A Summary of Missouri - Hunting and Trapping Regulations Effective March 1, 2021
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A Summary of
Missouri
Hunting and Trapping Regulations
Effective March 1, 2021
DAVID STONNER
Conservation Department Offices
Director,
Department of Conservation
Sara Parker Pauley
The Conservation Commission
Don C. Bedell
Steven D. Harrison
Mark L. McHenry
Wm. L. (Barry) Orscheln
Missouri Department of
Conservation
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
573-751-4115
mdc.mo.gov Central Region Northwest Region Southwest Region
Equal opportunity to participate in 3500 East Gans Road 701 James McCarthy Drive 2630 N. Mayfair
and benefit from programs of the Columbia, MO 65201 St. Joseph, MO 64507 Springfield, MO 65803
Missouri Department of Conservation 573-815-7900 816-271-3100 417-895-6880
is available to all individuals without
regard to their race, color, religion, Kansas City Region Ozark Region St. Louis Region
national origin, sex, ancestry, age, 12405 SE Ranson Road 551 Joe Jones Blvd. 2360 Highway D
sexual orientation, veteran status, or Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 West Plains, MO 65775 St. Charles, MO 63304
disability. Questions should be directed 816-622-0900 417-256-7161 636-441-4554
to the Department of Conservation,
PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, Northeast Region Southeast Region
573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 3500 S. Baltimore 2302 County Park Drive
(TTY), or to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Kirksville, MO 63501 Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department 660-785-2420 573-290-5730
of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20240.
To report poaching or game-law violations, call
Operation Game Thief
800-392-1111
Rewards are available for information
leading to the arrest of game-law violators.
You can remain anonymous.
2 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021
Table of Contents
4 Permits Hunting and Trapping in Missouri
4 Permits — General Information Most of Missouri’s native wild creatures are as abundant now
as they were 300 years ago. Species such as deer and turkey
6 Purchasing Permits have been brought back from the edge of statewide extirpa-
8 Hunting and Trapping Permits tion, and skillful management has maintained other wildlife
populations that otherwise could have slipped away. A major
10 Landowner Deer and Turkey Permits part of managing Missouri’s wildlife is regulating what, how,
13 General Information where, and when we may hunt and trap. That’s where the Wild-
life Code of Missouri comes in. The Wildlife Code of Missouri is a
13 Dogs permissive code, which means that rather than giving you an
endless list of “thou shalt nots,” it tells you what you may do.
13 Legal Firearm Methods You may take or attempt to take only those animals permit-
13 Baiting ted by the Code, and only by methods, and only at the times
13 Bows and Crossbows and under the circumstances specified in the Code. These
regulations are necessary to protect and manage Missouri’s
14 Artificial Lights and Night abundant wildlife populations and to make access to Missouri
Vision Equipment hunting and trapping as fair and simple as possible.
14 Possessing, Transporting, and In Your Hands
Storing Wildlife The information in this booklet is only a summary of the
15 Nontoxic Shot Requirements hunting and trapping rules. It is NOT a legal document
and is subject to revision during the current year. For com-
16 Definitions plete rules, refer to the Wildlife Code of Missouri or the Mis-
souri Code of State Regulations at sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/
18 Hunting current/3csr/3csr.asp.
18 Deer
18 Elk
18 Black Bear
18 Furbearers
18 Bullfrog and Green Frog What’s New for 2021?
18 Crows ◾ The Conservation Commission has passed new rules
19 Groundhog in anticipation of a black bear hunting season that
could occur in the fall of 2021.
19 Rabbits ◾ You may now use artificial lights and night vision
19 Squirrels equipment to hunt coyotes from Feb. 1 through
March 31. See Page 14.
19 Pheasant
◾ Firearms that are allowed for use as handguns are now
19 Quail specifically defined in the Wildlife Code of Missouri. In
19 Migratory Birds and Waterfowl addition, the definition for muzzleloading firearm has
been modified. See definitions on Page 16.
19 Turkey
20 Trapping
Note: According to rule 3 CSR 10-5.216 of the Wildlife
20 Trapping Seasons Code of Missouri, if you have been convicted of multiple
21 General Provisions or major violations of the Code in the past five years, the
21 Cable Restraint Devices Conservation Commission may consider suspending or
revoking your hunting, trapping, and/or fishing privi-
22 Feral Hogs leges regardless of any previous court action. The point
system the Commission uses to assess Code violations is
explained at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZkV.
23 Sunrise and Sunset Times
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 3
Permits — General Information
A
nyone who hunts or traps must carry the appropriate
hunting or trapping permits in either paper, plastic, or
Hunter-Education Requirements
electronic format, or qualify for an exemption. You must complete an approved hunter-education program
in Missouri or another state to buy firearms hunting permits
Permit Exemptions unless:
PERMITS
Missouri resident landowners and any member of their ◾ You were born before Jan. 1, 1967.
immediate households whose legal residence is the same ◾ You are 6–15 years old and using a firearms deer or turkey
as the landowner for at least the last 30 days, may hunt — hunting permit while hunting in the immediate presence
except black bears, deer, elk, or turkeys — or trap on lands of a mentor.
they own without a permit, except: ◾ You are using a resident landowner deer or turkey hunting
◾ A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is required to permit on qualifying property.
hunt waterfowl, snipe, doves, woodcock, and rails. ◾ You are using an Apprentice Hunter Authorization. See
◾ A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl. Page 5.
◾ A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt light geese ◾ You have a developmental disability. See Rule 3 CSR
during the Conservation Order. 10-5.205 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
While hunting on their own land, hunters must comply All hunters, unless exempt, must carry their hunter-edu-
with appropriate seasons, methods, limits, and checking cation card or a permit with their hunter-education number
requirements. on it while hunting with a firearm. The Missouri Conservation
Heritage Card or Conservation Permit Card with a hunter-
Any Missouri resident age 65 or older may hunt (but not education number on it is also acceptable.
trap) wildlife — except black bears, deer, elk, or turkeys — A hunter-education card need not be displayed when buy-
without a permit but must carry proof of age and residence ing permits if certification can be verified online. If this is not
when hunting, except: possible, some hunters will need to contact the Conservation
◾ A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is required to Department to provide proof of hunter-education certifica-
hunt waterfowl, snipe, doves, woodcock, and rails. tion. Once in Missouri’s permit database, hunters won’t have
◾ A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl. to submit this information again.
