When is Missouri Deer Rifle Season?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

When Is Missouri Deer Rifle Season?

The Missouri deer rifle season is a time-honored tradition for many hunters in the Show-Me State. It’s a chance to get out in the woods, enjoy the fresh air, and test your skills against one of the most challenging game animals in North America. But when is the best time to go deer hunting in Missouri?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the weather, the type of deer you’re targeting, and your own personal preferences. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help you narrow down the best time to hunt deer in Missouri.

Early Season (September-October)

The early season in Missouri is typically from September to October. This is when the weather is still warm, and the deer are actively feeding and moving around. This can be a great time to hunt for white-tailed deer, as they’re more likely to be active during the day. However, it’s also important to be aware of the heat and humidity, as these conditions can make it difficult to stay comfortable in the woods.

Mid-Season (November)

The mid-season in Missouri is typically from November to December. This is when the weather starts to cool down, and the deer start to move into their winter ranges. This can be a great time to hunt for mule deer, as they’re more likely to be active in the early morning and late evening. However, it’s important to be aware of the changing weather conditions, as these can make it difficult to predict where the deer will be.

Late Season (December-January)

The late season in Missouri is typically from December to January. This is when the weather is at its coldest, and the deer are starting to get ready for winter. This can be a great time to hunt for black bears, as they’re more likely to be active during the day. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential for dangerous weather conditions, such as ice and snow.

Choosing the Right Time to Hunt Deer in Missouri

The best time to hunt deer in Missouri depends on a variety of factors. However, by considering the weather, the type of deer you’re targeting, and your own personal preferences, you can narrow down the best time to go deer hunting in the Show-Me State.

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Deer Season Start Date End Date
Archery September 15 January 15
Muzzleloader November 15 December 15
Rifle December 26 January 15

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Deer hunting is a popular pastime in Missouri, and for good reason. The state is home to a healthy deer population, and the hunting opportunities are plentiful. There are a variety of deer hunting seasons in Missouri, each with its own set of regulations.

This article will provide an overview of the general deer hunting seasons in Missouri, as well as the specific deer rifle seasons. We will cover topics such as when each season is open, what types of deer are legal to hunt, and what the bag limits are. We will also discuss the other regulations that apply to deer hunting in Missouri.

General Deer Hunting Seasons in Missouri

The general deer hunting season in Missouri runs from November 15 to January 15. During this time, hunters are allowed to take antlered and antlerless deer. The bag limit for antlered deer is one per day, and the bag limit for antlerless deer is two per day.

There are a few different types of general deer hunting seasons in Missouri. The most popular type of season is the firearms season, which runs from November 15 to January 15. During the firearms season, hunters are allowed to use rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders to take deer.

Another type of general deer hunting season is the archery season, which runs from September 15 to January 15. During the archery season, hunters are only allowed to use bows and crossbows to take deer.

Finally, there is also a muzzleloader season, which runs from December 15 to January 15. During the muzzleloader season, hunters are only allowed to use muzzleloaders to take deer.

Specific Deer Rifle Seasons in Missouri

In addition to the general deer hunting seasons, there are also a number of specific deer rifle seasons in Missouri. These seasons are designed to allow hunters to take deer in specific areas of the state.

The most popular specific deer rifle season is the antlerless deer season, which runs from November 15 to January 15. During this season, hunters are allowed to take antlerless deer in all areas of the state.

Another popular specific deer rifle season is the late-winter antlerless deer season, which runs from January 16 to February 28. During this season, hunters are allowed to take antlerless deer in all areas of the state that are not open to the general deer hunting season.

Finally, there is also a youth deer rifle season, which runs from October 1 to October 15. During this season, hunters who are 16 years old or younger are allowed to take antlerless deer in all areas of the state that are open to the general deer hunting season.

Bag Limits for Deer Hunting in Missouri

The bag limits for deer hunting in Missouri vary depending on the type of season and the type of deer. The bag limit for antlered deer is one per day, and the bag limit for antlerless deer is two per day.

Other Regulations for Deer Hunting in Missouri

In addition to the bag limits, there are a number of other regulations that apply to deer hunting in Missouri. These regulations include:

  • Hunters must have a valid hunting license.
  • Hunters must wear blaze orange clothing during the firearms season.
  • Hunters must use approved deer stands.
  • Hunters must follow all other state and federal regulations.

