Missouri Department of Conservation
Source: https://mdc.mo.gov
Archived: 2026-04-23 15:19
Missouri Department of Conservation
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Missouri Birding Challenge
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Missouri Birding Challenge offers new and experienced birders a fun way to meet birding challenges.
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Learn About Birding Challenge Rules
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Hiking
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Our conservation areas have miles of hiking and multiuse trails. Go to your favorite area and explore.
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Find Places to Hike
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Never Lose Touch
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When things get green and the birds start to sing, it’s the perfect time to capture some memories and Never Lose Touch.
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Discover the benefits of nature
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Prescribed Burn
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Learn more about prescribed Burning.
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Prescribed Burn
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We Are Hiring!
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Check out your next exciting career opportunity.
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Mushroom Hunting
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Look for them from early spring to late fall.
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Learn more about mushroom hunting.
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Hunting, Trapping, & Fishing
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Spring Turkey
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CWD Test Results
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Managed Hunts/Drawings
Spring Turkey Managed Hunts
(Feb. 1-28)
Spring Turkey Managed Hunt Results
(March 15)
Bear Permit Application
(May 1-31)
Elk Permit Application
(May 1-31)
Elk/Bear Permit Draw Results
(July 1)
Register Managed Dove Hunt Columbia Bottom CA
(July 1-31)
Managed Deer Hunt Application
(July 1-31)
Managed Deer Hunt Results
(Aug. 15)
Pre-Season Waterfowl Draw
(Sep. 1-18)
Pre-Season Waterfowl Draw Results
(Oct. 1)
In-Season Waterfowl Draw
(Oct. 12 - Jan. 17)
In-Season Waterfowl Draw Results
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Deer Hunting
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Crappie
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Telecheck your bear, deer, elk, or turkey
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Telecheck Your Game
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Bear
You have until 10 p.m. on the day of harvest to Telecheck your bear. A bear can be field-dressed or quartered with evidence of sex retained prior to being Telechecked. You can transport an unchecked bear within the state as long as the permit is attached to the bear or with the hunter so long as the hunter is with the bear.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your bear
.
+ see more
- show less
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Deer
You have until 10 p.m. on the day taken to check your deer. When you Telecheck your deer, you will be asked a few short questions based on whether you are checking a doe or an antlered buck. The illustrations below show how to gather the measurements you will need. These measurements will help biologists gather information on the ages of deer harvested.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your deer.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Elk
You have until 10 p.m. on the day of harvest to check your elk. Elk can be field-dressed or quartered with evidence of sex retained prior to being Telechecked. You can transport unchecked elk within the state as long as the permit is attached to the leg or with the hunter so long as the hunter is with the elk.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your elk.
+ see more
- show less
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Turkey
You have until 10 p.m. on the day taken to check your turkey. During checking, hunters will be asked the age and sex of their turkey. Monitoring the age and sex of harvested turkeys provides a valuable measure of the fall harvest. Hunters may also submit feathers as part of a research project.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your turkey.
+ see more
- show less
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Permits
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Fishing Permits
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Hunting Permits
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Purchase a Permit
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Find Your Conservation Number
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Recreation
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Hiking
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Never Lose Touch
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Special Use Permit
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Landowners
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MRAP
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MDC created the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) to increase outdoor recreational opportunities on private land. Under this program, MDC provides annual incentive payments to private landowners who open their land for public recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
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Learn more about MRAP
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Habitat Hints
Get valuable information to improve habitat on your property.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Alternatives to doing business in person with MDC.
Rather than travel to an MDC location, consider the following online options.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Hunting & Fishing Permits
Buy permits online and apply for landowner permits online.
Buy permits
+ see more
- show less
Body
Online Hunter Education
Take the skills portion online, or Missouri residents 16 years of age and older can complete the entire program online.
Take hunter education online
Order a self-study guide
+ see more
- show less
Body
Virtual Programs
Attend a variety of programs virtually from the comfort of your home.
Find an event
+ see more
- show less
Body
Watch a Commission Meeting
The Conservation Commission offers live streaming of all commission meetings to make it easier to learn about key conservation topics.
Watch a meeting
+ see more
- show less
Body
Online Nature Shop
Purchase for-sale publications and the natural events calendar.
Visit the nature shop
+ see more
- show less
Body
Magazine Subscriptions
Subscribe to receive the
Missouri Conservationist
and
Xplor
magazines in your mailbox or via email.
Receive by mail
Receive the
Conservationist
by email
Receive
Xplor
by email
Read online
+ see more
- show less
Body
MDC Public Contacts
Talk with a conservation agent, biologist, forester, or other public contact.
Search for contacts by county
+ see more
- show less
Title
Popular Tools
Icon Card Elements
Field Guide
Conservation Areas
Hunting Guides
Fishing Guides
Events
Body
+ see more
- show less
Latest News
Media
Register for 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge by April 30
by
Joe Jerek
Apr 23, 2026
Body
Learn more and register at mdc.mo.gov/MObirdingchallenge.