◾ A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt light geese
during the Conservation Order.
Any Missouri resident age 15 or younger may trap without
a permit. Anyone age 15 or younger may hunt wildlife —
except black bears, deer, elk, or turkeys — without a permit:
◾ IF they possess a valid hunter-education card;
◾ OR they are in the immediate presence of a mentor age 18
or older who has a valid hunter-education card or was born
before Jan. 1, 1967.
Any honorably discharged resident or nonresident vet- Two Ways to Earn Hunter-Education
eran having a service-related disability of 60 percent or
greater or who was a prisoner of war during military service
Certification
may hunt (but not trap) wildlife — except black bears, deer, You have two options to complete hunter-education
elk, and turkeys — without a permit but must carry a certified certification. Note: You must be at least 11 years old to
statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans enroll in hunter education in Missouri.
Affairs. Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as The first option, available to hunters 11 or older, has
a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition two parts, and you must complete both sessions to
Unit, or a military medical center may hunt (but not trap) wild- receive certification. The first part can be completed
life — except black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys — without in the classroom, through self-study, or online. Once
a permit but must carry orders showing such assignment. you’ve completed this part, you must complete an in-
However: person skills session that includes hands-on demonstra-
◾ A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is required to tions and a final exam.
hunt waterfowl, snipe, doves, woodcock, and rails. The second option, available to Missouri residents 16
◾ A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl. or older, is completed entirely online. To earn certi-
◾ A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt light geese fication, you must score 80 percent or better on the
during the Conservation Order. 60-question final exam.
Note: Nonresident veterans who meet the above require- For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/
ments also can purchase resident permits, for example, resi- huntereducation.
dent deer or turkey hunting permits.
4 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021
Note: The Conservation Commission may suspend, revoke,
Attention Mentors or deny a permit or privilege for cause or for injuring another
person while hunting.
When mentoring a firearms hunter who is not hunter-
education certified, all mentors, including landowners Who may purchase resident permits?
PERMITS
hunting on their own land, must be at least 18 years old ◾ Any person who does not claim resident privileges in
and hunter-education certified unless they were born another state or country, and whose actual residence and
before Jan. 1, 1967. legal permanent home address are both in Missouri, and
Mentors who are assisting youth hunters do not need have been for at least 30 days before applying for the per-
a permit during the youth spring turkey season, the mit. Owning real estate or attending a Missouri school does
youth portions of firearms deer season, or to accom- not in itself make you a legal resident.
pany anyone age 11 to 15 on a black bear or elk hunt. ◾ Missouri residents employed by the United States in the
At all other times, mentors must possess a valid hunting District of Columbia or serving in the U.S. armed forces.
permit for the appropriate season or be exempt. In the (Immediate family members who reside with them also
case of deer and turkey permits, the mentor’s permit may purchase resident permits.)
can be filled or unfilled. ◾ All members of the U.S. armed forces stationed and resid-
ing in Missouri on permanent change of station status and
immediate family members residing with them.
Apprentice Hunter Authorization ◾ Any honorably discharged military veteran having a
To help introduce adults to hunting, the Conservation Depart- service-related disability of 60 percent or greater, or who
ment allows hunters age 16 or older who are not hunter-edu- was a prisoner of war during military service; must carry a
cation certified to hunt with firearms, as long as they: certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department
◾ First purchase an Apprentice Hunter Authorization for $10; of Veterans Affairs while hunting and purchasing permits.
◾ Then purchase a hunting permit for the season in which ◾ Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a
they want to hunt; and patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transi-
◾ Hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed tion Unit, or a military medical center; must carry orders
mentor age 18 or older who has a valid hunter-education showing such assignment while hunting and purchasing
card or was born before Jan. 1, 1967. permits.
Note: The Apprentice Hunter Authorization by itself does ◾ Nonresidents who are registered students attending a
not allow you to hunt. It only allows people who have not public or private secondary, postsecondary, or vocational
completed a hunter-education course to purchase firearms school in Missouri and who live in Missouri while attend-
permits throughout the permit year. You may not use an ing school; must carry evidence of a Missouri residence
Apprentice Hunter Authorization to purchase black bear or elk and student status, such as a student ID, while hunting.
hunting permits. The Apprentice Hunter Authorization can be Note: Nonresident students who qualify for resident
purchased for no more than two years. permits must purchase them in person, over the phone, or
through the mail from Conservation Department offices.
Permit Obligations ◾ Immigrants who possess an I-551 Resident Alien Card from
the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and who
Accepting a permit means that you:
do not claim resident privileges in another state or country,
◾ Agree to observe the rules of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
and whose actual residence and legal permanent home
◾ Will allow an agent of the Conservation Department to
address are both in Missouri, and have been for at least 30
inspect your picture ID, permit, game taken, and your hunt-
days before purchasing a permit.
ing or trapping equipment.
◾ Will hunt and/or trap wildlife in a safe manner.
◾ Will not loan your permit to another.
◾ Will sign and carry your permit in either paper, plastic, or
electronic format while hunting or trapping. If you pur- Sharpen Your Shooting Skills
chased your permit by telephone and have not yet received
it, you must carry the permit authorization number and Regardless of your experience or skill level, you can
picture identification with you while small game hunting become a safer, more accurate shooter by practicing
or trapping until your permit arrives. To hunt black bears, at a shooting range before hunting season. The Con-
deer, elk, and turkeys, you must have either a paper permit servation Department offers five fully staffed shooting
or a permit on the MO Hunting app in your possession, and ranges and many additional unstaffed ranges. To find
to hunt waterfowl, you must have a Federal Duck Stamp in one nearby, aim your internet browser at mdc.mo.gov/
your possession. shootingranges.
