Missouri’s hunting firearm regulations are designed to promote safety and conservation while allowing hunters to pursue their passion. These rules govern various aspects of hunting, from the types of firearms permitted to specific restrictions during certain seasons. Hunters in Missouri must use firearms and ammunition appropriate for the game they are pursuing and comply with regulations that change based on the hunting season and location.

The Missouri Department of Conservation sets clear guidelines for firearm use during different hunting seasons. During the firearms portion of deer season, hunters are limited to specific methods and must adhere to caliber restrictions. Similarly, when elk hunting is open in designated counties, regulations limit the types of firearms that can be used for hunting other wildlife.

Conservation efforts play a crucial role in shaping Missouri’s hunting regulations. By carefully managing hunting practices, the state aims to maintain healthy wildlife populations while providing opportunities for sportsmen and women. These regulations also ensure that hunting remains a sustainable activity for future generations to enjoy.

Missouri Hunting Overview

Missouri offers diverse hunting opportunities with specific regulations for various game species. Hunters must adhere to season dates, permit requirements, and safety guidelines to ensure responsible and lawful hunting practices.

Season Dates and Regulations

Deer hunting seasons in Missouri include archery, firearms, and alternative methods portions. The 2024 archery deer season runs from September 15 to November 15 and November 27 to January 15, 2025. Firearms deer season has multiple segments, including an early youth portion and main firearms portion in November.

Turkey hunting has spring and fall seasons. The spring season typically occurs in April and May, while the fall season runs from October to January.

Small game hunting seasons vary by species. Squirrel season opens May 25, 2024, and extends through February 15, 2025. Rabbit season starts October 1 and ends February 15, 2025.

Hunting Permits and Tags

Missouri requires hunters to obtain appropriate permits and tags before hunting. Resident and nonresident hunters can purchase permits online or from authorized vendors.

Deer hunters need species-specific permits. Options include Archery Deer and Turkey Permit, Firearms Deer Hunting Permit, and Antlerless Deer Hunting Permits for specific management zones.

Turkey hunters must acquire Spring Turkey Hunting Permits or Fall Turkey Hunting Permits, depending on the season.

Small game hunters can purchase Small Game Hunting Permits or Conservation Hunting and Fishing Permits, which cover multiple species.

Hunter Education and Safety

Missouri mandates hunter education for most hunters born on or after January 1, 1967. The course covers firearm safety, hunting ethics, wildlife conservation, and hunting techniques.

Hunters must wear hunter orange during firearms deer seasons. This includes a hat and a vest, shirt, or coat with the upper body and chest primarily orange.

Firearm restrictions apply during certain seasons. During elk firearms season, hunters may only use shotguns with shot no larger than No. 4 or .22 caliber or smaller firearms for other wildlife.

Legal and Prohibited Methods

Missouri has specific regulations governing hunting methods, firearms, and equipment. These rules aim to ensure fair chase, hunter safety, and wildlife conservation.

General Hunting Methods

Hunters in Missouri must adhere to strict guidelines regarding legal hunting methods. Pursuing, taking, or attempting to take wildlife from motor-driven air, land, or water conveyances is prohibited. This includes cars, boats, and aircraft.

Baiting is allowed on private land but restricted on public land. Hunters can use calls, decoys, and scents to attract game. Dogs may be used for certain types of hunting, such as waterfowl and small game.

Spotlighting wildlife is illegal except for raccoons and other furbearers during their respective seasons. Hunters must wear the required amount of hunter orange during firearms deer season.

Firearms and Ammunition

Missouri allows various firearms for hunting, with specific restrictions. For deer hunting, centerfire rifles, handguns, shotguns, and muzzleloaders are permitted. Rimfire rifles and air guns are prohibited for deer.

Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells. Fully automatic firearms are not allowed for hunting. Suppressors are legal for hunting in Missouri.

For small game and birds, shotguns and rimfire rifles are typically used. Specific caliber and shotgun gauge restrictions may apply depending on the game species.

