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Deer Hunting in Missouri: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)

Deer hunting in Missouri starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.

Resident Tag $19.50 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $360 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 15 – Nov 14 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER

Missouri Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer

Start here for Missouri deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.

Resident Deer Tag $19.50

Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.

Non-Resident Deer Tag $360

Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.

Access Type OTC access

Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.

Primary Season Sep 15 - Nov 14

Archery; also check November Firearms.

For Missouri deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Firearms deer and archery deer/turkey permits are separate direct permits; additional antlerless permits are separate. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Missouri, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.

OVERVIEW

Deer Hunting in Missouri

Missouri sells deer privileges as direct permits rather than through a separate base license. The resident firearms deer permit is $19.50 and the nonresident firearms deer permit is $360; archery deer/turkey permits use the same resident and nonresident price points. CWD rules and antler-point restrictions are county-specific, so the site should not summarize Missouri as either statewide no-APR or statewide APR. MDC designates CWD Management Zone counties, sets mandatory sampling dates and locations for selected firearms-season harvests, and removes antler-point restrictions in CWD Management Zone counties. Hunters should match the county, permit type, season segment, and current MDC CWD list before buying permits or moving a carcass.

Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS

Missouri Deer Season Dates (2026)

All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.

Season Type Start Date End Date Weapon
Archery Sep 15 Nov 14 Bow and crossbow
November Firearms Nov 15 Nov 25 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Late Archery/Alternative Methods Nov 26 Jan 15 Bow, muzzleloader, atlatl
Multiple Seasons

Missouri offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Missouri Department of Conservation — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.

COSTS

Missouri Deer Tag Fees

Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.

Resident
$19.50

Deer tag / permit

Non-Resident
$360

Over-the-counter tag available

Firearms deer and archery deer/turkey permits are separate direct permits; additional antlerless permits are separate

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose the right Missouri deer planning path

Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.

REGULATIONS

CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Missouri

Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.

CWD Status

Detected

MDC-designated CWD Management Zone counties

CWD Testing / Transport

Required in listed zones

Zones: MDC-designated CWD Management Zone counties

Carcass movement rules apply in CWD Management Zone counties; whole-carcass movement depends on the current MDC county and processor/taxidermist exceptions.

Bag Limit

Daily: 1 · Season: Permit-specific

Firearms and archery permits have separate deer privileges; additional antlerless permits are county-specific

Allowed Weapons

Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader

Official Source

Always verify current regulations with the official source: Missouri Department of Conservation . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.

FAQ

Deer Hunting in Missouri — FAQ

Is CWD testing mandatory in Missouri?

It can be mandatory for deer harvested in MDC-listed CWD Management Zone counties on specified firearms-season dates. Check the current MDC county list, sampling dates, and station rules before hunting.

What are the antler restrictions?

They are county-specific. Some Missouri counties have antler-point restrictions, while MDC removes those restrictions in CWD Management Zone counties. Use the current county table before judging a buck.

Are there carcass transport bans across county lines?

Yes. In CWD Management Zone counties, whole carcasses generally cannot be transported out of the county of harvest, except directly to a licensed meat processor within 48 hours.

What deer species can I hunt in Missouri?

Missouri is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.

Can non-residents hunt deer in Missouri?

Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Missouri. A nonresident firearms deer permit is $360, and additional permit needs depend on whether you hunt firearms, archery, or antlerless opportunities.

Plan Your Missouri Deer Hunt

Compare deer hunting costs, get the tag you need, and learn the regulations for Missouri.