Nodaway County is Mandatory CWD Zone November 14th, 15th

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is again asking deer hunters to have their deer sampled for chronic wasting disease (CWD). Hunters play an important role in helping MDC monitor the disease and the health of Missouri’s deer herd.

CWD is a contagious, deadly brain disease of white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family, called cervids. It has been found in Missouri and MDC is working with hunters and others to limit the impact of the disease on Missouri deer. Testing harvested deer for CWD is a vital effort to help identify where cases of the disease are in the state. 

MDC will again conduct mandatory CWD sampling of harvested deer during the opening weekend of the November portion of the firearms deer season – Nov. 14 and 15 – in select counties around the state. MDC has moved mandatory CWD sampling to a four-year county rotation. Mandatory CWD sampling will now be conducted in every county of the state once over the next four years. Learn more about Mandatory CWD Sampling at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

Counties in northwest Missouri where mandatory sampling will be required this year of hunters who harvest deer on Nov. 14 or 15 are Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Holt, and Nodaway. Mandatory CWD sampling locations for these northwest Missouri counties are:

 Andrew County Youth Building and Fairgrounds, 201 S. Banyon St. in Savannah

 Atchison City Barn, 412 Elm St. in Atchison

 Agency Community Center, 11351 HWY FF SE in Agency

 Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, 25564 HWY 159 near Mound City

 Nodaway County Community Fair Building, 25669 Hawk Road in Maryville

MDC is also offering voluntary CWD sampling opportunities for hunters who harvest deer in any county during Missouri’s deer hunting seasons. These additional sampling opportunities include MDC offices, cooperating taxidermists and meat processors, and self-service freezers.

Voluntary CWD sampling locations in northwest Missouri are:

 MDC Northwest Regional Office, 701 James McCarthy Drive in St. Joseph

 Polo Realty, 101 E. Elm St. in Polo (freezer)

 Father’s Pride Processing, 4893 N. Highway 13 in Hamilton

 Hale Fire Protection District, 109 E. Sunset Drive in Hale (freezer)

 Tina Quick Shop, 15534 Highway 65 in Tina

 Hoerr’s Meats LLC, 30176 CR 130 in Hale

 Mckenzie Deer Processing, 23562 Guthridge Ave in Keytesville

 MFA Gallatin, 24395 MO 6 in Gallatin (freezer)

 Meadowlark Farms, 29575 282nd in Gallatin

 Brown Custom Meats, 13227 Drake Ave. in Pattonsburg

 MFA Laredo, 410 E. 2nd in Laredo (freezer)

 American Sportsman, 3007 E. 10th in Trenton (freezer)

 French Harris Butcher Shop, 25384 November Road in Forest City

 Turp’s Best Baits, 12209 MO 5 in Marceline (freezer)

 Linn County USDA, 121 Pershing Road in Brookfield (freezer)

 New Boston, 15831 HWY 129 in New Boston (freezer)

 Hilltop Processing LLC, 14169 HYW PP in New Boston

 MDC Chillicothe Office, 15368 LIV 2386 in Chillicothe (freezer and office sampling)

 Crossroads Liquor, 502 N. College in Princeton (freezer)

 NW Processing, 103 Main St. in Elmo

 Lawson Fire and Rescue, 402 E. 6th in Lawson (freezer)

 Dawn to Dusk Taxidermy, 31511 W. 146 in Excelsior Springs

Hunters using self-service freezers will need to remove the deer’s head in advance so it can be left in the freezer. Hunters should cut off the head (and antlers for bucks) while leaving about six inches of neck attached before coming to the freezer head drop-off location. Hunters will need to record their name and contact information, Telecheck ID number, and location where the deer was harvested on materials provided. Materials will be available at the freezer sites such as trash bags, zip ties, and data sheets that hunters can use in labeling their deer heads. MDC staff will collect the deer heads for CWD testing throughout the season.

The freezers will not be available during mandatory CWD sampling weekend, Nov. 14-15, in mandatory CWD sampling counties.

For an interactive map of all voluntary CWD sampling sites throughout the state, visit mdc.mo.gov and look under Voluntary CWD Sampling.

Archery deer hunting runs through Nov. 13 and opens again Nov. 25 through Jan. 15, 2027. Firearms deer hunting opened with the early antlerless portion Oct. 9-11 followed by several other firearms portions through Jan. 5, 2027. For more information on deer hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

Missouri Department of Conservation Deer Hunting Regulation Changes for 2026-27

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters, landowners, and others of changes to regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri for the upcoming deer-hunting season. The changes focus on simplifying regulations and responding to public input. 

