When Is Deer Season In Missouri: Key Dates, Rules, Tips, and More

Deer hunting in Missouri is not just chasing antlers for bragging rights. This whole thing keeps the deer population in check, saves the habitat, and pays for roads and schools with all the money rolling in. Every fall, the place turns into deer camp central. So, when is deer season in Missouri in 2025, and what's new in it?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is shaking things up. They're hammering on safety, ethical hunting, and keeping Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from spreading. They've dropped some fresh rules, too. Down below, we'll share the important dates for deer hunting in Missouri, the rules, tags, and bag limits, how last year went, and a few tips for safety and preparation.

Missouri Deer Hunting Seasons and Dates for 2025

The 2025 deer season in Missouri is broken up like usual. There are times for archery, firearms, and a special slot for the young hunters. Each part of the season has its own set of dates. You'll want to know them in advance so you can plan and learn to abide by the proper guidelines of each season. Here's when deer season is in Missouri:

1. Archery Season (statewide): Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, 2025, and Nov. 26, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026 (Unlimited antlerless permits, valid in any county).
2. Firearms Seasons:
   • Early Antlerless: Oct. 10–12, 2025 (only in select counties).
   • November Portion (statewide): Nov. 15–25, 2025 (main season for antlered deer).
   • CWD Portion: Nov. 26–30, 2025 (only in CWD Management Zone counties).
   • Late Antlerless: Dec. 6–14, 2025 (only in select counties).
   • Alternative Methods (statewide): Dec. 27, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026 (muzzleloaders, crossbows, etc.).
3. Youth Firearms Seasons (statewide, hunters aged 6-15):
   • Early Youth: Nov. 1–2, 2025.
   • Late Youth: Nov. 28–30, 2025.

Rules and Regulations For Missouri Deer Hunting Season

If you're planning to go deer hunting in Missouri, the MDC has laid down some straightforward rules. There's a whole playbook on when you can hunt, what kind of gear you're allowed to use, and which deer you can actually shoot. You've got to report your harvest, too. Extra steps are also required in CWD counties to help stop the disease from spreading. Here are the rules for the Missouri deer hunting season 2025 in detail:

1. Legal Hunting Hours

In areas where hunting of deer is legal, don't even think about heading out whenever you feel like it. You get this window. Half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. That's it. Anything outside that, and you're breaking the law, as the deer have to be visible in order to ascertain safe and responsible shooting.

2. Approved Methods and Equipment by Season

Approved hunting equipment depends on the season, such as:

• Archery Season: It's a free-for-all for bows, including longbows, recurves, compounds, crossbows, you name it. Just make sure your broadheads aren't dinky. They've got to be at least 7/8 of an inch wide.
• Firearms Seasons (November, Antlerless, and CWD portions): In these seasons, centerfire rifles, pistols, and shotguns with slugs are permitted. But there's a catch. Your ammo needs to be .22 caliber or bigger, and the case has to be at least 1.285 inches long.
• Alternative Methods Season: Here, we're talking muzzleloaders (.40 caliber and up), crossbows, slug shotguns, and pistols. However, modern rifles and standard bows are not allowed during this portion.

3. Antler-Point Restrictions (APR)

In Missouri, antler-point laws protect young bucks but have a few exceptions:

• Standard Rule: For the grown-ups, you can only bag a buck if he's got at least four points sticking up on one side or his main beam is over 15 inches. You also only get one antlered deer during firearms season.
• Hunting Youth Exemption: If you're a hunter under 16, it's a bit of a free-for-all during youth season. Any antlered deer is fair game.
• CWD Zone Exemption: APR is not subject to CWD Management Zone counties where any antlered deer is legal (although only one buck).

4. Harvest Reporting (Telecheck)

Hunters must Telecheck or report every deer they harvest during the Missouri deer harvest 2025 season, as required by law. But before using Telecheck, have your hunting permit with your Telecheck ID ready. The system will ask different questions based on your harvest. For a doe, measure from the inner eye corner to the top of the nostril and report if it's over 4.5 inches.

For a buck, count points at least 1 inch long and check antler thickness 1 inch above the base, reporting if it's over 2.5 inches. You must report your deer by 10 p.m. the day you harvest it and before moving it from the county. In case of transporting the deer outside of the county before 10 p.m., Telecheck first.

You can Telecheck via the free MO Hunting app, the MDC website, or toll-free phone 800-314-6828. You'll get a confirmation number. So, right after harvest, notch your permit for the date, and once Telecheck is complete, write the confirmation number on your permit.

5. Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Testing and Regulations

CWD is a brain disease that is fatal among deer, and Missouri has special regulations to help prevent its spread that include:

• CWD Zone: Special rules apply in counties where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been found.
• Mandatory Sampling: On the opening weekend of November Firearms Season, deer harvested in certain CWD counties must be taken (or the head) to a CWD sampling station the same day.
• No Baiting: Grain, salt, minerals, or other deer attractants are banned year-round in CWD counties.
• Carcass Disposal: After Telechecking, deer can be moved anywhere in Missouri. But leftover parts must be disposed of properly at a landfill, through trash service, or on the property where harvested.

