Hunting Licenses and Fees

Permits - General Information

Anyone who hunts or traps must carry the appropriate hunting or trapping permits in either paper, plastic, or electronic format, or qualify for an exemption.

Permit Exemptions

Missouri resident landowners and any member of their immediate households whose legal residence is the same as the landowner for at least the last 30 days, may hunt - except black bears, deer, elk, or turkeys - or trap on lands they own without a permit, except:

• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is required to hunt waterfowl, snipe, doves, woodcock, and rails.
• A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl.
• A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt light geese during the Conservation Order.

While hunting on their own land, hunters must comply with appropriate seasons, methods, limits, and checking requirements.

Any Missouri resident age 65 or older may hunt (but not trap) wildlife - except black bears, deer, elk, or turkeys - without a permit but must carry proof of age and residence when hunting, except:

• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is required to hunt waterfowl, snipe, doves, woodcock, and rails.
• A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl.
• A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt light geese during the Conservation Order.

Any Missouri resident age 15 or younger may trap without a permit. Anyone age 15 or younger may hunt wildlife - except black bears, deer, elk, or turkeys - without a permit:

• IF they possess a valid hunter-education card;
• OR they are in the immediate presence of a mentor age 18 or older who has a valid hunter-education card or was born before Jan. 1, 1967.

Any honorably discharged resident or nonresident veteran having a service-related disability of 60 percent or greater or who was a prisoner of war during military service may hunt (but not trap) wildlife - except black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys - without a permit but must carry a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center may hunt (but not trap) wildlife - except black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys - without a permit but must carry orders showing such assignment.

However:

• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is required to hunt waterfowl, snipe, doves, woodcock, and rails.
• A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl.
• A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt light geese during the Conservation Order.

Note: Nonresident veterans who meet the above requirements also can purchase resident deer and turkey hunting permits.

Hunter-Education Requirements

You must complete an approved hunter-education course in Missouri or another state to buy firearms hunting permits unless:

• You were born before Jan. 1, 1967.
• You are 6-15 years old and using a firearms deer or turkey hunting permit while hunting in the immediate presence of a mentor.
• You are using a resident landowner deer or turkey hunting permit on qualifying property.
• You are using an Apprentice Hunter Authorization.
• You have a developmental disability. See Rule 3 CSR 10-5.205 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.

All hunters, unless exempt, must carry their hunter-education card or a permit with their hunter-education number on it while hunting with a firearm. The Missouri Conservation Heritage Card or Conservation Permit Card with a hunter-education number on it is also acceptable.

A hunter-education card need not be displayed when buying permits if certification can be verified online. If this is not possible, some hunters will need to contact the Conservation Department to provide proof of hunter-education certification. Once in Missouri’s permit database, hunters won’t have to submit this information again.

Two Ways to Earn Hunter-Education Certification

You have two options to complete hunter-education certification. Note: You must be at least 11 years old to enroll in hunter education in Missouri.

The first option, available to hunters 11 or older, has two parts, and you must complete both sessions to receive certification. The first part can be completed in the classroom, through self-study, or online. Once you’ve completed this part, you must complete an inperson skills session that includes hands-on demonstrations and a final exam.

The second option, available to Missouri residents 16 or older, is completed entirely online. To earn certification, you must score 80 percent or better on the 60-question final exam. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation.

Attention Mentors

When mentoring a firearms hunter who is not hunter-education certified, all mentors, including landowners hunting on their own land, must be at least 18 years old and hunter-education certified unless they were born before Jan. 1, 1967.

Mentors who are assisting youth hunters do not need a permit during the youth spring turkey season, the youth portions of firearms deer season, or to accompany anyone age 11 to 15 on a black bear or elk hunt. At all other times, mentors must possess a valid hunting permit for the appropriate season or be exempt. In the case of deer and turkey permits, the mentor’s permit can be filled or unfilled.

Apprentice Hunter Authorization

To help introduce adults to hunting, the Conservation Department allows hunters age 16 or older who are not hunter-education certified to hunt with firearms, as long as they:

• Purchase an Apprentice Hunter Authorization for $10.50;
• Purchase a hunting permit for the season in which they want to hunt; and
• Hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed mentor age 18 or older who has a valid hunter-education card or was born before Jan. 1, 1967.

