The Missouri Department of Conservation follows the Secretary of State’s established process for making changes to the Code of State Regulations. This process calls for state agencies to conduct a 30-day public comment period for each proposed rule, amendment, or rescission and to consider those comments prior to filing a final order of rulemaking.
Information provided to the Department as part of a public comment is public record. By providing a public comment, you understand the Department may be required to disclose the comment and any other information that you provide (i.e., name, address, phone number).
This amendment introduces the requirement for anyone camping on department lands to first obtain a camping permit, adds a permit requirement for the use of unstaffed firearms shooting ranges along with exceptions to the requirement, removes the requirement that a developmentally disabled individual take a Hunter Education Certification Course, and amends the rule purpose statement.
Acknowledgements
Title 3—DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
Division 10—Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
PURPOSE: This rule establishes requirements for hunting, fishing, [and ]trapping, ginseng, and camping permits, and certain exceptions to those requirements.
(1) Any person who chases, pursues, takes, transports, ships, buys, sells, possesses, or uses wildlife in any manner, or who uses unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11 must first obtain the prescribed hunting, fishing, trapping, or other permit, or be exempted under 3 CSR 10-9.110, with the following exceptions:
(C) Any resident of Missouri sixty-five (65) years of age or older may use an unstaffed firearms shooting range and may take wildlife as provided in Chapter 7 without permit (except all black bear, deer, elk, and turkey hunting permits, Migratory Bird Hunting Permit, and Conservation Order Permit as prescribed);), provided, while hunting, s/he carries a valid Missouri driver license, notarized affidavit, or similar official document proving his/her eligibility based on residency and age, and shall submit documentation for inspection by any agent of the department on request;
(E) Any person fifteen (15) years of age or younger may take wildlife (except black bears, deer, elk, and turkeys) as provided in Chapter 7 without permit, provided, s/he has in his/her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or s/he is in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult hunter who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has in his/her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or was born before January 1, 1967[.], and may use an unstaffed firearms shooting range as provided in Chapter 11 without permit, provided, s/he has in his/her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or s/he is in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult shooting range user who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has in his/her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or was born before January 1, 1967. Persons under eleven (11) years of age may not purchase firearms deer and turkey hunting permits except as provided in subsection (1)(F) of this rule (see 3 CSR 10-5.215(4));
(K) Any person born on or after January 1, 1967, and at least sixteen (16) years of age and who does not possess a valid hunter education certificate card may purchase an Apprentice Hunter Authorization for no more than two (2) permit years (March 1 through the last day of February). The Apprentice Hunter Authorization allows the holder to purchase any firearms hunting permit (except black bear and elk hunting permits) as provided in this chapter without display of a hunter education certificate card. Such person must hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult hunter who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and who has in his/ her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or was born before January 1, 1967[;], and must use an unstaffed firearms shooting range in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult shooting range user who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has in his/her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or was born before January 1, 1967;
(L) Any resident of Missouri with a developmental disability as defined in section 630.005, RSMo, born on or after January 1, 1967, and at least sixteen (16) years of age [and who has taken the Hunter Education Certification Course] may purchase any firearms hunting permit as provided in this chapter without display of a valid hunter education certificate card, provided s/he carries a physician’s statement provided by the department and signed by a licensed physician qualified to evaluate and treat the condition described and certifies the person has this disability. Such person must hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult hunter who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and who has in his/her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or was born before January 1, 1967, except any adult meeting these requirements may accompany without a permit such person with a developmental disability who is hunting on a valid black bear or elk hunting permit during the prescribed black bear or elk hunting seasons. Such person must use an unstaffed firearms shooting range in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult shooting range user who is eighteen (18) years of age or older and has in his/her possession a valid hunter education certificate card or was born before January 1, 1967. Printed copies of the physician’s statement form can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 and online at www.missouriconservation.org;
(Q) For educational or special use purposes, the director may waive small game hunting permit requirements for specified periods at specified unstaffed firearms shooting ranges.
