When is Rifle Season in Missouri?
When Is Rifle Season in Missouri?
Rifle season is a time-honored tradition for many Missourians. It’s a chance to get outdoors, enjoy the beauty of nature, and put some meat in the freezer. But when exactly is rifle season in Missouri?
The answer depends on the type of game you’re hunting. For deer, rifle season runs from November 15 to January 15. For turkey, it runs from April 1 to May 31. And for small game, it runs from September 1 to March 31.
Of course, these are just general guidelines. The specific dates of rifle season may vary depending on the county you’re hunting in. So be sure to check the regulations before you head out.
Rifle season is a great way to experience the best of what Missouri has to offer. So get out there and enjoy it!
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| Month | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| November | 15 | December 10 |
| December | 11 | January 1 |
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Rifle Season Dates and Times
Rifle season in Missouri typically runs from November through January, depending on the species being hunted. The following table provides the dates and times for rifle season for each species in Missouri:
| Species | Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Shooting Hours |
|—|—|—|—|
| White-tailed deer | November 15 – January 15 | 2 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Mule deer | November 15 – January 15 | 2 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Elk | November 15 – January 15 | 1 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Antelope | November 15 – January 15 | 1 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Bear | November 15 – January 31 | 1 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Squirrel | October 1 – February 28 | 10 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Rabbit | October 1 – February 28 | 10 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Quail | October 1 – February 28 | 15 | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Dove | September 1 – January 31 | 15 | 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset |
Note: The dates and times for rifle season are subject to change, so be sure to check the Missouri Department of Conservation website for the most up-to-date information.
Daily Bag Limits
The daily bag limit for each species of game varies depending on the species and the hunting season. The following table provides the daily bag limits for each species in Missouri:
| Species | Daily Bag Limit |
|—|—|
| White-tailed deer | 2 |
| Mule deer | 2 |
| Elk | 1 |
| Antelope | 1 |
| Bear | 1 |
| Squirrel | 10 |
| Rabbit | 10 |
| Quail | 15 |
| Dove | 15 |
Shooting Hours
The shooting hours for each species of game also vary depending on the species and the hunting season. The following table provides the shooting hours for each species in Missouri:
| Species | Shooting Hours |
|—|—|
| White-tailed deer | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Mule deer | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Elk | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Antelope | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Bear | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Squirrel | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Rabbit | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Quail | 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset |
| Dove | 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset |
Rifle season in Missouri is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the great hunting opportunities that the state has to offer. By following the dates and times listed in this article, you can ensure that you have a successful and safe hunting experience.
Species Available During Rifle Season
The following species can be hunted during rifle season in Missouri:
- White-tailed deer
- Mule deer
- Elk
- Antelope
- Bear
- Squirrel
- Rabbit
- Quail
- Dove
Legal Shooting Methods
The legal shooting methods for each species of game vary depending on the species and the hunting season. The following table provides the legal shooting methods for each species in Missouri:
| Species | Legal Shooting Methods |
|—|—|
| White-tailed deer | Bow, muzzleloader, rifle |
| Mule deer | Bow, muzzleloader, rifle |
| Elk | Bow, muzzleloader, rifle |
| Antelope | Bow, muzzleloader, rifle |
| Bear | Bow, muzzleloader, rifle |
| Squirrel | Shotgun, .22 caliber rifle |
| Rabbit | Shotgun, .22 caliber rifle |
| Quail | Shotgun, .22
When Is Rifle Season In Missouri?
Rifle season for deer in Missouri typically runs from November 15 to January 15. However, the specific dates may vary depending on the region of the state. For more information on the specific dates for rifle season in your area, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Hunting Regulations
The general hunting regulations for rifle season in Missouri are as follows:
- Hunters must be at least 16 years old.
- Hunters must have a valid hunting license.
- Hunters must wear hunter orange clothing.
- Hunters must follow all other applicable hunting regulations.
The specific hunting regulations for each species vary, but some of the most important regulations include:
- Deer: Hunters may take one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per day.
- Elk: Hunters may take one elk per year.
- Bear: Hunters may take one bear per year.
For more information on the specific hunting regulations for each species, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hunting regulations guide.
Penalties for Violating Hunting Regulations
The penalties for violating hunting regulations in Missouri can vary depending on the severity of the violation. Some of the most common penalties include:
- Fines
- Suspension of hunting privileges
- Jail time
For more information on the penalties for violating hunting regulations, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hunting regulations guide.
Where to Hunt
There are many great places to hunt rifle season in Missouri. Some of the most popular hunting spots include:
- The Mark Twain National Forest
- The Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- The Missouri River Breaks National Conservation Area
- The Shawnee National Forest
For more information on specific hunting spots in your area, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Hunting Conditions
The hunting conditions during rifle season in Missouri can vary depending on the time of year and the region of the state. However, some of the most common conditions include:
- Cold weather
- Snow
- Wind
- Rain
For more information on the specific hunting conditions in your area, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Rifle season in Missouri is a great time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. By following the applicable hunting regulations, you can help ensure that you have a safe and successful hunting experience.
When is rifle season in Missouri?
Rifle season in Missouri typically runs from November 15 to January 15. However, specific dates may vary depending on the species you are hunting. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hunting regulations.
What types of rifles can I use during rifle season?
You can use any rifle that is legal to own in Missouri. However, there are some restrictions on the caliber of rifle you can use for certain species. For example, you must use a rifle with a minimum caliber of .243 for deer hunting. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hunting regulations.
Where can I hunt during rifle season?
You can hunt on any public or private land that is open to hunting. However, you must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private land. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hunting regulations.
What are the bag limits for each species?
The bag limits for each species vary depending on the season. For more information, please consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hunting regulations.
What are the safety rules for rifle hunting?
There are a number of safety rules that you must follow when hunting with a rifle. These include:
- Always wear a safety harness when hunting from a treestand.
- Never point your rifle at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even if you know it is not.
- Unload your rifle when you are not hunting.
- Store your rifle safely when you are not using it.
For more information on rifle hunting safety, please consult the National Rifle Association’s website.
rifle season in Missouri is a time-honored tradition that offers hunters the opportunity to pursue a variety of big game species. By understanding the dates and regulations for each season, hunters can increase their chances of success. However, it is important to remember that safety is always the top priority. By following all applicable laws and regulations, hunters can help to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.