Archery and Alternative Methods

Archery equipment is popular for deer hunting in Missouri. Compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows are allowed. Crossbows are also legal during archery season.

There is no minimum draw weight for bows, but arrows must be equipped with a broadhead point. Mechanical broadheads are permitted.

Atlatls and dart-throwing devices are legal for deer hunting during the alternative methods portion of firearms deer season. Slingshots are allowed for small game hunting.

Use of Technology

Missouri regulates the use of technology in hunting. Electronic calls are permitted for predator and crow hunting but prohibited for migratory birds and wild turkey.

Illuminated sights and scopes are allowed, including red dot sights. However, laser sights that project a beam onto the target are prohibited.

Night vision and thermal imaging equipment are not allowed for hunting. Drones cannot be used to scout or assist in hunting activities.

Trail cameras are legal, but those that transmit images in real-time require landowner permission on private property.

Species-Specific Regulations

Missouri’s hunting regulations vary by species, with distinct rules for deer, migratory birds, and other game animals. These regulations cover hunting methods, seasons, and permit requirements to ensure sustainable wildlife management.

Deer Hunting Regulations

Deer hunting in Missouri is subject to specific regulations. Antlered deer may be taken during designated seasons with appropriate permits. Antlerless deer hunting is regulated through special permits and seasons to manage populations effectively.

Antler-point restrictions apply in some counties to protect young bucks. During deer firearms season, hunters must follow specific firearm regulations. Archery antlerless deer hunting permits are available for certain areas.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) management zones have additional rules. Baiting is prohibited in CWD zones and restricted elsewhere. Carcass movement restrictions are in place to prevent disease spread.

Migratory Bird and Waterfowl

Migratory bird hunting follows federal and state regulations. Hunting hours are typically from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. Bag limits vary by species and are set annually based on population data.

Hunters must use non-toxic shot for waterfowl. A federal migratory bird hunting stamp is required in addition to state permits. Specific seasons are set for ducks, geese, and other migratory game birds.

Electronic calls are prohibited for migratory bird hunting. Retrieval of downed birds is mandatory. Hunters must leave a fully feathered wing or head attached for species identification during transport.

Other Species

Elk hunting is limited, with a firearms portion available by special permit. Furbearer hunting and trapping have separate regulations, including season dates and harvest limits.

Small game hunting, such as squirrels and rabbits, has more liberal seasons but still requires appropriate permits. Falconry is permitted with proper licensing and follows specific regulations for capture and use of raptors.

Turkey hunting has spring and fall seasons with distinct regulations. Coyotes and other predators may be hunted year-round with some restrictions during deer and turkey seasons.

Hunting Ethics and Responsibility

Ethical hunting practices are crucial for wildlife conservation and maintaining public support for hunting. Responsible hunters follow fair chase principles, avoid wanton waste, and show respect for wildlife and habitats.

Fair Chase and Wanton Waste

Fair chase means pursuing game in a way that gives animals a reasonable chance to evade capture. Hunters should rely on their skill and knowledge rather than unfair advantages. This includes avoiding the use of vehicles, drones, or other technology that eliminates the challenge of the hunt.

Wanton waste refers to the illegal practice of taking game animals and failing to make reasonable efforts to retrieve and use the meat. Missouri law requires hunters to make every effort to find downed game and utilize as much of the animal as possible.

Possible limits on game harvests help prevent excessive waste and overexploitation. Hunters should be familiar with bag limits and seasons for their target species.

Respect for Wildlife and Habitat

Ethical hunters view themselves as part of nature, not separate from it. They strive to minimize their impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

This includes:

• Using appropriate firearms and ammunition to ensure clean, quick kills
• Practicing marksmanship to improve shooting accuracy
• Properly field dressing and transporting harvested animals
• Avoiding damage to vegetation and soil when accessing hunting areas
• Packing out all trash and leaving no trace

Conservation efforts by hunters help preserve habitats and maintain healthy wildlife populations. Many hunters participate in habitat improvement projects or donate to conservation organizations.