[(Q)](R) Any resident of Missouri having a visual acuity not exceeding twenty/two hundred (20/200) in the better eye with maximum correction, or having twenty degrees (20°) or less field of visual concentric contraction, and any resident who is so severely and permanently disabled as to be unable to move freely without the aid of a wheelchair, may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles, and frogs as provided in Chapter 6 without permit (except trout permit or daily tag in areas where prescribed), provided, while fishing, s/he carries a certified statement of eligibility from a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist or from a licensed physician;
[(R)](S) Any resident of Missouri with cerebral palsy or mental disorder or a mental illness as defined in section 630.005, RSMo, and who is so severely disabled that s/he cannot fish alone, may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles, and frogs as provided in Chapter 6 without permit (except trout permit or daily tag in areas where prescribed), provided, while fishing, s/he is accompanied by a licensed adult fisherman and possesses a certified statement of eligibility from a licensed physician qualified to evaluate and treat the developmentally disabled;
[(S)](T) Any honorably discharged military veteran having a service-related disability of sixty percent (60%) or greater, or who was a prisoner of war during military service, or any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition Unit, or a military medical center, may take fish, live bait, clams, mussels, turtles, and frogs as provided in Chapter 6 without permit (except trout permit or daily tag in areas where prescribed), [and]may take wildlife as provided in Chapter 7 without permit (except black bear, deer, elk, and turkey hunting permits, [M]migratory [B]bird [H]hunting [P]permits, and Conservation Order Permit as prescribed), and may use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11, provided, while hunting, [or] fishing, or using an unstaffed firearms shooting range, s/he carries a certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, or orders showing assignment to a Warrior Transition Unit or admissions verification to a military medical center;
[(T)](U) Any Missouri resident who is the owner of land that wholly encloses a body of water, or any member of his/her immediate household, may fish without permit in those waters. In the case of corporate ownership, this privilege shall apply to those corporate owners whose domicile is on such corporate-owned land;
[(U)](V) Any person may fish without permit, trout permit, and prescribed area daily tag during free fishing days. Free fishing days are the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June; and
[(V)](W) A customer or guest of a licensed trout fishing area may fish for trout without permit (see 3 CSR 10-9.645).
(3) Any person who camps or otherwise establishes temporary overnight accommodations on a department area must first obtain the prescribed camping permit or be a member of a group of up to ten (10) people where at least one (1) member of the group has obtained the prescribed camping permit. All members of a group of campers shall be jointly liable for obtaining the prescribed permit prior to camping or establishing temporary overnight accommodations on a department area.
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. Amended: Filed July 13, 1976, effective Oct. 11, 1976. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This rule establishes a permit required by nonresidents to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer on public lands.
Acknowledgements
TITLE 3—DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
Division 10—Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
PROPOSED RULE
Proposed Amendment
Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit. Required in addition to the prescribed deer hunting permit to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer, and to pursue, take, possess, and transport small game (except furbearers) when hunting on a Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit, on or from public lands. This requirement also applies to nonresidents hunting on a managed deer hunting permit on public lands.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment adds the use of unstaffed firearms shooting range privileges to existing privileges authorized by the permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
(1) Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit. To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport fish (including trout), frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (blue, snow, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order and migratory birds, except turkeys), and mammals (except black bears, deer, and elk), [and]to sell furbearers taken by hunting, and to use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. Original rule filed June 20, 1995, effective Jan. 1, 1996. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment adds the use of unstaffed firearms shooting range privileges to existing privileges authorized by the permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
(1) Resident Lifetime Small Game Hunting Permit. To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport birds (blue, snow, and Ross’s geese during the Conservation Order and migratory birds, except turkeys), mammals (except black bears, deer, and elk), and frogs, [and]to sell furbearers taken by hunting, and to use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. Original rule filed June 20, 1995, effective Jan. 1, 1996. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment adds the use of unstaffed firearms shooting range privileges to existing privileges authorized by the permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
Resident Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit. To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (except turkeys), and mammals (except black bears, deer, and elk), [and]to sell furbearers taken by hunting, and to use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. This rule was previously filed as 3 CSR 10-5.230. This version of rule filed July 22, 1974, effective Dec. 31, 1974. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment adds the use of unstaffed firearms shooting range privileges to existing privileges authorized by the permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
