Missouri Hunting Season: Your Essential Guide to Dates and Regulations

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.

2026-2027 seasonVerified against Missouri Department of Conservation, Hunting & Trapping Seasons (2026-2027) on September 5, 2026.Source: mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.

Archery Season

Missouri’s archery deer season is one of the longest in the country. It runs September 15, 2026 through November 13, 2026, then reopens after the November firearms portion and runs November 25, 2026 through January 15, 2027. 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 11 days in mid-November, 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, and an early antlerless portion runs for three days in early October. These portions target does and button bucks to manage local deer populations. They are open only in select counties, so check the specific county regulations before hunting.

Muzzleloader Season

Missouri has no separate muzzleloader season or muzzleloader permit. Muzzleloaders are used during the November firearms portion and the alternative methods portion below, both hunted on the firearms deer permit. Muzzleloading firearms must be .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

Missouri 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.

2026-2027 seasonVerified against Missouri Department of Conservation, Hunting & Trapping Seasons (2026-2027) on September 5, 2026.Source: mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.

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 the third week of April and runs three weeks into May (2026 dates; 2027 dates not yet announced). 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 the entire month of October, except in a handful of closed counties. During this season, hunters may take turkeys of either sex. The fall limit is two turkeys, archery and firearms portions combined. Shotguns, archery equipment, and atlatls are legal methods.

Fall Archery Turkey Season

Fall archery turkey hunting is typically concurrent with the fall archery deer season, running from mid-September through mid-November and again from late November into mid-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.

2026-2027 seasonVerified against Missouri Department of Conservation, Hunting & Trapping Seasons (2026-2027) on September 5, 2026.Source: mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.

Early Teal Season

An early teal season typically runs for nine days in mid-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 opens between late October and late November depending on the zone. The North Zone runs a single continuous season through late December, while the Middle and South Zones are split into two segments, with the South Zone extending through late January. 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

Goose season is statewide, typically beginning in early-to-mid November and running into early February, with a short early Canada goose season in October. Light goose (snow and Ross’s) hunting extends later, with a Light Goose Conservation Order running from early 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.

2026-2027 seasonVerified against Missouri Department of Conservation, Hunting & Trapping Seasons (2026-2027) on September 5, 2026.Source: mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.

2026-2027 seasonVerified against Missouri Department of Conservation, Hunting & Trapping Seasons (2026-2027) on September 5, 2026.Source: mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.

2026-2027 seasonVerified against Missouri Department of Conservation, Hunting & Trapping Seasons (2026-2027) on September 5, 2026.Source: mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.

Northern Bobwhite Quail

Quail season typically runs from early November through mid-January. <strong>Daily limit:</strong> 8 | <strong>Possession limit:</strong> 16 [source] 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 typically runs continuously from September 1 through late November. <strong>Daily limit:</strong> 15 | <strong>Possession limit:</strong> 45 [source] 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 the end of February, with an additional portion from August through mid-October. 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

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

• How to get a Missouri hunting license
• Hunting locations in Missouri

For reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.