Turkey Hunting Regulations

Turkey Seasons

Youth Spring Turkey Hunting Season

Who May Participate: Youth hunters who are age 6–15 on opening day of the youth spring season.

Season Dates: April 12–13, 2025

Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Central Daylight Time

Valid Permits:

• Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
• Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
• Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit

Note: Landowner permits are valid only on the land for which they are issued.

Youth Season Limit: One male turkey or turkey with a visible beard.

Note: Youth hunters who take a turkey during youth season may not harvest a second bird until April 28. This is because the bird taken during the youth season counts as the bird for the first week of the regular season.

Regular Spring Turkey Hunting Season

Season Dates: April 21–May 11, 2025

Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time on public lands and from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset on private lands.

Valid Permits:

• Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
• Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
• Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
• Nonresident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit

Season Limit: Two male turkeys or turkeys with a visible beard may be taken during the season, with the following restrictions:

• You may take only one turkey during the first week from April 21–27.
• If you do not take a turkey during the first week, then you may take two during the second or third week from April 28–May 11, but you may not take them both on the same day.

Note: If you harvest a turkey during a managed hunt, it counts toward your two-bird season limit.

Hunter-Education Requirement

All hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, and hunting with a Resident or Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit must complete an approved hunter-education course and display their certification card before they can purchase a firearms turkey hunting permit unless:

• They first purchase an Apprentice Hunter Authorization.
• They are ages 6–15 and will be hunting with a qualified mentor.
• They have a developmental disability. See rule 3 CSR 10-5.205 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.

Hunters do not need to show their hunter-education card 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.

A person must be at least 11 years old to receive hunter-education certification in Missouri. Hunters using a Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit are exempt from the hunter-education requirement unless they were born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, and are mentoring a firearms hunter who is not hunter-education certified.

For more information or to find a hunter-education class in your area, visit online.

General Hunting Regulations

Wild turkeys may be pursued, taken, possessed, or transported only as outlined in this booklet. For complete hunting regulations, refer to the Wildlife Code of Missouri.

The following methods are allowed:

• Shotguns with shot not larger than No. 4
• Longbows, recurve bows, or compound bows. Hand-held string-releasing devices, illuminated sights, scopes, and quickpoint sights are allowed.
• Crossbows
• Atlatls

The following methods are prohibited:

• Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells in­ magazine and chamber combined
• Shot larger than No. 4 (in use or in possession)
• Rifles and handguns
• Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge
• Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game
• Thermal imagery equipment or night vision equipment (in use or in possession)
• Recorded calls (in use or in possession)
• Live decoys
• Dogs
• Flood-prone areas in southeast Missouri are closed to all hunting during spring turkey season when river levels exceed certain limits on local river gauges. See if an area is closed for hunting.
• Use of bait, which includes grain or other feed placed or scattered so as to attract turkeys. An area is considered baited for 10 days after complete removal of the bait. A hunter can be in violation if they take or attempt to take a turkey by aid of bait where the hunter knows or reasonably should know the area is or was baited. It is illegal to place bait in a way that causes others to be in violation of the baiting rule.

Voiding the Permit: If you harvest a turkey, you must notch your permit immediately.

Tagging and Checking: See below for tagging and checking requirements.

Additional Information:

• If you kill or injure a turkey, you must make a reasonable effort to retrieve and include it in your season limit, but this does not authorize trespass.
• It is a violation to wantonly leave, abandon, or waste commonly edible portions of game.
• During the regular spring turkey season, anyone assisting another hunter must be properly licensed with either a filled or unfilled spring turkey hunting permit.
• During youth turkey season, you do not need a permit to assist a properly licensed youth hunter. You must, however, be 18 or older and hunter-education certified or born before Jan. 1, 1967.

Spring Turkey Permits

Resident Spring Turkey ­ Hunting Permit

Age 16 or older - $18

Age 6–15 - $9

Resident Landowner

Spring Turkey Hunting Permit - No cost

Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit

Age 16 or older - $243.50

Age 6–15 - $9

Nonresident Landowner Spring Turkey

Hunting Permit - $179.50

Available to nonresidents who own at least 75 acres in one contiguous tract in Missouri and members of the landowner’s immediate household.

