Missouri Deer Season 2025: Dates, Bag Limits, Licenses & Rules!

Planning your outdoor pursuits in Missouri? This guide breaks down all you need to know about the upcoming whitetail calendar, regulations, and opportunities across the Show-Me State’s diverse landscapes.

Navigating the myriad of dates and rules for pursuing whitetails in Missouri can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the 2025-2026 framework, from the early archery days in September to the final pulls of the alternative methods period in January. Let’s dive in! 🍂

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🗓️ At a Glance: Missouri’s Primary Whitetail Seasons

Table: Quick Overview of Key Seasons

Season Type	2025-2026 Dates	Legal Game
Archery	Sept 15 – Nov 14 & Nov 26 – Jan 15, 2026	Either sex, with permit restrictions
Firearms (November)	Nov 15 – Nov 25	Antlered and antlerless, zone-specific
Firearms (Antlerless)	Oct 10-12 & Dec 6-14 (in open counties)	Antlerless only
Youth Firearms	Nov 1-2 & Nov 28-30	Either sex for eligible youth
Alternative Methods	Dec 27 – Jan 6, 2026	Varied methods, zone-specific

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📅 Detailed Season Breakdown

🏹 Archery Seasons

The archery period offers the longest window to pursue whitetails. It’s split into two segments:

• Fall Segment: September 15 to November 14, 2025
• Late Segment: November 26, 2025, to January 15, 2026

This extended timeframe is perfect for those who enjoy the tranquility of the woods. During these dates, archers can harvest two deer of either sex, but only one can be an antlered buck before November 11th . Legal equipment includes longbows, recurves, compounds, and crossbows .

🔫 Firearms Seasons

The firearms seasons are broken down into several portions to manage the herd effectively:

• November Portion (Main Season): November 15-25, 2025. This is the most popular time to be in the woods .
• Early Antlerless Portion: October 10-12, 2025 (in open counties) .
• CWD Portion: November 26-30, 2025 (in specific CWD Management Zone counties) .
• Late Antlerless Portion: December 6-14, 2025 (in open counties) .

These segments help balance the harvest between bucks and does across different regions.

👧 Youth Seasons

Dedicated opportunities for young hunters are a cornerstone of Missouri’s approach:

• Early Youth Portion: November 1-2, 2025
• Late Youth Portion: November 28-30, 2025

To participate, hunters must be between 6 and 15 years old on the opening day of the early youth portion. They may harvest one deer of either sex during the early portion .

⚙️ Alternative Methods Season

This unique period runs from December 27, 2025, to January 6, 2026 . It allows for a variety of equipment, including:

• Muzzleloading firearms (.40 caliber or larger)
• Centerfire pistols or revolvers with expanding bullets
• Air-powered firearms (.40 caliber or larger)
• Bows and atlatls

It’s a fantastic way to extend your time afield and enjoy a different challenge after the traditional gun seasons.

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🦌 Other Deer-Related Game

Missouri’s primary big game focus is on its abundant white-tailed deer population. While species like elk, moose, caribou, or non-native deer (e.g., Axis, Fallow, Sika) are not established in wild, huntable populations in the state, Missouri does have a limited elk hunting season in a restricted zone through a highly competitive drawing process. For most hunters, the whitetail is the star of the show.

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⏳ Late Season Snapshot

Table: Late Season Opportunities (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026)

Season	Dates	Notes
Firearms Late Antlerless	Dec 6-14, 2025	Open in specific counties only
Alternative Methods	Dec 27 – Jan 6, 2026	Allows varied equipment
Archery (Late Segment)	Nov 26 – Jan 15, 2026	Resumes after November firearms

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📜 Regulations to Know

Following the rules is key to a safe and successful outing. Here are some crucial ones:

• Permit Requirements: You must carry your signed permit while pursuing game .
• Tagging: You must notch your permit immediately upon harvesting an animal .
• Telecheck: All harvested deer must be reported through the state’s Telecheck system .
• CWD Precautions: If you harvest a deer in a CWD Management Zone during the opening weekend (Nov. 15-16, 2025), you must take it to a designated sampling station . New carcass disposal regulations may also be in effect .
• Antler Point Restrictions (APR): In some counties, a buck must have at least four points on one antler to be legal . Youth hunters 15 or younger on Sept. 15 are exempt from APR during all portions .
• Shooting Hours: For most seasons, hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset .

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🎟️ License & Tag Fees

Licenses and permits are the foundation of wildlife conservation in Missouri. Here’s a general overview:

• Resident Hunting License: Required for all resident hunters.
• Resident Firearms Any-Deer Permit: Needed to harvest a deer during firearms seasons.
• Archery Hunting Permit: Required for the archery seasons.
• Nonresident Permits: Are available at higher fees than resident licenses.

Fees support conservation efforts. For the most accurate and current pricing, always check the official Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website.

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✅ License Requirements

• Residency: A resident is someone who has lived in Missouri for at least 30 days prior to purchasing a permit .
• Hunter Education: Required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1967, unless using an Apprentice Hunter Authorization or hunting under direct supervision as a youth .
• Landowner Permits: Resident landowners with at least 20 contiguous acres may qualify for no-cost permits. Nonresident landowners with at least 75 contiguous acres may qualify for reduced-cost permits .

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Alternative Methods” season?

This is a special late season (Dec. 27 – Jan. 6) that allows the use of muzzleloaders, certain pistols, air-powered firearms, bows, and even atlatls. It is not a primitive weapons season in the traditional sense, as scopes and modern in-lines are permitted .

Are there antler restrictions where I hunt?

Possibly. Antler Point Restrictions (APR) are in effect in many, but not all, Missouri counties. Always check the current regulations for the county you plan to hunt in .

Can I use a crossbow during the archery season?

Yes, crossbows are explicitly legal equipment during all portions of the archery season .

What are the bag limits?

The statewide combined limit is two antlered deer per year. The number of antlerless deer you can harvest depends on the county and the type of permits you possess .

Do I need to check my deer?

Yes. All harvested game must be reported through the mandatory Telecheck system .

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🎯 Conclusion

Missouri’s 2025 whitetail calendar is thoughtfully structured, offering a long arc of opportunity from September to January. With distinct seasons for archery, firearms, youth, and alternative methods, there’s a perfect time for every enthusiast to be in the field. Remember to always verify the latest county-specific regulations, obtain the correct permits, and prioritize safety. Here’s to a fulfilling and memorable time exploring Missouri’s outdoors!

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Disclaimer: This guide is intended for informational purposes only and is based on regulations for the 2025-2026 seasons as proposed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Hunting regulations are subject to change. Always confirm the most current rules, zones, and license requirements directly on the official 🔗 MDC website before heading into the field.