Note: The Apprentice Hunter Authorization by itself does not allow you to hunt. It only allows people who have not completed a hunter-education course to purchase firearms permits throughout the permit year. You may not use an Apprentice Hunter Authorization to purchase black bear or elk hunting permits. The Apprentice Hunter Authorization can be purchased for no more than two years.

Permit Obligations

Accepting a permit means that you:

• Agree to observe the rules of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
• Will allow an agent of the Conservation Department to inspect your picture ID, permit, game taken, and your hunting or trapping equipment.
• Will hunt and/or trap wildlife in a safe manner.
• Will not loan your permit to another.
• Will carry your permit in either paper, department-issued plastic, or electronic format while hunting or trapping. If you purchased your permit by telephone and have not yet received it, you must carry the permit authorization number and picture identification with you while small game hunting or trapping until your permit arrives. To hunt black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys, you must have either a paper permit or a permit on the MO Hunting app in your possession, and to hunt waterfowl, you must have a Federal Duck Stamp in your possession.

Note: The Conservation Commission may suspend, revoke, or deny a permit or privilege for cause or for injuring another person while hunting.

Who may purchase resident permits?

• Any person who does not claim resident privileges in another state or country, and whose actual residence and legal permanent home address are both in Missouri, and have been for at least 30 days before applying for the permit. Owning real estate or attending a Missouri school does not in itself make you a legal resident.
• Missouri residents employed by the United States in the District of Columbia or serving in the U.S. armed forces. (Immediate family members who reside with them also may purchase resident permits.)
• All members of the U.S. armed forces stationed and residing in Missouri on permanent change of station status and immediate family members residing with them.
• Any honorably discharged military veteran having a service-related disability of 60 percent or greater, or who was a prisoner of war during military service; must carry a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs while hunting and purchasing permits.
• Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center; must carry orders showing such assignment while hunting and purchasing permits.
• Nonresidents who are registered students attending a public or private secondary, postsecondary, or vocational school in Missouri and who live in Missouri while attending school; must carry evidence of a Missouri residence and student status, such as a student ID, while hunting. Note: Nonresident students who qualify for resident permits must purchase them in person, over the phone, or through the mail from Conservation Department offices.
• Immigrants who possess an I-551 Resident Alien Card from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and who do not claim resident privileges in another state or country, and whose actual residence and legal permanent home address are both in Missouri, and have been for at least 30 days before purchasing a permit.

Note: You must meet the qualifications listed in the first or second bullet points above to apply for and purchase black bear and elk hunting permits.

Sharpen Your Shooting Skills

Regardless of your skill level, you can become a safer, more accurate shooter by practicing at a shooting range before hunting season. The Conservation Department offers five fully staffed shooting ranges and many unstaffed ranges. To find one, aim your internet browser at mdc.mo.gov/shootingranges.

Purchasing Permits

You may purchase hunting and trapping permits using any of these methods:

• Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges will be assessed.
• Online anytime at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Use your credit card to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. Print your permit and have it in hand immediately or use the free MO Hunting app (see box on this page). Your permit will appear on the app immediately after purchase.
• By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery.

Federal and state statutes require buyers of hunting, fishing, and trapping permits to provide their Social Security number. This requirement also applies to no-cost landowner permits. Individuals who do not have a Social Security number will be required to affirm that information. Falsifying a Social Security number may result in revocation of privileges or criminal charges. Social Security numbers are securely stored and used in support of the Missouri Department of Social Service’s child support enforcement.

The Conservation Permit Card allows multiple permits to be carried on a single plastic card (except black bear, deer, elk, and turkey permits, the Federal Duck Stamp, Daily Trout Tags, the White River Border Lakes Permit, and reciprocal privileges with other states). As new permits are purchased, they will be loaded automatically onto the card.

Both the Conservation Permit Card and Heritage Card serve as proof of hunter-education certification when printed with a hunter-education certification number.