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 5
Purchasing Permits
Purchasing Permits
Go Mobile with Free MO
You may purchase hunting and trapping permits using any of
these methods:
Hunting App
◾ Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges The Conservation Department’s free
PERMITS
will be assessed. MO Hunting app offers a quick, easy,
◾ Online anytime at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Use your and convenient option for buying
credit card to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. Print and carrying permits. The app, which
your permit and have it in hand immediately. is available for Android and Apple mobile
◾ From your smartphone using the free MO Hunting app devices, allows you to:
(see box on this page). Use your credit card to pay. No ◾ Purchase permits.
surcharges will be assessed. Your permit will appear on the ◾ See all the hunting, fishing, and trapping permits you
app immediately after purchase. have purchased — even if they were purchased from
◾ By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay a traditional vendor, online, or by telephone.
a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery. ◾ Carry valid, electronic permits afield.
Federal and state statutes require buyers of hunting, fishing, ◾ Electronically “notch” (void) your black bear, deer, elk,
and trapping permits to provide their Social Security number. and turkey permits.
This requirement also applies to no-cost landowner permits. ◾ Telecheck your black bear, deer, elk, or turkey, using
Individuals who do not have a Social Security number will be an easy-to-fill form. Telecheck will upload a confirma-
required to affirm that information. Falsifying a Social Secu- tion number to the app.
rity number may result in revocation of privileges or criminal To log in to MO Hunting, you’ll need your Conser-
charges. Social Security numbers are securely stored and used vation Number. This nine-digit number can be found
in support of the Missouri Department of Social Service’s child on your Heritage Card, Conservation Permit Card, or
support enforcement. any current or previous permit. For help locating your
The Conservation Permit Card allows multiple permits to Conservation Number, call 573-522-0107 during regular
be carried on a single plastic card (except black bear, deer, elk, business hours or go to short.mdc.mo.gov/ZkH.
and turkey permits, the Federal Duck Stamp, Daily Trout Tags, MO Hunting is available in the Google Play and Apple
the White River Border Lakes Permit, and reciprocal privileges App stores. You can also get MO Hunting and learn more
with other states). As new permits are purchased, they will be about the app at mdc.mo.gov/mobile/mobile-apps.
loaded automatically onto the card. Note: Make sure you update MO Hunting before
Both the Conservation Permit Card and Heritage Card each hunting season to ensure you are using the most
serve as proof of hunter-education certification when printed recent version of the app and that all of your permits are
with a hunter-education certification number. visible while hunting.
The Conservation Permit Card will gradually replace exist-
ing Heritage Cards. Those with a current Heritage Card may
purchase a Conservation Permit Card for $2 if they want to
carry their permits in card format. Lost Heritage Cards will also
be replaced with the Conservation Permit Card for a $2 fee.
Note: The Heritage Card is not a permit.
Replacing Permits
If you lose your permit, simply download the MO Hunting
app to your Android or Apple mobile device, log in with your
Conservation Number, and a valid, electronic version of your
permit will appear on the app. Your Conservation Number
is nine digits long and can be found on the Heritage Card,
Conservation Permit Card, or any current or previous permit.
Any active, valid permit can be reprinted from home at mdc.
mo.gov/buypermits. Replacement permits can be purchased
from any vendor for $2. Your purchase of firearms, ammunition,
and archery equipment helps fund the
restoration and management of wildlife,
public use of wildlife resources, and
hunter education.
6 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021
PERMITS
JIM RATHERT
Northern bobwhite quail
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 7
Hunting and Trapping Permits
H
unters and trappers can choose from a variety of Resident Managed Deer Hunting Permit
permits and pick the ones that best fit their needs. The
permits, unless noted otherwise, are valid from For deer taken during a managed hunt.
date of purchase through the last day of February 2022. Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17
To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport wildlife and Age 11–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50
PERMITS
to sell furbearers taken by hunting or trapping you will need,
Resident Archer’s Hunting Permit
unless otherwise exempted, one or more of the following:
For deer, turkeys, and small game during the prescribed
Resident Permits seasons.
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19
Resident Small Game Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10 Age 6–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.50
For frogs, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except black Resident Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit
bears, deer, and elk), and to sell furbearers taken by
hunting.1,2,3 For antlerless deer during the archery deer hunting season in
counties where allowed.
Resident Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit . . . $19 Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7
For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds Age 6–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.50
(except turkeys), mammals (except black bears, deer, and elk), Resident Antlered Elk Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50
and to sell furbearers taken by hunting.1,2,3
For one antlered elk during the elk hunting season. This
Resident National Guard and Reserve Service permit may be purchased only by hunters who are drawn to
Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 participate in the elk hunting season.
Allows Missouri residents who are mobilized (or have been in Resident Black Bear Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25
the previous 12 months) and are serving on full-time active
military duty in the National Guard (federal status) or reserve For one black bear during the black bear hunting season. This
forces of the United States to take fish, frogs, mussels, clams, permit may be purchased only by hunters who are drawn to
turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (except turkeys), mammals participate in the black bear hunting season.
(except black bears, deer, and elk), and to sell furbearers taken
Resident Turkey Hunting Permits
by hunting.1,2,3
To apply for this permit: Spring seasons statewide
◾ Go online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJ9. Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17
◾ Call 573-522-0107. Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50
◾ Write to National Guard Permits, Missouri Department of
Fall season in counties where allowed
Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13
Please allow 10 days after sending in your application for your
Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.50
permit to be delivered. This permit cannot be purchased at
vendors, by telephone, or online. Resident Trapping Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10
Resident Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit For trapping furbearers and rabbits, and to sell all these
except rabbit carcasses. Valid until June 30, 2022.
For any deer statewide. (See Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regula-
tions and Information booklet for restrictions.) Resident Conservation Order Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17
Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50 To pursue, take, possess, and transport snow, blue, and Ross’s
geese during the Conservation Order. Required of all resi-
Resident Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit dents, including landowners, who are 16 years of age or older.
This is the only permit needed to hunt light geese during the
For antlerless deer in counties where allowed.
Conservation Order.
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7
Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.50
1
Federal Duck Stamp also is required to hunt waterfowl.
A
2
A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit also is required to hunt waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails.
3
A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order.