Note: Youth age 6–15 are not required to be hunter-education certified. If a youth is hunter-­education certified and hunting on a resident or nonresident spring turkey permit, they may hunt alone. If a youth is not hunter-­education certified, they must be in the immediate presence of a mentor, age 18 or older, who is hunter-­education certified or born before Jan. 1, 1967. The mentor does not need a permit during the youth turkey season but must possess a spring turkey hunting permit (filled or unfilled) during the regular season. Mentors may not hunt turkeys during the youth season.

Regardless of age, a youth hunter must be capable of holding, aiming, and shooting the firearm without help from a mentor.

Resident land­ owners born after Jan. 1, 1967, accompanying youths on the landowner’s property must be hunter-­education certified.

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 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.

Purchasing Permits

You may purchase turkey hunting permits:

• Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges will be assessed.
• Online. Use your credit card to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. 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.

Note: No-cost resident landowner permits also are available.

Landowner Permits

All turkey hunters, including landowners, must have a valid turkey hunting permit. Resident landowners may qualify for no-cost resident landowner permits. Nonresident landowners may qualify for reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits.

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 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.

Submit Property Information to Get Landowner Permits

To get no-cost resident landowner permits or reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits, you must submit information about your property to the Conservation Department by filling out a Landowner Permit Application at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.

Know the Rules

Each hunter may harvest only two turkeys during the spring season. You may not harvest additional turkeys using landowner permits (either no-cost resident or reduced-cost nonresident). All landowner permits are valid only on the land for which they are issued. You must purchase permits to hunt on land you do not own.

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. 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.

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:

• First purchase the Apprentice Hunter Authorization for $10.50;
• Then purchase a firearms hunting permit for the season they want to hunt, for example, a Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit; and
• Hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed mentor 18 years old or older who is hunter-education certified or was born before Jan. 1, 1967. The mentor must have a filled or unfilled permit for the prescribed season. “Immediate presence” means close enough for normal conversation, without shouting.

Note: The Apprentice Hunter Authorization can be purchased twice, and it allows the holder to obtain firearms permits throughout the permit year. After the second purchase, the apprentice hunter will be required to become hunter-­education certified if they want to continue purchasing firearms permits.

Longer Hunting Hours on Private Lands

In 2024, for the first time in the modern turkey season, hunters in Missouri were able to legally pursue turkeys after 1 p.m. on private land. This regulation change, as you may remember, was aimed at providing greater opportunity for people to hunt. Hunter participation has been declining, and the main reason, according to our survey data, is lack of time. So, the option of hunting in the afternoons during the spring turkey season was provided because it might help recruit new hunters and retain existing hunters who otherwise might not be able to get out into the field.

While some turkey hunters were concerned about the effect additional hunting hours might have on the health of the turkey population, others were excited for the opportunity to hunt turkeys after work or school. Now that we have a year of perspective, it is worth looking back to see what happened and whether the regulation change had any impacts.

Impact on New, Existing, and Lapsed Hunters

The number of new hunters in 2024 jumped 15 percent compared to the 2023 season and 20 percent compared to the 2022 hunting season, and the number of hunters returning for a consecutive season increased by about 3 percent compared to 2023. We also noted that the number of lapsed hunters (those who used to hunt but stopped) that came back to hunt spring turkeys held steady in 2024 compared to 2023 but was up 6 percent compared to 2022. Meaning, more new hunters were recruited, more existing hunters were in the field, and more lapsed hunters reactivated their interest in 2024 than in years past. It’s impossible to say if the regulation change alone had this impact, but it’s great news nonetheless.

We can, however, look at who ended up checking their birds in the afternoon and how that relates to years past. The figure below shows the hourly Telecheck records for hunters ages 18 and younger in 2024 compared to those records for previous years. From the graph below, it is clear that younger hunters checked more birds in the afternoon in 2024 than they did in previous years. The increase in birds Telechecked later in the day indicates that our younger hunters did indeed take advantage of the extra opportunity to hunt in the afternoon, and a significant portion of their harvest came after 1 p.m.

How Did Hunter Behavior and Harvest Change?

Spring turkey hunting is still a morning pursuit in Missouri. About two thirds of all hunters said they hunted only during the morning, according to the end-of-season survey. Nevertheless, 27 percent of the harvest in 2024 was Telechecked after 1 p.m., compared to 17 percent in years past, so it is clear that hunters who hunted after 1 p.m. had some success.