The Missouri Wildlife Code provides regulations that ethical hunters follow to protect wildlife resources for future generations. By adhering to these rules and embracing a responsible approach, hunters play a vital role in wildlife management and conservation.

Transport and Handling of Game

Proper transport and handling of harvested game is crucial for legal compliance and food safety in Missouri. Hunters must follow specific regulations when moving, processing, and sharing their game.

Carcass Transport and Processing

Hunters must immediately notch the month and date on their deer or turkey permit after verifying the animal is dead. Keep harvested animals separate or easily identifiable from those of other hunters. When transporting game, use methods that preserve meat quality and prevent spoilage. Field dress the animal promptly and cool the carcass quickly.

Use clean, sharp knives and wear protective gloves during processing. Refrigerate or freeze meat as soon as possible. Label packages with the species, cut, and date of harvest. Proper storage temperatures are essential to maintain food safety and quality.

Legal Transfer and Donation

Missouri allows hunters to give away wildlife to others. When transferring game, provide the recipient with a written statement including your full name, address, permit number, species, and date of harvest. This documentation ensures legal possession for the recipient.

Hunters can donate deer and turkey to the Share the Harvest program. This initiative provides venison to food banks and charitable organizations. Participating processors handle the meat according to health regulations.

Selling game meat is generally prohibited, with some exceptions for certain furbearers. Always check current regulations before attempting to sell any wildlife products.

Access to Hunting Lands

Missouri offers diverse hunting opportunities on both public and private lands. Hunters must be aware of regulations regarding land access and vehicle use while pursuing game.

Public and Private Lands

Missouri’s public hunting lands include conservation areas, state parks, and national forests. These areas are open to licensed hunters during designated seasons. Some public lands may require special permits or have specific regulations.

Private land makes up 93% of Missouri’s territory. Hunters can access private property with landowner permission. The Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) provides walk-in access to select private lands for hunting and wildlife viewing.

Hunters should always obtain proper permissions and follow posted rules when accessing any hunting area. Conservation areas often have detailed maps showing boundaries and allowed activities.

Use of Vehicles and Conveyances

Regulations restrict the use of motor-driven vehicles while hunting on public lands. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are generally prohibited on conservation areas except on designated roads.

On private property, vehicle use is at the discretion of the landowner. Hunters must obtain permission before using any motorized conveyance.

Retrieving harvested game with vehicles may be allowed in certain areas. Hunters should consult specific area regulations or contact local conservation agents for guidance.

Disabled hunters may qualify for special vehicle use permits on some public lands to improve accessibility.

Special Considerations

Missouri hunters must adapt to challenging conditions and be aware of wildlife health issues. These factors can significantly impact hunting strategies and safety.

Hunting in Adverse Conditions

Flood waters pose unique challenges for Missouri hunters. During periods of high water, hunters should exercise caution and be prepared for altered landscapes. Waterproof gear and flotation devices are essential.

Hunters must stay informed about flood warnings and avoid dangerous areas. Flooded forests can conceal hazards like submerged logs or unstable ground. It’s crucial to scout locations beforehand and have backup plans.

Visibility may be reduced in flooded areas, so hunters should be extra vigilant in identifying targets. Using elevated stands can provide a safer vantage point. Always prioritize safety over harvesting game when conditions are risky.

Chronic Wasting Disease Management

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a serious concern for Missouri’s deer population. Hunters play a vital role in managing this neurological disease. The Missouri Department of Conservation has implemented specific regulations in CWD Management Zones.

Hunters in these zones must have their harvested deer tested for CWD. There are designated sampling stations throughout affected areas. It’s important to properly dispose of carcass parts to prevent disease spread.

The use of certain deer attractants is restricted in CWD Management Zones. Hunters should familiarize themselves with local regulations before using any baits or lures. Practicing good field dressing techniques can help minimize exposure risks.