Where to hunt

Where to hunt in Missouri

You don't need to own land to hunt in Missouri. The state has a lot of public land open to hunters, plus private land opened to the public through a walk-in program. The trick is knowing where the spots are and that each place can have its own rules.

Places to go

The main kinds of hunting land

MDC conservation areas Missouri has about 1,000 conservation areas run by MDC, spread across the whole state. Each one has its own rules for what you can hunt and how, so read the area's page before you go. Find them on MDC Places to Go.
Mark Twain National Forest This federal forest covers more than 1.5 million acres across southern and central Missouri — a huge block of public land open to hunting.
MRAP — walk-in private land The Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) is private land that owners have opened to public hunting. Each tract has its own rules posted right at the spot — read them before you start.
Managed (draw-only) hunts Some places run controlled hunts where a random drawing decides who hunts. You apply ahead of time instead of just showing up.
MDC's 14 managed wetlands MDC runs 14 managed wetlands that are some of the top public duck spots in the state. Many use a morning draw or a reservation to decide who gets a spot for the day.

Public vs. private

Tree stand rules depend on where you are

On conservation areas

Portable stands may be up only between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31.
Label the stand with your name or Conservation Number.
No nails or screw-in steps — don't damage the tree.
Remove the stand before Feb. 1.

On MRAP (walk-in private land)

Follow the rules posted on the tract.
You usually must take your stand down each day.

Draw & managed hunts

Some hunts are draw-only

Most Missouri permits are over-the-counter — buy them any time. A few are not: you apply, and a random drawing decides who hunts.

Black bear & elk — the May draw Bear: Apply May 1–31 ($10 application fee). Drawn hunters buy a $25 permit. Elk: Apply May 1–31 ($10 application fee); drawn hunters buy a $50 permit. Results post around July 1. If drawn, you can't apply again for 10 years.
Managed deer & turkey hunts Some conservation areas run controlled, draw-only hunts with limited access. Check the area's page before you plan a trip.
Waterfowl draws & reservations Many of MDC's managed wetlands use a morning draw or an online reservation. Check the area and the waterfowl draw schedule.

Find areas and hunts on MDC Places to Go and apply at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.

Before you hunt

Missouri Porch explains; the MDC decides.

Data current for the 2026 / 2026–27 season. Last checked against MDC: 2026-06-18. Dates, prices, quotas, and county rules change every year. Confirm with MDC before you hunt.

This is a plain-English summary, not the law. Always check the current MDC regulations before you hunt. As MDC puts it, the booklet is NOT a legal document and regulations are subject to revision during the year.

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