Knowing the season dates is very important for deer hunting in Missouri. It helps you plan your hunting trips better. Each type of hunting, like archery or firearms, has its own start and end date. If you hunt outside these dates, you could face a fine or lose your hunting license. That’s why checking the official dates each year is a smart step before you go hunting.
Missouri offers different hunting seasons for different groups, like youth and regular hunters. The rules also change based on the zone or area you hunt in. Following the correct dates keeps you legal and safe. It also helps protect the deer population. This way, hunting stays fair and balanced for everyone. Always stay updated with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website for any changes.
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Missouri Deer Hunting Seasons
Archery Deer Season
The archery season in Missouri runs from September 15 to November 14, 2025, and again from November 26, 2025, to January 15, 2026. You can hunt from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Hunters with an archery permit can take two deer, but only one can have antlers before the November gun season. You can also buy extra permits to hunt antlerless deer. Across both archery and firearm seasons, you are allowed to take only two antlered deer in total. Some counties have special rules about the number of antler points.
Firearms Deer Seasons
Missouri offers several firearm hunting dates. The early antlerless hunt is from October 10 to 12, 2025, in certain counties. The early youth hunt is from November 1 to 2, and the main gun season is from November 15 to 25. A special CWD hunt runs from November 26 to 30, followed by a late youth hunt from November 28 to 30. The late antlerless season goes from December 6 to 14. The final portion, using alternative methods, runs from December 27 to January 6.
You can hunt during the same hours as the archery season. Only one antlered deer is allowed during all firearm hunts. Across all seasons, a maximum of two antlered deer may be taken. Each county may have its own rules on how many antlerless deer you can harvest.
Youth Deer Hunting Season
Youth hunters between 6 and 15 years old can join special hunts. They may hunt during the early and late youth portions in the fall. One deer of either sex is allowed in the early season.
Even for young hunters, only one antlered deer is allowed during all firearm hunts. A total of two antlered deer may be taken during all seasons combined. Youth under 16 do not need to follow the antler-point rule.
Dates for Missouri Deer Hunting Season
Archery Deer Season
- Start: September 15, 2025
The archery season begins in mid-September. Hunters can use bows and crossbows.
- End: November 14, 2025
This part of the season ends just before the main firearms season starts.
- Reopens: November 26, 2025
After the firearm season, archery hunting opens again for those with archery permits.
- Final End: January 15, 2026
The archery season fully ends in mid-January, giving hunters a long opportunity to hunt.
Firearms Deer Season
- Early Antlerless: October 10–12, 2025 (only in certain counties)
This short season is for taking antlerless deer. It only applies to specific counties.
- Early Youth: November 1–2, 2025
This weekend is for hunters aged 6 to 15. They can hunt with the help of an adult.
- November Portion (main season): November 15–25, 2025
This is the main time for gun hunting. It is open to most hunters across Missouri.
- CWD Portion: November 26–30, 2025 (in select counties)
This special hunt helps control Chronic Wasting Disease in areas where it is found.
- Late Youth: November 28–30, 2025
Youth hunters get another weekend to try again or harvest another deer.
- Late Antlerless: December 6–14, 2025 (in certain counties)
This is another chance to harvest female deer, only in approved counties.
- Alternative Methods: December 27, 2025 – January 6, 2026
Hunters can use muzzleloaders, air rifles, and other legal alternative firearms.
Special Youth Hunting Seasons
Missouri gives young hunters a great chance to enjoy deer hunting through special youth hunting seasons. These seasons are made for kids aged 6 to 15. It helps them learn how to hunt in a safe and fun way. A licensed adult who is 18 or older must be with them during the hunt.
The early youth season runs on November 1 and 2, 2025. In this time, youth hunters can take one deer. It can be a buck or a doe. This gives them a chance to take part before the busy main firearms season starts. It’s a good way to build confidence and skill.
The late youth season is from November 28 to 30, 2025. This is helpful if the young hunter didn’t get a deer earlier. They can try again with the same rules. These hunts also follow the one antlered deer limit for the full firearms season.
Youth hunters don’t have to follow the antler point rule. This gives them more freedom to take a buck that may not meet antler limits for adults. These seasons are a great way to teach kids safe and respectful hunting while enjoying nature.
Hunting Zones and Their Season Variations
Missouri’s Hunting Zones Are Different
Missouri is divided into hunting zones, and each one has its own rules. These zones help manage deer numbers and protect wildlife. What’s allowed in one zone might not be allowed in another. So, it’s important to check the local rules before hunting.
Some Zones Allow More Harvest
In certain zones, hunters can take more antlerless deer. Other zones may allow fewer or none at all. This depends on how many deer live in that area. Zones in central and northern Missouri often give more chances for hunting because of higher deer populations.
Special Zones for Disease Control
Some areas are marked as special zones for disease control. These are mostly for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Extra hunting days may be added in these zones. Rules in these places can change every year, so hunters must stay updated with the latest information.
Conclusion
Missouri deer hunting season starts at different times depending on the type of hunt. Archery season begins in mid-September, while the main firearms season starts in mid-November. There are also special youth seasons and extra hunting days in some zones. Knowing these dates helps you plan your hunt well and follow the rules.
It is important to check the local hunting zones and any updates before you go. This keeps hunting safe and legal. By knowing the season dates, you can enjoy your time outdoors and help protect Missouri’s deer population for the future.