Media
Explore insects with photography through free program May 16 at Busch Conservation Area
by
Dan Zarlenga
Apr 23, 2026
Body
The Tiny Worlds, Big Lens: Insect Photography with Your Cell Phone class will also include a hands-on practice opportunity.
Title
How Do I...
Link or File
Link
Buy Permits
Link
Report Illegal Activity
Link
Become Hunter Ed Certified
Link
Start a Career With MDC
Link
Get Rid of Nuisance Animals
Link
Review Proposed Regulations
Link
Comment on Existing Regulations
Link
Volunteer
Link
Learn About the Commissioners
Title
Stay Connected
Media
Title
Missouri Conservationist
Media
Title
Xplor
Media
Title
Nature Boost
Body
+ see more
- show less
Body
Featured In Season Now
+ see more
- show less
Fishing Seasons
Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Crappie (Black and White)
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Muskellunge
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Trout Parks
Dates
March 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Paddlefish
Dates
March 15, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Paddlefish: Mississippi River
Dates
March 15, 2026 to May 15, 2026
September 15, 2026 to December 15, 2026
Link or File
Link
See all fishing seasons
Hunting Seasons
Coyote: Hunting
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Light Goose Conservation Order
Dates
February 7, 2026 to April 30, 2026
February 7, 2027 to April 30, 2027
Turkey: Spring
Dates
April 20, 2026 to May 10, 2026
Link or File
Link
See all hunting seasons
Body
Featured Upcoming Seasons
+ see more
- show less
Fishing Seasons
Black Bass: Ozark Streams
Dates
May 23, 2026 to February 28, 2027
Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
Dates
June 30, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
Dates
September 15, 2026 to February 15, 2027
Paddlefish: Mississippi River
Dates
March 15, 2026 to May 15, 2026
September 15, 2026 to December 15, 2026
Trout: Catch-and-Release
Dates
November 13, 2026 to February 8, 2027
Hunting Seasons
Squirrel: Hunting
Dates
May 23, 2026 to February 15, 2027
Bullfrog and Green Frog: Hunting
Dates
June 30, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Dove: Hunting
Dates
September 1, 2026 to November 29, 2026
Teal: Hunting
Dates
September 12, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Deer: Archery
Dates
September 15, 2026 to November 13, 2026
November 25, 2026 to January 15, 2027
Skip to main content
Carousel
Media
Image
Heading
Missouri Birding Challenge
Text
Missouri Birding Challenge offers new and experienced birders a fun way to meet birding challenges.
Link
Learn About Birding Challenge Rules
Media
Image
Heading
Hiking
Text
Our conservation areas have miles of hiking and multiuse trails. Go to your favorite area and explore.
Link
Find Places to Hike
Media
Image
Heading
Never Lose Touch
Text
When things get green and the birds start to sing, it’s the perfect time to capture some memories and Never Lose Touch.
Link
Discover the benefits of nature
Media
Image
Heading
Prescribed Burn
Text
Learn more about prescribed Burning.
Link
Prescribed Burn
Media
Image
Heading
We Are Hiring!
Link
Check out your next exciting career opportunity.
Media
Image
Heading
Mushroom Hunting
Text
Look for them from early spring to late fall.
Link
Learn more about mushroom hunting.
Pause
Play
Previous
Next
Title
Hunting, Trapping, & Fishing
Media
Title
Spring Turkey
Media
Title
CWD Test Results
Icon
Managed Hunts/Drawings
Spring Turkey Managed Hunts
(Feb. 1-28)
Spring Turkey Managed Hunt Results
(March 15)
Bear Permit Application
(May 1-31)
Elk Permit Application
(May 1-31)
Elk/Bear Permit Draw Results
(July 1)
Register Managed Dove Hunt Columbia Bottom CA
(July 1-31)
Managed Deer Hunt Application
(July 1-31)
Managed Deer Hunt Results
(Aug. 15)
Pre-Season Waterfowl Draw
(Sep. 1-18)
Pre-Season Waterfowl Draw Results
(Oct. 1)
In-Season Waterfowl Draw
(Oct. 12 - Jan. 17)
In-Season Waterfowl Draw Results
Media
Title
Deer Hunting
Media
Title
Crappie
Title
Telecheck your bear, deer, elk, or turkey
Link
Telecheck Your Game
Body
Bear
You have until 10 p.m. on the day of harvest to Telecheck your bear. A bear can be field-dressed or quartered with evidence of sex retained prior to being Telechecked. You can transport an unchecked bear within the state as long as the permit is attached to the bear or with the hunter so long as the hunter is with the bear.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your bear
.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Deer
You have until 10 p.m. on the day taken to check your deer. When you Telecheck your deer, you will be asked a few short questions based on whether you are checking a doe or an antlered buck. The illustrations below show how to gather the measurements you will need. These measurements will help biologists gather information on the ages of deer harvested.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your deer.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Elk
You have until 10 p.m. on the day of harvest to check your elk. Elk can be field-dressed or quartered with evidence of sex retained prior to being Telechecked. You can transport unchecked elk within the state as long as the permit is attached to the leg or with the hunter so long as the hunter is with the elk.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your elk.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Turkey
You have until 10 p.m. on the day taken to check your turkey. During checking, hunters will be asked the age and sex of their turkey. Monitoring the age and sex of harvested turkeys provides a valuable measure of the fall harvest. Hunters may also submit feathers as part of a research project.
