Missouri Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

From white-tail to dove, coyote to pheasant, Missouri offers some of the most exciting hunting seasons in America. Not only are the Deer in Missouri among the biggest in the country, but the state is often overlooked as a destination hunting state. Missouri offers hunters over 2 million acres of quality public land. With a population of 1.3 million whitetail and a low hunter density, Missouri hunting seasons should not be skipped.

In order to make hunting in the state as easy as possible, licenses for Missouri hunting seasons are available online, and can be obtained through the Department of Conservation’s mobile app.

Hunting In Missouri

Missouri is a great place to hunt. There are many different kinds of hunting available, from small game hunting to big game hunting. There are also many different places to hunt, from the Ozarks to the Mississippi River. No matter what kind of hunting you're interested in, you can find it in Missouri.

The state is home to a variety of game, including deer, turkey, quail, squirrel, rabbit, and waterfowl. You can also find many different kinds of hunting gear and supplies in Missouri. Whether you're looking for a new hunting rifle or just some new hunting clothes, you can find what you need in Missouri.

Whether you're after whitetail deer, wild turkey, or waterfowl, Missouri is sure to have what you're looking for. So if you're ready to enjoy some great hunting, be sure to check out Missouri.

Missouri Deer Seasons

Youth Firearms	Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 26-28
Antlerless Firearms	Dec. 4-12
Firearms, Alternative Methods	Dec. 25-Jan. 4
Firearms, November Portion	Nov. 13-23
Archery	Sept. 15-Nov. 12 and Nov. 24-Jan. 15

**Season dates vary by zone

Missouri Turkey Seasons

Fall Firearms	Oct. 1-31
Fall Archery	Sept. 15-Nov. 12 and Nov. 24-Jan. 15
Spring Youth Hunt	Apr. 10-11
Spring General Season	Apr. 19-May 9

**Season dates vary by zone

Missouri Small Game Seasons

Squirrel	May 22-Feb. 15
Groundhog	May 10-Dec. 15
Coyote	Jan. 1-Dec. 31
Crow	Nov. 1-March 3
Dove	Sept. 1-Nov. 29
Fox	Nov. 15-Jan. 31
Opossum	Nov. 15-Jan. 31
Pheasant	Nov. 1-Jan. 15
Quail	Nov. 10-Jan 15
Woodcock	Oct. 15-Nov. 28
Sora and Virginia Rail	Sept. 1-Nov. 9

How To Get A Hunting License In Missouri?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Conservation Permit Card in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Missouri hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct permit type.
Buy the permit through the Missouri Department of Conservation website or a Missouri–approved retailer.

Missouri Permit Expiration

Permits are good from the date of purchase through the last day of February. Missouri residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting permit.

Where to Buy a Missouri Hunting Permit

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Use the MO Hunting smartphone app.
Call 1-800-392-4115.
Visit a Missouri Department of Conservation office or an approved permit retailer.
Mail in a paper application.

**Season dates vary by zone

Some Missouri hunting seasons vary by zone. For more information on regional dates, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website. Missouri offers some of the most accommodating hunting seasons in the country.