Missouri Deer Season 2026-27
Missouri deer season dates start with Sep 15, 2026-Jan 15, 2027. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Missouri's listed 2026-27 archery deer season runs Sep 15, 2026-Jan 15, 2027.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Sep 15, 2026 and closes Nov 13, 2026.
Firearms Antlerless - Early Portion White-tailed Deer opens Oct 9, 2026 and closes Oct 11, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Missouri MDC.
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Season split: September 15–November 13, 2026 and November 25, 2026–January 15, 2027. Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Season is split into two segments. This is the first segment. Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
White-tailed Deer
Firearms Antlerless - Early Portion
Only select counties are open to firearms hunting during the antlerless portions. See antlerless regulations. Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Zone: Select counties only
White-tailed Deer
Firearms - November Portion
If you harvest a deer opening weekend, you must take your deer to a mandatory CWD sampling station. Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Resident and nonresident youths ages 6-15 eligible for half-priced permits. Valid permits: Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit, Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit.
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Season is split into two segments. This is the second segment. Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
White-tailed Deer
Firearms Antlerless - Late Portion
Only select counties are open to firearms hunting during the antlerless portions. See antlerless regulations. Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Zone: Select counties only
White-tailed Deer
Alternative Methods Firearms
Allowed methods include muzzleloading/cap-and-ball firearms (.40 cal+), centerfire pistols/revolvers with expanding bullets, air-powered firearms (.40 cal+), longbows, compound bows, recurve bows, crossbows, and atlatls. Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Resident or nonresident youth age 6-15 eligible for half-priced permits.
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Nearby deer seasons
Missouri Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Missouri?
September 15, 2026 is the earliest listed deer opener in Missouri — archery white-tailed deer runs Sep 15, 2026-Jan 15, 2027. Confirm zone and permit details with Missouri MDC.
What are the 2026-27 deer season dates in Missouri?
Missouri lists 7 deer season windows: Archery White-tailed Deer (Sep 15, 2026-Jan 15, 2027); Archery White-tailed Deer (Sep 15-Nov 13, 2026); Firearms Antlerless - Early Portion White-tailed Deer (Oct 9-11, 2026); Firearms - November Portion White-tailed Deer (Nov 14-24, 2026); Archery White-tailed Deer (Nov 25, 2026-Jan 15, 2027); Firearms Antlerless - Late Portion White-tailed Deer (Dec 5-13, 2026); Alternative Methods Firearms White-tailed Deer (Dec 26, 2026-Jan 5, 2027). Always verify against Missouri MDC before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Missouri?
Yes — Missouri lists separate deer seasons for Archery White-tailed Deer, Firearms Antlerless - Early Portion White-tailed Deer, Firearms - November Portion White-tailed Deer, Firearms Antlerless - Late Portion White-tailed Deer, Alternative Methods Firearms White-tailed Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Missouri MDC.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Missouri MDC.