What We Know: The Missouri Department of Conservation says the changes are aimed at simplifying hunting regulations while also responding to concerns from hunters.
One of the biggest changes involves nonresident hunters. The antlered buck limit for most nonresidents drops from two bucks to one. MDC says the number of nonresident deer hunters has increased nearly 50 percent over the past decade.
What it Means: The Early Youth Portion is also moving up a week. It will be held October 24th and 25th this year to avoid conflicts with Halloween activities.
MDC is also eliminating antler-point restrictions in the final 18 counties where they remained. Officials say allowing more yearling bucks to be harvested could help reduce the spread of chronic wasting disease.
The separate CWD Portion of firearms deer season has also been eliminated, while mandatory CWD testing will move to a rotating system. Twenty-eight counties will require sampling during opening weekend of the November firearms season this year.
Restrictions on putting out feed and minerals for deer will remain in counties near confirmed CWD cases.
What’s Next: MDC says hunters should check this year’s deer and turkey regulations before heading out, since several rules have changed for the 2026 season.
(Photo provided by MDC)