Missouri Hunting Seasons 2025-2026 – Dates, Licenses & Conservation Areas
Planning your next adventure in the Show-Me State? You’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Missouri’s 2025-2026 game calendar, from whitetail dates to waterfowl zones, permit requirements to wildlife management areas. Whether you’re a seasoned local or an out-of-state visitor, we’ll help you navigate the regulations and maximize your time afield.
Missouri offers some of the finest outdoor opportunities in the Midwest, with diverse habitats supporting healthy populations of big game, upland birds, waterfowl, and furbearers. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has set the dates for the upcoming seasons, and there are some exciting opportunities ahead. Let’s dive into what’s in store for the 2025-2026 game schedule.
📅 Quick Highlights
Before we get into the detailed breakdowns, here’s your at-a-glance overview of the major opportunities:
Archery Enthusiasts: September 15 through November 14, then November 26 through January 15, 2026
Firearms Fans: Multiple portions from November 1 through January 6, 2026
Turkey Enthusiasts: Spring youth portion April 12-13, regular spring April 21-May 11
Waterfowl Hunters: Dates vary by zone (North, Middle, South) – November through January
Small Game: Various dates from May through February for different species
Youth Opportunities: Special early portions for deer and dedicated waterfowl weekends
The Missouri Department of Conservation recently approved these dates at their December meeting, along with some important changes to chronic wasting disease (CWD) regulations that we’ll cover later Missouri Department of Conservation.
Big Game Overview
Missouri’s big game offerings center around whitetail deer, with limited elk and bear opportunities through lottery drawings.
Deer Seasons 2025-2026
| Season Type | Dates | Legal Hours | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 15 – Nov 14 Nov 26 – Jan 15, 2026 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Two deer either sex with Archer’s Permit. Only one antlered before November firearms |
| Early Antlerless Firearms | Oct 10-12 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Select counties only, antlerless deer only |
| Early Youth Firearms | Nov 1-2 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Ages 6-15, adult supervision required |
| November Firearms | Nov 15-25 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Main firearms portion, CWD sampling required opening weekend in certain counties |
| CWD Firearms | Nov 26-30 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Select counties in CWD Management Zone |
| Late Youth Firearms | Nov 28-30 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Ages 6-15, overlaps with CWD portion |
| Late Antlerless Firearms | Dec 6-14 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Select counties only, antlerless deer only |
| Alternative Methods | Dec 27 – Jan 6, 2026 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Muzzleloaders and other alternative methods |
Bag Limits: Hunters may take only two antlered deer during the combined archery and firearms seasons. Only one antlered deer is allowed during the entire firearms portion (all portions combined). Antler-point restrictions apply in some counties.
Elk Opportunities
| Season | Dates | Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Elk | Oct 18-26, 2025 | Archery only | Lottery drawing required |
| Firearms Elk | Dec 13-21, 2025 | Modern firearms | Lottery drawing required |
Elk permits are distributed through a random drawing system. Applications typically open in May, and successful applicants can purchase their permits starting July 1.
Black Bear Season
| Season | Dates | Legal Hours | Quota System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Season | Oct 18-31, 2025 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Daily quota monitoring required |
Black bear enthusiasts must call 800-668-4045 daily before going afield to check quota status. The director may close zones when 80% of the harvest quota is reached. Only lone bears may be harvested – no bears with cubs or multiple bears together.
Turkey Dates
Spring turkey provides some of Missouri’s most exciting outdoor opportunities, while fall turkey offers additional chances during archery and firearms portions.
Spring Turkey Season 2025
| Season Portion | Dates | Legal Hours | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Portion | Apr 12-13, 2025 | ½ hour before sunrise to 1 PM | Two bearded turkeys |
| Regular Spring | Apr 21 – May 11, 2025 | ½ hour before sunrise to 1 PM | Two bearded turkeys |
Fall Turkey Seasons 2025-2026
| Season Type | Dates | Legal Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Archery | Sep 15 – Nov 14 Nov 26 – Jan 15, 2026 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Runs concurrent with deer archery |
| Fall Firearms | Oct 1-31, 2025 | ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset | Select open counties only |
Turkey populations in Missouri are showing positive signs for 2025, with good reproduction from the 2023 hatch creating strong two-year-old bird numbers on the landscape.
Furbearer Opportunities
Missouri’s furbearer seasons provide excellent opportunities for both hunters and trappers, with several species available year-round or during extended periods.
Year-Round and Extended Seasons
| Species | Season Type | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-Round | Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | Daylight restrictions during spring turkey |
| Badger | Both | Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | No daily limit |
| Bobcat | Both | Nov 15, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 | Pelts must be registered |
| Gray/Red Fox | Both | Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | No daily limit |
| Opossum | Both | Aug 1, 2025 – Oct 15, 2025 | Cage/foot-enclosing traps only Aug-Oct |
| Raccoon | Both | Aug 1, 2025 – Oct 15, 2025 | Special trap restrictions Aug-Oct |
Trapping-Specific Seasons
| Species | Trapping Dates | Special Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Beaver/Nutria | Nov 15, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 | No daily limit |
| Striped Skunk | Aug 1, 2025 – Oct 15, 2025 | Extended private land season Mar 1-Apr 14 |
| Muskrat | Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | Wetland habitats |
Extended trapping opportunities on private land are available for certain species from March 1 through April 14, using only foot-hold, foot-enclosing, and cage-type traps.
