Explore this comprehensive guide to Missouri hunting resources, covering state regulations, hunting seasons, public and private hunting lands, licensing information, gear recommendations, and conservation efforts.

Missouri Hunting

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) provides detailed information on hunting regulations, including permitted methods, species-specific rules, and general guidelines. For the latest regulations, visit the MDC Hunting Regulations page.

MO Hunting Seasons Calendar

Plan your hunting activities with Missouri’s official hunting seasons calendar:

Deer Hunting: Various portions including archery, firearms, and antlerless seasons. Specific dates and regulations can be found on the MDC Hunting Seasons page.
Turkey Hunting: Spring and fall seasons with specific dates and regulations.
Waterfowl Hunting: Seasons for ducks, geese, and other migratory birds

Missouri 2025 Hunting Season

Deer Hunting Seasons

Archery Season

First Segment: September 15, 2025 – November 14, 2025
Second Segment: November 26, 2025 – January 15, 2026

Firearms Season

Early Youth Portion: November 1, 2025 – November 2, 2025
November Portion: November 15, 2025 – November 25, 2025
Late Youth Portion: November 28, 2025 – November 30, 2025
Antlerless Portion: October 10, 2025 – October 12, 2025
Alternative Methods Portion: December 27, 2025 – January 6, 2026
CWD Portion: November 26, 2025 – November 30, 2025

Turkey Hunting Seasons

Spring Turkey Season

Youth Portion: April 12, 2025 – April 13, 2025
Regular Spring Season: April 21, 2025 – May 11, 2025

Fall Turkey Season

Archery Season:
- First Segment: September 15, 2025 – November 14, 2025
- Second Segment: November 26, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Firearms Season: October 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 (in open counties)

Bear Hunting Season

Season Dates: October 21, 2025 – October 30, 2025
Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset

Elk Hunting Seasons

Archery Season

Season Dates: October 11, 2025 – October 19, 2025

Firearms Season

Season Dates: December 13, 2025 – December 21, 2025

Furbearer Hunting Seasons

Badger (Hunting and Trapping): November 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Bobcat (Hunting and Trapping): November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Coyote (Hunting): Year-round
Fox (Red and Gray) (Hunting and Trapping): November 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Mink and Muskrat (Trapping): November 20, 2025 – February 20, 2026
Opossum (Hunting and Trapping): November 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Otter (Trapping): November 15, 2025 – February 20, 2026
Raccoon (Hunting and Trapping): November 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Striped Skunk (Hunting and Trapping): Year-round

Small Game Hunting Seasons

Crow: November 1, 2025 – March 3, 2026
Pheasant: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Quail: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Rabbit (Cottontail and Swamp): October 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Squirrel (Gray and Fox): May 24, 2025 – February 15, 2026

Waterfowl Hunting Seasons

Duck Season: Specific dates vary by zone; please refer to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for detailed information.
Goose Season: Specific dates vary by species; please refer to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for detailed information.

Other Hunting Seasons

Frog (Bullfrog and Green Frog): June 30, 2025 – October 31, 2025
Groundhog (Woodchuck): May 15, 2025 – December 15, 2025

Public and Private Hunting Lands

Public Hunting Lands

Missouri offers numerous public hunting areas, including Conservation Areas managed by the MDC. For detailed maps and information on public hunting lands, refer to the MDC Places to Go page.

Private Land Access Programs

The Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) provides hunting opportunities on private lands. Learn more about MRAP and participating properties on the MDC MRAP page.

Hunting Licenses and Permits

Hunters in Missouri are required to obtain the appropriate permits for the species they intend to hunt. Permits can be purchased online through the MDC Permits page or at authorized vendors. Ensure you have the correct permits before hunting.

Hunter Education Requirements

Individuals born on or after January 1, 1967, must complete an approved hunter education course to purchase a firearms hunting permit in Missouri. For more information on hunter education and certification, visit the HUNTINGsmart!® Missouri Regulations page.

Gear Recommendations for Missouri Hunts

Equip yourself appropriately for Missouri’s diverse hunting environments:

Clothing: Wear hunter orange during firearms deer seasons as required by law. This includes a hat and a vest, shirt, or coat with the upper body and chest primarily orange.
Footwear: Choose waterproof and insulated boots suitable for varying terrain and weather conditions.
Hunting Equipment: Select firearms or archery equipment compliant with Missouri regulations for your targeted game species.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Support Missouri’s conservation efforts by adhering to ethical hunting practices and participating in programs that promote wildlife management and habitat preservation. Your compliance with regulations and respect for natural resources contribute to sustainable hunting opportunities.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on hunting in Missouri, consider exploring the following resources:

Plan Your Missouri Hunt

Whether you’re pursuing deer, turkey, waterfowl, or other game, Missouri offers diverse hunting opportunities. Stay informed, prepare adequately, and enjoy a safe and successful hunting experience in the Show-Me State.

Hunting Events in Missouri for 2025

Upland Game Hunting: Women’s Pheasant Hunt – February 8, 2025, at August A Busch Shooting Range
Upland Game Hunting: Youth Pheasant Hunt – February 15, 2025, at August A Busch Shooting Range
Migratory Bird Hunting: Snow Goose Hunt – February 22 to March 2, 2025, at Missouri Disabled Sportsmen’s Events
Small Game Hunting: V-Learning to Hunt: Small Game Hunting – February 22, 2025, Online
Turkey Hunting: Basic Turkey Hunting – March 1, 2025, at Lake City Shooting Range
Turkey Hunting: Youth FUNdamentals in The Spring Turkey Woods – March 7, 2025, at Litton Ag Center
Hunting: V-Learning to Hunt: Shed Hunting – March 15, 2025, Online
Hunting: Learning to Hunt: Shed Hunting – March 15, 2025, at Andy Dalton Shooting Range
Turkey Hunting: Gobblin’ Do’s and Don’ts of Turkey Calling – March 22, 2025, at Cape Girardeau Nature Center
Turkey Hunting: Learning to Hunt: Turkey Hunting – March 29, 2025, at Andy Dalton Shooting Range
Turkey Hunting: Intro to Spring Turkey Hunting – March 29, 2025, at Legends Rec Plex
Turkey Hunting: Intro to Spring Turkey Hunting – April 3, 2025, at Marshall Public Library
Turkey Hunting: Mobility Impaired Hunter Spring Turkey Hunt – April 25 to April 27, 2025, at Southwest Regional Office
Turkey Hunting: Turkey fan class – May 20, 2025, at Twin Pines Conservation Education Center
Hunting: Learning to Hunt: Where & Why to Hunt – June 28, 2025, at Andy Dalton Shooting Range
Hunting: V- Learning to Hunt: Where & Why to Hunt – June 28, 2025, Online
Deer Hunting: Deer Hunting Basics – August 23, 2025, at Lake City Shooting Range