4
If not hunter-education certified, a youth hunting on a firearms permit must be in the immediate presence of a mentor age 18 or older who
is hunter-education certified or born before Jan. 1, 1967. See permit rules for mentors on Page 5.
8 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021
Permits For Both Residents and Nonresidents
Migratory Bird
Migratory Bird Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6 Hunting Permits
PERMITS
For waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails. Must also The following permits are
have a hunting permit that allows taking birds, unless exempt. required of all residents and
Required of all residents and nonresidents, including landown- nonresidents (including land-
ers, who are 16 years of age or older. Valid until June 30, 2022.1,3 owners), 16 years of age or older:
Licensed Hunting Preserve Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . $10 For doves, woodcock, rails, and snipe:
◾ A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
For pheasants, exotic partridges, quail, and hoofed animals ◾ A permit to hunt small game, unless exempt. (See
from a licensed hunting preserve. Available only at licensed Page 4 for exemptions.)
hunting preserves.
For ducks, geese, and coots:
Three-Day Licensed Hunting Preserve ◾ A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 ◾ A permit to hunt small game, unless exempt. (See
Page 4 for exemptions.)
Same as Licensed Hunting Preserve Hunting Permit, but good
◾ A Federal Duck Stamp
for three consecutive days only. Available only at licensed
hunting preserves. For snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Conserva-
tion Order:
Nonresident Permits ◾ A Conservation Order Permit.
Daily Small Game Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14
For frogs, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except black Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit
bears, deer, elk, and furbearers), and to chase furbearers for For fall archery deer and turkey seasons, and small game
training dogs during the closed season. May be purchased for (except furbearers) during the prescribed seasons.
multiple days.1,2,3 Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265
Nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . $94 Age 6–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.50
For frogs, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except black Nonresident Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit
bears, deer, elk, and furbearers), and to chase furbearers for For antlerless deer during archery deer season in counties
training dogs during the closed season.1,2,3 where allowed. A Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit or Non-
Nonresident Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit resident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit is a prerequisite.
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25
For any deer statewide. (See Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regula- Age 6–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.50
tions and Information booklet for restrictions.)
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265 Nonresident Turkey Hunting Permits
Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50 Spring seasons statewide
Nonresident Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $224
Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50
For antlerless deer during the firearms deer hunting season
in counties where allowed. A Nonresident Firearms Any- Fall season in counties where allowed
Deer, Nonresident Managed Deer Hunting Permit, or Non- Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $130
resident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit is a Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.50
prerequisite. Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25 Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $192
Age 6–154 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3.50
For furbearers. Valid until June 30, 2022.
Nonresident Managed Deer Hunting Permit
Nonresident Conservation Order Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . $47
For deer taken during a managed hunt.
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265 To pursue, take, possess, and transport snow, blue, and Ross’s
Age 11–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50 geese during the Conservation Order. Required of all nonresi-
dents 16 years of age or older. This is the only permit needed
to hunt light geese during the Conservation Order.
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 9
Landowner Deer and Turkey Permits
A
ll hunters, including landowners, must have a valid per-
mit to hunt black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys. Resident Submit Property Information to Get
landowners who meet certain criteria (see below) may Landowner Permits
get no-cost resident landowner permits for deer and tur-
To get no-cost resident landowner permits or reduced-
keys. Nonresident landowners who meet certain criteria (see
PERMITS
cost nonresident landowner permits, you must submit
below) may get reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits
information about your property to the Conservation
for deer and turkeys.
Department by filling out a Landowner Permit Applica-
No-Cost Resident Landowner Permits tion at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.
To qualify for no-cost resident landowner permits, you must
be a Missouri resident. A Missouri resident is a person who
does not claim any resident privileges (for example, hunt- Where to Get Landowner Permits
ing, fishing, trapping, driver’s license, or registered voter) in Once your Landowner Permit Application has been accepted,
another state or country and whose legal residence or domi- you may get landowner permits using any of the following
cile has been in the state of Missouri for at least 30 days prior methods:
to obtaining a landowner permit. ◾ Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges
will be assessed.
In addition to being a Missouri resident, you ◾ Online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Print your permit at
also must meet one of the following criteria: home and have it in hand immediately.
◾ You must own at least 20 acres in one contiguous tract. ◾ From your smartphone using the free MO Hunting app (see
◾ You must be a member of the landowner’s immediate Page 6). Your permit will appear on the app immediately
household and have the same legal residence as the land- after purchase.
owner for at least the last 30 days. ◾ By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay
◾ You must be a general partner of a resident limited liability a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery.
partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability limited Whichever method you choose, please be ready to provide
partnership, or a general partner of a general partnership your Conservation Number, Social Security number, or driver’s
formed by written agreement and the partnership must license number.
own at least 20 contiguous acres.
◾ You must be an officer of a resident or foreign corporation
and the corporation must own at least 20 contiguous acres.
◾ You must be a managing member of a resident limited
liability company and the company must own at least 20
contiguous acres.
◾ You must be an officer of a benevolent association orga-
nized pursuant to Chapter 352 of the Revised Statutes of
Missouri and the association must own at least 20 contigu-
ous acres.
◾ You must be a settlor of a revocable trust and own at least
20 contiguous acres.
◾ You must be a permissible distributee of an irrevocable
trust and own at least 20 contiguous acres.
Reduced-Cost Nonresident Landowner Permits
The Conservation Department offers reduced-cost nonresi-
dent landowner permits. To qualify, you must own at least 75
Know the Rules
acres in one contiguous tract in Missouri. You also qualify if
you are a member of the landowner’s immediate household Hunters who qualify for landowner permits:
whose legal residence and domicile is the same as the land- ◾ Must abide by season dates, methods, limits, and tag-
owner’s for at least the last 30 days. ging/checking requirements.
◾ Must use landowner permits only on their qualifying
property. To hunt on other land, landowners must
purchase regular permits.
◾ Must be at least 6 years old to obtain landowner
permits.
10 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021Resident Landowner Permits
Lifetime Permits
Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Show Commitment
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No cost to Conservation
PERMITS
For two turkeys statewide during spring turkey season. For hunters who want to
make a long-term commit-
Resident Landowner Fall Firearms Turkey
ment to supporting Missouri
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No cost
fish, forests, and wildlife, lifetime permits are available.
