Hunting Licenses

Antlered Elk Hunting Permit

Notes

Elk hunting permits are distributed by random drawing. Applicants that are drawn for an elk hunting permit may purchase their permit starting July 1.

Only Missouri residents 11 years of age and older who have completed an approved hunter education course (or were born before Jan. 1, 1967) are eligible to purchase an elk hunting permit.

During the firearms portion, all persons hunting elk and their companions must wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat of the color commonly known as hunter orange, which must be plainly visible from all sides. Camouflage orange does not satisfy this rule.

Cost

Resident - $50.00

Resident Landowner - $50.00

Limits

Those that are selected to receive a permit may take one (1) elk with at least one (1) antler no less than 6” in length in open counties.

Apprentice Hunter Authorization

Notes

This authorization allows you to be an apprentice hunter. Apprentice hunters can purchase firearms hunting permits and hunt in the immediate presence of a mentor. A mentor must be at least 18 years old, hunter-education certified, and appropriately licensed. (Mentor does not need to be hunter-education certified if born before Jan. 1, 1967.)

You must be at least 16 years old or born on or after Jan. 1, 1967 to purchase this authorization.

You may purchase this authorization twice (two permit years).

Costs

Resident - $10.00

Nonresident - 10.00

Archer's Hunting Permit

Notes

Youth permit is available for resident and nonresident youth hunters.

See if you qualify for a resident landowner permit.

Limits

• Deer: Two deer of either sex, but only one antlered deer may be taken before the main November portion of firearms deer season. NOTE: You may take only two antlered deer during the archery and firearms deer hunting seasons combined.
• Turkeys: Two turkeys of either sex.
• Furbearers: See Seasons for prescribed limits. Hunters may sell furbearers harvested under this permit. Nonresidents may not harvest furbearers with this permit.
• Small game: See Seasons for prescribed limits.

Cost

Resident - $19.00

Resident Landowner - $0.00

Nonresident - $265.00

Nonresident Landowner - $195.00

Youth (6-15) - $9.50

Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit

Notes

You may purchase any number of these permits. Nonresidents must purchase a Nonresident Archer's Hunting Permit or Nonresident Landowner Archer's Hunting Permit before purchasing this permit.

Youth permit is available for resident and nonresident youth hunters.

See if you qualify for a resident landowner permit.

Limits

One antlerless deer during archery deer season in open counties.

Cost

Resident - $7.00

Resident Landowner - $0.00

Nonresident - $25.00

Youth (6-15) - $3.50

Bear: Permits

Notes

You are required to call 800-668-4045 to determine the daily season quota/closure status prior to hunting each day. In addition, if the harvest has reached or exceeded 80 percent of the harvest quota, the director of the Conservation Department may close hunting within that Black Bear Management Zone on the following day.

Only Missouri residents 11 years of age and older who have completed an approved hunter education course (or were born before Jan. 1, 1967) are eligible to purchase a resident black bear hunting permit.

All persons hunting black bear and their companions must wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat of the color commonly known as hunter orange, which must be plainly visible from all sides. Camouflage orange does not satisfy this rule.

RESIDENT PERMIT

Permit is valid only in the Black Bear Management Zone specified on the permit.

Limits

Those that are selected to receive a permit may take one (1) black bear of either sex within the zone specified on the permit.

One black bear of either sex with the following restrictions:

• You are required to call 800-668-4045 to determine the daily season quota/closure status prior to hunting each day. In addition, if the harvest has reached or exceeded 80 percent of the harvest quota, the director of the Conservation Department may close hunting within that Black Bear Management Zone on the following day.
• Once the harvest quota is met or the Director closes the season for the BMZ in which you are hunting, the season is over, and you may not harvest a black bear.
• Black bears that have taken refuge in a den may not be harvested or harassed.
• Only lone black bears may be harvested. You may not harvest a bear that is with one or more other bears, including female bears with cubs.

Costs

Resident - $25.00

Conservation Order Permit

Notes

This permit allows hunters to take snow, blue, and Ross's geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order.

This permit is required for all hunters, including landowners over age 15, who participate in the Conservation Order, unless they have a Resident Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit or a Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit.

Limits

There is no daily limit on snow, blue and Ross's geese during the Conservation Order.

Costs

Resident - $5.00

Nonresident - $47.00

Fall Firearms Turkey Hunting Permit

Notes

Permit valid in all counties except Dunklin, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot, and Scott.

Youth permit is available for resident and nonresident youth hunters.

Limits

Two turkeys of either sex. Both may be taken on the same day.

