Whether you’re a seasoned tracker or a first-time hunter, staying current with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) schedule is the first step toward a successful harvest.
For the upcoming 2026-2027 season, Missouri continues to be a premier destination with a deer population exceeding 1.5 million. However, several significant regulation changes—including the removal of the CWD Management Zone and the elimination of the CWD firearms portion—make this year’s planning more critical than ever.
2026-2027 Key Hunting Dates
Archery Season
The archery season remains the longest window for hunters, offering two distinct portions.
-
Early Portion: September 15 – November 13, 2026
-
Late Portion: November 25, 2026 – January 15, 2027
-
Note: Only one antlered deer may be taken before the November firearms portion.
Firearms Season
The firearms season is divided into several portions to accommodate different hunting styles and management goals.
-
Early Antlerless: October 9 – 11, 2026 (Open in select counties)
-
November Portion: November 14 – 24, 2026
-
Late Antlerless: December 5 – 13, 2026 (Open in select counties)
-
Alternative Methods: December 26, 2026 – January 5, 2027
Youth Portions
Missouri remains a leader in promoting the sport for the next generation.
-
Early Youth Portion: October 24 – 25, 2026
-
Late Youth Portion: November 27 – 29, 2026
Major Regulation Changes for 2026
The MDC has implemented several updates to simplify hunting and address management needs:
-
CWD Management Shifts: The specific CWD Firearms Portion has been eliminated for 2026.
-
Antler Point Restrictions (APR): Many counties previously under APR have seen these restrictions removed to simplify regulations.
-
Nonresident Limits: New considerations are in place regarding nonresident buck limits. Always check the official MDC Public Comment page for the latest on permit requirements.
Leading Hunting Counties in Missouri
If you are looking for the best odds, recent harvest data points to these “Big Three” counties as the top producers:
-
Franklin County: Consistently No. 1 in overall harvest (over 6,700 deer last season).
-
Howell County: A powerhouse in the southern Ozarks.
-
Callaway County: A top-tier choice for Central Missouri hunters.
For bowhunters specifically, Jefferson and St. Louis counties lead the state in archery totals due to high deer density in suburban-fringe areas.
Resources & Links
-
Official Permits: Buy your Missouri Hunting Permits online.
-
Full Regulation Guide: MDC 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Booklet.
-
Harvest Map: View real-time harvest data by county.
Safety First: Always wear hunter orange during firearms portions and ensure you have your hunter education certification on your person.
Keywords: Missouri Deer Season 2026, MDC Hunting Dates, Missouri Archery Season, Firearms Deer Season Missouri, Missouri Youth Hunt 2026, Best Hunting Counties Missouri.
Evergreen Slug: /missouri-deer-hunting-season-dates-regulations/