The Conservation Permit Card will gradually replace existing Heritage Cards. Those with a current Heritage Card may purchase a Conservation Permit Card for $5 if they want to carry their permits in card format. Lost Heritage Cards will also be replaced with the Conservation Permit Card for a $5 fee.

Note: The Heritage Card is not a permit.

Replacing Permits

If you lose your permit, simply download the MO Hunting app to your Android or Apple mobile device, log in with your date of birth and Conservation Number, and a valid, electronic version of your permit will appear on the app. Your Conservation Number is nine digits long and can be found on the Heritage Card, Conservation Permit Card, or any current or previous permit. Any active, valid permit can be reprinted from home at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Replacement permits can be purchased from any vendor for $2.

Hunting and Trapping Permits

To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport wildlife and to sell furbearers taken by hunting or trapping you will need, unless otherwise exempted, one or more of the following permits. Unless noted otherwise, permits are valid from the date of purchase through the last day of February 2026.

Resident Permits

Resident Small Game Hunting Permit - $10.50

For frogs, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except bears, deer, and elk), and to sell furbearers taken by hunting.(1),(2),(3)

Resident Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit - $20.50

For fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except bears, deer, and elk), and to sell furbearers taken by hunting.(1),(2),(3)

Resident National Guard and Reserve Service Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit - $5.50

Allows Missouri residents who are mobilized (or have been in the previous 12 months) and are serving on full-time active military duty in the National Guard (federal status) or reserve forces of the United States to take fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except bears, deer, and elk), and to sell furbearers taken by hunting.(1),(2),(3)

To apply for this permit:

• Go online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJ9.
• Call 573-522-0107.
• Write to National Guard Permits, Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Please allow 10 days for your permit to be delivered. This permit cannot be purchased at vendors, by telephone, or online.

Resident Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit

For any deer statewide.

Age 16 or older - $18

Age 6-15(4) - $9

Resident Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit

For antlerless deer in open counties.

Age 16 or older - $7.50

Age 6-15(4) - $3.75

Resident Managed Deer Hunting Permit

For deer taken during a managed hunt.

Age 16 or older - $18

Age 11-15(4) - $9

Resident Archer’s Hunting Permit

For deer and small game during the prescribed seasons, and to sell furbearers taken by hunting.

Age 16 or older - $20.50

Age 6-15 - $10.25

Resident Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit

For antlerless deer during the archery deer hunting season.

Age 16 or older - $7.50

Age 6-15 - $3.75

Resident Antlered Elk Hunting Permit - $50

For one antlered elk during the elk hunting season. This permit may be purchased only by hunters who are drawn to participate in the elk hunting season.(5)

Resident Antlerless Elk Hunting Permit - $50

For one antlerless elk during the elk hunting season. This permit may be purchased only by hunters who are drawn to participate in the elk hunting season.(5)

Resident Black Bear Hunting Permit - $25

For one black bear during the black bear hunting season. This permit may be purchased only by hunters who are drawn to participate in the black bear hunting season.(5)

Resident Turkey Hunting Permits

Spring season (regular and youth)

Age 16 or older - $18

Age 6-15(4) - $9

Fall season (archery and firearms portions)

Age 16 or older - $14

Age 6-15(4) - $7

Resident Trapping Permit - $11

For trapping furbearers, rabbits, and groundhogs, and to sell all these except rabbits. Valid until June 30, 2026.

Resident Conservation Order Permit - $5.50

To pursue, take, possess, and transport snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order. Required of all residents, including landowners, who are 16 years of age or older. This is the only permit needed to hunt light geese during the Conservation Order.

(1) A Federal Duck Stamp is also required to hunt waterfowl.

(2) A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit is also required to hunt waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails.

(3) A Conservation Order Permit is required to hunt snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order.

(4) If not hunter-education certified, a youth hunting on a firearms permit must be in the immediate presence of a mentor age 18 or older who is hunter-education certified or born before Jan. 1, 1967.

(5) Elk and bear hunting permits are allocated through random drawings. There is a $10 nonrefundable fee to apply to each drawing. For additional information - including season dates, quotas, and regulations - see the Elk Hunting Digest and Black Bear Hunting Digest, which are available online in May at mdc.mo.gov.

