Missouri delivers outstanding hunting across its diverse landscape of Ozark hills, river bottoms, prairies, and hardwood forests. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) manages all hunting seasons with a focus on sustainable wildlife populations. This guide covers major game species, key season dates, and what you need to know before heading afield. Always verify the current year’s dates and rules on the official MDC website before every hunt.1
White-tailed Deer Season
White-tailed deer are Missouri’s most popular game animal. The state’s generous season structure gives hunters months of opportunity across multiple methods.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | September 15, 2025 | November 14, 2025 | First segment of archery season. Bows, crossbows, and atlatl permitted. |
| Archery Late | November 26, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | Late archery season. Resumes after November firearms season. |
| General Firearm November | November 15, 2025 | November 25, 2025 | November portion of firearms deer season. All legal firearms permitted. Missouri's most popular deer season. |
| Antlerless Firearm | December 6, 2025 | December 14, 2025 | Antlerless-only firearms season. Designed to manage doe populations in open counties. |
| Muzzleloader | December 15, 2025 | December 27, 2025 | Muzzleloader season. Muzzleloading firearms only. Either sex. |
| Youth | November 1, 2025 | November 2, 2025 | Youth deer season. Hunters 6-15 with licensed adult mentor. Firearms or archery. |
| Urban Antlerless | October 1, 2025 | October 31, 2025 | Urban archery antlerless season in select municipalities. Archery only. |
Archery Season
Missouri’s archery deer season is one of the longest in the country. It typically opens on September 15 and runs through November 15, then reopens after the November firearms portion and continues through January 15. Both compound bows and crossbows are legal during archery season. Crossbows do not require a separate permit or medical exemption in Missouri. The extended archery window provides excellent opportunities during the whitetail rut in late October and November.
Firearms Season (November Portion)
The November firearms deer season is the most anticipated hunting event in Missouri. It typically runs for approximately two weeks in mid-November, often opening the Saturday after the second Monday of November. During this period, hunters may use centerfire rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns, and archery equipment. This season coincides with peak rut activity, making it prime time for harvesting mature bucks.
Youth Firearms Portion
Missouri offers a youth firearms deer portion on the last full weekend of October, typically two days. Hunters age 6 through 15 may participate when accompanied by an adult mentor who is at least 18 years old. The adult mentor may not carry a firearm or bow during this portion.
Firearms Season (Antlerless Portion)
A late antlerless-only firearms portion typically runs in early to mid-December. This season targets does and button bucks to manage local deer populations. It is open in most counties but not all, so check the specific county regulations before hunting.
Muzzleloader Season
A dedicated muzzleloader season typically runs for about one week in mid-to-late December, following the antlerless portion. Hunters must use muzzleloading firearms of .40 caliber or larger. Modern inline muzzleloaders and scoped muzzleloaders are permitted.
Alternative Methods Portion
The alternative methods portion, often in late December through early January, allows hunters to use atlatls, muzzleloaders, archery equipment, airguns (.40 caliber or larger), and handguns or lever-action pistol caliber rifles. Missouri is one of only a few states that permits hunting deer with an atlatl.
Managed Deer Permits and Antler Restrictions
<strong>Season limit:</strong> 4Missouri uses a Managed Deer Permit system to control deer populations by county. Hunters may purchase bonus antlerless tags in counties where doe harvest is encouraged. The statewide bag limit allows two antlered deer per year. Antler point restrictions are not enforced statewide, but some voluntary programs exist.
Turkey Season
Missouri is one of the top turkey hunting states in the country. The MDC manages both spring and fall seasons for wild turkey.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April 21, 2026 | May 11, 2026 | Regular spring turkey season. Bearded turkeys only. Shotgun and archery. Two-turkey limit. |
| Spring Youth | April 12, 2026 | April 13, 2026 | Youth spring turkey season. Hunters 6-15 with licensed adult mentor. |
| Fall Archery | October 1, 2025 | October 31, 2025 | Fall archery turkey season. Either sex. Archery only. One turkey. |
| Fall Firearms | October 1, 2025 | October 31, 2025 | Fall firearms turkey season. Either sex. Select counties only. |
Spring Turkey Season
The spring season is split into youth and regular portions. A youth weekend typically falls in mid-April, giving young hunters first opportunity at gobblers. The regular spring season opens in late April and runs through approximately May 7. Only bearded turkeys (gobblers or bearded hens) may be harvested in spring. The daily limit is one, with a spring season limit of two. Missouri’s Ozark region is especially renowned for spring gobbler hunting.