Costs

Resident - $13.00

Resident Landowner - $0.00

Nonresident - $130.00

Nonresident Landowner - $96.00

Youth (6-15) - $6.50

Federal Duck Stamp

A Federal Duck Stamp is required for residents and nonresidents age 16 years and older who hunt waterfowl. Hunters also need the appropriate Missouri hunting permits.

To be valid, the Federal Duck Stamp must be signed in ink across the face.

Paper duck stamps are available for $25 at some U.S. Post Offices, MDC regional offices, nature centers, and visitor’s centers, but not at permit vendors or waterfowl hunting conservation areas.

Duck stamps are also available online or at some Missouri permit vendors. The electronic duck stamp, or e-Stamp, allows customers to purchase the Federal Duck Stamp online and use it immediately. The e-Stamp costs $29.50 and is valid for 45 days from the date of purchase. Within that time, a physical duck stamp will be mailed to the customer. After 45 days, the customer must carry their Federal Duck Stamp while hunting.

Costs

$25.00

Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit

Notes

Each county limits the number of antlerless deer huntingpermits you can fill during the entire firearms season. See map.

Nonresidents must purchase a Nonresident Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit, a Nonresident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit, or a Nonresident Managed Deer Hunting Permit before buying this nonresident permit.

Youth permit is available for resident and nonresident youth hunters.

See if you qualify for a resident landowner permit.

Limits

One antlerless deer

Costs

Resident - $7.00

Resident Landowner - $0.00

Nonresident - $25.00

Youth (6-15) - $3.50

Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit

Notes

Youth permit is available for resident and nonresident youth hunters.

Limits

One antlered or antlerless deer

Costs

Resident - $17.00

Landowner - $0.00

Nonresident - $265.00

Nonresident LandownerPrice - $195.00

Youth (6-15) - $8.50

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

Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit (residents only)

Notes

This permit carries the same privileges as the Resident Small Game Hunting 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) - $275.00

Age 16-29 - $400.00

Age 30-39 - $350.00

Age 40-59 - $300.00

Age 60-64 - $35.00

Managed Deer Hunting Permit

Notes

This permit is required for hunters participating in a managed deer hunt with the exception of the Mark Twain Lake Disabled Hunt. See the Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations Booklet for more information.

Youth permit is available for resident and nonresident youth hunters.

Permits are available August 15 to successful managed hunt applicants.

Limits

Limits vary by managed hunt. Check the rules for the hunt for which you were drawn.

Deer taken at a managed hunt do not count towards your archery or firearms season limits.

Costs

Resident - $17.00

Nonresident - $265.00

Youth (6-15) - $8.50

Migratory Bird Hunting Permit

Notes

Youth age 15 or younger do not need this permit.

For waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock and rails. Must also have a small game hunting permit that allows taking birds, unless exempt.

Limits

See specific seasons for limits.

Costs

Resident - $6.00

Nonresident - $6.00

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

Nonresident Daily Small Game Permit

Notes

This permit is for nonresident hunters only, and it may be purchased for multiple days.

This permit allows you to hunt frogs, birds (except turkey), and mammals (except deer, elk, and furbearers).

Furbearers: Nonresidents may not take furbearers with this permit, but 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: This permit does not apply to the Conservation Order. A Conservation Order Permit is required for hunting blue, snow, and Ross’s geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order.

Limits

Limits vary by species and season.

Costs

Nonresident - $14.00

Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit

Notes

This permit allows nonresidents to hunt, trap and sell furbearers.

Valid until June 30.

Permit is for nonresident hunters and trappers.

Trappers must have a special-use permit to trap on conservation areas. Contact information for area managers can be found in the Conservation Area Atlas.

Limits

Limits vary by species and season.

Costs

Nonresident - $192.00

Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit

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.

Limits

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

Costs

Nonresident - $19.00

Small Game Hunting Permit

Notes

This permit allows you to hunt frogs, birds (except turkey), and mammals (except deer). Missouri residents may sell furbearers taken by hunting.

Furbearers:Nonresidents may not take furbearers with this permit, but 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 Small Game Hunting 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.

Limits

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

Costs

Resident - $10.00

Nonresident - $94.00

Spring Turkey Hunting Permit

Notes

Only one turkey may be taken during the first week of the season. If you do not take one during the first week, then you may take two during the second or third weeks of the season, but you may not take them both on the same day.

Anyone using a turkey call to assist another hunter must be properly licensed with either a filled or unfilled spring turkey hunting permit.

Youth permit is available for resident and nonresident youth hunters.

See if you qualify for a landowner permit.

Limits

Two male turkeys or turkeys with a visible beard

Costs

Resident - $17.00

Resident Landowner - $0.00

Youth (6-15) - $8.50

Nonresident - $224.00

Nonresident Landowner - $165.00