Missouri Hunting Dates 2025-2026 – Season Forecast & Tag Info
Welcome, outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting your journey into Missouri’s abundant wilderness, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the Show-Me State’s diverse hunting opportunities. We’ll cover everything from key season dates and license requirements to game-specific regulations across various wildlife zones. So grab your gear and let’s explore what Missouri has to offer for the 2025 hunting season!
Key Missouri Hunting Seasons at a Glance
Missouri offers exceptional wildlife diversity with opportunities to pursue game throughout the year. Here’s a quick summary of the major game seasons to help you plan your hunting calendar:
| Game Species | Season Dates | Hunting Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Deer (Archery) | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, 2025; Nov. 26, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026 | Bow, Crossbow |
| Deer (Firearms) | Nov. 15 – Nov. 25, 2025 (November Portion) | Firearms |
| Turkey (Spring) | April 21 – May 11, 2025 | Shotgun, Bow |
| Turkey (Youth Spring) | April 12 – April 13, 2025 | Shotgun, Bow |
| Waterfowl (varies by zone) | Various dates Nov. 2025 – Jan. 2026 | Shotgun |
| Small Game (Squirrel, Rabbit) | Varies by species | Various methods |
| Furbearers | Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (most species) | Various methods |
Big Game: Deer Pursuits 🦌
Missouri’s deer population offers excellent opportunities for both archery and firearms enthusiasts. The state manages deer populations through carefully structured seasons and harvest limits.
Archery Season
Dates: September 15 – November 14, 2025; November 26, 2025 – January 15, 2026
Tag Information:
- Archer’s Hunting Permit: Two deer of either sex
- Only one antlered deer may be taken before November firearms portion
- Additional archery antlerless permits available in eligible counties
- Maximum of two antlered deer may be taken during combined archery and firearms seasons
Regulations to Note:
- Antler-point restrictions apply in specific counties
- Check MDC website for county-specific antlerless regulations
- All archery hunters must wear hunter orange during portions of firearms deer season
Firearms Seasons
November Portion: November 15 – 25, 2025
Antlerless Portions: October 10 – 12, 2025; December 6 – 14, 2025
CWD Management Portion: November 26 – 30, 2025 (select counties only)
Alternative Methods: December 27, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Youth Portions: November 1 – 2, 2025; November 28 – 30, 2025
Important Regulations:
- Limit of one antlered deer during entire firearms season (all portions combined)
- County-specific restrictions for antlerless deer harvest
- Mandatory CWD testing in designated counties during opening weekend
- Youth hunters (age 6-15 on opening day) exempt from antler-point restrictions
Wild Turkey Opportunities 🦃
Turkey hunting in Missouri provides challenging and rewarding experiences during both spring and fall seasons.
Spring Turkey Season
Regular Season: April 21 – May 11, 2025
Youth Season: April 12 – 13, 2025
Harvest Limits:
- Two male turkeys or turkeys with visible beards during spring season
- Only one turkey may be taken during the first week (April 21-27)
- Youth hunters (ages 6-15) may harvest one bird during youth weekend
Hunting Hours:
- All-day hunting on private lands (half-hour before sunrise to sunset)
- Half-hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM on public lands
Fall Turkey Season
Dates: October 1 – 31, 2025 (firearms and archery)
Regulations:
- Two turkeys of either sex (archery and firearms portions combined)
- Both may be taken on the same day
- Closed to firearms hunting in Dunklin, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot, and Scott counties
Furbearer Opportunities 🦊
Missouri offers various opportunities for furbearer hunting and trapping with generally generous season dates.
Primary Season: November 15, 2025 – February 28, 2026 (most species)
| Species | Season Dates | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Bobcat | Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 | No limit (tagging required) |
| Coyote | Year-round (hunting); Nov. 15, 2025 – Feb. 28, 2026 (trapping) | No limit |
| Beaver & Nutria | Nov. 15, 2025 – Mar. 31, 2026 | No limit |
| Badger | Nov. 15, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2026 | No limit |
Special Regulations:
- Extended coyote trapping on private land (March 1 – April 14)
- Method restrictions apply during deer and turkey seasons
- Bobcat pelts must be registered/tagged
Small Game Adventures 🐇
Small game hunting is perfect for beginners or those looking to develop their skills, with generous seasons and limits.