Deer hunting is a popular pastime in Missouri, and for good reason. The state is home to a healthy deer population, and the hunting opportunities are plentiful. There are a variety of deer hunting seasons in Missouri, each with its own set of regulations. By understanding the different seasons and regulations, you can ensure that you have a safe and successful deer hunting experience.

3. Other Factors to Consider When Deer Hunting in Missouri

In addition to the dates of the deer rifle season, there are a number of other factors to consider when planning your deer hunting trip in Missouri. These include:

  • Where to hunt deer in Missouri. The best places to hunt deer in Missouri vary depending on the time of year and the type of deer you are targeting. For example, during the early season, you may want to focus on hunting in areas with dense cover, such as thickets and timber stands. As the season progresses, you may want to shift your focus to areas with more open terrain, such as agricultural fields and clearcuts.
  • What equipment to use for deer hunting in Missouri. The type of equipment you need for deer hunting in Missouri will depend on the time of year, the type of deer you are targeting, and your personal preferences. However, some basic pieces of equipment that you will need include a rifle, a scope, a rangefinder, a tree stand or blind, and a set of camouflage clothing.
  • How to prepare for deer hunting in Missouri. Preparation is essential for a successful deer hunt in Missouri. This includes scouting the area where you plan to hunt, practicing your shooting skills, and getting in shape. It is also important to be aware of the local hunting regulations and to dress appropriately for the weather.
  • How to track and harvest a deer in Missouri. Once you have shot a deer, it is important to track it down and harvest it as quickly as possible. This will help to ensure that the meat is safe to eat and that the deer does not suffer unnecessarily.

4. Resources for Deer Hunting in Missouri

There are a number of resources available to help you plan your deer hunting trip in Missouri. These include:

  • The Missouri Department of Conservation website: The MDC website provides a wealth of information on deer hunting in Missouri, including regulations, hunting tips, and maps of hunting areas.
  • Missouri Hunting Regulations: The MDC publishes a comprehensive set of hunting regulations that you should be familiar with before you go hunting.
  • Missouri Deer Hunting Guides: There are a number of guidebooks available that can help you learn more about deer hunting in Missouri. These guides can provide information on everything from where to hunt to how to track and harvest a deer.

Deer hunting in Missouri can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to do your research and plan your trip carefully. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of having a successful hunt.

Additional Resources

  • [Deer Hunting in Missouri: A Guide for Beginners](https://www.missouriconservation.org/hunting/deer/deer-hunting-in-missouri-a-guide-for-beginners)
  • [Missouri Hunting Regulations](https://www.missouriconservation.org/hunting/regulations/hunting-regulations)
  • [Missouri Deer Hunting Guides](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=missouri+deer+hunting+guides)

    When is Missouri Deer Rifle Season?

* **Archery:* October 1-November 10, 2023

  • Muzzleloader: November 11-17, 2023
  • Firearms: November 18-December 11, 2023

What are the bag limits for each hunting season?

  • Archery: 2 deer, no more than 1 antlered
  • Muzzleloader: 1 deer, no more than 1 antlered
  • Firearms: 3 deer, no more than 2 antlered

What are the requirements for hunting deer in Missouri?

  • Hunters must be at least 16 years old.
  • Hunters must have a valid Missouri hunting license.
  • Hunters must wear a hunter orange vest or hat while hunting.
  • Hunters must follow all applicable hunting laws and regulations.

Where can I find more information about deer hunting in Missouri?

  • The Missouri Department of Conservation website: https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-and-trapping/deer
  • The National Rifle Association website: https://www.nra.org/articles/deer-hunting-in-missouri
  • The Boone and Crockett Club website: https://www.booneandcrockett.org/hunting/deer-hunting/missouri

    the Missouri deer rifle season is a time-honored tradition that offers hunters a chance to test their skills and harvest a trophy buck. The season runs from November 15 to January 15, and hunters are allowed to take one antlered deer per day. The most popular hunting areas are in the northern part of the state, where the deer population is highest. However, there are also plenty of opportunities to find deer in the southern part of the state. If you’re planning on hunting in Missouri this year, be sure to do your research and get familiar with the regulations. And most importantly, have fun!

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