The Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) provides hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities on working farms and ranches across the state.
MDC leases these privately-owned lands for public outdoor recreation opportunities.
Public Access Options
MRAP areas may fall under one of the following six access options:
- All Access Hunting and Fishing — hunting and fishing under statewide regulations throughout all legal seasons.
- Small Game and Turkey Hunting — hunting of turkey and designated small game species (only frogs, rabbits, squirrels, quail, pheasant, rails, snipe, doves, woodcock, and waterfowl) throughout all legal seasons.
- Youth Only Hunting and Fishing — hunting and fishing under statewide regulations throughout all legal seasons for youth under the age of 16 and accompanied by an adult.
- Archery Only — hunting using archery methods under statewide regulations from September 15 through February 15 and during statewide youth and regular spring turkey seasons.
- Wildlife Viewing — wildlife viewing and hiking year-round.
- Fishing Only — fishing under statewide regulations year-round. Public access is restricted to areas within 100 feet of designated fishing waters, except for access routes from designated parking areas or between enrolled water bodies.
2024 Change to Spring Turkey Season Shooting Hours: MRAP properties are private land and therefore follow the spring turkey season regulations for private land. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset on eligible MRAP properties.
For specific regulations, refer to the Wildlife Code.
Program Rules and Regulations
- Public access will only be for the activities allowed under the selected property access type.
- MRAP properties are limited to foot traffic only.
- Parking will occur only at designated areas as shown on the property maps.
- Users are asked to register at the designated property access point.
- No equipment or gear may be left on the property outside the permitted public access hours.
- MRAP areas are open for public access one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset.
- We ask that public users please respect private property and not open gates or damage fences.
All activities and uses other than the authorized access activities are prohibited, including but not limited to:
- Use of all motorized vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, utility vehicles, snowmobiles, and motor bikes
- Trapping
- Target shooting or dog training activities
- Boating or swimming
- Camping
- Alcohol
- Fireworks
- Horseback or mountain bike riding
- Permanent blinds or tree stands
- Screw-in steps
- Littering, including spent shells
Persons with mobility disabilities may seek accommodation by contacting the local Conservation Agent. Accommodations involving motorized vehicles must be approved by the participating landowner.
MRAP Area Management
- All MRAP properties are at least 40 acres in size and meet quality wildlife habitat standards on at least 20% of the acres.
- Landowners are not required to provide trails or mowed paths.
- Wildlife habitat on MRAP areas is not managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
MRAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program.