Reduced Buck Limit for Nonresidents 

MDC has reduced the antlered buck limit for those hunting on nonresident deer hunting permits from two to one. Nonresidents who qualify for nonresident landowner permits will maintain an antlered buck harvest limit of two.  

MDC notes that the number of nonresident deer hunters in Missouri has increased by nearly 50% in the last 10 years and there has been an increasing number of resident hunters who have expressed concern about the impacts to land access and their hunting experiences. This regulation change aims to address resident hunters’ concerns and helps alleviate increasing pressure from nonresident deer hunting.  

Early Youth Portion Moved Earlier 

MDC has moved the Early Youth Portion one week earlier this year to Oct. 24 and 25 to help avoid conflicts with Halloween activities at the end of October. The Early Youth Portion typically occurs two weekends prior to the November portion. This year it will occur three weekends prior. 

APR Removed 

MDC has removed the antler-point restriction (APR) for the final 18 counties where it was most recently in place. Yearling bucks, which the APR protects, travel many miles and can spread chronic wasting disease (CWD) long distances. Removing the APR will help to minimize the spread of CWD while also simplifying regulations. 

CWD Management Zones Removed 

MDC has removed the designations of the CWD Management Zone. A majority of Missouri counties either have had a case of CWD or are within 10 miles of a confirmed case of the disease, so a designated CWD Management Zone is no longer needed. Removing the CWD Management Zone also helps simplify regulations for hunters. 

Prohibiting Feed and Minerals for Deer Continues 

Placing feed and minerals for deer has been prohibited in counties close to where CWD has been detected since CWD was first found in Missouri. Placing feed and mineral for deer artificially congregates them, resulting in an increased risk of disease transmission.  

MDC will continue to prohibit the placement of feed and minerals for deer in counties within 10 miles of where CWD has been found. Learn more about the feed and mineral prohibition online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/feed-mineral-prohibition and on page 6 of the Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available online at mdc.mo.gov, at MDC offices and nature centers, and other places where hunting permits are sold.  

Removed CWD Portion  

MDC has removed the CWD Portion of firearms deer season to simplify the structure of the season while not significantly affecting deer harvest. 

Mandatory CWD Sampling Moved to County Rotations 

MDC has moved mandatory CWD sampling during the opening weekend of the November Portion of the firearms deer season to a four-year county rotation. Mandatory CWD sampling will now be conducted in every county of the state once every four years.  

According to MDC, conducting mandatory CWD sampling on a county rotation will allow staff to continue to monitor CWD where it exists and allow for early detections in new areas. A mandatory sampling rotation also simplifies the mandatory sampling requirement for hunters. 

Mandatory sampling for this season will be conducted in 28 counties on Nov. 14 and 15. 

Get more information on mandatory sampling online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/mandatory-cwd-sampling and on page 7 of the MDC Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available online at mdc.mo.gov, at MDC offices and nature centers, and other places where hunting permits are sold. 

Changes to CWD Management Permits 

MDC has increased the minimum acreage requirement for CWD Management Permits and simplified the application process. Landowners are now required to have at least 20 contiguous acres in a CWD Core Area to receive CWD Management Permits. The change will make the acreage requirement consistent with other no-cost landowner deer hunting permits, reducing potential confusion for landowners.  

MDC has also simplified the application process. Qualifying landowners in CWD Core Areas can receive five, no-cost, CWD Management Permits for use on their property during deer season and will receive a notice in the mail from MDC about the permit application process. 

Learn more about the CWD Management Permit Program at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/cwd-management-permit-program. 

No Post-Season Removals 

As a result of public engagement and continued evaluation, MDC will not conduct targeted deer removals after the season and currently has no plans to resume the activity. 

Instead, MDC staff will work with hunters, landowners, and other partners to develop a localized approach in which hunter harvest is the primary tool to manage deer numbers and CWD during the regular deer season. 

Learn more about these regulation changes and get other information on deer hunting in Missouri from the MDC 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available online at mdc.mo.gov, at MDC offices and nature centers, and other places where permits are sold.  