Fall Firearms Turkey Season
A fall firearms turkey season typically runs for about one week in early-to-mid October. During this season, hunters may take turkeys of either sex. The fall limit is typically one turkey. Shotguns, rifles, handguns, and archery equipment are legal methods.
Fall Archery Turkey Season
Fall archery turkey hunting is typically concurrent with the fall archery deer season, running from late September through mid-November and again into January. Turkeys of either sex may be taken. This provides a bonus opportunity for bowhunters already in the deer woods.
Waterfowl Season
Missouri sits squarely in the Mississippi Flyway, making it a destination for waterfowl hunters.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Teal | September 6, 2025 | September 21, 2025 | Early teal season. Teal only. |
| North Zone | October 25, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | Duck season north zone. Follows federal frameworks. Split season possible. |
| South Zone | November 1, 2025 | January 13, 2026 | Duck season south zone. Follows federal frameworks. Split season possible. |
Early Teal Season
An early teal season typically runs for about 16 days in September. This targets blue-winged and green-winged teal migrating through Missouri’s wetlands. The daily bag limit is usually six teal.
Regular Duck Season
The regular duck season is typically split into two segments. The first segment usually opens in late October or early November and runs for a few days. The second, longer segment runs from late November through late January. Exact dates vary by zone. Missouri is divided into North, Middle, and South duck zones, each with slightly different dates. The daily bag limit is six ducks with species-specific restrictions.
Goose Season
Canada goose seasons are set by zone, with North and South zones having different dates. The season typically begins in late October or early November and runs into February. Light goose (snow and Ross’s) seasons often extend later, with a Light Goose Conservation Order running from mid-February into April. The Conservation Order allows electronic calls and unplugged shotguns to help manage exploding light goose populations.
Small Game Seasons
Missouri’s small game seasons are generous and provide excellent hunting from fall through winter.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | September 1, 2025 | November 29, 2025 | Mourning dove. Multiple segments. Shotgun only. Missouri is a top dove state. |
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | November 1, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | Bobwhite quail. Shotgun only. Northern Missouri has better quail populations. |
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | November 1, 2025 | January 15, 2026 | Pheasant season. Roosters only. Limited pheasant hunting mainly in northern Missouri. |
Northern Bobwhite Quail
Quail season typically runs from early November through mid-January. <strong>Daily limit:</strong> 8 | <strong>Possession limit:</strong> 16 The daily bag limit is eight quail. While quail populations have declined in many areas, northern Missouri prairie counties and the southwest still offer reasonable covey finds. Conservation efforts through the MDC’s Quail Recovery Initiative aim to improve habitat.
Ring-necked Pheasant
Pheasant season runs concurrently with quail season, from early November through mid-January. However, pheasant hunting is largely limited to a few northwestern Missouri counties near the Iowa border. The daily bag limit is typically two roosters. MDC occasionally stocks pheasants on select conservation areas to supplement wild populations.
Squirrel
Missouri has one of the best squirrel hunting traditions in the country. The season runs from late May through mid-February, providing nearly nine months of hunting. The daily bag limit is ten squirrels. Ozark hardwood forests produce outstanding fox and gray squirrel hunting. A youth squirrel portion typically opens a week before the regular season.
Rabbit
Cottontail rabbit season typically runs from early October through mid-February. The daily bag limit is six rabbits. Brushy field edges, overgrown fencerows, and young timber provide prime rabbit habitat.
Mourning Dove
Dove season is typically split into three segments. The first opens on September 1 and runs through late October. A second segment opens in late October or November, and a third segment runs through early January. <strong>Daily limit:</strong> 15 | <strong>Possession limit:</strong> 45 The daily bag limit is 15 doves. Agricultural fields and managed sunflower plots on MDC conservation areas can produce excellent shoots.
Elk Season
Missouri reintroduced elk to the Ozarks in 2011-2013, placing a herd in the Peck Ranch Conservation Area and surrounding counties of Carter, Shannon, and Reynolds in southeastern Missouri. The state now holds a very limited elk hunting season by special draw.