In counties where a larger share of hunters hunted after 1 p.m., we did not see a significant upward trend in harvest numbers; however, overall turkey harvest did rise. The total harvest in spring 2024 was 47,119 birds, up from 44,428 in 2023. It is the highest harvest since 2016 and within 1% of the average harvest going back to 1998. While the number of turkeys taken in 2024 was lower than the peak numbers of the mid-2000s, we have seen significant improvement when compared to harvests from 2017 to 2022.

All to say, it appears that the regulation change did a good job of creating an opportunity for folks who may not have hunted turkeys otherwise. Yet at the same time, it had only a very limited impact on the overall number of turkeys harvested in the state.

Turkey Hunting Regulations on Areas Managed or Owned by the Conservation Department

This table is intended to inform hunters of opportunities for hunting wild turkeys on public land managed or owned by the Conservation Department.

Turkey hunting is only allowed on Department areas that are listed in the table. If an area that is owned or managed by the Conservation Department is not listed, turkey hunting is not allowed. For hunting opportunities on public land that is not owned or managed by the Conservation Department, contact the appropriate agency.

For maps and more details of areas listed on the following pages, contact the regional office or visit online.

Regulation key for table

1. Statewide turkey seasons and limits apply.
2. Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, atlatls, and crossbows may be used. Turkey hunting with firearms is prohibited. All other statewide turkey seasons and limits apply.
3. Only nontoxic shot may be used.
4. Managed hunt.

Northwest 816-271-3100

(1) This area is landlocked. You must get permission from landowner to gain access.

(2) Area is accessible by boat via Grand River or with permission from surrounding landowners.

Northeast 660-785-2420

Kansas City 816-622-0900

Central 573-815-7900

St. Louis 636-441-4554

(3) Hunting is not allowed in the wildlife refuge.

Southwest 417-895-6880

Ozark 417-256-7161

(4) This area is landlocked. You must get permission from landowner to gain access.

Managed Spring Turkey Hunts

Key

CA = Conservation Area

(1) Odds of being selected are based on last year’s drawings; 100 percent odds do not guarantee you will be drawn.

(2) Managed hunt occurs in a designated area; statewide regulations apply outside the designated area.

(3) Hunters permanently needing to use a wheelchair may bypass the random drawing but do not displace others in the drawing. Send a request with a statement from a licensed physician to: Managed Turkey Hunts, Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.Requests must be received by Feb. 28.

(4) Do not apply for this hunt if you cannot attend the mandatory pre-hunt orientation.

(5) Only hunters 18 and older who have never harvested a turkey are eligible to apply. Hunters will be accompanied by a mentor during the hunt.

(6) Hunters must permanently need to use a wheelchair to participate in this hunt.

(7) Only hunters ages 11–15 who have never harvested a turkey are eligible to apply. Hunters will be accompanied by a mentor during the hunt.

When to Apply: Feb. 1–28

Valid Permits: Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit, Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit

Bag Limit: One male turkey or turkey with visible beard. Note: A turkey taken at a managed hunt counts toward the two-bird season limit. If you take a turkey during a managed hunt before April 28, you may not harvest another during the first week of the regular season.

Points to remember

• You may apply for only one managed hunt.
• You may apply individually or with one other youth for a youth managed hunt. You may apply individually or with up to two other hunters for other managed hunts.
• Only hunters who are drawn for a managed hunt may attend that managed hunt. If you cannot attend, another hunter can’t take your place.
• To participate in a youth-only managed hunt, you must be 11–15 years old. To participate in a non-youth managed hunt, you must be at least 11 years old.
• You must attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation for some managed hunts. If you cannot attend, do not apply.
• All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult mentor (age 18 or older) who is hunter-education certified or exempt. The mentor does not need a permit if the managed hunt occurs during youth turkey season but must possess a filled or unfilled spring turkey hunting permit if the managed hunt occurs during the regular season. Mentors must attend the pre-hunt orientation if one is required and may not hunt during the managed hunt.

To apply, complete the following steps.

Step 1: Designate one member of your group to go online. That person must have ready the following information:

• The number for the preferred hunt
• The nine-digit Conservation Number of each hunter in the group. If you need a number, call 573-522-0107 during regular business hours. Note: A Social Security number is not the same as a Conservation Number. Your Conservation Number is located on your Heritage Card, Conservation Permit Card, or any current or previous permit.

