Bow hunting season in Missouri offers archers exciting opportunities to pursue deer in the state’s diverse landscapes. The 2024 archery season opens on September 15 and runs through November 10, with a second portion from November 27 to January 15, 2025. Hunters can take only two antlered deer during the combined archery and firearms seasons.
Missouri’s regulations allow archers to hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Bow hunters must adhere to specific rules, including not possessing firearms while pursuing deer or turkeys during archery season, with some exceptions outlined in the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
The state’s archery season provides an extended period for hunters to enjoy the outdoors and hone their skills. With proper preparation and knowledge of local regulations, bow hunters can maximize their chances of success while contributing to wildlife management efforts in Missouri.
Overview of Missouri Hunting Seasons
Missouri offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. The state’s carefully structured seasons allow hunters to pursue a variety of game while ensuring sustainable wildlife populations.
Deer Hunting Season Structure
Missouri’s deer hunting seasons are divided into several segments. The archery season runs from September 15, 2024, to November 15, 2024, and resumes from November 27, 2024, to January 15, 2025.
Firearms seasons include:
- November Portion: November 16-26, 2024
- Late Youth Portion: November 29 – December 1, 2024
- Antlerless Portion: December 7-8, 2024
- Alternative Methods Portion: December 28, 2024 – January 7, 2025
Hunters may take two antlered deer during the combined archery and firearms seasons. Antler-point restrictions apply in certain counties to protect young bucks.
Small Game and Furbearer Seasons
Missouri provides ample opportunities for small game and furbearer hunting. Squirrel season runs from May 25, 2024, to February 15, 2025. Rabbit season opens October 1, 2024, and closes February 15, 2025.
Furbearer trapping and hunting seasons typically start in November and end in January or February, depending on the species. Coyotes can be hunted year-round.
Waterfowl seasons vary by zone and species, generally occurring between September and January.
Spring Turkey and Black Bear Hunting
Spring turkey hunting in Missouri is a popular tradition. The 2025 spring turkey season dates are:
- Youth Season: April 12-13, 2025
- Regular Season: April 21 – May 11, 2025
Missouri introduced its first black bear hunting season in 2021. The 2024 season will run October 21-30 in designated Black Bear Management Zones. Permits are allocated through a random drawing, with quotas set to maintain a sustainable bear population.
Bow Hunting in Missouri
Missouri offers exciting opportunities for bow hunters to pursue deer during extended archery seasons. Archers can enjoy months of hunting across the state’s diverse landscapes while following specific regulations.
Archery Deer Season
Missouri’s archery deer season spans several months. The early season runs from September 15 to November 15, 2024. A late season follows from November 27, 2024 to January 15, 2025.
Hunters can purchase and fill multiple archery antlerless deer permits. However, archers are limited to taking only two antlered deer total during the combined archery and firearms seasons.
Legal hunting hours extend from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. This provides ample time for hunters to be in the field during prime deer movement periods.
Specific Regulations for Bow Hunting
Bow hunters in Missouri must adhere to certain equipment and harvest rules. Archery permits allow the take of two deer of either sex, but only one antlered deer may be harvested before the November firearms season.
Some counties enforce antler-point restrictions to protect young bucks. Hunters should check local regulations for their specific hunting area.
All archery hunters must wear hunter orange during the black bear hunting season, even when using a bow. This safety measure helps prevent accidents in shared hunting areas.
Resident hunters aged 16-64 and all non-resident hunters 16 and older must purchase a Missouri Small Game Hunting Permit in addition to their archery deer permit.
Licenses and Permits
Missouri offers various hunting permits for residents and nonresidents. Specific requirements apply to bow hunters seeking deer during archery season.
Resident and Nonresident Permits
Missouri residents can purchase an Archer’s Hunting Permit for deer and small game. This permit allows the taking of two deer of either sex, with only one antlered deer before the November firearms season.
Nonresidents have similar options but at higher costs. The Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit grants the same deer limits as the resident version.