MDC Proposes Permits for Camping, Firearms Shooting Ranges

The Missouri Department of Conservation is proposing permits for camping at conservation areas and shooting at unstaffed firearms ranges.

There are 1,000 conservation areas around the state, with 320 offering camping. The MDC says the permits are necessary because of problems involving compliance issues, safety concerns, vandalism, illegal activities, and illegal stays. At its regular meeting Friday, the Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval of proposed changes.

MDC data shows camping-related violations and warnings for camping outside of designated areas have increased substantially over the last decade. In 2015, staff issued 2015 violations and two warnings. In 2024, staff issued 30 citations and 153 warnings. These numbers only represent individuals who could be identified and do not involve other violations such as littering, off-road vehicles, arrest warrants, drug arrests, and others.

Currently, campers do not need a permit, pay a fee, or register. The MDC says the lack of identification of campers creates a difficult job for agents and staff to regulate activities on camping areas or identifying campers.

If finalized, these rules would take effect March 2027. The rules are as follows:

—A low-cost ($5) five-day permit for all camping on conservation areas for up to ten people. This applies even if fewer days are used and/or fewer people are involved.

—Larger groups of more than 10 people would be required to have a Special Use Permit and camping permit.

—Each person would be limited to three consecutive camping permits and six annually.

—Personal property may not be left unattended longer than 24 hours at campsites or areas for camping purposes.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking public comments on this proposal from July 16th to August 14th at the Missouri Department of Conservation website. The commission will review information and give final consideration at the September 11th meeting.

The MDC is also proposing permits for use of unstaffed firearms shooting ranges. Range use has increased in recent years with more home/self-defense firearms practice and increasing use of modern sporting rifles. The MDC says the change is needed due to increased damage to shooting range signs, booths, and other infrastructure along with increased litter from spent shells, targets, and other items not being collected and properly disposed of. Existing age and disability exemptions would remain. The changes would not apply to partner ranges or their five staffed shooting ranges.

The Missouri Conservation Commission recently gave initial approval to this change. The public comment period is from July 16th to August 14th at the MDC website. The Commission will consider final approval on September 11th. If approved, the changes will take effect February 28th, 2027.

Under the proposed rules, people wishing to use unstaffed shooting ranges would be required to have a small game permit. The MDC says that this change would help improve safety for users, visitors, neighbors, and protect infrastructure. To get a small game permit, users have to complete a certified hunter education program. Persons who already have a small game permit would not have to get another one.

 

 

 

Changes to Missouri Hunting Regulations for 2026 and Beyond

—The non-resident antlered buck bag limit is reduced from two to one. Out of state hunters can only harvest a single buck across all combined archery and firearms portions. Nonresidents who own acreage in Missouri are exempt from this restriction.

—Permit fees have increased. The cost of standard nonresident firearms any-deer permits is now $360 according to Lynchburg Outdoors, a Facebook website about hunting regulations.

—A proposed change from the MDC states that nonresidents who wish to hunt on Missouri public lands must purchase a $165 Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit to hunt on Missouri’s public tracts. This is in addition to the nonresident firearms permit, which would make the total cost $525. This change is in the Public Comment phase from July 16th through August 14th. To leave a public comment, visit the MDC website. 

—Lottery Draw System: A formal lottery draw system is under development for future implementation according to Lynchburg Outdoors. Once live, this system will restrict and cap the total number of over-the-counter tags distributed to out of state hunters.

 

Restrictions on Nonresident Deer Hunters Proposed

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking Missouri deer hunters and others for feedback on potential regulation changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri for nonresident deer hunting.

One regulation change under consideration for the 2026 deer season would reduce the nonresident antlered buck bag limit from two to one. Nonresident landowners would maintain an antlered buck bag limit of two.

A regulation change under consideration for the 2027 deer season includes requiring nonresident deer hunters to purchase a Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit for $165 to be able to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer on public land in Missouri.

Beyond the 2027 deer season, MDC is considering establishing a draw for nonresidents to be able to hunt deer on public land or on public and private land.  

According to MDC, nonresident participation in Missouri’s deer season has increased considerably in recent years and some resident hunters have expressed concern about how it is impacting their hunts, particularly on public land.

According to MDC, there were approximately 20,000 nonresident deer hunters who hunted in Missouri 20 years ago. That number was about four percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters. By last year, that number had more than doubled to about 42,000 nonresident deer hunters in Missouri, accounting for about nine percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters.