Step 2: Complete the worksheet on this page before applying so you will have all the information ready.

Step 3: Go online. If you correctly enter all the required information, you will receive a message confirming your application. To change or delete your application, visit the same website and click “Change or Delete Your Hunt.”

To find out if you’ve been selected

From March 15 through May 11, go online. Be prepared to enter your nine-digit Conservation Number (the same number you used when you applied).

All successful applicants will receive via email an area map and information regarding the hunt. If an email address is not available, hunt information will be sent by mail. If your email or mailing address changes, call the Department during business hours at 573-522-0107.

Hunter-Education Requirement for Managed Hunts

Hunter-education certification is required to participate in a firearms managed turkey hunt unless:

You were born before Jan. 1, 1967.

You are 11–15 years old and are hunting in the immediate presence of a properly-licensed adult mentor who is hunter-education certified or was born before Jan. 1, 1967.

You are 16 or older, purchased an Apprentice Hunter Authorization, and are hunting in the immediate presence of a properly-licensed adult mentor who is hunter-education certified or was born before Jan. 1, 1967.

Note: Managed hunts held on lands not owned by MDC may continue to require hunter-education certification.

How to Tell a Gobbler from a Hen

Gobblers are large birds with a black body and long beard. Hens sometimes have beards, but they are smaller, brown, and have blue heads. Bearded hens produce young and help increase the turkey population. They should not be killed, but any turkey with a visible beard is legal. Hens without beards are illegal to shoot during the spring turkey seasons.

Hen

Head - Mainly blue HEAD Mainly red
Beard - Usually no beard
Breast - Appears rusty
Spurs - No spurs

Gobbler

Head - Mainly red
Beard - Long tassel-like
Breast - Appears black
Spurs - Usually 3/4 inch or more

Basic Rules for Safe Turkey Hunting

• Identify a turkey’s head and beard before aiming.
• Never shoot at sound or movement. Assume it is another hunter until you can clearly see a turkey’s head and beard.
• Wear hunter orange when walking through the woods.
• Use hunter orange to identify your hunting location.
• Wrap a bagged turkey or decoy in hunter orange when transporting it.
• Dress defensively. Never wear red, white, blue, or black while turkey hunting.
• Be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
• Never follow the sound of a gobbling turkey or attempt to sneak up on turkeys. Always call turkeys to you.
• Sit against a large tree or other natural barrier to shield yourself from hunters approaching from the rear.
• Shout “STOP” when another hunter approaches. Don’t move, wave, whistle, or make turkey calls to get their attention.

After the Harvest

Whether you’re using a traditional paper permit or the MO Hunting app, after harvesting a turkey, you must notch your permit and Telecheck your bird. Here’s how.

Notch It

Immediately after harvesting a turkey, you must notch your permit.

• To notch a paper permit, tear a small notch in the month and day of harvest on the permit.
• To notch a permit using the MO Hunting app, simply select the permit you wish to use from the list in the app, and follow the short, easy prompts on the screen.

Once you notch your permit, you may transport your turkey within Missouri. Note: Notching is not the same as Telechecking. You must still Telecheck your turkey by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest.

Tag It If You Leave It

As long as you stay with your turkey, you don’t need to tag it. But if you leave your turkey, you must attach a tag.

• If you have a paper permit, you can simply attach your notched permit to the turkey’s leg. We recommend sealing the permit in a zip-top bag and attaching the bag with string, wire, or tape.
• If you’re using the MO Hunting app, you must attach a label with your full name and address, or Conservation Number to the turkey’s leg.

Check It

You must Telecheck your turkey by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest.

• If you’re using a paper permit, follow the Telecheck instructions below. Write the confirmation number provided by Telecheck on your permit.
• If you’re using the MO Hunting app, select your notched permit from the list on the screen, tap “Telecheck,” and follow the prompts. Telecheck will upload a confirmation number directly to your mobile device.

After you’ve reported to Telecheck, you may process your turkey and transport it out of state.

Additional Information

Until checked, turkeys must have the head and plumage intact.

Notching voids the permit. Do not notch your permit until you harvest a turkey.

All turkeys must be Telechecked before they are removed from Missouri.