Small Game Section
Missouri’s small game opportunities are diverse and provide excellent entry-level experiences for new hunters while offering challenging pursuit for seasoned sportsmen.
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit | Legal Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dove | Sep 1 – Nov 29, 2025 | 15 | 45 | ½ hour before sunrise to sunset |
| Quail | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | 8 | 16 | ½ hour before sunrise to sunset |
| Pheasant | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | 2 males | 4 males | ½ hour before sunrise to sunset |
| Common Snipe | Sep 1 – Dec 16, 2025 | 8 | 24 | ½ hour before sunrise to sunset |
Small Mammals
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | May 24, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | 10 | 20 | Extended season |
| Rabbit | Oct 1, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026 | 10 | 20 | Cottontail and swamp rabbit |
| Groundhog | May 24 – Dec 15, 2025 | No limit | No limit | Same as squirrel season opening |
Special Opportunities
Bullfrog and Green Frog: June 30 – October 31, 2025 (opens at sunset on opening day)
- Daily limit: 8 combined
- Possession limit: 16 combined
Crow: November 1, 2025 – March 3, 2026
- No daily or possession limits
- Legal hours: ½ hour before sunrise to sunset
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Missouri’s waterfowl opportunities are structured around three distinct zones, each with specific dates to maximize migration timing and hunter success.
Duck and Coot Seasons by Zone
North Zone
| Season | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | Nov 1 – Dec 30, 2025 | 60-day season |
| Youth Weekend | Oct 25-26, 2025 | Special youth opportunities |
Middle Zone
| Season | Dates | Split Season |
|---|---|---|
| First Split | Nov 1-9, 2025 | 9 days |
| Second Split | Nov 15, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 | 51 days |
| Youth Weekend | Oct 25-26, 2025 | Special youth opportunities |
South Zone
| Season | Dates | Split Season |
|---|---|---|
| First Split | Nov 27-30, 2025 | 4 days |
| Second Split | Dec 7, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | 56 days |
| Youth Weekend | Nov 22-23, 2025 | Special youth opportunities |
Bag Limits (All Zones)
- Ducks: 6 daily, 18 possession with species restrictions
- Mallards: 4 daily (no more than 2 females)
- Wood Ducks: 3 daily
- Pintails: 3 daily
- Scaup: 2 daily first 45 days, 1 daily last 15 days
- Coots: 15 daily, 45 possession
Goose Seasons
- Early Canada Goose: October 4-12, 2025 (3 daily, 9 possession)
- Regular Canada/Brant: Varies by zone during duck seasons (3 daily, 9 possession)
- Light Geese: During duck seasons (20 daily, no possession limit)
- White-fronted Geese: During duck seasons (2 daily, 6 possession)
Youth waterfowl participants (15 and under) may participate without permits when accompanied by licensed adults 18 or older.
Other Available Game
Migratory Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodcock | Oct 18 – Dec 1, 2025 | 3 | ½ hour before sunrise to sunset |
| Sora/Virginia Rail | Sep 1 – Nov 9, 2025 | 25 combined | ½ hour before sunrise to sunset |
Falconry Opportunities
- Dove Falconry: September 1 – December 16, 2025 (3 daily limit)
- Duck/Coot Falconry: February 11 – March 10, 2026 (3 daily combined with doves)
- Also open during regular waterfowl seasons
Special Regulations
Missouri allows the use of dogs for hunting furbearers, squirrels, and rabbits during the firearms portion of elk season in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties. Similar to opportunities found in neighboring states like Arkansas, these regulations provide flexibility for hunters using traditional methods.
Game Management Areas and Zones
Missouri’s public land opportunities are extensive, with the Missouri Department of Conservation managing hundreds of conservation areas statewide. Key resources include:
Major Public Land Holdings
- Mark Twain National Forest: 1.5 million acres across southern Missouri
- Conservation Areas: 1,000+ areas totaling over 1 million acres
- Wildlife Management Areas: Specialized areas for specific species management
- MRAP Properties: Missouri Recreational Access Program lands on private property
CWD Management Zone
For the 2025-2026 seasons, the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone includes multiple counties where special regulations apply. New carcass disposal requirements will take effect, allowing hunters to transport whole deer to final destinations as long as unused parts are disposed of properly in landfills, through trash services, or on harvest property.
Zone Maps and Resources
Interactive maps showing conservation areas, CWD zones, county boundaries, and hunting regulations are available through the MDC website and mobile applications. These tools help identify legal areas, access points, and specific regulations for each property.