Youth hunters ages 6-15 qualify for half-priced Archer’s Hunting Permits and Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permits, regardless of residency status.
Permit Requirements for Bow Hunting
All bow hunters must obtain the appropriate permit before hunting. Residents 11 years and older need a valid hunter education certificate, unless born before January 1, 1967.
Permits can be purchased online, at authorized vendors, or through the Missouri Department of Conservation offices. Hunters must carry their permit while in the field.
The Archer’s Hunting Permit also covers small game and furbearer hunting during specified seasons. Separate permits may be required for additional species or hunting methods.
Hunting Regulations and Safety
Missouri’s bow hunting regulations ensure ethical and safe practices. Hunters must follow specific rules regarding methods, safety gear, and land access.
Hunting Methods and Prohibited Activities
Bow hunters in Missouri must use equipment with a minimum draw weight of 40 pounds. Broadheads must be at least 7/8 inch wide. Expandable broadheads are permitted.
During archery season, hunters may not possess firearms while pursuing deer or turkeys. This rule helps maintain the integrity of bow hunting.
Baiting is prohibited on public lands. Hunters cannot use artificial light, night vision, or thermal imaging devices.
It’s illegal to shoot from or across a public road. Hunting under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden.
Hunter Orange Regulations and Private Land Policies
Bow hunters must wear hunter orange during the firearms deer and elk seasons. This includes a hat and vest or jacket with at least 400 square inches of orange visible from all sides.
During black bear season, hunter orange is required even for bow hunters. This safety measure increases visibility and reduces hunting accidents.
On private land, hunters need written permission from the landowner. Some areas may have additional restrictions or requirements set by property owners.
Trespassing is illegal and can result in fines or loss of hunting privileges. Always respect property boundaries and follow posted signs.
Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Missouri implements strategic measures to protect and manage wildlife populations. These efforts focus on disease control and sustainable harvest practices to ensure healthy ecosystems for future generations.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) actively monitors and manages Chronic Wasting Disease in deer populations. CWD is a fatal neurological illness affecting cervids. MDC operates CWD Sampling Stations during hunting seasons to test harvested deer.
Hunters are encouraged to submit samples from deer taken in CWD Management Zones. This data helps track disease spread and informs management decisions. MDC also enforces regulations on carcass movement and disposal to limit CWD transmission.
Missouri’s Harvest Quotas
MDC establishes annual harvest quotas to maintain balanced wildlife populations. These quotas are based on scientific data and population surveys. For deer, quotas vary by county and hunting method.
Quotas help prevent overharvesting and ensure sustainable wildlife populations. MDC adjusts quotas annually based on factors like habitat conditions and previous harvest numbers. Hunters must check harvest limits and obtain proper permits before their hunt.
Careful quota management supports Missouri’s rich hunting traditions while preserving wildlife for future generations.
Season-Specific Information
Missouri’s bow hunting season offers diverse opportunities for hunters. Special seasons and management practices aim to control deer populations and provide sustainable hunting experiences.
Antlerless Deer Hunting Opportunities
The Antlerless Portion of Missouri’s deer season runs from October 11-13 and December 7-15, 2024. This period allows hunters to target female deer to help manage populations.
Antlerless deer permits are available for specific counties and management units. Hunters must check local regulations for permit requirements and quotas.
During the Antlerless Portion, hunters can use firearms in addition to bows. This increases harvest opportunities and aids in population control efforts.
Some areas may have additional antlerless seasons or increased bag limits. Hunters should consult the Missouri Department of Conservation website for up-to-date information on specific zones and regulations.
Elk Hunting Season and Management
Missouri’s elk hunting season is part of the state’s elk management program. The season dates and permit allocations are set annually based on population assessments.
Elk permits are highly limited and distributed through a lottery system. Applicants must meet specific residency and hunting experience requirements to be eligible.
The elk hunt typically occurs in October, coinciding with the elk rut. Specific hunting zones are designated within the elk restoration area in southern Missouri.