Resident National Guard and Reserve Service Small Game Hunting and Fishing Permit. For residents of Missouri who are currently, or have in the previous twelve (12) months, been mobilized and serving on full-time active military duty in either the National Guard (in Federal Status) or Reserve forces of the United States to chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport fish, frogs, mussels, clams, turtles, crayfish, live bait, birds (except turkeys), and mammals (except black bears, deer, and elk), [and]to sell furbearers taken by hunting, and to use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. Original rule filed Jan. 30, 2006, effective June 30, 2006. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment adds the use of unstaffed firearms shooting range privileges to existing privileges authorized by the permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
Resident Small Game Hunting Permit. To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport birds (except turkeys), mammals (except black bears, deer, and elk), and frogs, [and]to sell furbearers taken by hunting, and to use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. This rule was previously filed as 3 CSR 10-5.255. This version of rule filed July 22, 1974, effective Dec. 31, 1974. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment adds the use of unstaffed firearms shooting range privileges to existing privileges authorized by the permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
Daily Small Game Hunting Permit. To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport birds (except turkeys), mammals (except black bears, deer, elk, and furbearers), and frogs, [and]to chase furbearers for training dogs during the closed season, and to use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11. A permit may be purchased for multiple days.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. Original rule filed June 20, 1995, effective Jan. 1, 1996. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment adds the use of unstaffed firearms shooting range privileges to existing privileges authorized by the permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
Nonresident Small Game Hunting Permit. To chase, pursue, take, possess, and transport birds (except turkeys), mammals (except black bears, deer, elk, and furbearers), and frogs, [and]to chase furbearers for training dogs during the closed season, and to use unstaffed firearms shooting ranges as provided in Chapter 11.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. This rule was previously filed as 3 CSR 10-5.270. This version of rule filed July 22, 1974, effective Dec. 31, 1974.For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This rule establishes a short-term camping permit for use on lands owned and leased by the department.
Acknowledgements
TITLE 3 – DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
PROPOSED RULE
Proposed Amendment
3 CSR 10-5.925 Five-Day Camping Permit. The commission proposes to create this rule.
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a short-term camping permit for use on lands owned and leased by the department.
Five-Day Camping Permit. To camp or otherwise establish temporary overnight accommodations on department areas, as provided in Chapter 11, for up to five (5) consecutive days.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed June 10, 2026.
PUBLIC ENTITY COST: This proposed amendment will cost state agencies or political subdivisions an estimated fifteen thousand three hundred and ninety-four dollars ($15,394) 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.
FISCAL NOTE
PUBLIC COST
I. Department title: Department of Conservation
Division title: Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter title: Chapter 5 - Permits
| Rule number/name: | 3 CSR 10-5.925 Five-Day Camping Permit |
| Type of rulemaking: | Proposed Rule |
II. SUMMARY OF FISCAL IMPACT
| Affected Agency or Political Subdivision | Estimated Cost of Compliance in the Aggregate |
| Missouri Department of Conservation | $15,394 |
III. WORKSHEET
The department’s software developer estimates a one-time cost of $13,195.65 to integrate permits with agency permit review systems (Agent Online and Agent Mobile).
Signs with updated camping regulations will need to be developed and placed at select parking lots on areas that allow camping. At least one parking lot on each area is expected to have a new regulation sign. Only one out of every four additional parking lots will have sign. 539 (number of areas affected) + ((1956 (parking lots) – 539 (1 guaranteed parking lot per areas) x 0.25 (percentage of additional parking lots)) = 893.23 rounded to the nearest whole number = 893 signs needed.
Estimated cost for signage is $100 (one time cost for a new silk screen template) + $2.35/sign ($1.35 material costs + $1.00 labor). $100 (silk screen) + (893 signs x $2.35 cost per sign) = $2198.55 estimated cost for new regulation signs to be placed on department areas.
Total public cost = $2198.55 (signage) + $13,195.65 (software development) = $15,394.20 rounded to the nearest whole number = $15,394
IV. ASSUMPTIONS
The exact number of affected areas and parking lots are estimated, as the Department is still working to determine expanded locations where camping will be allowed if these regulation changes are approved.
This amendment establishes permit price and length of the proposed Five-Day Camping Permit and adds the fee for the new Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 5—Wildlife Code: Permits
Proposed Rule
Proposed Amendment
(1) Fees and costs for permits and other privileges found in this chapter are below. If the fees or costs in this rule conflict with any fee or cost elsewhere in this chapter, the fees and costs in this rule shall control.
(VV) Five-Day Camping Permit (3 CSR 10-5.925). Fee: five dollars ($5) for five (5) consecutive days.
(WW) Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit (3 CSR 10-5.281). Fee: one hundred sixty-five dollars ($165).
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed May 16, 2025, effective Jan. 1, 2026. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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 cost private entities an estimated one million four hundred eighty-one thousand six hundred and sixty-six dollars ($1,481,666) 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.
