If you’re planning to hunt in the Show-Me State, one of the first questions you need answered is, when does deer hunting season start in Missouri? The answer isn’t just a single date, as Missouri offers a diverse range of seasons to match different hunting methods and equipment. This guide will break down all the key dates, regulations, and strategies you need for a successful and legal hunt this fall.
Missouri’s deer seasons are carefully managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to ensure healthy herds. Your season start date depends entirely on what type of hunting you want to do. From archery to firearms, and special youth seasons, we’ll cover it all.
When Does Deer Hunting Season Start In Missouri
Here is the complete calendar for Missouri’s deer hunting seasons. Always verify dates and regulations in the current year’s Missouri Deer Hunting Regulations booklet, as minor adjustments can occur.
Archery Deer Season
Missouri’s archery season is the longest and offers a quiet, challenging hunt. It’s a great way to extend your time in the woods.
- Start Date: Typically opens on September 15th.
- End Date: Runs through November 10th, then resumes from November 13th to January 15th.
- Note: There is a closure during the November firearms portion (November 11-12).
- Permits: Either-sex archery deer hunting permits are valid throughout the entire archery season.
Firearms Deer Season
This is the most popular season, broken into several segments. The main November portion is a cultural event in Missouri.
- November Portion: Usually starts the second Saturday in November and lasts for 11 days. For example, it often runs from November 11-21.
- Antlerless Portion: Held in early December, often for 10 days starting the first Friday in December (e.g., Dec. 1-10).
- Alternative Methods Portion: This includes atlatls, crossbows, and certain pistols/rifles. It typically runs for 10 days starting the day after Christmas (Dec. 26 – Jan. 5).
Youth-Only Deer Seasons
Missouri has excellent opportunities to introduce young people to hunting. These seasons are for hunters ages 6-15.
- Early Youth Weekend: Usually the last weekend in October (e.g., Oct. 28-29).
- Late Youth Weekend: Held during the Antlerless Portion in early December.
Urban Deer Zones
Special managed hunts occur in designated urban areas. These have unique dates, often extending beyond regular seasons, and require a special permit obtained through a lottery. Check the MDC website for specific zone details.
What You Need Before the Season Starts
Having your gear ready is only half the battle. Legal requirements are crucial.
- Hunter Education Certificate: Required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, unless hunting with a qualified mentor.
- Valid Missouri Hunting Permit: You must purchase the appropriate deer hunting permits. Residents and non-residents have different options.
- Telecheck Confirmation Number: You are required to Telecheck (report) your harvested deer by 10:00 p.m. on the day of recovery. Have your permit number ready and call 1-800-314-6828 or use the online/mobile system.
- Landowner Permission: If hunting on private land, written permission is strongly recommended and often required by county ordinance.
Planning Your Hunt Around the Rut
Understanding deer behavior is key to timing your hunt. The breeding period, or rut, is when bucks are most active.
In Missouri, the peak of the rut generally occurs in early to mid-November. This coincides perfectly with the November firearms season. However, pre-rut activity in late October can be excellent during the youth and archery seasons. The post-rut period in late December and January, during the Alternative Methods season, offers its own challenges as deer return to feeding patterns.
Selecting Your Zone and County
Missouri is divided into management units with specific regulations. The most important county-level rule involves the Antler Point Restriction (APR).
- APR Counties: In many counties, especially in northern and central Missouri, a buck must have at least four antler points on one side to be legal for harvest during firearms seasons. Always check the regulations for the specific county you plan to hunt.
- Non-APR Counties: Mainly in southern Missouri, where any antlered buck is legal.
- Archery Exception: Antler point restrictions do not apply during the archery season.
Step-by-Step: Preparing for Opening Day
- Scout Early: Use summer and early fall to scout for signs, trails, and bedding areas. Trail cameras can be invaluable.
- Check Your Equipment: Sight-in your firearm or bow weeks in advance. Practice from realistic positions.
