Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
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.
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.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
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.
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.
Missouri Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
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.
Missouri Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Deer tag / permit
Over-the-counter tag available
Firearms deer and archery deer/turkey permits are separate direct permits; additional antlerless permits are separate
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.
Check the full Missouri license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
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
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Missouri Department of Conservation . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
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.