Missouri Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024

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.

Missouri Deer Seasons

Youth FirearmsOct. 28-29
Nov. 24-26
Antlerless FirearmsOct. 6-8
Dec. 2-10
Firearms, Alternative MethodsDec. 23-Jan. 2
Firearms, November PortionNov. 11-21
ArcherySept. 15-Nov. 10
Nov. 22-Jan. 15

**Season dates vary by zone


Missouri Turkey Seasons

Fall FirearmsOct. 1-31
Fall ArcherySept. 15-Nov. 10
Nov. 22-Jan. 15
Spring Youth HuntTBD
Spring General SeasonTBD

Missouri generally releases its spring turkey hunting season dates in December of the prior year. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website.

Missouri Elk Seasons

ArcheryOct. 21-29
FirearmsDec. 9-17

Elk hunting is a limited season. To hunt elk in Missouri, outdoors enthusiasts must apply; hunters are selected by a randomized drawing. For more information, visit the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website.

Missouri Small Game Seasons

SquirrelMay 27-Feb. 15
GroundhogMay 8-Dec. 15
CoyoteJan. 1-Dec. 31
CrowNov. 1-March 3
DoveSept. 1-Nov. 29
FoxNov. 15-Jan. 31
OpossumNov. 15-Jan. 31
PheasantNov. 1-Jan. 15
QuailNov. 1-Jan 15
WoodcockOct. 15-Nov. 28
Sora and Virginia RailSept. 1-Nov. 9

**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.