Get more information on
how to telecheck your turkey.
+ see more
- show less
Title
Permits
Media
Title
Fishing Permits
Media
Title
Hunting Permits
Media
Title
Purchase a Permit
Media
Title
Find Your Conservation Number
Title
Recreation
Media
Title
Hiking
Media
Title
Never Lose Touch
Media
Title
Special Use Permit
Title
Landowners
Media
Title
MRAP
Body
MDC created the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) to increase outdoor recreational opportunities on private land. Under this program, MDC provides annual incentive payments to private landowners who open their land for public recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Action Links
Learn more about MRAP
Embed Code
Body
Habitat Hints
Get valuable information to improve habitat on your property.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Alternatives to doing business in person with MDC.
Rather than travel to an MDC location, consider the following online options.
+ see more
- show less
Body
Hunting & Fishing Permits
Buy permits online and apply for landowner permits online.
Buy permits
+ see more
- show less
Body
Online Hunter Education
Take the skills portion online, or Missouri residents 16 years of age and older can complete the entire program online.
Take hunter education online
Order a self-study guide
+ see more
- show less
Body
Virtual Programs
Attend a variety of programs virtually from the comfort of your home.
Find an event
+ see more
- show less
Body
Watch a Commission Meeting
The Conservation Commission offers live streaming of all commission meetings to make it easier to learn about key conservation topics.
Watch a meeting
+ see more
- show less
Body
Online Nature Shop
Purchase for-sale publications and the natural events calendar.
Visit the nature shop
+ see more
- show less
Body
Magazine Subscriptions
Subscribe to receive the
Missouri Conservationist
and
Xplor
magazines in your mailbox or via email.
Receive by mail
Receive the
Conservationist
by email
Receive
Xplor
by email
Read online
+ see more
- show less
Body
MDC Public Contacts
Talk with a conservation agent, biologist, forester, or other public contact.
Search for contacts by county
+ see more
- show less
Title
Popular Tools
Icon Card Elements
Field Guide
Conservation Areas
Hunting Guides
Fishing Guides
Events
Body
+ see more
- show less
Latest News
Media
Register for 2026 Missouri Birding Challenge by April 30
by
Joe Jerek
Apr 23, 2026
Body
Learn more and register at mdc.mo.gov/MObirdingchallenge.
Media
Explore insects with photography through free program May 16 at Busch Conservation Area
by
Dan Zarlenga
Apr 23, 2026
Body
The Tiny Worlds, Big Lens: Insect Photography with Your Cell Phone class will also include a hands-on practice opportunity.
Title
How Do I...
Link or File
Link
Buy Permits
Link
Report Illegal Activity
Link
Become Hunter Ed Certified
Link
Start a Career With MDC
Link
Get Rid of Nuisance Animals
Link
Review Proposed Regulations
Link
Comment on Existing Regulations
Link
Volunteer
Link
Learn About the Commissioners
Title
Stay Connected
Media
Title
Missouri Conservationist
Media
Title
Xplor
Media
Title
Nature Boost
Body
+ see more
- show less
Body
Featured In Season Now
+ see more
- show less
Fishing Seasons
Black Bass: Non-Ozark Streams
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Crappie (Black and White)
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Muskellunge
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Trout Parks
Dates
March 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Paddlefish
Dates
March 15, 2026 to April 30, 2026
Paddlefish: Mississippi River
Dates
March 15, 2026 to May 15, 2026
September 15, 2026 to December 15, 2026
Link or File
Link
See all fishing seasons
Hunting Seasons
Coyote: Hunting
Dates
January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Light Goose Conservation Order
Dates
February 7, 2026 to April 30, 2026
February 7, 2027 to April 30, 2027
Turkey: Spring
Dates
April 20, 2026 to May 10, 2026
Link or File
Link
See all hunting seasons
Body
Featured Upcoming Seasons
+ see more
- show less
Fishing Seasons
Black Bass: Ozark Streams
Dates
May 23, 2026 to February 28, 2027
Bullfrog and Green Frog: Fishing
Dates
June 30, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
Dates
September 15, 2026 to February 15, 2027
Paddlefish: Mississippi River
Dates
March 15, 2026 to May 15, 2026
September 15, 2026 to December 15, 2026
Trout: Catch-and-Release
Dates
November 13, 2026 to February 8, 2027
Hunting Seasons
Squirrel: Hunting
Dates
May 23, 2026 to February 15, 2027
Bullfrog and Green Frog: Hunting
Dates
June 30, 2026 to October 31, 2026
Dove: Hunting
Dates
September 1, 2026 to November 29, 2026
Teal: Hunting
Dates
September 12, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Deer: Archery
Dates
September 15, 2026 to November 13, 2026
November 25, 2026 to January 15, 2027