3 CSR 10- 7.410: Hunting Methods

Purpose

This rule prescribes the methods by which wildlife may be hunted.

Summary:

This amendment removes reference to the CWD portion of firearms deer season.

Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission

Chapter 7—Wildlife Code: Hunting: Seasons, Methods, Limits

Proposed Amendment

(1) Wildlife may be hunted and taken only in accordance with the following: 

  (I) Special Firearms Provision. During the November portion and the antlerless [and CWD] portions of the firearms deer season in counties open to deer hunting, other wildlife may be hunted and feral hogs may be taken only with a pistol, revolver, or rifle firing a rimfire cartridge .22 caliber or smaller or a shotgun and shot not larger than No. 4, except that waterfowl hunters, trappers, landowners on their land may use other methods as specified in subsection (1)(H) of this rule;

  (R) Hunter Orange. During the antlerless, youth, and November[, and CWD] portions of the firearms deer hunting season, all hunters shall wear a cap or hat and a shirt, vest, or coat having the outermost color commonly known as hunter orange which shall be plainly visible from all sides while being worn. Camouflage orange garments do not meet this requirement. This requirement shall not apply to migratory game bird hunters, to hunters using archery methods while hunting within municipal boundaries where discharge of firearms is prohibited, to hunters on federal or state public hunting areas where deer hunting is restricted to archery methods, or to hunters in closed counties during the antlerless [and CWD ]portions of the firearms deer hunting season;

AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed July 22, 1974, effective Dec. 31, 1974. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed December 12, 2025.

PUBLIC ENTITY COST: This proposed amendment will not cost state agencies or political subdivisions more than five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate. 

PRIVATE ENTITY COST: This proposed amendment will not cost private entities more than five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate.

NOTICE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS: Anyone may file a statement in support of or in opposition to this proposed amendment with Regulations Committee Chairman, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, or via the department’s website at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z49. To be considered, comments must be received within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice in the Missouri Register. No public hearing is scheduled.

Official public comment period: January 16, 2026 to February 14, 2026