Archery October Whitetail Pre-Rut 2026

Big Game

Missouri’s big game species include White-tailed deer, Wild turkey, and limited hunts for Black bear and Elk. There is no general “hunting license” that covers big game – instead, hunters purchase permits for each species and season.

Deer hunting permits are available over the counter for most seasons and areas. Residents and non-residents may buy Archery Deer permits and Firearms Deer permits (which are divided into “Any-Deer” and “Antlerless Deer” hunting permits). If targeting Antlerless deer, non-residents also need to buy one of the “Any-Deer” or “Managed deer” licenses.

Missouri’s archery deer permit allows taking two deer (only one antlered), while firearms deer permits generally allow one deer.

Some areas are restricting Deer harvest and are accessible only by drawing.

Turkey permits are available over-the-counter for both spring and fall seasons.

Black bear hunting in Missouri is newly established and is managed by a lottery draw available only for residents. Likewise, Elk hunting in Missouri is extremely limited and for residents only – a handful of elk permits are given out via lottery each year.

Small Game

Missouri requires a Small Game Hunting Permit for hunting small game (upland birds, small mammals, etc.) which can be purchased over-the-counter.

In addition, Missouri requires a Migratory Bird Hunting Permit for hunting migratory birds like Doves, Waterfowl, Snipe, and Woodcock and a Federal Duck Stamp for waterfowl hunters.

Furbearers (such as bobcat, fox, coyote) may be hunted with a Small Game permit, but to trap furbearers or sell pelts a separate Trapping Permit is required.

Documents Needed

• Small Game Hunting Permit
• Big Game Permits (Deer/Turkey)
• Migratory Bird Permit
• Federal Duck Stamp
• Conservation ID – allows multiple permits to be carried on a single plastic card
• Hunter Education Card

Minimum Hunter Age

Missouri’s minimum hunting age is 11 (hunters under 11 cannot be certified in hunter education). Youth ages 6 through 15 may purchase youth permits (at reduced prices) for deer and turkey but those aged 6–11 must hunt in the immediate presence of a licensed adult mentor. Youth hunters ages 12–15 must either be accompanied by a licensed adult or have completed hunter education to hunt alone.

More Information

• mdc.mo.gov - Missouri Department of Conservation