When Does Gun Season Start in Missouri for Deer, Turkey, and Other Game?
When Does Gun Season Start in Missouri?
The start of gun season in Missouri is a major event for hunters across the state. It marks the beginning of a time-honored tradition that brings people together in the pursuit of game. But when exactly does gun season start in Missouri? And what do you need to know to participate?
In this article, we’ll answer those questions and provide you with everything you need to know about gun season in Missouri. We’ll cover everything from the dates of each season to the types of licenses you need to the regulations you need to follow. So whether you’re a seasoned hunter or you’re just getting started, read on for all the information you need to have a successful and safe hunting season.
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| Species | Season Start | Season End |
|---|---|---|
| Deer | November 15 | January 15 |
| Turkey | April 15 | May 31 |
| Duck | September 1 | January 31 |
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Gun Season Dates in Missouri
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) regulates hunting in the state, including setting the dates for gun seasons. Gun season for deer, elk, bear, and other game animals varies by species and region.
2023 Gun Season Dates
The following are the gun season dates for 2023 in Missouri:
- Deer:
- Archery: November 15-January 15
- Muzzleloader: November 15-December 11
- Gun: November 15-December 25
- Elk:
- Archery: September 1-October 31
- Gun: November 15-December 11
- Bear:
- Harvest Season: October 15-November 30
- Postseason Season: December 1-March 15
- Other Game:
- Small Game: November 15-January 15
- Waterfowl: October 1-March 31
- Upland Game: September 1-March 31
2024 Gun Season Dates
The following are the gun season dates for 2024 in Missouri:
- Deer:
- Archery: November 15-January 15
- Muzzleloader: November 15-December 11
- Gun: November 15-December 25
- Elk:
- Archery: September 1-October 31
- Gun: November 15-December 11
- Bear:
- Harvest Season: October 15-November 30
- Postseason Season: December 1-March 15
- Other Game:
- Small Game: November 15-January 15
- Waterfowl: October 1-March 31
- Upland Game: September 1-March 31
2025 Gun Season Dates
The following are the gun season dates for 2025 in Missouri:
- Deer:
- Archery: November 15-January 15
- Muzzleloader: November 15-December 11
- Gun: November 15-December 25
- Elk:
- Archery: September 1-October 31
- Gun: November 15-December 11
- Bear:
- Harvest Season: October 15-November 30
- Postseason Season: December 1-March 15
- Other Game:
- Small Game: November 15-January 15
- Waterfowl: October 1-March 31
- Upland Game: September 1-March 31
2026 Gun Season Dates
The following are the gun season dates for 2026 in Missouri:
- Deer:
- Archery: November 15-January 15
- Muzzleloader: November 15-December 11
- Gun: November 15-December 25
- Elk:
- Archery: September 1-October 31
- Gun: November 15-December 11
- Bear:
- Harvest Season: October 15-November 30
- Postseason Season: December 1-March 15
- Other Game:
- Small Game: November 15-January 15
- Waterfowl: October 1-March 31
- Upland Game: September 1-March 31
Gun Season Regulations in Missouri
In addition to setting the dates for gun seasons, the MDC also regulates the methods and equipment that can be used during these seasons. The following are some of the most important gun season regulations in Missouri:
- Deer:
- Only bucks may be harvested during the gun season.
- The minimum antler spread for bucks is 4 inches.
- Hunters must use a firearm with a minimum caliber of .243.
- Elk:
- Only bulls may be harvested during the gun season.
- The minimum antler spread for
When Does Gun Season Start In Missouri?
The gun season in Missouri typically begins in late September and runs through January. The specific dates vary depending on the type of game you are hunting. For example, the deer gun season typically begins in late November and runs through January, while the turkey gun season typically begins in early April and runs through May.
You can find the specific dates for each hunting season by visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Gun Safety Tips for Missouri Hunters
When hunting in Missouri, it is important to practice safe gun handling procedures. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
- Be sure of your target. Before you shoot, make sure you know what you are shooting at and that you are not endangering anyone or anything else.
- Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Even if you think a gun is unloaded, always treat it as if it is loaded and ready to fire.
- Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. This includes people, animals, and objects.
- Be safe when hunting with dogs. Dogs can be a great asset when hunting, but it is important to make sure they are under control at all times.
For more information on gun safety, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Where to Hunt in Missouri
There are many different places to hunt in Missouri, including public hunting lands, private hunting lands, and hunting clubs.
- Public hunting lands are owned by the state of Missouri and are open to all hunters. There are over 1.5 million acres of public hunting land in Missouri, so you are sure to find a place to hunt that meets your needs.
- Private hunting lands are owned by individuals or organizations and are leased to hunters. Private hunting lands often offer a more exclusive hunting experience than public hunting lands.
- Hunting clubs are organizations that provide hunting opportunities for their members. Hunting clubs typically have a variety of hunting options, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, and other game.
You can find more information on hunting in Missouri by visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. By following these tips, you can stay safe and have a successful hunting season.
When does gun season start in Missouri?
Answer: Gun season in Missouri typically starts on November 1st and runs through January 1st. However, specific dates and regulations may vary depending on the type of game you are hunting. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
What types of guns are allowed during gun season in Missouri?
Answer: All shotguns, rifles, and handguns are allowed during gun season in Missouri. However, there are some restrictions on the caliber of ammunition that can be used for certain types of game. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Where can I hunt during gun season in Missouri?
Answer: You can hunt on any public or private land in Missouri that is open to hunting. However, there are some restrictions on hunting in certain areas, such as national parks and wildlife refuges. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
What are the rules for hunting with dogs during gun season in Missouri?
Answer: Dogs can be used for hunting during gun season in Missouri, but there are some restrictions on the type of dogs that can be used and how they can be used. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
What are the penalties for hunting violations in Missouri?
Answer: Hunting violations in Missouri can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. The specific penalties for a particular violation will depend on the severity of the violation. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
the start of gun season in Missouri varies depending on the type of game being hunted. For deer, the season begins on November 15th and ends on January 1st. For turkey, the season begins on April 1st and ends on May 31st. For waterfowl, the season begins on September 1st and ends on January 31st. It is important to be aware of the specific dates and regulations for each type of game before heading out to hunt. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a safe and successful hunting season.