Public lands
From state conservation areas to national forests, Missouri is blessed with public lands, and most of them allow hunting. Use the Conservation Atlas to see where you can hunt on MDC properties. Many conservation areas have special regulations that limit hunting times, hunting methods or other activities. Check the Special Regulations for Department Areas in the Wildlife Code before you hunt.
Several conservation areas use a waterfowl reservation system during waterfowl season. You can call to register for a reservation at one of our waterfowl hunting areas. Selected areas also have accessible blinds for hunters with disabilities.
You can hunt on some federal land, including many parts of the Mark Twain National Forest, Ozarks National Scenic Riverways and Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Reserve.
Hunting is not allowed in Missouri state parks.
MDC also offers managed deer and turkey hunts. These hunts, which are held at various locations in the fall and winter, help manage wildlife populations and provide you with an additional hunting opportunity.
Non-toxic Shot
Beginning March 1, 2007, twenty-one conservation areas will have a nontoxic shot only regulation for all hunting with a shotgun. The nontoxic shot regulation will reduce cases of lead shot ingestion, which can be fatal to birds including doves and eagles.
Private lands
Ninety-three percent of Missouri’s lands are privately held by individuals, businesses and municipalities. Please be respectful of property owners’ rights and do not do not hunt on private lands without permission from the landowner.
Some municipalities may allow urban hunting within city limits. In some places, you may be limited to bow hunting. Check your local ordinances to see if hunting is allowed.
Your land
If you are a Missouri resident and own a tract of land five acres or larger, you do not need a permit to fish or hunt small game, although seasons, methods and limits apply to all hunters. If you’d like to hunt deer or turkey, you will need to get a no-cost resident landowner permit anywhere permits are sold.
If you’d like to hunt waterfowl or migratory birds on your property, you will need to buy a Missouri migratory bird permit and the federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.
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
