Missouri · Deer · 2026–27 Edition
Missouri Deer Season 2026–27: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
Sep 15 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons by method
| Method | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Sep 15 – Nov 13 |
| Archery (late) | Statewide | Nov 25 – Jan 15 |
| Firearms · Early Antlerless | Open counties | Oct 9 – Oct 11 |
| Firearms · Early Youth | Statewide | Oct 24 – Oct 25 |
| Firearms · November | Statewide | Nov 14 – Nov 24 |
| Firearms · Late Youth | Statewide | Nov 27 – Nov 29 |
| Firearms · Late Antlerless | Open counties | Dec 5 – Dec 13 |
| Firearms · Alternative Methods | Statewide | Dec 26 – Jan 5 |
02 — Bag limits
| Statewide | Set by permit and county — see MDC deer regulations |
|---|
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 15, 2026) 06:22 — 19:47
Rule: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset (standard) — confirm with MDC. (Shooting-hours rule not yet independently verified against the agency.) Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Missouri sun times for any other date.
04 — License
A Missouri hunting license and deer permit are required. A dedicated Missouri license page — costs, age rules and where to buy — is coming; for now, buy and read the rules straight from the agency.
Missouri licenses & permits — Missouri Department of Conservation →
05 — FAQ
When does deer season start in Missouri?
The earliest 2026–27 opener is September 15, 2026 (archery). Gun and muzzleloader dates differ — see the table above.
When does deer season end in Missouri?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is January 15, 2027. Individual methods and zones close on their own dates.
Verified · Missouri Department of Conservation · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Dates approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission (Dec. 12, 2025). Antlerless portions are open in select counties only; bag limits are set by permit and county — see the MDC Fall Deer & Turkey booklet.