Fishing Seasons & Limits

Permit Obligations

Accepting a permit means that you:

• Agree to observe all the rules of the Wildlife Code of Missouri
• Will not lend your permit to another
• Will allow inspection of your permit, picture identification, catch, and equipment by an agent of the Conservation Department
• Will carry your permit while fishing. If you ordered your permit by telephone or on the Internet and have not received it by mail, you must carry the permit authorization number and picture identification with you while fishing until your permit arrives.

Free fishing for warriors in transition

If you are a member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center, you now may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles, and frogs without permit. However, you still need a trout permit or daily tag in areas where prescribed. (You must carry orders showing assignment to a Warrior Transition Brigade or Warrior Transition Unit, or carry admission verification to a military medical center.)

Free Fishing Days

Any person—without permit or prescribed area daily fishing tag—may fish during Free Fishing Days. Also, a fishing permit is not required to fish privately stocked waters. On private licensed trout fishing areas, customers and guests may fish for trout without a permit.

Daily Fishing Permit

Limits

Limits vary by species, season, and fishing area.

Notes

For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait. May be purchased by residents and nonresidents for multiple days.

Costs

• Resident - $8.00
• Nonresident - $8.00

Valid During These Seasons

• Bass: White, Yellow, Striped & Hybrids
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: Ozark Streams
  May 27, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: From Impoundments
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
  June 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Catfish (Blue)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Channel)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Flathead)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crappie (Black and White)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass) and Warmouth
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Muskellunge
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Mussels and Clams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St Francis Rivers
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
  April 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 / February 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
  February 16, 2024 to September 14, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
  September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Line Methods
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snaring: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Underwater Spear: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Northern Pike
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Paddlefish
  March 15, 2024 to April 30, 2024
• Paddlefish: Mississippi River
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Pickerel
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Shovelnose Sturgeon
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Areas
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Parks
  March 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Trout: Catch-and-Release
  November 10, 2023 to February 12, 2024
• Turtles (Common Snapping)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Turtles (Soft-shelled)
  July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Walleye and Sauger
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Fishing Permit

Limits

Limits and methods vary by species, season, and fishing area.

Notes

For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait.

Costs

• Resident - $12.00
• Nonresident - $49.00

Valid During These Seasons

• Bass: White, Yellow, Striped & Hybrids
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: From Impoundments
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: Ozark Streams
  May 27, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
  June 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Catfish (Blue)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Channel)
  
January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Flathead)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crappie (Black and White)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass) and Warmouth
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Muskellunge
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Mussels and Clams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St Francis Rivers
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
  April 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 / February 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
  February 16, 2024 to September 14, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Line Methods
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
  September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snaring: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Underwater Spear: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Northern Pike
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Paddlefish
  March 15, 2024 to April 30, 2024
• Paddlefish: Mississippi River
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Pickerel
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Shovelnose Sturgeon
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Areas
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Parks
  March 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Trout: Catch-and-Release
  November 10, 2023 to February 12, 2024
• Turtles (Common Snapping)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Turtles (Soft-shelled)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Walleye and Sauger
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Lifetime Conservation Partner (Hunting and Fishing) Permit (residents only)

Notes

This permit carries the same privileges as the Resident Hunting and Fishing Permit, Trout Permit, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit and Conservation Order Permit. Deer and turkey hunting privileges are not included. A Federal Duck Stamp is required for hunting waterfowl.

You must be a Missouri resident to purchase this permit.

This permit is not available online or from permit vendors. Use the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Permit Order Form to request this permit.

Costs

• Youth (0-15) - $550.00
• Age 16-29 - $800.00
• Age 30-39 - $700.00
• Age 40-59 - $600.00
• Age 60-64 - $70.00

Valid During These Seasons

• Rabbit: Hunting
  October 1, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Raccoon: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2023 to October 15, 2023 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Woodcock: Hunting
  October 15, 2023 to November 28, 2023
• Striped Skunk: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2023 to October 15, 2023November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Teal: Hunting
  September 9, 2024 to September 24, 2024
• Badger: Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Bass: White, Yellow, Striped & Hybrids
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: Ozark Streams
  May 27, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Greater White-Fronted Geese: Hunting
  November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Black Bass: From Impoundments
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Brant Geese: Hunting
  October 7, 2023 to October 15, 2023 / November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Bobcat: Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Catfish (Blue)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Hunting
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Canada Geese: Hunting
  October 7, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Catfish (Channel)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Flathead)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Common Snipe: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to December 16, 2024
• Coyote: Hunting
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crappie (Black and White)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crow: Hunting
  DatesNovember 1, 2023 to March 3, 2024
• Dove: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to November 29, 2024
• Fox (Red or Gray): Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass) and Warmouth
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Groundhog: Hunting
  May 8, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Light Geese Hunting
  November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Muskellunge
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Mussels and Clams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St Francis Rivers
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
  April 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 / February 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
  February 16, 2024 to September 14, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Line Methods
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
  September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snaring: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Underwater Spear: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Northern Pike
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Opossum: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Paddlefish
  March 15, 2024 to April 30, 2024
• Paddlefish: Mississippi River
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Pheasant: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024
• Pheasant: Hunting: Youth
  October 28, 2024 to October 29, 2024
• Pickerel
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Quail: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024
• Quail: Hunting: Youth
  October 28, 2024 to October 29, 2024
• Shovelnose Sturgeon
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Squirrel: Hunting
  May 27, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Trout Areas
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Parks
  March 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Trout: Catch-and-Release
  November 10, 2023 to February 12, 2024
• Turtles (Common Snapping)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Turtles (Soft-shelled)
  July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Walleye and Sauger
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: Middle Zone
  November 4, 2023 to November 12, 2023 / November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: North Zone
  October 28, 2023 to December 26, 2023
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: South Zone
  November 23, 2023 to November 26, 2023 / December 7, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Light Goose Conservation Order
  February 7, 2023 to April 30, 2023 / February 7, 2024 to April 30, 2024
• Sora and Virginia Rails: Hunting
  September 1, 2023 to November 9, 2023

