Missouri attracts hunters from across the country, thanks to its expansive variety of game, generous season lengths, and a wealth of hunting opportunities on both public and private lands. From the rugged hills of the Ozarks to the rolling prairies of the north, the state offers ample hunting for deer, turkey, elk, bear, birds, small game, and more.
Buying your own Missouri hunting land for sale means no more asking permission, better hunting success, and a solid investment. High Point Land Company specializes in helping hunters secure land tailored to their hunting passions and long-term goals.
Deer Hunting in Missouri
Missouri offers one of the most hunter-friendly deer seasons in the country. Bowhunters enjoy a nearly four-month window, while firearms hunters get multiple opportunities throughout the fall and winter. Deer populations are closely managed to balance quality and quantity—creating consistent, productive seasons year after year.
- November gun season: 11 days (November 15–25)
- Bow season: 4 months (September 15–November 14, November 26–January 15)
- CWD hunts: November 26–30 in CWD zones (special regulations apply)
- Youth weekends: November 1–2, November 28–30
- Muzzleloader season: December 27–January 6
- Extra doe tags: Varies by county
Turkey Seasons in Missouri
Missouri is home to some of the largest Eastern wild turkeys in the U.S., and spring hunting here is nothing short of legendary. The gobblers are vocal, the action is fast, and the scenery is stunning. Fall brings a different challenge—pursuing silent flocks through oak stands and farm country.
- Spring season: 21 days (April 21–May 11)
- Youth weekend: April 12–13
- Fall gun season: October 1–31 in open counties
- Fall bow season: September 15–November 14, November 26–January 15
- Spring limit: Two birds, one per day
- Spring hours: All day private land, stops 1:00 PM public land
- Fall limit: Two birds, any sex
Elk Hunting in Missouri
Elk are back in Missouri, thanks to a successful reintroduction in the Ozark region, particularly around Peck Ranch.This hunt is among the most exclusive in the Midwest. Thousands apply, but fewer than 10 hunters get tags each year through a random drawing.
- Tags: Five per year
- Bow Season: October 18–26
- Gun Season: December 13–21
- Location: Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties, excluding the Peck Ranch Conservation Area refuge.
- Applicants: Missouri residents only
- Apply: May 1–31
- Limit: One bull elk
Bear Season and Regulations
Black bear hunting is still in its early stages in Missouri and is managed carefully to ensure sustainable populations. The hunt takes place in October, during the peak of the bears’ pre-hibernation feeding period. Hunts are limited to specific zones in southern Missouri and are strictly monitored with a season quota.
- Season: October 20–30 or until quota filled
- Areas: Bear Management Zones 1, 2, 3
- Permits: Varies per zone, based on bear population
- Reporting: Within 24 hours
- Restrictions: No baiting, dogs, or electronic calls
- Quota: Varies per zone, based on bear population
Upland Game & Small Game Seasons
Chasing rabbits, squirrels, quail, and pheasants is a Missouri tradition. These hunts are great for newcomers and seasoned hunters alike, offering long seasons and high daily limits. Northern Missouri boasts the best pheasant habitat, while quail thrive statewide in quality grasslands and crop fields.
- Quail, pheasant: November 1–January 15
- Rabbit: October 1–February 15
- Squirrel: May 24–February 15
- Daily limits: 8 quail, 4 roosters, 6 rabbits, 10 squirrels
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, longer on private land
- Public areas: Some stock extra pheasants
Waterfowl and Migratory Birds
Missouri sits in the Mississippi Flyway where millions of ducks and geese migrate. The state is split into North, Middle, and South zones, and season dates vary as birds move south. Early seasons start with teal and doves in September, then regular duck season runs between November and January.
- Zones: North: November 8–December 28; Middle: November 15–January 4: South: November 27–January 25
- Duck season: 60 days (November 8–January 18, by zone)
- Duck limit: 6 per day, specific limits by type
- Goose season: November 11–February 6
- Teal season: September 13–28
- Dove season: September 1–November 29
- Permits: State permit, federal duck stamp
Furbearers and Predator Hunting
Predator hunting in Missouri provides year-round action, protecting game bird populations and keeping predator numbers in balance. Coyote hunting stays open all year with no limits. Other furbearers like bobcats, foxes, and raccoons have regulated seasons and offer excellent sport during the winter lull.
- Bobcat, otter: Need special tags
- Coyote: Open all year, day or night, no limit
- Night hunting: Lights, thermal scopes legal
- Raccoon, opossum: October 15–February 28
- Trapping: November 15–January 31
- Electronic calls: Great for predators
- Benefit: Hunt when other seasons close
Hunting Licenses and Regulations
Before heading afield, hunters must ensure they’re licensed and compliant with all state regulations. Missouri keeps resident fees affordable while offering clear guidance through the Department of Conservation. Most permits can be purchased online or at retail vendors.
You need the right permits to hunt in Missouri. Residents pay much less than out-of-state hunters. If you were born after January 1967, you need to take a hunter safety course first. The Missouri Department of Conservation handles all hunting rules and sells permits online or through vendors.
- Hunter Education: Required for anyone born after Jan 1, 1967
- Deer permit: $17 residents, $295 non-residents
- Small game permit: $11 residents
- Turkey permit: $17 residents
- Light goose: Special permit for conservation season
- Reporting: Deer, turkey via Telecheck
- Blaze Orange: Hat, vest during gun deer season
- Local rules: May vary—check your hunting area
Where to Hunt in Missouri
Missouri boasts over 1,000 public conservation areas, plus 1.5 million acres in the Mark Twain National Forest, giving hunters access to a wide range of terrain. However, public lands can become crowded during peak times. The Ozarks are rich with deer and turkey, while the river bottoms of the Missouri and Mississippi draw migrating ducks each fall.
Serious hunters often turn to land ownership for better game control, less pressure, and improved outcomes. High Point Land Company offers Missouri land for sale that fits various budgets and goals. Many hunters start with smaller tracts near public land, then upgrade as their passion grows. The best hunting properties combine timber, water, and food sources that keep game on your land year-round.