Only the person who harvested the turkey may possess and transport the turkey before Telechecking.

After Telechecking, turkeys may be possessed and transported by anyone, but must be labeled with the taker’s full name and address, or Conservation Number; date taken; and Telecheck confirmation number.

How to Use Telecheck

All turkeys must be Telechecked online, by using the MO Hunting app, or by telephone. If you are calling Telecheck on your cellphone, be sure you have a clear signal. If the signal is spotty, move closer to a major highway, go to higher ground, or wait until you get to a land-based line to call. Avoid calling in areas with loud background noise.

You do not need to Telecheck immediately after harvesting a turkey. You can transport unchecked game within the state as long as you have notched your permit. You have until 10 p.m. on the day taken to Telecheck your turkey.

Telecheck Using the MO Hunting App

Step 1: Select your notched permit from the list.

Step 2: Tap “Telecheck.”

Step 3: Follow the prompts on the screen.

Telecheck will upload a confirmation number to your mobile device.

Telecheck Using a Phone or the Internet

Step 1: Before calling the toll-free number or going online, find your Telecheck ID number on your permit. Also get a pen so you will be able to write your Telecheck confirmation number on your permit.

Step 2: Fill out the orange form to the right, which contains the information you will be asked when you use Telecheck.

Step 3: Call 800-314-6828 or visit online, then follow the instructions. If you’re using a phone, speak clearly and slowly. You can use Telecheck between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Step 4: After you have provided the required information, you will be given a confirmation number that verifies you have legally checked your turkey. Write this number on the permit. You have now completed Telecheck and can process your turkey.

How to Measure Spurs

Spur length measurements help biologists keep track of the age structure of the adult turkey population. Please accurately measure your turkey’s spurs before checking it. This will ensure biologists place your turkey in the correct age class. A difference in spur length of less than 1/8 of an inch can be important, so please take an accurate measurement.

Start at the outside center from the point where the spur protrudes from the leg scales, and measure to the tip of the spur. Report the length of the longest spur.

Hunting Safety is No Accident

One nonfatal firearms-related hunting incident was reported during the 2024 spring turkey hunting season. This incident occurred when a father failed to identify his target and shot at movement, striking his son in the head, neck, and shoulder.

Hunting incidents can have long-lasting impacts on families and communities. Remember:

• Always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Always fully identify your target, what is beyond it, and what is in front of it before you shoot.
• Always keep your safety on until you’re ready to shoot.
• Always keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot.

Wildlife Code of Missouri — Turkey Hunting Regulations

3 CSR 10-7.455 Turkeys: Seasons, Methods, Limits

(1) Turkeys may be pursued, taken, killed, possessed, or transported only as permitted in this rule.

(A) Spring Season. A person possessing the prescribed turkey hunting permit may take two (2) male turkeys or turkeys with visible beards from April 21 through May 11, 2025; provided only one (1) turkey may be taken before April 28, 2025, and only one (1) turkey may be taken per day. A turkey taken during a managed hunt will count towards an individual’s spring season bag limit. Turkeys may be taken only by shotgun, with shot no larger than No. 4, atlatl, crossbow, or bow; without the use of dogs (except for the recovery of wounded turkey as specifically authorized by 3 CSR 10-7.410), bait, electronic calls, or live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) on public lands and from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to sunset on private lands. Possession of electronic calls or shotshells loaded with shot larger than No. 4 is prohibited while hunting turkeys.

(B) Fall Season. The fall season is comprised of two (2) portions. A person possessing the prescribed turkey hunting permit may take only two (2) turkeys of either sex during the fall season.

1. Archery Portion: September 15 through January 15, excluding the dates of the November portion of the firearms deer season. Turkeys may be taken only by atlatls, bows, and crossbows; without the use of dogs (except for the recovery of wounded turkey as specifically authorized by 3 CSR 10-7.410), bait, electronic calls, or live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to one-half (1/2) hour after sunset. Possession of electronic calls is prohibited while hunting turkeys.

2. Firearms Portion: October 1 through October 31 in all counties except Dunklin, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot, and Scott. Turkeys may be taken only by shotgun, with shot no larger than No. 4; without the use of dogs (except for the recovery of wounded turkey as specifically authorized by 3 CSR 10-7.410), bait, electronic calls, or live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to sunset. Possession of electronic calls or shotshells loaded with shot larger than No. 4 is prohibited while hunting turkeys.