For two turkeys during fall firearms turkey season in open Lifetime permits are available to Missouri residents
counties. only. Proof of residency, such as a photocopy of a valid
Missouri driver’s license or voter registration card, is
Resident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer required. For children under the age of 18, the parents’
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No cost residency will be used.
For one deer (of either sex) during firearms deer season. All lifetime permit holders receive a durable plastic
permit card to carry in the field and special mailings to
Resident Landowner Firearms Antlerless Deer keep them updated on seasons, regulation changes, and
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No cost other information.
For one antlerless deer during firearms deer season. See the Lifetime permits cannot be purchased at permit ven-
Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet dors, by telephone, or online.
for additional criteria regarding this permit. You must apply for lifetime permits by filling out a
lifetime permit form. Get the form:
Resident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit . . . . No cost ◾ Online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJ4.
◾ By calling 573-522-0107.
For two deer and two turkeys during archery deer and turkey
◾ By writing to Lifetime Permits, Missouri Department
season, for small game during prescribed seasons, and to sell
of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO
furbearers taken by hunting.
65102-0180.
Resident Landowner Archery Antlerless Deer ◾ By email at Lifetime.Permit@mdc.mo.gov.
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No cost Please allow 10 days after sending in your application
for your permit to be delivered.
For one antlerless deer during archery deer season in open Resident Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit — This
counties. permit carries the same privileges as the Resident Small
Nonresident Landowner Permits Game Hunting Permit, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit,
and Conservation Order Permit. Black bear, deer, elk, and
turkey hunting privileges are not included. A Federal
Nonresident Landowner Spring Turkey
Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl.
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $165
Age 15 or younger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $275
For two turkeys statewide during spring turkey season. Age 16–29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400
Age 30–39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350
Nonresident Landowner Fall Firearms Turkey Age 40–59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $96 Age 60 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35
For two turkeys during fall firearms turkey season in open Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit —
counties. This permit carries the same privileges as the Resident
Hunting and Fishing Permit, Trout Permit, Migratory
Nonresident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer Bird Hunting Permit, and Conservation Order Permit.
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $195 Black bear, deer, elk, and turkey hunting privileges are
For one deer (of either sex) during firearms deer season. not included. A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt
waterfowl.
Nonresident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit . . $195 Age 15 or younger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550
Age 16–29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $800
For two deer and two turkeys during archery deer and turkey
Age 30–39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $700
season, and for small game, except furbearers, during pre-
Age 40–59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600
scribed seasons.
Age 60 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 11General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
JIM RATHERT
Eastern fox squirrel
12 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021Legal firearm methods used to hunt black bears, deer, elk,
Wanton Waste and turkeys are listed in the Spring Turkey Hunting Regula-
It is illegal to intentionally leave or abandon any portion of tions and Information booklet, available online and at permit
any wildlife that is commonly used as human food. vendors in March; the Black Bear Hunting Digest and the Elk
Hunting Digest, available online in May; and the Fall Deer &
Dogs Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available
Dogs may be used to hunt wildlife, except beavers, black online and at permit vendors in July.
bears, deer, elk, mink, muskrats, river otters, and turkeys. Fully automatic firearms are prohibited for all hunting.
Hunting furbearers with dogs during daylight hours is prohib-
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hunting Game Birds with Firearms
ited statewide from Nov. 1 through the close of the November
portion of firearms deer season and during the antlerless Shotguns are the only firearm allowed for hunting game birds
portion in open counties. Dogs may not be used to hunt except crows. Pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns may be
squirrels and rabbits during daylight hours of the November used to hunt crows.
portion of firearms deer season in Butler, Carter, Dent, Iron,
Madison, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, and Wayne Baiting
counties. Dogs may not be used to hunt furbearers, squirrels, Baiting is not allowed for black bears, deer, elk, migratory
and rabbits during daylight hours of the firearms portion of birds, and turkeys. An area is considered baited for 10 days fol-
elk season in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties. lowing complete removal of bait. For complete baiting regula-
While hunting, all dogs, except those used by waterfowl tions, see rules for black bears, deer, elk, migratory birds, and
and game bird hunters, must wear a collar with the owner’s turkeys in the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
full name and address, Conservation Number, or telephone
number. For training dogs, wildlife that can be hunted with Special Provision During the Firearms
dogs may be chased, but not taken. Only a pistol with blank Deer Season
ammunition may be used during daylight hours to train dogs
During the November portion statewide and antlerless por-
during closed seasons. A hunting permit or exemption is
tion in open counties, other wildlife may be hunted only with
required when training dogs that are chasing wildlife.
a shotgun and shot not larger than No. 4 or a .22 or smaller
Hunting Near Floodwaters or Fire caliber rimfire rifle, pistol, or revolver. This does not apply to
waterfowl hunters, trappers, or landowners on their land.
Wildlife, except waterfowl, may not be pursued or taken while Other provisions apply to furbearer hunters. See the Fall Deer
trapped or surrounded by floodwaters or while fleeing from & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.
floodwaters or fire. Flood-prone areas in southeast Missouri
are closed to all hunting, except for waterfowl, during turkey Special Provisions During Firearms Elk Season
and deer seasons when river levels exceed certain limits on
During the firearms portion of elk season in Carter, Reynolds,
local river gauges. To see if an area is open or closed for hunt-
and Shannon counties, other wildlife may be hunted only
ing, visit mdc.mo.gov/semofloods.
with a pistol, revolver, or rifle firing a .22 caliber or smaller rim-
Legal Firearm Methods fire cartridge, or a shotgun and shot not larger than No. 4. This
does not apply to waterfowl hunters, trappers, or landowners
Legal firearm methods used to hunt wildlife — except bea- on their land. During daylight hours, furbearer hunters must
vers, mink, muskrats, river otters, turtles, and fish — are: use legal elk hunting methods and have an unfilled elk permit
◾ Pistols, revolvers, and rifles propelling a single projectile at and a small game permit.
one discharge (may not be used for hunting game birds
except crow; must be centerfire or a muzzleloader for hunt- Bows and Crossbows
ing black bears, deer, or elk).