People can leave public comments through April 20th at the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

 

 

MDC Announces Bird Seasons for 2026-27

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at its March 27 open meeting in Jefferson City for upcoming 2026 migratory-game-bird-hunting seasons and 2026-2027 waterfowl-hunting seasons, pending final federal approval.

2026 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING

Mourning Doves, Eurasian Collared Doves, and White-Winged Doves

Season: Sept. 1 through Nov. 29

Limits: 15 daily and 45 in possession combined total for all three species

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Sora and Virginia Rails

Season: Sept. 1 through Nov. 9

Limits: 25 daily and 75 in possession combined for both species

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Wilson's (Common) Snipe

Season: Sept. 1 through Dec. 16

Limits: 8 daily and 24 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

American Woodcock

Season: Oct. 18 through Dec. 1

Limits: 3 daily and 9 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Coots

Season: Same as duck season dates in the respective zones (See dates under Waterfowl Hunting for Ducks)

Limits: 15 daily and 45 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

2026-2027 WATERFOWL HUNTING

Teal

Season: Sept. 12 - 20

Limits: 6 daily and 18 in possession

Hours: Sunrise to sunset

Ducks

Season:

North Zone: Oct. 31 through Dec. 29

Middle Zone: Nov. 7 though Dec. 13 and Dec. 19 through Jan. 10, 2027

South Zone: Nov. 26 – 29 and Dec. 7 through Jan. 31, 2027

Bag Limit: 6 ducks daily with species restrictions of:

4 mallards (no more than 2 females)

3 wood ducks

2 redheads

2 canvasbacks

2 American black ducks

3 northern pintail

2 scaup for first 45 days and 1 scaup for last 15 days

1 mottled duck

Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag or 18 total, varies by species

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Snow Geese (White and Blue Phases) and Ross's Geese

Season: Nov. 11 through Feb. 6, 2027

Limits: 20 blue, snow, or Ross's geese daily with no possession limit

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

White-Fronted Geese

Season: Nov. 11 through Feb. 6, 2027

Limits: 2 daily and 6 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Canada Geese and Brant

Season: Oct. 3 - 10 and Nov. 11 – Feb. 6, 2027

Limits: 3 Canada geese and Brant in aggregate daily, 9 in possession

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Light Goose Conservation Order

Season: Feb. 7 through April 30, 2027

Limits: No daily or possession limits

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset

Methods: For the taking of blue, snow and Ross's geese, hunters may use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells and recorded or electronically amplified bird calls or sounds or imitations of bird calls or sounds.

YOUTH HUNTING DAYS

North Zone: Oct. 24 and 25

Middle Zone: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1

South Zone: Nov. 21 and 22

Limits: Same as during regular waterfowl season

Hours: Same as during regular waterfowl season

Requirements: Any person 15 years of age or younger may participate in youth waterfowl hunting days without permit provided they are in the immediate presence of an adult 18 years of age or older. If the youth hunter is not certified in hunter education, the adult must have the required permits and have in his or her possession proof of hunter education unless exempt. The adult may not hunt ducks but may participate in other seasons that are open on youth hunting days.

FALCONRY SEASONS

Falconry Season for Doves

Season: Nov. 30 through Dec. 16

Limits: 3 daily and 9 in possession, singly, or in the aggregate (any ducks, coots, or mergansers taken by falconers must be included in these limits)

Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Falconry Season for Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers

Season: Open during waterfowl seasons (teal, youth, duck) and Feb. 11 through March 10, 2027

Limits: 3 daily and 9 in possession, singly, or in the aggregate during the regular duck-hunting seasons (including teal and youth seasons) and extended falconry seasons (any doves taken by falconers must be included in these limits)

Hours: Sunrise to sunset during the September teal season, one-half hour before sunrise to sunset during the remaining seasons

HUNTING ZONES

Waterfowl hunting in Missouri is divided into three zones: North, Middle, and South. For a map and more information, visit MDC online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/waterfowl/duck-zones or refer to MDC’s “2026-2027 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest,” available beginning in July where hunting permits are sold.

NONTOXIC SHOT REQUIREMENTS

Shells possessed or used while hunting waterfowl and coots statewide, and for other species as designated by posting on public areas, must be loaded with material approved as nontoxic by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Get more information on nontoxic-shot requirements, allowed types, and conservation areas requiring use at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/nontoxic-shot-regulations.