FISCAL NOTE
PRIVATE COST
- Title 3 - Department of Conservation
Title 10 - Conservation Commission
Chapter Title: Chapter 5 – Wildlife Code: Permits
| Rule Number and Title: | 3 CSR 10-5.950 Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping Permit Pricing: Permit Fees; Permit Replacement Cost. |
| Type of Rulemaking: | Proposed Amendment |
- SUMMARY OF FISCAL IMPACT
| Estimate of the number of entities by class which would likely be affected by the adoption of the rule: | Classification by types of the business entities which would likely be affected: | Estimate in the aggregate as to the cost of compliance with the rule by the affected entities: |
| 8,550 | Nonresident deer hunters hunting on public land | $1,410,750 |
| 42,550 | Individuals who are interested in camping on department areas | $70,916 |
- WORKSHEET
8,550 (estimated number of nonresident deer hunters hunting on public land) X $165 (Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit) = $1,410,750
170,200 (estimated total camping visits) / 4 (estimated people per permit) / 3 (estimated days per camping trip) x $5 (permit price) = $70,916
- ASSUMPTIONS
We estimate there were 8,550 nonresident deer hunters that hunt on public land in Missouri in 2025.
The latest economic impact study using mobile location data and department assumptions estimates 170,200 total camping visits on department areas. A camping visit is tallied daily, which means a camping trip over multiple days counts towards multiple visits. The actual number of camping trips and average party size is unknown. The department estimates an average party size of 4 individuals and a stay length of 3 days.
This amendment requires nonresident hunters to possess a Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer on public land in addition to a prescribed deer hunting permit.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 7—Wildlife Code: Hunting: Seasons, Methods, Limits
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
(1) The current Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet is hereby incorporated in this Code by reference. This booklet is published annually in August by, and a printed copy can be obtained from, the Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 and is also available online at www.missouriconservation.org. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions.
(2) Deer shall mean white-tailed deer and mule deer. Antlered deer shall mean deer with at least one (1) antler at least three inches (3") long, except as provided in 3 CSR 10-7.435. Deer may be pursued, taken, killed, possessed, or transported only as permitted in this Code.
(3) Persons hunting or pursuing deer must possess the prescribed deer hunting permit(s). In addition to the prescribed deer hunting permit, persons not qualifying for resident privileges must also possess a Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer, and to pursue, take, possess, and transport small game (except furbearers) when hunting on a Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit, on or from public lands. Resident landowners can qualify for no-cost permits.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed April 29, 2004, effective May 15, 2004. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
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.
This amendment updates camping regulations to require the proposed new Five-Day Camping Permit and addresses challenges associated with area misuse. This amendment also reorganizes the rule to improve readability and clarity.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
(1) [Camping is permitted only within areas designated by signs, area maps, or in accordance with posted regulations or by special use permit. Stays are limited to a period of fourteen (14) consecutive days in any thirty- (30-) day period, with the period to commence the date the site is occupied or camping within any given department area first occurs. Personal property must be removed at the end of the fourteen- (14-) day period. Total camping days on all department lands are limited to thirty (30) days within one (1) calendar year. Camping requests in excess of thirty (30) days within a calendar year may be granted with a special use permit. On those areas with established campsites, only two (2) camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site. Quiet hours are effective from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10:00 p.m. Quiet hours are defined as the cessation of excessive noise from people or any mechanical device which causes disturbance to other campers. Campfires are allowed only in designated camping areas or by special use permit. Groups of more than ten (10) people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping.
(A) On Thomas Hill Reservoir, only one (1) camping or sleeping unit and a maximum of six (6) people are permitted in each campsite.]Camping or establishing temporary overnight accommodations on department areas is authorized only as permitted in this rule.
(2) A Five-Day Camping Permit is required to camp or otherwise establish temporary overnight accommodations on department areas. The Five-Day Camping Permit is valid for one (1) group of campers with a maximum of ten (10) people and two (2) sleeping units. In addition to the prescribed camping permit, any group of more than ten (10) people or more than two (2) sleeping units must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. For the purposes of this rule, sleeping units are temporary accommodations for overnight occupancy, including tents, recreational vehicles (RVs), camper vans, camping trailers, vehicles, and other portable devices used for shelter or sleeping.
(A) At least one (1) member of a group of campers must first obtain the prescribed camping permit. All members of a group of campers shall be jointly liable for obtaining the prescribed permit prior to camping or establishing temporary overnight accommodations on a department area and for complying with the requirements of this rule. The holder of the camping permit must be camping on site.
