouri Goose Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Light Geese Hunting | 11-Nov-23 | 6-Feb-24 |
| Geese Hunting (Youth-Middle Zone) | 21-Oct-23 | 22-Oct-23 |
| Geese Hunting (Youth-North Zone) | 21-Oct-23 | 22-Oct-23 |
| Geese Hunting (Youth-South Zone) | 18-Nov-23 | 19-Nov-23 |
| Brant Geese | 7-Oct-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Brant Geese | 11-Nov-23 | 6-Feb-24 |
| Brant Geese | 7-Oct-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Brant Geese | 11-Nov-23 | 6-Feb-24 |
| Canada Geese | 7-Oct-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Canada Geese | 11-Nov-23 | 6-Feb-24 |
| Canada Geese | 7-Oct-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Canada Geese | 11-Nov-23 | 6-Feb-24 |
| Greater White-Fronted Geese: Hunting | 11-Nov-23 | 6-Feb-24 |
Light Goose Conservation Order
| Missouri Light Goose Conservation Order | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Light Goose Conservation Order | Tuesday, February 07, 2023 | Sunday, April 30, 2023 |
| Light Goose Conservation Order | Wednesday, February 07, 2024 | Tuesday, April 30, 2024 |
| Light Goose Conservation Order | Tuesday, February 07, 2023 | Sunday, April 30, 2023 |
| Light Goose Conservation Order | Wednesday, February 07, 2024 | Tuesday, April 30, 2024 |
Quail Season
| Missouri Quail Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Quail (Youth) | 1-Nov-23 | 15-Jan-24 |
| Quail | 28-Oct-23 | 29-Oct-23 |
Note: A daily bag limit of 8.
Pheasant Season
| Missouri Pheasnt Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Pheasant (Youth) | 1-Nov-23 | 15-Jan-24 |
| Pheasant | 28-Oct-23 | 29-Oct-23 |
Note: You may only take male pheasants. Limit of two male pheasants each day.
Turkey Season
| Missouri Turkey Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 17-Apr-23 | 7-May-23 |
| Spring: Youth (ages 6-15) | 1-Apr-23 | 2-Apr-23 |
| Archery | 15-Sep-23 | 10-Nov-23 |
| Archery | 22-Nov-23 | 15-Jan-24 |
| Archery | 15-Sep-23 | 10-Nov-23 |
| Archery | 22-Nov-23 | 15-Jan-24 |
| Fall Firearms | 1-Oct-23 | 31-Oct-23 |
Crow Season
| Missouri Crow Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | 1-Nov-23 | 3-Mar-24 |
Opossum Season
| Missouri Opossum Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Opossum (Hunting and Trapping) | 1-Aug-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Opossum (Hunting and Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
| Opossum (Hunting and Trapping) | 1-Aug-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Opossum (Hunting and Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Mink Season
| Missouri Mink Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Mink (Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Otter and Muskrat
| Missouri Otter and Muskrat Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Otter and Muskrat (Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Groundhog Season
| Missouri Groundhog Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Groundhog | 8-May-23 | 15-Dec-23 |
Rabbit Season
| Missouri Rabbit Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rabbit (Hunting) | 1-Oct-23 | 15-Feb-24 |
| Rabbit (Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 31-Jan-24 |
Raccoon Season
| Missouri Raccoon Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Raccoon (Hunting and Trapping) | 1-Aug-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Raccoon (Hunting and Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
| Raccoon (Hunting and Trapping) | 1-Aug-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Raccoon (Hunting and Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Squirrel Season
| Missouri Squirrel Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel (Hunting) | 27-May-23 | 15-Feb-24 |
Striped Skunk Season
| Missouri Striped Skunk | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Striped Skunk (Hunting and Trapping) | 1-Aug-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Striped Skunk (Hunting and Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
| Striped Skunk (Hunting and Trapping) | 1-Aug-23 | 15-Oct-23 |
| Striped Skunk (Hunting and Trapping) | 15-Nov-23 | 29-Feb-24 |
Waterfowl Season
| MO Waterfowl Season | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Common Snipe: Hunting | 1-Sep-23 | 16-Dec-23 |
| Woodcock | 15-Oct-23 | 28-Nov-23 |
| Teal | 9-Sep-23 | 24-Sep-23 |
| Sora and Virginia Rails: Hunting | 1-Sep-23 | 9-Nov-23 |
Youth Waterfowl Season
| MO Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days | Hunting Start Date | Hunting End Date |
|---|---|---|
| North Zone | Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Sunday, October 23, 2022 |
| Middle Zone | Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Sunday, October 23, 2022 |
| South Zone | Saturday, November 19, 2022 | Sunday, November 20, 2022 |
Hunting Regulations
Deer gun season (Firearm restrictions): In November and during the antlerless season, only shotguns with No. 4 shot or rimfire rifles of.22 caliber or less are allowed. Rifle deer season restricts daylight furbearer hunting to deer hunting strategies. In the firearms portion of the elk hunting season, waterfowl hunters, trappers, and landowners on their property are excluded.