CHANGE TO FEDERAL DUCK STAMP

Per the Federal Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023, the Federal Duck Stamp has been converted to a digital version and hunters are no longer required to carry a paper copy. Hunters must have a digital version in their possession.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on migratory-bird and waterfowl hunting, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species and select the specific species, or get MDC’s “2026-2027 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest,” available beginning in July where hunting permits are sold.

MDC Offers Callery Pear Buyback

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, and Forrest Keeling Nursery to host a Callery Pear Buyback event in St. Joseph on April 21, from 3-6 p.m. Trees can be picked up at the Remington Nature Center parking lot at 1502 McArthur Dr.

Participants who remove a Callery pear tree on their property will receive a free, native tree in return. To be eligible, participants must register online March 16 through April 16 and submit a photo of their cut down Callery pear. One free native tree will be provided to each registered participant at the pick-up event on April 21 with a limit of one free native tree per household. Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/oiB. 

Callery (Bradford) pears are an ornamental species that folks have enjoyed for years.  Despite their problematic issues, such as splitting in storms and an undesirable pungent aroma from the flowers, they are spreading throughout fields and forests. This spread is causing problems in urban and natural areas.  Cutting down existing pear trees helps control these invasive populations and choosing native species supports natural ecosystems.

Bradford pears were marketed in garden catalogs as recently as the 1980’s. They are used interchangeably with Callery, but they are a subset of the Callery species. They were the first and most common ornamental Callery pear tree. Many other cultivars exist such as Chanticleer, Cleveland Select, and Aristocrat.

The North Carolina Extension says that wild Callery pear trees pose a challenge for land management. Wild varieties have large thorns that can grow up to four inches long, which can injure livestock and wildlife. These thorns have popped tractor tires, forcing landowners to spend a lot of money to either remove them or use more expensive steel-tracked equipment. Wild Callery pears can form thickets, blocking wildlife movements and leaving little room for undergrowth that is essential for good soil.

Mature Callery pear trees can reach heights of 30-40 feet, and their limbs generally grow vertically, forming a pyramid or egg shape. During their blooming period, often in early April, the trees will have very dense clusters of white flowers that cover the tree before leaves form. Learn more about Callery pear trees at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4MJ.

For questions about the buyback program, contact MDC forester Timothy Wolfe at timothy.wolfe@mdc.mo.gov or (816) 271-3111, ext. 1437.

 

Opinion -- Open Letter from MDC on Chronic Wasting Disease

As a young boy growing up in rural Missouri, many days were spent outdoors enjoying wild places and wild critters. At a young age, I became fascinated with the graceful ghost of our forest, the white-tailed deer. This fascination fueled a life-long pursuit to learn everything I could about this iconic species. After graduating high school, the decision to align this passion with career pursuits was natural. It turned from an outsized fascination to a professional pursuit that led me on a decades long journey studying and researching white-tailed deer management across the southern U.S., eventually leading to an opportunity to “come home” and serve as the private-lands deer biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. This was truly a dream come true for a small-town country kid with a passion for deer management and conservation of our natural resources.

The dream would turn to dread in February 2010 when chronic wasting disease (CWD) was first detected in our state. By that time, CWD had been known to occur in eastern Colorado and Wyoming since the 1960s and was slowly spreading east across the great plains. It had been detected in Wisconsin and Illinois eight years earlier. Long-term studies of CWD on mule deer populations in the west were beginning to show the destructive impacts on those herds. Research over the last 20 years has continued to demonstrate that, if left unmanaged, CWD will increase in prevalence and distribution leading to increased mortality in deer populations.

As with many diseases, early detection and aggressive management have the greatest impact on the future distribution of the disease. So we embarked on an aggressive strategy to minimize the likelihood of spreading the disease within Missouri (i.e., increased safeguards for the importation of captive deer from outside of Missouri and carcass movement restrictions). Using science to inform management actions, we liberalized local harvest opportunities, prohibited the use of feed and minerals that unnaturally concentrate deer, and implemented localized targeted removals in an effort to minimize the number of infected deer on the landscape (a strategy that Illinois had utilized with measurable success).

Aggressive management actions implemented by cooperating hunters, landowners, and agency staff over the last decade have been successful in slowing the number of infected deer on our state’s landscape. Unfortunately, CWD has continued to be introduced to new parts of the state and spread where it was previously detected.