Application and Drawing
Elk permits are extremely limited, with typically fewer than 15 total permits issued each year, split between bull tags and antlerless tags. Applications are typically due in the spring, and a random drawing determines winners. Any Missouri resident with a valid small game hunting permit may apply. Non-residents are not eligible for elk permits. Due to the small number of permits, drawing odds are very low.
Elk Season Dates
The elk season is typically held in mid-December. Successful applicants receive a designated hunting area within the elk restoration zone. Centerfire rifles, muzzleloaders, and archery equipment are legal methods. The elk herd is monitored closely, and harvest numbers are adjusted annually based on population data.
Furbearer and Trapping Seasons
Missouri has active furbearer hunting and trapping seasons. Raccoon and opossum hunting season runs from mid-November through mid-February. Trapping seasons for beaver, muskrat, mink, raccoon, opossum, red fox, gray fox, coyote, striped skunk, and other species typically run from mid-November through January. Coyotes may be hunted year-round with no bag limit. Bobcat hunting and trapping requires a special permit, with seasons running concurrently with general furbearer seasons.
Licensing Overview
| License/Permit | Residency | Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Small Game Hunting Permit | Resident | $19.00 | small game hunting |
| Non-Resident Small Game Hunting Permit | Nonresident | $225.00 | small game hunting |
| Resident Firearms Deer Permit | Resident | $19.00 | firearms deer hunting |
| Resident Archery Deer and Turkey Permit | Resident | $19.00 | archery deer hunting, archery turkey hunting |
| Resident Muzzleloader Deer Permit | Resident | $19.00 | muzzleloader deer hunting |
| Non-Resident Firearms Deer Permit | Nonresident | $225.00 | firearms deer hunting |
| Non-Resident Archery Deer and Turkey Permit | Nonresident | $225.00 | archery deer hunting, archery turkey hunting |
| Resident Spring Turkey Permit | Resident | $19.00 | spring turkey hunting |
| Non-Resident Spring Turkey Permit | Nonresident | $225.00 | spring turkey hunting |
| Youth Small Game Hunting Permit | Resident | $7.00 | small game hunting |
| Resident Managed Deer Hunt Antlerless Permit | Resident | $11.00 | antlerless deer |
| Migratory Bird Hunting Permit | All | $7.00 | dove, waterfowl, migratory birds |
| Federal Duck Stamp | All | $25.00 | waterfowl hunting |
All hunters in Missouri need a valid permit from the MDC. Residents and non-residents have different fee structures. Key permits include the Small Game Hunting Permit (required as a base for most hunting), Firearms Deer Permit, Archery Deer Permit, Turkey Permit, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit (with federal and state stamps for waterfowl), and Trapping Permit. Youth under 16 who are residents may hunt for free in many cases. For complete licensing details and fees, see Missouri Hunting Regulations.
Important Reminders
- Check Regulations Annually: Season dates and bag limits can change each year. Always refer to the current MDC Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and the Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest before your hunt.
- Telecheck Reporting: Missouri uses the Telecheck system for mandatory harvest reporting of deer, turkey, and elk. Hunters must report their harvest by midnight on the day of the kill via phone or online.
- CWD Awareness: Chronic Wasting Disease has been detected in several Missouri counties. Mandatory CWD testing may be required in affected areas. Check the MDC website for current CWD management zones.
- Public Land Opportunities: Missouri has more than 1,000 conservation areas totaling over one million acres, plus 1.5 million acres in the Mark Twain National Forest. See our Missouri hunting land guide for details.
- Safety First: Wear hunter orange during firearms deer and turkey seasons. Practice safe firearm handling at all times.
Planning your Missouri hunt requires attention to detail. The state offers some of the best deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting in the Midwest. Knowing the seasons and rules will ensure a legal and enjoyable experience.
Final checklist
- Confirm current season dates on the MDC website before every hunt.
- Purchase all required permits, stamps, and managed deer tags.
- Review county-specific rules for your hunting area.
- Check CWD Management Zone boundaries and carcass transport restrictions.
- Wear hunter orange during firearms deer and turkey seasons.
- Use Telecheck to report every deer, turkey, and elk harvest by midnight.
More Missouri Hunting Resources
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