Successful hunters must report their harvest and may be required to submit biological samples for disease monitoring. This data helps inform future management decisions for the elk population.
Equipment and Techniques
Successful bow hunting in Missouri requires the right gear and tactics. Hunters must be aware of regulations on equipment use and hunting methods to stay compliant while pursuing deer.
Using Calls and Decoys
Calls and decoys can be effective tools for attracting deer during bow season. Grunt calls mimic the sounds of bucks, while doe bleats can lure both does and bucks. Rattling antlers simulate buck fights and may draw in curious deer. Decoys can add visual appeal, but placement is crucial. Set decoys in open areas visible from a distance. Use scent control when handling and setting up decoys. Electronic or electronically activated calls are not permitted for deer hunting in Missouri.
Restrictions on Night Vision and Bait
Missouri prohibits the use of night vision and thermal imagery equipment while bow hunting. This ban applies when carrying any implement used to take wildlife. Baiting is also restricted. Hunters cannot place bait, including food or minerals, to attract deer for hunting purposes. Natural food sources and food plots are allowed. Hunters should focus on identifying travel routes, bedding areas, and natural food sources to determine optimal stand locations without relying on artificial attractants.
Special Hunting Opportunities
Missouri offers unique hunting experiences beyond traditional bow hunting. These opportunities allow hunters to pursue game using specialized methods and target different species during specific seasons.
Falconry and Dog-Assisted Hunting
Falconry is a permitted hunting method in Missouri. Licensed falconers can use trained birds of prey to hunt small game during designated seasons. The falconry season for rabbits and squirrels runs from September 1 to February 15.
Dog-assisted hunting is popular for upland game birds and waterfowl. Hunters can use trained pointing, flushing, or retrieving dogs to locate and retrieve game. For quail and pheasant hunting, the season typically runs from November 1 to January 15.
Waterfowl and Migratory Bird Hunting
Missouri’s wetlands attract various waterfowl species, creating excellent hunting opportunities. Duck and coot hunting seasons are split into three segments:
- North Zone: October 26 – December 24
- Middle Zone: November 2 – December 31
- South Zone: November 28 – January 26
Canada goose hunting has a regular season from October 5 to January 31. Special early and late seasons may also be available.
Hunters must possess a valid small game hunting permit, migratory bird hunting permit, and federal duck stamp. Daily bag limits and shooting hours apply to all waterfowl hunting.
Ethical Hunting Practices
Ethical hunting practices are essential for bow hunters in Missouri. These practices ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations and promote responsible sportsmanship. Hunters must adhere to specific guidelines and regulations to maintain fair chase principles and fulfill legal requirements.
Fair Chase and Respect for Wildlife
Bow hunters in Missouri must follow fair chase principles. This means giving animals a reasonable chance to evade capture. Hunters should not use vehicles or aircraft to pursue game. Baiting is prohibited in most areas. Hunters must respect private property boundaries and obtain permission before hunting on private land.
Ethical hunters practice their shooting skills regularly to ensure clean, humane kills. They should only take shots within their effective range. Tracking wounded animals is crucial. Hunters must make every effort to recover game and avoid waste.
Missouri enforces antler restrictions in some areas to protect young bucks. These rules vary by county, so hunters must check local regulations.
Reporting and Tagging Requirements
Hunters are required to tag their harvested game immediately. Each tag must be filled out with the hunter’s information and date of harvest. Failing to tag properly can result in fines.
Missouri requires hunters to report their harvests within a specified timeframe. This can be done online, by phone, or at approved check stations. Accurate reporting helps wildlife biologists monitor populations and set appropriate bag limits.
Bag limits vary by species and hunting zone. Hunters must know and follow these limits to avoid overharvesting. Exceeding bag limits is a serious violation that can lead to license revocation.
Ethical hunters also report any poaching or violations they witness. This helps conservation agents enforce regulations and protect wildlife resources.