Some will say CWD is simply a political disease that has not impacted deer populations, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Scientific studies have continued to demonstrate that CWD is a fatal disease that, if left unchecked, will increase in prevalence resulting in increased mortality on local populations that significantly alter buck age structure and the ability of the population to recover from other natural factors like extreme droughts and other disease outbreaks like EHD. Others recognize that CWD is a serious threat but disagree with the approach we have implemented to address the disease.

Regardless of where you stand on the issue of CWD, most share the same goal—a healthy sustainable population of deer in Missouri that can be appreciated and utilized by future generations. I certainly hope that my son (and hopefully grandchildren one day) will continue to have the opportunity to utilize and appreciate a healthy and thriving deer population into the future. The white-tailed deer is the heartbeat of Missouri’s wild places—familiar, resilient, and woven into our outdoor heritage. It is also a symbol of the success of wildlife conservation and restoration across North America.

The Missouri Conservation Commission, and subsequently the Missouri Department of Conservation, were created by the citizens of Missouri to restore and manage our valuable fish, forest, and wildlife resources. There is no species more emblematic of this conservation success than the white-tailed deer.

As CWD has spread in Missouri over the last decade, MDC’s objective has been and continues to be to keep CWD infection rates low to protect the long-term health of the deer herd. This extensive undertaking can only be accomplished by working collaboratively with hunters and landowners to achieve both surveillance and management goals. MDC has continued to work with hunters and landowners to adapt the management tools, including creating CWD management permits and simplifying regulations. Last year, we piloted the Hunter Harvest Initiative to encourage additional deer harvest during deer season to alleviate the need for post-season targeted removal.

We remain committed to keeping our deer herd heathy and working collaboratively with the hunters and landowners that are critical to our conservation mission. We cannot be successful in this work, and at the scale needed, without hunters’ and landowners’ support and participation.

At this time, MDC will be pausing our post-season targeted removal efforts to work with hunters and landowners to adapt and identify a more sustainable path forward.

Future generations of Missourians are counting on us to work together to sustain the future of one of our great state’s most important natural resources. Together, we can preserve the health of the herd and the future of hunting; divided, we may lose it.

We are committed to continuing our engagement with hunters, landowners, and Missourians on this hard work ahead. Feel free to send your thoughts to CWDFeedback@mdc.mo.gov.



In gratitude,

Jason Sumners

Director, Missouri Department of Conservation

Ice Fishing in Northwest Missouri

Brandon Lyddon, Conservation Agent

The following are safety recommendations for ice fishing and places to ice fish in northwest Missouri. A minimum of four inches of new, clear, solid ice is the general rule for a person to safely walk on. Ice thickness and strength can vary depending on the body of water, melting that has occurred, air temperature, snow cover, water kept open by wildlife like geese, etc.

It is best to ice fish with someone else in case of emergencies. Some recommended safety equipment are a life jacket, ice picks on a line to put around your neck, ice cleats for your feet to prevent falls, rope, and a throwable cushion.

The Missouri Dept. of Conservation has many conservation areas with lakes and ponds to ice fish.  You can go to www.mdc.mo.gov or use the free MO Outdoors app to find information about conservation areas like maps, regulations, etc.

Some of the public bodies of water in NW MO to ice fish are Mozingo Lake, Seat Conservation Area (ponds), Harrison County Lake, Pony Express Lake, Limpp Lake, Worth County Lake, Happy Holler Lake, and Smithville Lake. Fishing permits are required for public water ice fishing, and can be purchased at vendors across Missouri, through the MDC MO Hunting permit app, or online at www.mdc.mo.gov.

 

Harrison, Daviess Counties Added to CWD Management Zone

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters of new regulations related to chronic wasting disease (CWD) and other changes for the 2025-2026 deer-hunting season. Get more information from the MDC 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, through the MDC MO Hunting app, and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer.

Carcass Movement and Disposal

The rule that prohibited transporting high-risk deer parts -- such as the brain and spinal cord -- out of the county of harvest has been removed. Hunters are now required to dispose of unused deer parts in trash that is dumped in a sanitary landfill or on the property where the deer was harvested. Hunters must Telecheck their deer before transporting it (or its parts) out of the county where it was harvested or by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest, whichever comes first. The interstate carcass movement restrictions for those bringing harvested deer, elk, moose, or caribou into Missouri have not changed. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/carcass-transportation-disposal.