- Study the Land: Use topographic maps and satellite imagery to plan your entry, exit, and stand locations.
- Get Permission Early: Don’t wait until the week before season to ask landowners for access.
- Pack Your Kit: Include essentials like a sharp knife, drag rope, flashlight, extra layers, water, and your permit/wallet.
Understanding Bag Limits and Permits
Missouri’s permit system determines what you can harvest. You must purchase a permit for each deer, with specific types for antlered or antlerless deer.
- Firearms Any-Deer Permit: Allows the harvest of one deer of either sex during the November, Antlerless, or Alternative Methods portions.
- Archery Any-Deer Permit: Allows the harvest of one deer of either sex during the archery season.
- Antlerless-Only Permits: These are available for specific counties and seasons. You can purchase multiple antlerless permits in many areas to help manage the population.
- Two-Deer Limit: In most cases, you may take no more than two antlered deer in a year, regardless of method.
Safety is Your First Priority
A successful hunt is a safe hunt. Follow these core rules every single time.
- Treat Every Firearm as Loaded: Always control the muzzle and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Wear Blaze Orange: During firearms seasons, you must wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat of hunter orange, with at least 400 square inches total. It’s a smart idea to wear it during archery season too, expecially on public land.
- Use a Safety Harness: Every year, falls from tree stands cause serious injuries. Wear a full-body harness from the moment you leave the ground.
- Tell Someone Your Plans: Let a friend or family member know where you’re hunting and when you expect to return.
After the Harvest: Tagging and Telecheck
Your responsibilities begin immediately after you recover your deer.
- Field Tag: Immediately after harvest, you must fill out the paper tag from your permit. Cut out the date and attach it to the deer. This must stay on the deer until it is processed.
- Telecheck: Before 10:00 p.m. on the day of recovery, you must report your harvest through the Missouri Telecheck system. You’ll need your permit number and some details about the harvest (county, method, etc.). You’ll recieve a confirmation number—write this on your permit.
- Transportation: During firearms seasons, the deer must be kept in a visible state (not in a closed compartment) until it reaches a final processing location or personal residence.
FAQs: Missouri Deer Hunting Season
What is the earliest date for deer season in Missouri?
The earliest general season is the archery season, which starts on September 15th. The early youth weekend in late October is the first firearms opportunity.
Can I hunt deer with a crossbow in Missouri?
Yes, but timing matters. Crossbows are legal during the entire archery season and the Alternative Methods portion. They are not legal during the November or Antlerless firearms portions unless you have a qualifying disability permit.
How many deer can I take in Missouri each year?
The statewide limit is two antlered deer. The number of antlerless deer you can take depends on the permits available for the counties you hunt. You can often purchase multiple antlerless permits.
Do I need to wear orange during muzzleloader season?
Yes. The Alternative Methods portion (which includes muzzleloading firearms) is a firearms season, so the hunter orange requirement is in full effect. Don’t forget your hat or cap.
What are the legal shooting hours for deer in Missouri?
Legal shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. It’s crucial to know these times for the specific date you are hunting; a reliable hunting app or almanac is best for this.
Where can I find public land to hunt deer in Missouri?
The Missouri Department of Conservation manages numerous Conservation Areas (CAs) and forests open to public hunting. The MDC website has an interactive mapping tool called “MO Outdoors” that is an excellent resource for finding these areas.
Final Thoughts on Season Timing
Knowing when does deer hunting season start in Missouri is the first step in a rewarding journey. The state’s layered seasons provide countless opportunities for every type of hunter. The key is to pick the season that matches your preferred method, obtain the correct permits, and thoroughly understand the regulations for the county where you’ll be hunting.
Preparation is what separates hopeful hunters from successful ones. Spend time on the range, in the woods scouting, and with the regulation booklet. Respect the game, the land, and other hunters. Missouri’s deer herd is a tremendous resource, and through careful management and ethical hunting, it will remain that way for generations to come. Remember to Telecheck your deer and always put safety above all else. Good luck out there.