Bows (which include longbows, compound bows, and recurve
◾ Firearms powered by spring, air, or compressed gas (may
bows) and crossbows may be used to take wildlife during
not be used for hunting game birds except crow; see the
hunting seasons. Arrows containing any drug, poison, chemi-
Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information
cal, or explosive are prohibited. Illuminated sights, scopes,
booklet for use during firearms deer season and the Elk
quickpoint sights, and hand-held string releasing mechanisms
Hunting Digest for use during firearms elk season).
may be used.
◾ Shotguns not larger than 10 gauge with the magazine cut
off or plugged to reduce the capacity to not more than
three shells in the magazine and chamber combined. The
three-shell restriction does not apply to shotguns used Conservation Department areas have special hunting
while hunting black bears, deer, and elk, and during the and trapping regulations, which can be found online at
Conservation Order for light geese. mdc.mo.gov/atlas.
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 13General Information
address, permit number, species, and the date taken. Wildlife
Atlatls and Slingshots given as a gift will be included in the possession limit of the
Atlatls may be used to take wildlife except black bears. Sling- person you give it to.
shots may be used to take wildlife except black bears, deer,
elk, and turkeys. Wildlife Identification
You must keep wildlife you take separate or identifiable from
Motor Driven Vehicles and Boats
wildlife taken by other hunters.
Motor driven conveyances may not be used to take, drive, or
molest wildlife. Black bears, deer, and elk may not be hunted Possessing, Transporting, and Storing Wildlife
GENERAL INFORMATION
from a boat with a motor attached; however, a motor boat You can possess and transport wildlife as part of your per-
may be used to hunt other wildlife if the motor is shut off and sonal baggage. It may be stored at your home, camp, place
the boat’s forward progress has stopped. of lodging, or in a commercial establishment. If you store
wildlife taken in Missouri, it must have the owner’s full name
Artificial Lights and Night Vision Equipment
and address, or Conservation Number; permit number; spe-
Artificial lights may be used only to hunt bullfrogs and green cies; and the date it was placed in storage. For black bears,
frogs, to hunt raccoons and other furbearing animals when deer, elk, and turkeys, also record the Telecheck confirmation
treed by dogs, and to hunt coyotes from Feb. 1 through March number. If you transport wildlife, it must have the full name,
31. Using lights to search for, harass, or disturb other wildlife is address, and permit number of the taker and the date it was
prohibited. taken. Commercially processed black bears, deer, and elk
Landowners may use lights on their property, but while must be claimed or stored by the owner by May 1 following
doing so may not be in possession of, or be with someone the season taken or the owner shall be in violation.
who possesses, a firearm, bow, or other implement used to Unless federal regulations prohibit, you may buy, sell, or
take wildlife. barter feathers; squirrel pelts; rabbit pelts; groundhog pelts;
You may not possess night vision, infrared, or thermal turkey beards, heads, bones, feet, spurs, wings, tails, and skins,
imagery equipment while carrying a firearm, bow, or other including skins with the feathers, wings, and legs attached;
implement used to take wildlife, except: and deer and elk heads, antlers, hides, and feet. They must be
◾ Landowners may use night vision, infrared, or thermal accompanied by a bill of sale showing the seller’s full name,
imagery equipment on their property to kill feral hogs. address, and the number and species of the parts, and the
◾ Hunters may use night vision, infrared, or thermal imagery full name and address of the buyer. Wildlife and wildlife parts,
equipment to hunt coyotes from Feb. 1 through March 31. after mounting or tanning, also may be bought and sold.
People who receive or purchase deer and elk heads or
Public Roadways
antlers attached to the skull plate must keep the bill of sale as
You may not take any wildlife from or across a public roadway long as the heads or antlers are in their possession. The bill of
with a firearm, bow, or crossbow. A Conibear®-type trap may sale must include the transaction date and a signed statement
be used adjacent to public roadways only if set under water in from the seller(s) attesting that the heads and antlers were
permanent waters. taken legally.
Poisons, Tranquilizers, Chemicals, and Transporting Deer, Elk, and Moose in Missouri
Explosives Carcasses of deer, elk, and moose harvested out of state may
Poisons, tranquilizers, chemicals, or explosives may not be not be transported into Missouri. Only the following portions
used to take wildlife. may be transported into Missouri:
◾ Meat that is cut and wrapped or that has been boned out
Electronic calls ◾ Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the
Electronic calls or electronically activated calls may not be spinal column or head attached
used or possessed while hunting except to pursue and take ◾ Hides from which all excess tissue has been removed
crows, furbearers, or light geese during the Conservation ◾ Antlers or antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned
Order. Mouth and hand calls may be used at any time. of all muscle and brain tissue
◾ Upper canine teeth
Giving Away Wildlife ◾ Finished taxidermy products
You may give wildlife to another person, but it will continue ◾ Heads with capes attached (must be taken to a licensed
to be a part of your daily limit for the day when taken. Black taxidermist within 48 hours)
bears, deer, elk, and turkeys must be labeled with your full Additional rules apply to the transportation of deer taken in
name, address, date taken, and Telecheck confirmation num- Missouri’s Chronic Wasting Disease Management Zone. See the
ber. All other wildlife must be labeled with your full name, Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.
14 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021Some Conservation Areas Require Nontoxic Shot
Nontoxic shot is required for hunting doves on 20 conservation areas that have intensive dove hunting. In addition, 37 conser-
vation areas require nontoxic shot for all hunting with shotguns. These areas have large wetlands where waterfowl and shore-
birds concentrate in the spring and fall.
Lead is poisonous to both people and wildlife. Research shows that doves, waterfowl, and many other species of birds can
suffer from lead poisoning after consuming lead pellets from spent shotgun shells. Lead poisoning can be fatal to birds and
other wildlife, including bald eagles that feed on waterfowl with lead shot in the carcasses.
Waterfowl hunters have been required by federal law to use nontoxic shot since 1991. This rule has reduced lead poisoning
GENERAL INFORMATION
in wildlife.