Permits For Both Residents and Nonresidents

Migratory Bird Hunting Permit - $7.50

For waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails. Must also have a hunting permit that allows taking birds, unless exempt. Required of all residents and nonresidents, including landowners, who are 16 years of age or older. Valid until June 30, 2026.(1),(3)

Licensed Hunting Preserve Hunting Permit - $11

For pheasants, exotic partridges, quail, and hoofed animals from a licensed hunting preserve. Available only at licensed hunting preserves.

Three-Day Licensed Hunting Preserve Hunting Permit - $5.50

Same as Licensed Hunting Preserve Hunting Permit, but good for three consecutive days only. Available only at licensed hunting preserves.

Nonresident Permits

Daily Small Game Hunting Permit - $15

For frogs, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except bears, deer, elk, and furbearers), and to chase furbearers for training dogs during the closed season. May be purchased for multiple days.(1),(2),(3)

Nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit - $102

For frogs, birds (except turkeys), mammals (except bears, deer, elk, and furbearers), and to chase furbearers for training dogs during the closed season.(1),(2),(3)

Nonresident Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit

For any deer statewide.

Age 16 or older - $288

Age 6-15(4) - $9

Nonresident Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit

For antlerless deer during the firearms deer hunting season in open counties. A Nonresident Firearms Any-Deer, Nonresident Managed Deer Hunting Permit, or Nonresident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit is a prerequisite.

Age 16 or older - $27

Age 6-15(4) - $3.75

Nonresident Managed Deer Hunting Permit

For deer taken during a managed hunt.

Age 16 or older - $288

Age 11-15(4) - $9

Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit

For deer and small game (except furbearers) during the prescribed seasons.

Age 16 or older - $288

Age 6-15 - $10.25

Nonresident Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit

For antlerless deer during archery deer hunting season. A Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit or Nonresident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit is a prerequisite.

Age 16 or older - $27

Age 6-15 - $3.75

Nonresident Turkey Hunting Permits

Spring season (regular and youth)

Age 16 or older - $243.50

Age 6-15(4) - $9

Fall season (archery and firearms portions)

Age 16 or older - $141.50

Age 6-15(4) - $7

Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit - $208.50

For furbearers. Valid until June 30, 2026.

Nonresident Conservation Order Permit- $51

To pursue, take, possess, and transport snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order. Required of all nonresidents 16 years of age or older. This is the only permit needed to hunt light geese during the Conservation Order.

Migratory Bird Hunting Permits

The following permits are required of all residents and nonresidents (including landowners), 16 years of age or older:

For doves, woodcock, rails, and snipe:

• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
• A permit to hunt small game, unless exempt.

For ducks, geese, and coots:

• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
• A permit to hunt small game, unless exempt.
• A Federal Duck Stamp

For snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order:

• A Conservation Order Permit.

Landowner Deer and Turkey Permits

All hunters, including landowners, must have a valid permit to hunt black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys. Resident landowners who meet certain criteria (see below) may get no-cost resident landowner permits for deer and turkeys. Nonresident landowners who meet certain criteria (see below) may get reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits for deer and turkeys.

No-Cost Resident Landowner Permits

To qualify for no-cost resident landowner permits, you must be a Missouri resident. A Missouri resident is a person who does not claim any resident privileges (for example, hunting, fishing, trapping, driver’s license, or registered voter) in another state or country and whose legal residence or domicile has been in the state of Missouri for at least 30 days prior to obtaining a landowner permit.

In addition to being a Missouri resident, you also must meet one of the following criteria:

• You must own at least 20 acres in one contiguous tract.
• You must be a member of the landowner’s immediate household and have the same legal residence as the landowner for at least the last 30 days.
• You must be a general partner of a resident or foreign limited liability partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability limited partnership, or a general partner of a general partnership formed by written agreement and the partnership must own at least 20 contiguous acres.
• You must be an officer of a resident or foreign corporation and the corporation must own at least 20 contiguous acres.
• You must be a managing member of a resident or foreign limited liability company and the company must own at least 20 contiguous acres.
• You must be an officer of a benevolent association organized pursuant to Chapter 352 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and the association must own at least 20 contiguous acres.
• You must be a settlor of a revocable trust that holds at least 20 contiguous acres.
• You must be a permissible distributee of an irrevocable trust that holds at least 20 contiguous acres.