(B) Camping is only permitted within specified locations of department areas designated in the online conservation atlas or by special use permit.
(C) The length of stay for any person camping or establishing temporary overnight accommodations on all department areas shall be limited to the following:
1. No person may stay under the authorization of more than three (3) consecutive camping permits.
2. No person may stay under the authorization of more than six (6) camping permits from January 1 through December 31 each year.
(D) Each sleeping unit must be plainly labeled on durable material with the full name and address, or conservation number, of the permit holder. The label must be visible from the outside of the sleeping unit.
(E) Personal property may not be left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours and must be removed no later than the final day of the authorized camping period.
(F) Quiet hours are effective from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Visitors who
are not staying under a valid camping permit are required to leave the
campground by 10:00 p.m. Quiet hours are defined as the cessation of
excessive noise from people or any mechanical device which causes
disturbance to other campers.
(G) Campfires are allowed only in designated camping areas or by special
use permit. The collection of dead and downed woody vegetation is allowed only for on-site campfire use and may not be transported from the conservation area.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* This rule previously filed as 3 CSR 10-4.115. Original rule filed April 30, 2001, effective Sept. 30, 2001. For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
PUBLIC ENTITY COST: This proposed amendment will cost state agencies or political subdivisions an estimated sixty thousand seven hundred dollars ($60,700) 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.
FISCAL NOTE
PUBLIC COST
I. Department title: Department of Conservation
Division title: Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter title: Chapter 11 - Special Regulations for Department Areas
| Rule number/name: | 3 CSR 10-11.140 Camping |
| Type of rulemaking: | Proposed Amendment |
II. SUMMARY OF FISCAL IMPACT
| Affected Agency or Political Subdivision | Estimated Cost of Compliance in the Aggregate |
| Missouri Department of Conservation | $60,700 |
III. WORKSHEET
The department’s software developer estimates a one-time cost of $60,700 to update the online conservation atlas with updated camping information.
IV. ASSUMPTIONS
This is a one-time update and no assumptions have been made.
This amendment establishes a permit requirement for use of unstaffed firearms shooting ranges and identifies staffed and unstaffed firearms shooting ranges.
Acknowledgements
Title 3 – Department of Conservation
Division 10 – Conservation Commission
Chapter 11—Wildlife Code: Special Regulations for Department Areas
Proposed Amendment
Proposed Amendment
(1) Target shooting is permitted on designated public shooting ranges or by special use permit on department areas.
(2) Range use fees and permit requirements—
(A) Range use fees may apply for all shooting activities on the following staffed shooting ranges:
1. Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center;
2. Apple Creek Conservation Area (trap and skeet range);
3. August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center;
4. Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center; and
5. Lake City Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center.
6. Parma Woods Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center
(B) Any person using an unstaffed firearms shooting range must first obtain the prescribed small game hunting permit or be exempted as provided in Chapter 5. Unstaffed firearms shooting ranges are located on the following department areas:
1. Angeline Conservation Area;
2. Apple Creek Conservation Area (rifle/pistol and shotgun patterning only);
3. Atlanta Conservation Area;
4. Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area;
5. Caney Mountain Conservation Area;
6. Castor River Conservation Area;
7. Current River Conservation Area;
8. Deer Ridge Conservation Area;
9. Elam Bend Conservation Area;
10. Flag Spring Conservation Area;
11. Flatwoods Conservation Area;
12. Fort Crowder Conservation Area;
13. Fox Valley Lake Conservation Area;
14. Frank, Emma Elizabeth and Edna Reifsnider State Forest;
15. Gallatin Conservation Area;
16. Gist Ranch Conservation Area;
17. Truman Reservoir Management Lands – Grand River Bottoms;
18. Huzzah Conservation Area;
19. Indian Trail Conservation Area;
20. Lead Mine Conservation Area;
21. Little Indian Creek Conservation Area;
22. Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area;
23. Marshall Junction Conservation Area;
24. Peck Ranch Conservation Area;
25. Pleasant Hope Conservation Area;
26. Poosey Conservation Area;
27. Ralph and Martha Perry Memorial Conservation Area;
28. Ranacker Conservation Area;
29. Riverbreaks Conservation Area;
30. Rocky Fork Lakes Conservation Area;
31. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area;
32. Scrivner Road Conservation Area;
33. Sugar Creek Conservation Area;
34. Wellsville Lake Conservation Area;
35. Whetstone Creek Conservation Area;
36. White Ranch Conservation Area; and
37. William R. Logan Conservation Area.
(C) Users of unstaffed archery ranges are exempt from a permit requirement.