Licensing and Bag Limits For 2025 Deer Season In Missouri

Permit costs and bag limits for the 2025 deer hunting season in Missouri are dependent on where you live, how you hunt, and county rules. Some counties also have special CWD regulations. Here are the licensing and bag limits explained in detail:

1. Hunting Permits and Costs

Your deer hunting permits will depend on whether you are a Missouri resident, your intended manner of hunting, and the kind of deer you desire to take. The following is permit details and costs for Missouri deer hunting in 2025:

Nonresidents must first buy a main permit, like the Nonresident Archer's or Firearms Any-Deer Permit, before adding antlerless permits. In contrast, residents don't need to buy an any-deer permit to get antlerless permits.

A hunter education certificate is also required for firearms permits. But there's an exception for hunters born before Jan. 1, 1967, youth ages 6–15 with supervision; or those using an Apprentice Hunter Authorization.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved modest increases in early October 2025, effective January 1, 2026. For example:

Resident Firearms Any-Deer Permit: Rising from $18 to $19.50 (youth from $9 to $9.75).

Resident Archer's Hunting Permit: Rising from $20.50 to $22 (youth from $10.25 to $11).

Nonresident Firearms Any-Deer and Archer's Permits: Rising from $288 to $305.50 (with similar hikes for managed hunts and antlerless permits from $27 to $29).

Full details on all changes are available on the MDC website. Since the 2025-2026 season is already underway (archery started September 15, 2025), these hikes won't affect permits already purchased but will apply to any bought in 2026 for the remaining archery period (through January 15). Check MDC for the latest to avoid surprises next season.

2. Season Bag Limits

Statewide bag limits for the Missouri deer season 2025 depend on the type of permits you have, like:

• Antlered Deer: Only 1 antlered deer can be harvested in all firearms portions combined. In firearms and archery seasons combined, the maximum is 2 antlered deer in total.
• Antlerless Deer: Limits depend on your permits and county rules. You can buy unlimited archery antlerless permits, but firearms antlerless permits are restricted by county (ranging from 1 to 4).

3. County-Specific Regulations and CWD Updates

Counties like Callaway, Morgan, Miller, and Moniteau are now included in CWD Management Zones, and any antlered deer is legal in them. Also, you can get more details from the MDC 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations booklet. It's the main source for all rules, county maps, and CWD details, and is available on the MDC website and anywhere permits are sold.

Deer Harvest Data and Trends In the 2024-2025 Season

The MDC plans to maintain healthy deer populations through hunting and targeted urban programs in areas with excessive deer populations. This trend is still being followed in the Missouri deer hunting season of 2025. Here are the programs:

• Wildwood: Running a multi-year culling program, with deer numbers at 72 per square mile (far above the 20 per square mile goal). The principal reasons for this are safety and environmental issues.
• Jefferson City: Managed hunts in city limits allow for minimizing accidents, property destruction, and deer overpopulation.

However, the deer harvest numbers vary by county. In the 2024–2025 deer harvest trend, the top overall counties were:

• Franklin (6,208).
• Jefferson (4,900).
• Macon (4,495).

For archery, the leaders were:

• Jefferson (1,579).
• Franklin (1,216).
• St. Louis (994).

But despite the MDC plans and high numbers in numerous counties, the overall harvest trend is going downwards. The 2024-2025 Missouri deer harvest of approximately 276,000 deer was down 15% from the 2023-2024 season. The previous year's harvest was 326,448. The MDC attributes this decline to the following factors:

• Abundant Acorns: In the woods, the deer had plenty to eat and therefore remained concealed and were more difficult to notice by the hunter, particularly in the Ozarks.
• Later Firearms Season: The 2024 November season began one week later compared to 2023 and missed the peak rut when the deer are most active.

Note: Complete, updated county information can be found on the MDC Deer Harvest Map.

How To Be Prepared and Safe To Hunt Deer In Missouri?

With proper planning and high safety consciousness, responsible and successful hunters are created. The following is a basic preparation plan for the Missouri deer hunting season 2025, including training, equipment, technology, and ethics:

1. Education and Planning

In Missouri, a person may not purchase a firearms permit unless he or she has successfully attended a Hunter Education course. This is necessary for all hunters born on or after January 1, 1967. The course is provided either online or in-person in a blended format, and it contains safety, ethics, and conservation. Apprentice Hunter Authorization is also an option for New hunters, though it needs to be supervised.

To prepare, download hunting apps such as HuntWise, onX Hunt, or BaseMap to gain access to maps and property details. But also search on foot for tracks, rubs, and feeding places. Finally, review the MDC 2025 hunting regulations for updates on CWD zones and county antlerless limits.

