Missouri is a state that is home to a diverse array of wildlife,making it a popular destination for hunters from around the country.With hunting season in full swing,many hunters are wondering what game is currently in season in Missouri.We will cover all the topics related to the current hunting season in Missouri,including the dates of each hunting season,the types of game that can be hunted,and the regulations that hunters must follow.

Types of Game in Season

Missouri is home to a wide variety of game animals,including deer,turkey,quail,pheasant,rabbit,squirrel,and waterfowl.Each of these animals has its own designated hunting season,which varies depending on the type of animal and the region of the state.

Deer Hunting Season

Deer hunting is one of the most popular hunting activities in Missouri,and the state is known for its large deer population.The deer hunting season in Missouri is divided into several different parts,including archery,firearms,and muzzleloader.

The archery season for deer typically runs from September 15th to November 12th,with a second archery season running from November 25th to January 15th.The firearms season for deer usually starts in mid-November and lasts for 11 days,while the muzzleloader season typically runs for 10 days in December.

Turkey Hunting Season

Turkey hunting is another popular hunting activity in Missouri,and the state has a robust turkey population.The turkey hunting season in Missouri typically runs from April 19th to May 9th for the spring season,with a fall season running from October 1st to January 15th.

Small Game Hunting Season

Missouri is also home to a variety of small game animals,including quail,pheasant,rabbit,and squirrel.The small game hunting season in Missouri typically runs from October 1st to February 15th,with specific dates and bag limits varying depending on the type of animal and the region of the state.

Waterfowl Hunting Season

Waterfowl hunting is a popular activity in Missouri,with hunters targeting ducks,geese,and other waterfowl species.The waterfowl hunting season in Missouri is divided into several different parts,including an early teal season,a regular duck and goose season,and a late Canada goose season.These seasons typically run from September through January,with specific dates and bag limits varying depending on the type of waterfowl and the region of the state.

Regulations for Hunting in Missouri

In addition to knowing the hunting season dates and the types of game in season,it is important for hunters to be aware of the regulations that govern hunting in Missouri.These regulations are in place to ensure that hunting is conducted safely and ethically,and to protect the state's wildlife populations.

Some of the most important regulations for hunting in Missouri include:

Hunter Education:All hunters born after January 1st,1967 must complete an approved hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting permit in Missouri.

Licenses and Permits:All hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and any required permits before they can hunt in Missouri.These licenses and permits must be purchased from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Bag Limits:There are specific bag limits for each type of game animal in Missouri,and hunters must adhere to these limits to prevent over-harvesting.

Hunting Hours:The hunting hours in Missouri are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset,except for waterfowl hunting,which has specific shooting hours.

Safety:Hunters in Missouri are required to wear a hunter orange hat or vest during firearms deer season and during youth firearms deer season.

Conclusion

Missouri is a state with a rich hunting heritage and a diverse array of wildlife,making it a popular destination for hunters from around the country.The hunting season in Missouri varies depending on the type of game and the region of the state,with deer,turkey,small game,and waterfowl hunting opportunities available.

It is important for hunters to be aware of the hunting season dates and regulations in Missouri to ensure that they are hunting safely,ethically,and in compliance with state laws.Some of the most important regulations for hunting in Missouri include hunter education,licenses and permits,bag limits,hunting hours,and safety requirements.

By following these regulations and practicing responsible hunting practices,hunters can help to protect Missouri's wildlife populations and ensure that hunting remains a sustainable and enjoyable activity for generations to come.