3. A person, while in the act of pursuing or hunting turkey during the fall season, shall not have both a firearm and an atlatl, bow, or crossbow on his/her person except any person may carry concealable firearms, as defined in Chapter 571, RSMo, on or about his/her person while hunting. Firearms possessed under this exception may not be used to take wildlife.

(C) Youth Spring Season. The two- (2-) day youth spring season will be from April 12 through April 13, 2025. Any person possessing the prescribed turkey hunting permit and who is at least six (6) but not older than fifteen (15) years of age on the opening day of the youth spring season may take only one (1) male turkey or turkey with visible beard during the youth spring season. A turkey harvested during the youth spring season will count towards an individual’s spring season bag limit; individuals hunting under the prescribed turkey hunting permit may not harvest a second bird before April 28, 2025. Turkeys may be taken only by shotgun with shot no larger than No. 4, atlatl, crossbow, or bow; without the use of dogs (except for the recovery of wounded turkey as specifically authorized by 3 CSR 10-7.410), bait, electronic calls, or live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to sunset. Possession of electronic calls or shotshells loaded with shot larger than No. 4 is prohibited while hunting turkeys.

(2) Hunters who take a turkey shall void their permit immediately by notching the month and date of harvest and shall keep the turkey separate or distinctly identifiable from turkeys taken or possessed by another. When the turkey is not personally attended and prior to reporting through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System, the voided permit or proper label shall be attached to the turkey. Turkeys may be possessed and transported only by the taker until reported through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System. All turkeys taken shall be accurately reported by the taker or in the taker’s immediate presence through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System by 10:00 p.m. on the day taken. The Telecheck confirmation number shall be recorded immediately on the turkey hunting permit. The head and plumage of the turkey shall remain intact until the turkey is reported through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System. All turkeys shall be reported through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System prior to processing or being removed from the state. After reporting through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System, turkeys may be possessed, transported, and stored by anyone when labeled with the permit or any label that includes the full name and address of the taker, date taken, and Telecheck confirmation number.

(3) Bait shall mean grain or other feed placed or scattered so as to constitute an attraction or enticement to turkeys. An area shall be considered baited for ten (10) days following complete removal of the bait.

(4) Resident and nonresident landowners as defined in 3 CSR 10-20.805 may obtain landowner turkey hunting permits from any permit vendor, but only after application to and approval by the department in accordance with 3 CSR 10-7.412.

(A) Approved resident landowners may obtain the following permits at no-cost: one (1) Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit, one (1) Resident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit, and one (1) Resident Fall Turkey Hunting Permit.

(B) Approved nonresident landowners may obtain the following permits at a reduced-cost: one (1) Nonresident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit, one (1) Nonresident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit, and one (1) Nonresident Landowner Fall Turkey Hunting Permit.

(C) All landowner turkey hunting permits are valid only on qualifying property. Regardless of department approval to obtain or purchase landowner permits, all landowner turkey hunting permits are valid only if the holder is a resident or nonresident landowner as defined in 3 CSR 10-20.805 at the time the permit is used.

(D) All landowners who take turkey on landowner permits may also purchase and fill other turkey hunting permits but must abide by seasons, limits, and restrictions.

(E) All landowners taking turkeys on a landowner turkey hunting permit shall report the turkeys through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System as required in this rule.

(5) Any person who kills or injures any wild turkey shall make a reasonable effort to retrieve the turkey and include it in his/her season limit.

(6) Turkeys (or parts thereof) reported in accordance with established procedures, when labeled with the full name and address of the taker, the date taken, and the Telecheck confirmation number of the turkey, may be possessed, transported, and stored by anyone.

(7) Feral hogs may be taken in any number during the spring firearms turkey season and youth spring season only by the holder of a valid unused turkey hunting permit and only by methods and times prescribed for taking turkeys. During the fall firearms turkey season, feral hogs may be taken only by the holder of a valid, unused turkey hunting permit or a small game hunting permit and only by methods prescribed in Chapter 7 for taking wildlife and without the use of bait. Other restrictions may apply on public lands. Resident landowners as defined in this Code may take feral hogs on their own property at any time, by any method, and without permit.

In partnership with: