The Guide to the Missouri Hunting Seasons 2026

For anyone living in the state, you know Missouri is a great place to hunt — and if you’ve never hunted before, this year should be your year to plan a black bear hunt and experience you’ll never forget. 

So, whether you live in Missouri or you’ve added it to your hunting plans this year, you’ll want to know the season dates, bag limits, and hunting regulations for the game you hunt. 

We’ve put this guide together to help kick off your planning and research! So, keep reading to learn what you need to know about Missouri hunting seasons.  

Updated March 12, 2026

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Missouri?

Trophy bucks and black bears are two of the biggest reasons people hunt in Missouri. It’s also an excellent place to harvest a big turkey for your Thanksgiving meal. The state also offers limited hunting for elk. 

You’ll also find plenty of good hunting opportunities for quail, geese, ducks, and squirrels. There’s a little (or a big) something for everyone when hunting in the Show Me state. 

Where Should I Hunt?

Missouri’s terrain primarily consists of plains, prairies, and rolling hills. As the 21st largest state in the country, you’ll find plenty of public and private land for hunting. 

Depending on the game you hunt, you’ll be in one or more of the state’s three primary regions: 

• The Ozark Plateau
• The Northern Plains
• The Mississippi Alluvial Plains

Once you know the general area for your hunt, you’ll need to narrow down your specific hunting area. Use HuntWise map layers to e-scout throughout Missouri and use markers to define your hunting area and mark unique features. 

When Can I Hunt?

Hunting black bears requires some planning — as does hunting any species if you want to end with a successful day in the field. Knowing when seasons open and close is a crucial aspect of planning your hunt. 

Below, we’ve compiled the latest Missouri hunting information to help you get out into the field this season. However, keep in mind that information can change from year to year and even throughout the season. 

Be sure to check official websites for hunting in Missouri to confirm the latest details as you plan your hunting adventures. 

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website for more details about these species (and others), including hunting and trapping furbearers. You can also visit the eRegulations pages for Missouri deer hunting regulations and other information. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

All hunters need a permit to hunt in Missouri, and licenses vary depending on the species you hunt, whether you are hunting with a firearm or bow, and whether you’re a Missouri resident. However, there are some exemptions from the license requirements. 

For some species, like bears and elk, permits are awarded based on a drawing. Hunters can purchase licenses online or in person from an official agent location. 

What Are the Bag Limits for the Missouri Hunting Seasons?

How many deer, turkeys, or bears can you bring home this season? To comply with Missouri regulations for legal hunting, follow the bag limits for each animal you hunt throughout the year. 

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website for more information about bag limits, regulations, and other species. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

All hunters must pass a state-approved hunter education course before getting a hunting license in Missouri. You must also carry your hunter education card with you when hunting with a firearm. 

However, under the state's Apprentice Hunting Authorization, hunters under 16 can hunt without a hunter education certification. This is an excellent way to introduce your kids to hunting!

You’ll also want the best gear for your hunts, whether you’re after a big buck, a bear, or a turkey this season. 

The good news is that HuntWise subscribers can gear-up for hunting with discounts on gear through our partners. You can save hundreds on gear like hunting knives, binoculars, calls, clothing, spotting scopes, and more. 

Enjoy a Successful Missouri Hunting Season with HuntWise

We hope this information helps you plan your next hunt (or hunts) in Missouri! In addition to the details in this guide, be sure to check back here or reference the official Missouri websites for the latest details. 

Your HuntWise app also gives you access to the latest hunting information for the Show Me State. It’s the ultimate hunting tool for planning, scouting, sharing information with friends, and keeping current with season dates and regulations. 

The app delivers multiple map layers for scouting hunt areas (including MDC and MRAP lands, CWS Management Zones, and County Boundaries for Missouri), real-time animal behavior predictors, ideal wind and weather forecasting, and private landowner boundaries and contact information. 

If you haven’t hunted with HuntWise yet, you won’t believe what you’ve been missing to enhance your hunting success! 
Download the app and explore it free for a week!

Content and season dates most recently reviewed and updated March 12, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about the Missouri hunting seasons!

Q: Can I use an AR-15 to hunt deer in Missouri?

A: Yes, you can use an AR-15 to hunt deer in Missouri during some seasons. Centerfire rifles using expanding bullets are allowed for deer in certain firearms seasons, and semi-automatic rifles are legal as long as the firearm’s capacity does not exceed 11 rounds (magazine + chamber) and other equipment rules are followed.

Q: Can you carry a sidearm while hunting in Missouri?

A: Yes, you can carry a sidearm while hunting in Missouri. Centerfire pistols or revolvers with expanding bullets are allowed methods for taking deer during firearms seasons.

Q: Can I put corn out for deer in Missouri?

A: No, you can't put corn out for deer in Missouri. Baiting (including corn, grain, or other feed used to attract deer) is illegal while hunting, and an area is considered baited for 10 days after the bait is removed.