Reduced-Cost Nonresident Landowner Permits

The Conservation Department offers reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits. To qualify, you must own at least 75 acres of land in one contiguous tract in Missouri. You also qualify if you are a member of the landowner’s immediate household whose legal residence and domicile is the same as the landowner’s for at least the last 30 days.

Where to Get Landowner Permits

Once your Landowner Permit Application has been accepted, you may get landowner permits using any of the following methods:

• Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges will be assessed.
• Online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Print your permit at home and have it in hand immediately or use the free MO Hunting app. Your permit will appear on the app immediately after purchase.
• By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery.

Whichever method you choose, please be ready to provide your Conservation Number, Social Security number, or driver’s license number.

Know the Rules

Hunters who qualify for landowner permits:

• Must abide by season dates, methods, limits, and tagging/checking requirements.
• Must use landowner permits only on their qualifying property. To hunt on other land, landowners must purchase regular permits.
• Must be at least 6 years old to obtain landowner permits.

Migratory Bird Hunting Permits

The following permits are required of all residents and nonresidents (including landowners), 16 years of age or older:

For doves, woodcock, rails, and snipe:

• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
• A permit to hunt small game, unless exempt.

For ducks, geese, and coots:

• A Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
• A permit to hunt small game, unless exempt.
• A Federal Duck Stamp

For snow, blue, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order:

• A Conservation Order Permit.

Resident Landowner Permits

Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit - No cost

For two turkeys during spring turkey season.

Resident Landowner Fall Turkey Hunting Permit - No cost

For two turkeys during fall turkey season (archery and firearms portions combined).

Resident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit - No cost

For one deer (of either sex) during firearms deer season.

Resident Landowner Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit - No cost

For one antlerless deer during firearms deer season. See the Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet

for additional criteria regarding this permit.

Resident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit - No cost

For two deer during archery deer season, for small game during prescribed seasons, and to sell furbearers taken by hunting.

Resident Landowner Archery Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit - No cost

For one antlerless deer during archery deer season.

Nonresident Landowner Permits

Nonresident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit - $179.50

For two turkeys during spring turkey season.

Nonresident Landowner Fall Turkey Hunting Permit - $104.50

For two turkeys during fall turkey season (archery and firearms portions combined).

Nonresident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit - $212

For one deer (of either sex) during firearms deer season.

Nonresident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit - $212

For two deer during archery deer season and for small game, except furbearers, during prescribed seasons.

Lifetime Permits

Lifetime permits are available to Missouri residents only. Proof of residency, such as a photocopy of a valid Missouri driver’s license, is required. For children under the age of 18, the parents’ residency will be used.

Lifetime permits cannot be purchased at permit vendors, by telephone, or online. You must apply for lifetime permits by filling out a lifetime permit form.

Get the form:

• Online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZJ4.
• By calling 573-522-0107.
• By writing to Lifetime Permits, Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
• By email at [email protected].

Resident Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit -

This permit carries the same privileges as the Resident Small Game Hunting Permit, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, and Conservation Order Permit. Black bear, deer, elk, and turkey hunting privileges are not included. A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl.

Age 15 or younger - $295

Age 16-29 - $430

Age 30-39 - $376

Age 40-59 - $322

Age 60 or older - $38

Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit -

This permit carries the same privileges as the Resident Hunting and Fishing Permit, Trout Permit, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, and Conservation Order Permit. Black bear, deer, elk, and turkey hunting privileges are not included. A Federal Duck Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl.

Age 15 or younger - $591

Age 16-29 - $859

Age 30-39 - $752

Age 40-59 - $644

Age 60 or older - $75

Resident Lifetime Trapping Permit -

This permit carries the same privileges as the Resident Trapping Permit.

Age 15 or younger - $295

Age 16-29 - $430

Age 30-39 - $376

Age 40-59 - $322

Age 60 or older - $38