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Each year, MDC tests a sample of the state’s deer population for CWD. CWD testing has two main goals: detect the disease as early as possible in new locations and monitor changes in disease occurrence over time.
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) | See temporary closures
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Hunting Quick Links
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Things To Know
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Get the Latest Info on CWD
Managed Hunts/Drawings
Bear Permit Application (May 1-31)
Elk Permit Application (May 1-31)
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)
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Hunter Ed & Skills Training
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Hunter education is required to purchase a firearms hunting permit in Missouri. Get more information about the details on hunter education requirements.
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Telecheck your Bear, Deer, Elk or Turkey
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Bear
You have until 10 p.m. on the day of harvest to check your bear. Bear can be field-dressed or quartered with evidence of sex retained prior to being Telechecked. You can transport 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.
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. These questions will help biologists gather information on the ages of deer harvested.
Get more information on how to telecheck your deer.
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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.
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.
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Alternatives to doing business in person with MDC.
Rather than travel to an MDC location, consider the following online options.
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Hunting & Fishing Permits
Buy permits online and apply for landowner permits online.
Buy permits
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Online Hunter Education
Take the skills portion online, or Missouri residents 16 years of age and older can complete the entire program online.
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Virtual Programs
Attend a variety of programs virtually from the comfort of your home.
Find an event
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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
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Online Nature Shop
Purchase for-sale publications, and the natural events calendar.
Visit the nature shop
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Magazine Subscriptions
Subscribe to receive the Missouri Conservationist and Xplor magazines in your mail box, or via email.
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MDC Public Contacts
Talk with a conservation agent, biologist, forester or other public contact.
Search for contacts by county
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Latest News
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Learn how to participate in citizen science efforts
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FREE public program topics include fireside stories, wreath making, winter bird watching, and more.
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How Do I...
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Our Magazines
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Xplor reconnects kids to nature and helps them find adventure in their own backyard. Free to residents of Missouri.
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A monthly publication about conservation in Missouri. Started in 1938, the printed magazine is free to residents of Missouri.
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Featured In Season Now
Fishing Seasons
Black Bass: Ozark Streams
Dates
May 22, 2021 to February 28, 2022
Nongame Fish: Gig/Atlatl: Streams and Impounded Waters
Dates
September 15, 2021 to February 15, 2022
Trout: Catch and Release
Dates
November 12, 2021 to February 14, 2022
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Hunting Seasons
Squirrel: Hunting
Dates
May 22, 2021 to February 15, 2022
Deer: Archery
Dates
September 15, 2021 to November 12, 2021
November 24, 2021 to January 15, 2022
Turkey: Archery
Dates
September 15, 2021 to November 12, 2021
November 24, 2021 to January 15, 2022
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Featured Upcoming Seasons