State Guide

Missouri Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Missouri hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Missouri Department of Conservation

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Missouri Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $19 Non-res: $225

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 15	Nov 10
Rifle	Nov 11	Nov 21
Muzzleloader	Dec 16	Dec 26

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 antlered

Antlerless permits required for does. Missouri has one of the highest deer densities. CWD management zones in effect.

Turkey

Res: $19 Non-res: $225

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 17	May 7
Archery	Sep 15	Nov 10

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)

Spring season for bearded turkeys. Fall archery concurrent with deer archery season. Excellent public land opportunities.

Quail

Res: $19 Non-res: $225

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Nov 1	Jan 15

Bag limits: daily: 8, season: No limit

Bobwhite quail. Conservation efforts ongoing. Best populations in northern Missouri grasslands.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Missouri Hunting Guides

destinations

Montana Missouri Breaks Mule Deer: North America's Premier Public-Land Buck Address

draw odds

Montana Missouri River Breaks Elk: The Overlooked Trophy District

draw odds

Montana Mule Deer Draw Odds: Units, Points, and What Nonresidents Can Expect

draw odds

Montana Turkey Hunting: Merriam's in the Missouri Breaks and Eastern Ponderosa

destinations

Missouri Deer Hunting: Ozarks, River Bottoms, and the Rut

Missouri Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Missouri?

Yes. All hunters in Missouri must hold a valid hunting license from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Missouri?

Missouri license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $19, non-resident $225. Turkey: resident $19, non-resident $225.

When is deer season in Missouri?

Missouri deer seasons: Archery: Sep 15 - Nov 10, Rifle: Nov 11 - Nov 21, Muzzleloader: Dec 16 - Dec 26.

Does Missouri require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Missouri requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Conservation manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Missouri. Their website (https://mdc.mo.gov) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.