Use or possession of lead shot for hunting doves is prohibited on the following conservation areas:
▪ Bilby Ranch Lake ▪ Maintz Wildlife Preserve ▪ Truman Reservoir Management Lands
▪ Bois D’Arc ▪ Pacific Palisades (Bethlehem)
▪ August A. Busch ▪ Guy B. Park ▪ Weldon Spring
▪ Crowley’s Ridge ▪ Peabody ▪ Whetstone Creek
▪ Davisdale ▪ Pony Express Lake ▪ White (William G. and Erma Parke)
▪ Harmony Mission Lake ▪ James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area Memorial Wildlife Area
▪ Lamine River ▪ Reform
▪ William R. Logan ▪ Robert E. Talbot
Use or possession of lead shot is prohibited for all hunting with a shotgun on the following conservation areas:
▪ Aspinwall Bend ▪ Frost Island ▪ Ralph and Martha Perry
▪ Black Island ▪ Fountain Grove ▪ Platte Falls
▪ Bob Brown ▪ Four Rivers ▪ Plowboy Bend
▪ Church Farm ▪ Grand Pass ▪ Rose Pond
▪ Columbia Bottom ▪ B.K. Leach Memorial ▪ Rush Bottoms
▪ Cooley Lake ▪ Little Bean Marsh ▪ Schell-Osage
▪ Coon Island ▪ Little River ▪ Settle’s Ford
▪ Corning ▪ Lower Hamburg Bend ▪ Ted Shanks
▪ Deroin Bend ▪ Marais Temps Clair ▪ Ten Mile Pond
▪ Diana Bend ▪ Montrose ▪ Thurnau
▪ Duck Creek ▪ Nishnabotna ▪ Wolf Creek Bend
▪ Eagle Bluffs ▪ Nodaway Valley
▪ Franklin Island ▪ Otter Slough
As of January 2021, shot types approved as being nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are:
▪ Bismuth-tin ▪ Iron-tungsten-nickel ▪ Tungsten-polymer
▪ Copper-clad iron ▪ Tungsten-bronze (two types) ▪ Tungsten-tin-bismuth
▪ Corrosion-inhibited copper (CIC) ▪ Tungsten-iron-copper-nickel ▪ Tungsten-tin-iron
▪ Iron (steel) ▪ Tungsten-iron-polymer ▪ Tungsten-tin-iron-nickel
▪ Iron-tungsten ▪ Tungsten-matrix
Using ATVs and Horses on Conservation All-terrain vehicle users: Don’t risk losing your
Department Areas fishing and hunting privileges!
With limited exceptions, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use is pro- It is illegal for anyone (except landowners and lessees on land
hibited on conservation areas. Other vehicles are restricted they own or lease and certain agricultural workers) to drive
to graveled and paved roads and established parking areas, ATVs in Missouri’s streams and rivers unless the ATV is on a
unless otherwise posted. Horses and horseback riding are crossing that is part of the highway system. Violators could
permitted only on trails designated for their use and on roads lose their fishing and hunting privileges.
and trails open to vehicular traffic, unless otherwise posted.
For more information, contact the area manager (see Page 2)
or visit mdc.mo.gov/atlas.
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 15General Information
Handgun: Any firearm originally designed, made, and
Definitions intended to fire a projectile from one or more barrels when
Antlered Deer: A deer having at least one antler at least 3 held in one hand, and having a short stock designed to be
inches long. gripped by one hand at an angle to and extending below
Antlered Elk: An elk having at least one antler at least 6 the line of the bore(s), with a barrel less than 16 inches in
inches long. length, measured from the face of the bolt or standing breech
Atlatl: A rod or narrow board-like device used to launch, (excluding any muzzle device not permanently attached to
through a throwing motion of the arm, a dart 5 to 8 feet in the barrel), and an overall length less than 26 inches as mea-
length. sured between the muzzle of the barrel and the rearmost por-
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bow: A device drawn and held by hand and not fastened tion of the firearm (excluding any pistol brace, muzzle device,
to a stock nor to any other mechanism that maintains the or other firearm accessory not permanently attached to the
device in a drawn position. This definition includes longbows, firearm). The use of a pistol brace is specifically authorized,
recurve bows, and compound bows. and a second hand may be used for support when firing.
Chase or Chased: The act of using dogs to follow wildlife or Managed Deer Hunt: A prescribed deer hunt conducted
feral swine for the purpose of recreation or dog training, but on a designated area, which may include conservation areas,
not for the purpose of catching or taking that wildlife or feral state parks, national wildlife refuges, military bases, private
swine. land, and city or county properties.
Crossbow: A device for discharging quarrels or bolts, formed Muzzleloading Firearm: Any firearm capable of being
of a bow set crosswise on a stock, usually drawn by means of loaded only from the muzzle including any firearm capable of
a mechanism and discharged by release of a trigger. having the powder or propellant loaded from the breech, pro-
Days or Dates: All days and dates are inclusive. A day begins vided the bullet or projectile(s) is/are capable of being loaded
or ends at midnight, unless otherwise specified. only from the muzzle.
Firearm: Pistols, revolvers, and rifles propelling a single Night-Vision Equipment: Optical devices (i.e., binoculars
projectile at one discharge including those powered by or scopes) using light amplifying circuits that are electrical or
spring, air, or compressed gas, and shotguns not larger than battery-powered.