Elk gun season (Firearm restrictions): Elk hunters may only use shotguns with No. 4 shot or rimfire rifles in open counties.22 caliber. Waterfowl hunters, trappers, and landowners on their property are excluded from this law.
Hunting Method: Hunting is strictly regulated. Hunters use rifles, bows, atlatls, and slingshots depending on species and location. No fully automatic weapon hunting either. Reread these rules before hunting.
Explosives, tranquilizers, and poisons: Game hunting prohibits poisons, tranquilizers, chemicals, and explosives. These methods are illegal in hunting.
Motorized means of transport: Taking, driving, or hurting wild animals with a gasoline or diesel vehicle is unlawful. Except for bears, deer, and elk, the boat may be used to kill animals if the motor is off and the forward movement has stopped.
Terrain Vehicles (ATVs): Except for landowners, lessees, and agricultural employees, driving an ATV in Missouri’s streams and rivers is illegal. Driving on conservation areas, graveled and paved roads, and designated parking sites are banned, save for a few clearly stated exceptions. The offender may lose fishing and hunting privileges.
Artificially Lighting: Bullfrogs, green frogs, raccoons, and other fur-bearing species may be hunted and treed with dogs and coyotes in February and March using artificial lights. Only these species may be hunted using artificial lights. Property owners may use artificial illumination, not weapons, bows, or other animal-killing devices.
Dog-hunting: Dog-hunting bear, deer, elk, turkey, muskrat, mink, river otter, and beaver is forbidden. Hunting dog legislation must be studied.
Nighttime thermal/infrared cameras: Night vision and thermal imaging may only be used to hunt coyotes or feral pigs on private property at night. Only a department authority may authorize the usage of these gadgets.
Calls: Hunting may depend on sounds. The Conservation Order allows electronic or electronically triggered calls to hunt and capture crows, furbearers, and light geese. Mouth and hand calls are allowed anytime. Between February 1 and March 31, electronic calls may be used alongside other legal hunting strategies to target coyotes, but artificial light and night-vision equipment are prohibited.
Practices during a hunt: The hunter’s safety and success rely on knowing the sport’s rules. Destroying furbearers’ caves or nests is wrong. Hunter orange is smart and may be necessary for safety. Except for a carefully limited trap placed in permanent waterways near the road, hunting and trapping are prohibited on public highways and in flood- or fire-prone regions.
Practices after a hunt: Dispose of animals after a successful hunt. Do not discard edible animal parts. The game must be kept to distinguish it from other hunters’ hauls. Personal baggage may hold the fauna in a home, hunting lodge, or company.
Labeling the Hunt: Identifying trapped animals before retaining or moving them is essential. Before being kept, bear, deer, elk, and turkey must be labeled with the hunter’s name, address, date, and telecheck confirmation number. If it’s not a bear, deer, elk, or turkey, labels should indicate the hunter’s full name, address, permission number, species, and storage date. All hunted animals, excluding bears, deer, elk, and turkey, must be tagged with the hunter’s name, residence, permission number, and catch date.
Buying and selling (pelts, feathers, and other parts): Feathers, squirrel pelts, rabbit pelts, groundhog pelts, turkey bones, turkey heads, turkey feet, deer and elk heads, antlers, skins, and feet may be purchased, sold or bartered if they are not forbidden by federal law. Missouri prohibits trading or importing black bear gallbladders. A bill of sale must include the following:
- The seller’s complete name and address.
- The number and species of the components.
- The buyer’s full name.
Taxidermy and tannery sell wild animals and their parts. For as long as they own a deer or elk head or antlers fastened to the skull plate, owners must retain the bill of sale, including the transaction date and a declaration attesting to its legality.
Distribution of wild animals: Wildlife may be moved for free (excluding bear gall bladders), but it counts against the individual’s daily limit for the day it was taken. The giftee must count it against their personal possessions limit. The labeled big game must include the hunter’s name, address, date, and telecheck confirmation number. Other donated animals must prominently display the donor’s name, address, species, and dates must prominently display the donor’s name, address, species, and date.
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 |
Important Links
FAQs related to Missouri Hunting Seasons
In Missouri, what kinds of animals are legal to hunt?
In Missouri, hunting deer, turkey, coyote, bobcat, fox, pheasant, quail, duck, geese, dove, and elk is legal.
When is the turkey hunting season in Missouri?
The early-fall turkey season for archery in Missouri starts on September 15.
How many acres are needed for rifle hunting in Missouri?
Beginning in 2020, resident landowners must own at least 20 acres to be eligible for free deer and turkey licenses.
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.