Permits, Tags & License Details
Understanding Missouri’s license structure is crucial for compliance and planning your outdoor adventures.
Resident License Fees (2025)
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Hunting Permit | $7.50 | Required foundation |
| Small Game Permit | $19.00 | Covers upland birds, small mammals |
| Deer/Turkey Permit | $19.00 | Big game foundation |
| Archery Permit | $10.50 | Additional archery privileges |
| Migratory Bird Permit | $7.00 | Federal stamp also required |
| Furbearer Permit | $20.50 | Trapping and hunting furbearers |
Non-Resident License Fees (2025)
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Hunting Permit | $27.00 | Required foundation |
| Small Game Permit | $151.00 | Significantly higher than resident |
| Deer/Turkey Permit | $251.00 | Premium pricing for non-residents |
| Archery Permit | $10.50 | Same as resident pricing |
| Daily Hunting Permit | $15.00 | Short-term option |
Youth and Special Permits
- Youth Permits (Ages 6-15): Reduced pricing for residents and non-residents
- Military Reduced Cost: Available for active duty and recently mobilized Missouri residents
- Landowner Permits: Free or reduced cost for qualifying Missouri landowners with 20+ contiguous acres
- Lifetime Permits: Various lifetime options available at different age brackets
Federal Requirements
Don’t forget the federal duck stamp ($25) required for waterfowl enthusiasts 16 and older. This stamp supports wetland conservation efforts nationwide and is required regardless of whether you’re targeting ducks, geese, or other migratory waterfowl.
Missouri Game Calendar Quick FAQ
Q: When do 2025 permits go on sale?
A: Most annual permits become available March 1, though some special draws (like elk and bear) have different application periods starting in May.
Q: Can I buy permits online?
A: Yes, permits are available through the MDC website, approved vendors, and the MO Hunting mobile app. The app also allows you to carry digital permits afield.
Q: What’s required for hunter education in Missouri?
A: Anyone born on or after January 1, 1967, must complete hunter education certification to purchase firearms permits. Archery permits have different requirements.
Q: Are there any free options for getting started?
A: Youth 15 and under can participate in special youth waterfowl weekends without permits when accompanied by properly licensed adults. Additionally, some mentored opportunities exist for new participants.
Q: What about CWD regulations?
A: New regulations for 2025 allow transportation of whole deer carcasses anywhere in Missouri as long as unused parts are disposed of in landfills, through trash services, or on harvest property. Telecheck reporting is required before transporting deer out of harvest county.
Q: Can I use crossbows during archery seasons?
A: Crossbows are legal during archery seasons for hunters who meet specific criteria, including age (60+), physical disabilities, or other qualifying conditions as defined by MDC regulations.
Q: What about Sunday opportunities?
A: Missouri allows various forms of outdoor recreation on Sundays, though specific regulations may apply on certain conservation areas. Check individual area regulations before planning Sunday outings.
Essential Resources and Related Guides
Official Missouri Resources
- Missouri Department of Conservation: Main website for regulations, permits, and area information
- MO Hunting App: Digital permit carrying and regulation reference
- Telecheck System: Required harvest reporting for deer and turkey
- Conservation Area Maps: Interactive maps showing access points and boundaries
Planning Your Trip
For hunters considering multi-state adventures, explore opportunities in neighboring regions. States like Kansas offer different species and timing that could complement your Missouri plans.
Conservation Areas Worth Visiting
- Grand Pass Conservation Area: Premier waterfowl destination
- Whetstone Creek Conservation Area: Excellent deer and turkey habitat
- Ted Shanks Conservation Area: Mississippi River bottoms with diverse opportunities
- Taberville Prairie Conservation Area: Grassland species and unique ecosystem
Conclusion
Missouri’s 2025-2026 game calendar offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from the seasoned whitetail veteran to the newcomer picking up their first small game permit. The diversity of species, extensive public land access, and well-managed wildlife populations make the Show-Me State a premier destination for outdoor recreation.
Key dates to remember: archery seasons begin September 15, spring turkey opens April 21, and various waterfowl opportunities run from October through January depending on your zone. Don’t forget about the excellent small game prospects, from early dove action in September through late-winter rabbit and squirrel opportunities.
The Missouri Department of Conservation continues to adapt regulations based on scientific management principles, as evidenced by the recent CWD regulation changes designed to slow disease spread while reducing hunter burden. These thoughtful approaches help ensure sustainable wildlife populations for future generations.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-season campaign, start by securing your permits early and familiarizing yourself with the specific regulations for your target species and areas. The investment in proper licensing not only keeps you legal but directly supports the conservation efforts that maintain Missouri’s outstanding outdoor opportunities.
Remember to check the official MDC resources for any last-minute changes or updates, and consider bookmarking this guide for quick reference throughout the seasons. Here’s to a safe, successful, and memorable 2025-2026 outdoor experience in Missouri!