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | May 24, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | 10 |
| Rabbit | Oct. 1, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026 | 6 |
| Dove | Sept. 1 – Nov. 29, 2025 | 15 |
| Quail | Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026 | 8 |
| Crow | Nov. 1, 2024 – Mar. 3, 2025 | No limit |
| Common Snipe | Sept. 1 – Dec. 16, 2025 | 8 |
| Bullfrogs/Green Frogs | June 30 – Oct. 31, 2025 | 8 (combined) |
Waterfowl Hunting 🦆
Missouri divides waterfowl hunting into three zones (North, Middle, and South) with different season dates to maximize opportunities.
Duck Seasons
North Zone: November 1 – December 30, 2025
Middle Zone: November 1 – 9 and November 15, 2025 – January 4, 2026
South Zone: November 27 – 30 and December 7, 2025 – January 31, 2026
Daily Limits:
- 6 ducks total with species restrictions:
- Mallards: 4 (no more than 2 females)
- Wood ducks: 3
- Scaup: 2 for first 45 days, 1 for last 15 days
- Other species: Various limits
Goose Seasons
Early Canada/Brant: October 4 – 12, 2025
Regular Canada/Brant: Various dates by zone
White-fronted Geese: Various dates by zone
Light Geese: Various dates by zone
Light Goose Conservation Order: Special extended season
Youth Waterfowl Days:
- North & Middle Zones: October 25 – 26, 2025
- South Zone: November 22 – 23, 2025
Special Hunting Opportunities 🐻
Missouri also offers limited, closely regulated hunting for certain species through special permit drawings.
Bear Season
Dates: October 21 – 30, 2024
- Permit required through random drawing (Missouri residents only)
- Harvest quotas by Black Bear Management Zone
- Daily quota status must be verified by calling 800-668-4045
Elk Season
- Limited permits through random drawing (Missouri residents only)
- One elk with at least one antler no less than 6 inches in length
Missouri Hunting Zones and Public Lands 🗺️
Missouri is divided into various wildlife management zones that affect regulations for different game species. For up-to-date zone maps and boundaries, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
The state offers over a million acres of public hunting land through:
- Conservation Areas
- National Forests
- Corps of Engineers lands
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources properties
License and Permit Information 🎟️
Resident Licenses
- Resident Small Game Hunting Permit
- Resident Archer’s Hunting Permit (for deer and turkey)
- Resident Firearms Deer Hunting Permit
- Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
- Resident Fall Turkey Hunting Permit
- Resident Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
Nonresident Licenses
- Nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit
- Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit
- Nonresident Firearms Deer Hunting Permit
- Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
- Nonresident Fall Turkey Hunting Permit
Youth and Special Licenses
- Youth Deer and Turkey Permits (ages 6-15)
- Resident Landowner Permits (qualifying acres required)
- Lifetime Hunting Permits
- Apprentice Hunter Authorization (for those without hunter education)
Where to Purchase
- Online through MDC website
- Through the MO Hunting mobile app
- At MDC offices statewide
- From over 1,000 vendors throughout Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who needs hunter education in Missouri?
A: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1967, must complete an approved hunter education course to purchase firearms hunting permits, unless utilizing the Apprentice Hunter Authorization.
Q: Can I hunt on private land without permission?
A: No. You must obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private property. Trespassing is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Q: Are there special regulations for hunting on public lands?
A: Yes. Many conservation areas have area-specific regulations. Always check the MDC website or area bulletin boards for specific rules before hunting.
Q: What are the requirements for tagging and reporting harvested game?
A: Electronic or phone check-in is required for deer and turkey. Some species like bobcat require physical tagging. Always review current regulations for specific requirements.
Q: Can I hunt at night in Missouri?
A: Night hunting is prohibited for most species. Limited exceptions exist for specific species like raccoons, coyotes during certain periods, and bullfrogs.
Explore Related Resources
Want to learn more about specific hunting opportunities? Check out these helpful links:
- Deer Hunting Tips and Regulations
- Illinois Hunting Seasons
- Kansas Hunting Seasons
- Arkansas Hunting Seasons
Ready for Your Missouri Hunting Adventure
Missouri’s diverse landscape offers incredible opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. From the Ozark forests to river bottoms and open plains, each region provides unique experiences throughout the various hunting seasons.
Remember that regulations can change, and this guide serves as a general overview. Always verify current dates, zones, and specific rules through the Missouri Department of Conservation before heading afield.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to plan your hunting adventures in the Show-Me State, it’s time to prepare your gear, scout your locations, and make the most of Missouri’s abundant wildlife resources. Happy hunting!
