Missouri Bird Hunting
Seasons Span November 1 – January 15, 2026
State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.
Season Dates
- Bobwhite Quail:
- General Season: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
- Youth Season: October 25–26, 2025
- Pheasant:
- General Season: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
- Youth Season: October 25–26, 2025
- American Woodcock:
- Season: October 18, 2025 – December 1, 2025
Required Licenses and Costs
- General Hunting Licenses:
- Resident Small Game Hunting Permit: $10 (annual)
- Nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit: $80 (annual) or $11 (daily)
- Exemption: Missouri resident landowners hunting on their own land do not need a small game hunting permit, but additional permits may still be required for migratory birds
- Migratory Bird Hunting:
- Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit: Required for residents and nonresidents aged 16 and over hunting doves, rails, snipe, and woodcock. Cost not specified in the data, but typically a small additional fee (check MDC website)
- Federal Duck Stamp: Required for hunting migratory birds like snipe, doves, and woodcock. Cost not specified in the data, but typically around $25 federally (verify with MDC or federal sources)
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification: Required for all migratory bird hunters (free, available online or by phone)
- Hunter Education:
- Required for anyone born after January 1, 1967, to purchase firearms hunting permits, unless using the Apprentice Hunter Authorization ($5, allows hunting without certification when accompanied by a licensed adult)
- Note: Always check the MDC website (mdc.mo.gov) or eRegulations for current license fees and requirements, as costs may change.
Daily Bag and Possession Limits
- Bobwhite Quail:
- Daily Bag Limit: 8 birds
- Possession Limit: 16 birds
- Pheasant (only male birds/roosters may be taken):
- Daily Bag Limit: 2 roosters
- Possession Limit: 4 roosters
- American Woodcock:
- Daily Bag Limit: 3 birds
- Possession Limit: 9 birds
Additional Notes
- Nontoxic Shot: Required for hunting doves, rails, snipe, and woodcock on certain public areas (e.g., 26 conservation areas with intensive dove hunting) and for all waterfowl hunting.
- Youth Hunting: Youth hunters (ages 6–15 for quail and pheasant, 15 and under for migratory birds) can participate in youth seasons without a permit if accompanied by a licensed adult. If not hunter-education certified, the adult must be certified or born before January 1, 1967.
- Tagging and Transport: Migratory birds must be tagged with the hunter’s name, address, species, number of birds, and date killed before being given to another person or transported to specific locations (e.g., home, taxidermist).
- Public Land Opportunities: Missouri offers over 1 million acres of public hunting land, including Mark Twain National Forest and various conservation areas, ideal for upland bird hunting.
- Verification: Regulations and dates may be subject to change. Always consult the Missouri Department of Conservation website (mdc.mo.gov) or eRegulations for the latest information.
This summary covers the key upland bird species and requirements for the 2025-26 season in Missouri. For precise details, especially for Wilson’s snipe or any updates to fees and regulations, refer to the MDC’s official resources.
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