Wildlife
From waterfowl to majestic whitetails, Missouri offers hunters a variety of game to pursue nearly year round. Check the Seasons Calendar to see current and upcoming seasons, and always consult season-specific regulations booklets and the Wildlife Code for detailed information before you go afield.
Deer and Turkey
Deer hunting begins with the archery season in the early fall and extends into January. The firearms deer season is divided into five portions and begins in October. In addition to the main November segment, there are portions designated for urban counties, youth hunters, muzzleloaders, and antlerless deer. You can also enter a drawing to participate in a managed hunt at a selected location.
The fall archery turkey season coincides with the archery deer season, and there is also a fall firearms turkey season in October. Missouri’s spring turkey season usually occurs in April, and you can draw to enter managed spring turkey hunts in selected areas.
The specific dates and regulations are set in summer and are published in the Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet. You can purchase deer and turkey hunting permits beginning July 1.
Waterfowl
Waterfowl season begins when ducks and geese are migrating in the fall. The season start is staggered between zones, with the northern zone of the state opening earlier than the middle and southern zones.
The specific dates and regulations are set in summer and are published in the Waterfowl Hunting Digest. You can purchase waterfowl hunting permits beginning July 1.
You can apply for a reservation at one of sixteen MDC-managed waterfowl areas and check the hunting conditions online before you go.
Small Game
Many other game birds and mammals can be hunted during designated seasons. If there isn’t a season listed for a species, then hunting is not permitted for it. See the Summary of Missouri Hunting & Trapping Regulations booklet for more information.
Check the Migratory Bird Hunting Digest for special information on doves, teal, woodcock, and other migratory birds.
Trapping
Many mammal species may be trapped during the fall and winter furbearer seasons. If you want to use cable restraint, you must take a cable restraint-training course and have a permit to use that device. Check the Summary of Missouri Hunting & Trapping Regulations booklet for more information.
Browse by Subject
- Seasons and regulations
- Find out about specific seasons and hunting regulations
- Furbearers
- Information on Missouri's common furbearing animals
- Deer
- Look up deer hunting regulations and reports
- Turkey
- Find information about turkey hunting regulations and practices
- Waterfowl
- Section detailing waterfowl hunting and seasons
- Other game
- Information on other small game hunting