(3) Range Use Requirements—
(A) Shooting hours on unstaffed shooting ranges are one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to one-half (1/2) hour after sunset except as otherwise authorized by posting;
(B) Range use shall be in accordance with posted range rules or as directed by the range officer listed on the special use permit, and is contingent upon the right to inspect permits, firearms, and ammunition by an agent of the department or certified law enforcement officer[.];
(C) Only paper targets attached to provided target holders may be used on unstaffed target shooting ranges, except that on portions of shooting ranges restricted to shotguns with shotshells, only clay targets may be used[.];
(D) Use of incendiary, including tracer ammunition, armor piercing, or explosive ammunition is prohibited. Fully automatic firearms are permitted only with a special use permit[.]; [Range use fees are required at some areas.]
(E) Possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all ranges and associated parking lots[.]; and
(F) Groups of more than ten (10) people must obtain a special use permit prior to use of a range.
AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const. This rule was previously filed as 3 CSR 10-5.270. This version of rule filed July 22, 1974, effective Dec. 31, 1974.For intervening history, please consult the Code of State Regulations. Amended: Filed June 10, 2026.
PUBLIC ENTITY COST: This proposed amendment will not cost state agencies or political subdivisions more than five hundred dollars ($500) in the aggregate.
PRIVATE COST: This proposed amendment will cost private entities an estimated one million six hundred twenty thousand four hundred and sixty-six dollars ($1,620,466) annually.
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.
FISCAL NOTE
PRIVATE COST
Department title: Title 3—Department of Conservation
Division title: 10—Conservation Commission
Chapter title: 11—Wildlife Code: Special Regulations for Department Areas
| Rule number/name: | 3 CSR 10-11.150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges |
| Type of rulemaking: | Proposed Amendment
|
II. SUMMARY OF FISCAL IMPACT
| Estimate of the number of entities by class that would likely be affected by adoption of the rule: | Classification by type(s) of the business entities that would likely be affected by adoption of the rule: | Estimate in the aggregate as to the cost of compliance with the rule by the affected entities: |
| Approximately 120,380 residents and 7,378 non-residents. | Individual unstaffed firearm shooting range users who are not exempt and who do not currently purchase small game hunting permits. | $1,620,466 annually |
III. WORKSHEET
In 2015, MDC and 4-H partnered on an unstaffed shooting range research project that included face-to-face surveys of over 9,500 visitors. The data collected was extrapolated to determine reliable estimates of numbers of visitors, visits per year, residency, age, distance traveled, and other factors. The calculations below are based on data derived from that research project.
Approximately 200,000 unique individuals visit MDC’s unstaffed firearm shooting ranges annually at a rate of 1.5 visits per person per year. Of those individuals, it is estimated that 95% (190,000) are residents. It is estimated that 21% of those residents (39,900) are either under the age of 16 or over the age of 65 and are exempt from this requirement. Furthermore, it is estimated that 29,720 of the residents already hold small game hunting privileges. This amounts to 120,380 residents who do not purchase small game hunting permits who will need to do so in order to use MDC’s unstaffed firearm shooting ranges. The most economical option for these individuals is an annual small game hunting permit at $11.50. The estimated fiscal impact for residents amounts to $1,384,370 per year.
Non-residents make up 5% (10,000) of the unique unstaffed firearm shooting range users. Of those, 8% (800) are under the age of 16 and are exempt from this requirement. Of the 9,200 remaining, it is estimated that 1,822 already hold small game privileges. This amounts to 7,378 non-residents who do not purchase small game hunting permits who will need to do so in order to use MDC’s unstaffed firearm shooting ranges. The most economical option for these individuals is to purchase two (2) daily small game hunting permits at $16 each – a total of $32. The estimated fiscal impact for non-residents amounts to $236,096 per year.
Estimated total private fiscal impact = $1,620,466
IV. ASSUMPTIONS
MDC has preliminary data from an upcoming report entitled, “Estimating the Economic Contributions of Missouri Conservation Areas” from DJ Case & Associations and Southwick Associates. When comparing these preliminary results with the 2015 research project data, we estimate an increase in unstaffed shooting range usage of approximately 19% since 2015.