10 gauge. Nonresident Landowner: Any nonresident who owns at
Furbearing Animals, Furbearers: Badger, beaver, bobcat, least 75 acres in one contiguous tract in Missouri, or any
coyote, gray fox, red fox, mink, mountain lion, muskrat, nutria, member of the immediate household whose legal residence
opossum, raccoon, river otter, spotted skunk, striped skunk, is the same as the nonresident landowner’s for at least the last
and long-tailed weasel. Note: Open seasons exist for all 30 days.
furbearers except mountain lions, spotted skunks, and long- Possessed and Possession: The actual and constructive pos-
tailed weasels. session and control of things referred to in the Wildlife Code of
Game Birds: American coot, American woodcock, crows, Missouri.
ducks, Eurasian collared-dove, geese, gray partridge, mourn- Public Roadway: The right of way which is owned either out-
ing dove, northern bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasant, right or by easement by any public entity, or which is used by
ruffed grouse, sora rail, Virginia rail, white-winged dove, wild the general public for travel and is also regularly maintained
turkey, and Wilson’s snipe. Note: Open seasons exist for all by any public entity.
species except gray partridge and ruffed grouse. Pursue or Pursued: The act of trying to find, seek, or search
Game Mammals: Black bear, deer, elk, groundhog (wood- for wildlife or feral swine for the purpose of taking wildlife or
chuck), cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit, swamp rabbit, fox feral swine.
squirrel, gray squirrel, and furbearers as defined above. Resident Landowner: Any Missouri resident who owns at
Note: Open seasons exist for all game mammals except jack- least 5 contiguous acres, and his or her immediate household
rabbits, and for all furbearers except mountain lions, spotted members whose legal residence is the same as the landowner
skunks, and long-tailed weasels. for at least the past 30 days. Ownership of at least 20 contigu-
ous acres is required for resident landowner privileges to
hunt black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys. See Chapter 20 of the
Don’t Trash Nature Wildlife Code of Missouri for a more detailed definition.
Littering is illegal. It also harms wildlife and destroys the Sell: To offer for sale or to exchange for compensation in any
beauty of natural areas. Pack out spent shotgun shells, material form.
food wrappers, and other trash, and dispose of it in a Take or Taking: Killing, trapping, snaring, netting, or captur-
proper receptacle. Carry a plastic grocery sack when you ing any wildlife or feral swine in any manner; also refers to
go afield so you can pick up litter left behind by less- pursuing, molesting, hunting, wounding; or the placing, set-
conscientious users. Let’s all pitch in to keep our wild ting, or use of any device in an attempt to take; and every act
places looking wild. of assistance to every other person in taking or attempting to
take any wildlife or feral swine.
16 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021GENERAL INFORMATION
DAVID STONNER
Ring-necked pheasants
A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021 17Hunting
Deer Elk
The dates of the 2021 firearms deer season are as follows: Elk season dates, quotas, and rules are announced annually
Early youth portion — Oct. 30–31, 2021 by the Conservation Commission. For information, see the Elk
November portion — Nov. 13–23, 2021 Hunting Digest, which is available in May at mdc.mo.gov.
Late youth portion — Nov. 26–28, 2021
Antlerless portion — Dec. 4–12, 2021 Black Bear
Alternative methods portion — Dec. 25, 2021–Jan. 4, 2022 Black bear season dates, quotas, and rules are announced
All other dates and regulations will be announced in the Fall annually by the Conservation Commission. For information,
Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, see the Black Bear Hunting Digest, which is available in May at
available in July at permit vendors, Conservation Department mdc.mo.gov.
offices, and online at mdc.mo.gov.
Furbearers
Managed Deer Hunts
Coyote Taken With Hunting Permit
Missouri has many firearms, shotgun, archery, and muzzle-
Season: All year, except coyotes may not be hunted during
loading firearms managed hunts during fall and winter.
daylight hours from April 1–18, 2021. During spring turkey
Some hunts are held exclusively for youth and people with
season, coyotes may be taken using only methods allowed
disabilities. Hunters are selected by computerized random
for spring turkey hunting, and hunters must have an unfilled
drawing for the number of available hunting slots. See the
spring turkey hunting permit and either a Resident Small
Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information book-
Game Hunting Permit or a Nonresident Furbearer Hunting
let or mdc.mo.gov for details.
and Trapping Permit. See the Elk Hunting Digest, which is avail-
For your safety, you are urged to wear hunter orange able online in May, and the Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regula-
whenever you are hunting. tions and Information booklet, which is available in July, for
HUNTING
To comply with regulations, however, you must wear hunter additional limitations during firearms elk season and firearms
orange if: deer season.
◾ You are hunting any species of game during firearms deer Daily bag limit: Any number
season. Some exceptions are allowed. See below. Possession bag limit: Any number
◾ You are hunting on an area that is having a managed fire-
Badger, Bobcat, Gray Fox, Red Fox, Opossum, Raccoon,
arms deer hunt.
and Striped Skunk Taken With a Hunting Permit
◾ You are serving as a mentor to another hunter during fire-
Season: Nov. 15, 2021–Jan. 31, 2022
arms deer season or on an area that is having a managed
Daily bag limit: Any number
firearms deer hunt.
Possession bag limit: Any number
◾ You are hunting elk or accompanying an elk hunter during
the firearms portion of elk season. Note: The pelts of bobcats taken by hunting and trapping
◾ You are hunting black bears or accompanying a bear must be delivered to an agent of the Conservation Department
hunter during black bear season. for registration or tagging. See Page 21. After pelts are tagged,
they can be possessed by the taker throughout the year.
To satisfy this rule, you must wear both a hunter-orange hat
and a hunter-orange shirt, vest, or coat. The hunter-orange Bullfrog and Green Frog
color must be plainly visible from all sides. Camouflage
orange does not satisfy this rule. Season: June 30 at sunset–Oct. 31, 2021
For sunset time on June 30, see note on Page 23.
You don’t have to wear hunter orange during firearms Daily bag limit: 8
deer season if: Only the daily limit may be possessed on waters and banks of
◾ You are hunting migratory game birds. waters being hunted.
◾ You are archery hunting within municipal boundaries Possession bag limit: 16
where the discharge of firearms is prohibited. Methods: .22 or smaller caliber rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet
◾ You are hunting on federal or state land where deer hunt- gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, or by hand or hand net.
ing is restricted to archery methods.
◾ You are hunting on an archery permit during the alterna- Crows
tive methods portion of firearms deer season. Season: Nov. 1, 2021–March 3, 2022
◾ You are archery or small game hunting in a closed county Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
during the antlerless portion. Daily bag limit: Any number
◾ You are hunting small game or furbearers during the alter- Possession bag limit: Any number
native methods portion.
18 A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations 2021You can also read
