In spring when crappie are spawning in the shallows, anyone can cast a minnow and bobber toward the bank and catch a ton of fish. Crappie may spawn as early as mid-March in the southern part of the state and as late as the end of May in northern Missouri.

Bear Permit Application (May 1-31)
Elk Permit Application (May 1-31)
Upper Mississippi Blind Draw (June 18 - July3)
Elk/Bear Permit Draw Results (July 1)
In-Season Waterfowl Draw (Oct. 12 - Jan. 17)
In-Season Waterfowl Draw Results
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)
Spring Turkey Managed Hunts (Feb. 1-28)
Spring Turkey Managed Hunt Results (March 15)

Regulation changes for the 2023-24 deer season include a new firearms early antlerless portion, a new firearms CWD portion, and changes to firearms antlerless permit numbers in most counties.
Alternatives to doing business in person with MDC.
Rather than travel to an MDC location, consider the following online options.
Hunting & Fishing Permits
Buy permits online and apply for landowner permits online.
Buy permits
Online Hunter Education
Take the skills portion online, or Missouri residents 16 years of age and older can complete the entire program online.
Virtual Programs
Attend a variety of programs virtually from the comfort of your home.
Find an event
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
Online Nature Shop
Purchase for-sale publications and the natural events calendar.
Visit the nature shop
Magazine Subscriptions
Subscribe to receive the Missouri Conservationist and Xplor magazines in your mailbox or via email.
MDC Public Contacts
Talk with a conservation agent, biologist, forester, or other public contact.
Search for contacts by county
Latest News
Our Magazines

Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.

A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
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