Missouri Rabbit Season 2026–27: Dates & Bag Limits

The 2026–27 opener is October 1, 2026. See the table above for the full window.

The 2026–27 closing date is February 15, 2027.

Yes — see the dates above. Outside that window, taking rabbit is closed in Missouri.

2026–27 bag limits: Daily — 6, of which only 2 may be swamp rabbits. Possession — 12, of which only 4 may be swamp rabbits. Jackrabbit — Protected at all times — not legal game in Missouri, may not be hunted or trapped. Deer-season restriction — In Butler, Carter, Dent, Iron, Madison, Oregon, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne counties, rabbits may not be pursued or taken with dogs during daylight hours while November firearms deer season is open; statewide during that window only .22-or-smaller rimfire or shotgun with No. 4 shot may be used. Limits are set per zone and per permit — check the agency's own regulations before you hunt.

On opening day (October 1, 2026) legal light runs 07:06 to 18:51. The rule is: Sunrise to sunset, stated directly on MDC's rabbit regulations page — no half-hour buffer. Sunrise and sunset shift daily, so work the offset against your local Missouri sun times for any other date.

Missouri resident landowners with 5 or more acres, and their immediate household, may hunt that land without a permit — except bear, deer, elk, and turkey. Taking deer or turkey under this privilege needs at least 20 contiguous acres, and waterfowl still needs the federal Duck Stamp.