CWD Management Zone

The following counties have been added to the CWD Management Zone: Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Daviess, Harrison, Henry, Marion, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Ralls, St. Louis, and Texas. Within the past year, these counties either had their first CWD detection (Callaway, Marion, Miller, Morgan, Texas) or are within 10 miles of a CWD detection (Cape Girardeau, Daviess, Harrison, Henry, Moniteau, Ralls, St. Louis). These counties are open during the CWD Portion of firearms deer season. Placement of feed and minerals is prohibited in CWD Management Zone counties. The antler-point restriction (APR) has been removed in Callaway, Daviess, Harrison, Henry, Marion, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, and Ralls counties. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/cwd-management-zone-regulations.

Voluntary CWD Sampling Sept. 15 to Jan. 15

MDC encourages hunters who harvest deer anywhere in Missouri throughout the entire deer hunting season — Sept. 15 through Jan. 15 — to get free CWD testing for their harvested deer at numerous sites around the state including MDC offices, participating taxidermists and meat processors, and freezer drop-off locations. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/voluntary-cwd-sampling.

Mandatory CWD Sampling Nov. 15 and 16 in select counties

All deer harvested in designated CWD Management Zone counties during the opening weekend of the November Portion of the firearms season -- Nov. 15 and 16 -- must be taken (or the deer head) to an MDC Mandatory Sampling Station on the day of harvest. Sampling stations will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mandatory CWD sampling for this year will focus on counties that are newer to the CWD Management Zone. Mandatory CWD sampling will not be conducted in many counties where it has been conducted in previous years. MDC encourages hunters to check the status of the counties where they hunt. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/chronic-wasting-disease/mandatory-cwd-sampling.

Early Youth Portion Bag Limit

Youth hunters may now harvest more than one deer during the Early Youth Portion of firearms deer season. This change simplifies regulations by standardizing the bag limit across all portions of firearms deer season. The statewide limit of one antlered buck during firearms deer season (all portions combined) still applies. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons/deer-firearms-youth-portions.

Firearms Antlerless Permits

Hunters may now fill four firearms antlerless permits in Buchanan, Clinton, Dade, DeKalb, Lawrence, and Texas counties. Qualifying resident landowners in the following counties may now receive two Resident Landowner Firearms Antlerless Permits: Andrew, Atchison, Butler, Carter, Dunklin, Holt, Iron, Mississippi, New Madrid, Nodaway, Pemiscot, Scott, Stoddard, and Wayne. This change simplifies regulations by standardizing the limit (two) of Resident Landowner Firearms Antlerless Permits in all counties. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/antlerless-deer-hunting-county-restrictions.

Get more information from the MDC 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, through the MDC MO Hunting app, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

 

Hunting Safety Measures for Non-Hunters

With deer and turkey hunting underway in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds non-hunters to practice safety measures when afield during hunting seasons.  

“Safety while hunting is ultimately the responsibility of the hunter,” said MDC Hunter Education Coordinator Justin McGuire. “Hunters must clearly identify their targeted game animals before even putting their fingers on the triggers of their firearms or before drawing their bows when archery hunting. They must also be aware of what is behind their targets and should never shoot at movement or sound.”

McGuire added that non-hunters out in hunting areas can also practice some safety measures. He and MDC offer these safety tips for non-hunters:

Wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack.

Place a bright orange vest or bandana on the canines who join you and keep them leashed.

Avoid earth-toned or animal-colored clothing such as tan and brown.

Be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active. Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim.

Stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas.

Whenever venturing into the outdoors, let someone know where you are going and when to expect your return.

Make yourself known. If you hear shooting, raise your voice , and let hunters know you are in the area.

Be courteous. Once a hunter is aware of your presence, don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid conflict.

Identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting. Learn where and when hunting is taking place. Plan your recreation activities based on this information. Find information on Missouri hunting seasons at mo.gov/hunting-trapping.

Find conservation areas that allow hunting and those that do not by using the MDC Places to Go web feature at mo.gov/discover-nature/places.

Archery deer and turkey hunting runs through Nov. 14 and opens again Nov. 26 through Jan. 15, 2026. Firearms turkey hunting is open Oct. 1-31. Firearms deer hunting opens with the early antlerless portion Oct. 10-12 followed by several other portions through Jan. 6, 2026. Learn more about deer and turkey hunting online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer and mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.