Lifetime Fishing Permit (residents only)

Notes

This permit carries the same privileges as the Resident Fishing Permit and the Trout Permit.

You must be a Missouri resident to purchase this permit.

This permit is not available online or from permit vendors. Use the Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Permit Order Form to request this permit.

Missouri residents 65 and older are exempt from needing a fishing permit, but can purchase this as a lifetime trout permit.

Costs

• Youth (0-15) - $275.00
• Age 16-29 - $400.00
• Age 30-39 - $350.00
• Age 40-59 - $300.00
• Age 60-64 - $35.00

Valid During These Seasons

• Bass: White, Yellow, Striped & Hybrids
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: Ozark Streams
  May 27, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: From Impoundments
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Blue)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
  June 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Catfish (Channel)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Flathead)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crappie (Black and White)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass) and Warmouth
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Muskellunge
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St Francis Rivers
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
  April 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 / February 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
  February 16, 2024 to September 14, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Line Methods
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
  September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snaring: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Underwater Spear: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Northern Pike
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Paddlefish
  March 15, 2024 to April 30, 2024
• Paddlefish: Mississippi River
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Pickerel
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Shovelnose Sturgeon
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Areas
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Parks
  DatesMarch 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Trout: Catch-and-Release
  DatesNovember 10, 2023 to February 12, 2024
• Turtles (Common Snapping)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Turtles (Soft-shelled)
  July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Walleye and Sauger
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Military Reduced Cost Permit

Notes

Reduced cost Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permits are for Missouri residents who are currently (or have in the last 12 months) mobilized and serving on full-time active military duty in the National Guard (federal status) or reserve forces of the United States.

This permit allows them to take fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (except turkey), mammals (except deer), and to sell furbearers taken by hunting.

Application Requirements:

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1967, is required to be hunter education certified. A copy of your hunter education certificate must be included with the application. (Military training and certification do not apply.) A copy of orders reflecting mobilization dates must be submitted with the application.

In addition to this permit:

• A Trout Permit is required to possess trout, except in trout parks where you must purchase a daily trout fishing tag.
• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit also is required for hunting waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails.
• A Federal Duck Stamp is required for hunting waterfowl.
• A Conservation Order Permit is required for hunting snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order.

​Complete and send the application form to:

Missouri Department of Conservation
Attn: Permit Services – Military Honors Permit
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180

Please allow 10 days after submitting your application for your permit to arrive.

This permit is not available for purchase at vendors, by telephone, or online.

Some military may hunt and fish without a permit. Check permit exemptions to learn more.

Costs

• Resident - $5.00

Valid During These Seasons

• Rabbit: Hunting
  October 1, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Raccoon: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Woodcock: Hunting
  October 15, 2024 to November 28, 2024
• Striped Skunk: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Teal: Hunting
  September 9, 2024 to September 24, 2024
• Badger: Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Bass: White, Yellow, Striped & Hybrids
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: Ozark Streams
  May 27, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Greater White-Fronted Geese: Hunting
  November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Black Bass: From Impoundments
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Brant Geese: Hunting
  October 7, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Bobcat: Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Catfish (Blue)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
  June 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Hunting
  June 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Canada Geese: Hunting
  October 7, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Catfish (Channel)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Flathead)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Common Snipe: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to December 16, 2024
• Coyote: Hunting
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crappie (Black and White)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crow: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to March 3, 2024
• Dove: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to November 29, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: Middle Zone
  November 4, 2024 to November 12, 2024 / November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: North Zone
  October 28, 2024 to December 26, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: South Zone
  November 23, 2024 to November 26, 2024 / December 7, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Fox (Red or Gray): Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass) and Warmouth
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Groundhog: Hunting
  May 8, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Light Geese Hunting
  November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Muskellunge
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Mussels and Clams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St Francis Rivers
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
  April 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 / February 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
  February 16, 2024 to September 14, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Line Methods
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
  September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snaring: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Underwater Spear: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Northern Pike
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Opossum: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Paddlefish
  March 15, 2024 to April 30, 2024
• Paddlefish: Mississippi River
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Pheasant: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024
• Pheasant: Hunting: Youth
  October 28, 2024 to October 29, 2024
• Pickerel
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Quail: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024
• Shovelnose Sturgeon
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Sora and Virginia Rails: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to November 9, 2024
• Squirrel: Hunting
  May 27, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Trout Areas
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Parks
  March 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Trout: Catch-and-Release
  November 10, 2023 to February 12, 2024
• Turtles (Common Snapping)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Turtles (Soft-shelled)
  July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Walleye and Sauger
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit

Limits

Limits are set for each species and hunting or trapping season. Check the species and season listings for information about limits.