2. Crucial Gear and Safety

During Missouri's firearms seasons, hunters must wear blaze orange, a hat or cap, and at least 400 square inches on a vest, shirt, or coat. This is to stay visible and safe. Tree stand safety is also critical. Always use a full-body safety harness, a haul line to raise or lower unloaded gear, and follow the "three points of contact" rule when climbing.

For your gear, bring a solid weapon, extra ammo or arrows, your permits, and ID (keep them in a water-resistant bag), and your phone. An emergency whistle is smart, too. GPS tools are good, but a map and compass never run out of batteries, so throw those in your gear as well. In addition, grab a first aid kit, fire starters, a knife, water purification tabs, and space blankets.

For clothes, layer up with something that wicks sweat, then slap on waterproof gear to hold up against Missouri's unpredictable weather. Also, never go hunting alone, and leave another person your plan, such as the place you will go and when you will come back. Inspect the weather before you go, and of course, practice at the range to check out your equipment.

3. Ethical Hunting Practices

Ethical hunting means always being sure of your target and what's beyond it. Never shoot at noise or movement, and know the antler rules for your county. Uphold honor on the land. Pack out your trash, make clean shots, and don't drag it out. Also, when you're on private property, ask first. Respect the landowner's rules. Be gallant, even to the extent of giving the landowner a share of your harvest.

4. Get a Backup Power Source

You must get a backup energy source, like a portable power station, for powering up your basics, if you plan on camping for long during deer hunting. The BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station, with its 1800W output and 1024Wh capacity, is ideal for charging your basics like smartphones, power banks, lights, and GPS gadgets. It also supports solar. So, you can never be without electricity, even at night.

The unit can power up to 80% in 45 minutes with AC, 100% in 70 minutes with 1000W solar, and 6x faster with a car charger. Moreover, the Elite 100 V2 has a 10ms UPS switchover that provides consistent power to crucial appliances during emergencies. If you're a team of hunters, the BLUETTI Apex 300 offers a more powerful solution with 3,840W output and a 2,764.8Wh capacity. It can charge all the team's gadgets and will still have sufficient juice left to power up an electric blanket and stove.

The Apex 300 can charge up to 80% in 40 minutes with 2400W solar input. In 45 minutes with AC, it can hit up to 80%, and 100% in 60 minutes with 3840W AC + solar, or a generator. The unit also provides a 0ms UPS switchover to guarantee consistent power during emergencies. Furthermore, the Apex 300 also offers a BLUETTI app for extreme weather alerts. So, you can know about Missouri's weather in an instant and plan your hunt accordingly.

FAQs

1. What is the timeframe for the 2025 deer season in Missouri?

The deer hunting season in Missouri will kick off around mid-September 2025 and will stagger through until mid-January 2026. Also, you've got a buffet of hunting methods. Just make sure you're following the rules for whichever slice of the season you're in.

2. What methods are allowed during firearms seasons?

Rifles, pistols, slug-loaded shotguns, muzzleloaders, air guns (.40 caliber and above), bows, and even atlatls are permitted to be used by hunters in the firearms season. But fully automatic guns, multi-projectile ammo, bait, and dogs are not allowed.

3. What are the bag limits for deer?

Hunters can take up to two antlered deer total across archery and firearms seasons. With an Archer's Permit, you can take two deer of any sex, but only one buck is allowed before the November firearms season.

4. When do 2025 deer permits go on sale?

Deer permits for the 2025-2026 season went on sale July 1, 2025, as is typical each year. They're currently available for purchase online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, through the MO Hunting app, by phone (800-392-4115), or at any permit vendor statewide

5. What methods are allowed during archery season?

Archery season can include the employment of bows, crossbows, or atlatls. Night vision equipment, bait, electronic calls, and firearms, however, are prohibited (with a few exceptions).

6. Are there any new regulations for 2025?

The MDC has tentatively approved new rules for deer carcass disposal to fight CWD. If finalized, hunters can take a whole deer anywhere in Missouri after Telechecking. But this is permitted as long as leftover parts are properly disposed of at a landfill, through trash service, or on the property where it was harvested.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we've answered your query regarding when deer season is in Missouri to your satisfaction. Missouri's 2025 deer season includes new dates, permit details, and rules, with the MDC focusing on safety, ethical hunting, and controlling CWD. Hunters must abide by antler regulations, perform Telecheck, and observe county boundaries. They should also pack the appropriate equipment, scout, and take hunter education. Moreover, the success of hunting is based on hunting preparation, safety, and respect for wildlife and land.

Hunters are also recommended to refer to the latest information on the MDC site and booklet. For those camping or hunting in remote spots, having backup power is critical. The BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station is a useful option for solo hunters to keep phones, GPS, and lights charged. Whereas the BLUETTI Apex 300 is better for groups, juicing both crucial devices and hunting and camp gear. With quick charging, solar options, and UPS protection, both make certain you always have power during deer season.