Notes

This permit allows you to fish or hunt frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (except turkey), and mammals (except deer). Missouri residents may sell furbearers taken by hunting.

Trout: In addition to this permit, a daily trout fishing tag required in trout parks, and a trout permit is required for waters outside of trout parks.

Furbearers: Nonresidents may not take furbearers with this permit, but they may chase furbearers for training dogs during the closed season. They must purchase a Furbearer Hunting and Trapping permit.

Doves, Snipe, Woodcock, Rails: In addition to this permit, you need a Migratory Bird Hunting Permit for hunting doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails.

Waterfowl: In addition to this permit, you need a federal duck stamp and a Migratory Bird Hunting Permit to hunt teal, coots, ducks, and geese.

Conservation Order: The Hunting and Fishing permit does not apply to the Conservation Order. A Conservation Order Permit is required for hunting blue, snow, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order.

Costs

• Resident - $19.00

Valid During These Seasons

• Badger: Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Brant Geese: Hunting
  October 7, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Bobcat: Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Hunting
  June 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Canada Geese: Hunting
  October 7, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Common Snipe: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to December 16, 2024
• Coyote: Hunting
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crappie (Black and White)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Crow: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to March 3, 2024
• Dove: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to November 29, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: Middle Zone
  November 4, 2024 to November 12, 2024 / November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: North Zone
  October 28, 2024 to December 26, 2024
• Ducks and Coots Hunting: South Zone
  November 23, 2024 to November 26, 2024 / December 7, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Fox (Red or Gray): Hunting and Trapping
  November 15, 2023 to January 31, 2024
• Greater White-Fronted Geese: Hunting
  November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Groundhog: Hunting
  May 8, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Light Geese Hunting
  November 11, 2023 to February 6, 2024
• Opossum: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Pheasant: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024
• Quail: Hunting
  November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024
• Rabbit: Hunting
  October 1, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Raccoon: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Sora and Virginia Rails: Hunting
  September 1, 2024 to November 9, 2024
• Striped Skunk: Hunting and Trapping
  August 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024 / November 15, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Squirrel: Hunting
  May 27, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Teal: Hunting
  September 9, 2024 to September 24, 2024
• Woodcock: Hunting
  October 15, 2024 to November 28, 2024
• Bass: White, Yellow, Striped & Hybrids
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Black Bass: Ozark Streams
  May 27, 2023 to February 29, 2024
• Black Bass: From Impoundments
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
  June 30, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Catfish (Blue)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Channel)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Catfish (Flathead)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Goggle-Eye (Rock Bass) and Warmouth
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Muskellunge
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Mussels and Clams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Mississippi, Missouri, St Francis Rivers
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Impounded Waters
  April 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024 / February 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Streams
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Bowfishing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Crossbow: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Impounded Waters
  February 16, 2024 to September 14, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Line Methods
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
  September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snagging/Grabbing: Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Snaring: Streams and Impounded Waters
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2023 to February 15, 2024
• Nongame Fish: Underwater Spear: Impounded Waters and Temporary Overflow
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Northern Pike
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Paddlefish
  March 15, 2024 to April 30, 2024
• Paddlefish: Mississippi River
  March 15, 2024 to May 15, 2024 / September 15, 2024 to December 15, 2024
• Pickerel
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Shovelnose Sturgeon
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Areas
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Parks
  March 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Trout: Catch-and-Release
  November 10, 2023 to February 12, 2024
• Turtles (Common Snapping)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Turtles (Soft-shelled)
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Walleye and Sauger
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024

Trout Permit

Notes

This permit is required to possess trout, except in trout parks where you must purchase a daily trout fishing tag.

A Trout Permit is required for all winter fishing in trout parks and for all fishing year-round in Lake Taneycomo upstream from U.S. Highway 65 bridge.

You must also have a fishing permit or qualify for an exemption.

Costs

• Resident - $10.00
• Nonresident - $10.00
• Youth (0-15) - $5.00

Valid During These Seasons

• Trout Areas
  January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
• Trout Parks
  March 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
• Trout: Catch-and-Release
  November 10, 2023 to February 12, 2024

White River Border Lakes Permit

Notes

The White River Border Lakes Permit is valid from date of purchase through the last day of February.

Allows Missouri and Arkansas residents to pursue, take, possess (except trout) and transport fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, and live bait from the other state’s portion of the impounded waters of Bull Shoals, Norfork and Table Rock lakes without purchasing a Nonresident Fishing Permit. You must possess a fishing permit, or qualify for an exemption, issued by your state of residence.

This permits is only for Missouri and Arkansas residents.

Costs

• Resident - $10.00
• Resident Landowner - $10.00