By MATT PIKE
The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking deer hunters across the state and others for feedback on potential regulation changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri for nonresident deer hunting.
One regulation change under consideration for the 2026 deer season would reduce the nonresident antlered buck bag limit from two to one. Nonresident landowners would maintain an antlered buck bag limit of two. Another regulation change under consideration for the 2027 deer season includes requiring nonresident deer hunters to purchase a Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit for $165 to be able to pursue, take, possess, and transport deer on public land in Missouri.
Beyond the 2027 deer season, the department is considering establishing a draw for nonresidents to be able to hunt deer on public land or on public and private land. According to MDC, nonresident participation in Missouri’s deer season has increased considerably in recent years and some resident hunters have expressed concern about how it is impacting their hunts, particularly on public land.
According to MDC, there were approximately 20,000 nonresident deer hunters who hunted in Missouri 20 years ago. That number was about four percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters. By last year, that number had more than doubled to about 42,000 nonresident deer hunters in Missouri, accounting for about nine percent of the state’s nearly 475,000 total deer hunters.
The department values public input and has previously asked for feedback from deer hunters about nonresident deer hunting. In a 2024 survey of deer hunters, a public commenting opportunity was conducted as part of the Department’s Deer Management Plan update. MDC also surveyed a sample of 56,000 resident hunters and 1,800 nonresident hunters in 2025 regarding resident and nonresident hunting and collected public comments. There were also 10 open houses held around the state through 2025 to seek public input on deer management in Missouri.
MDC welcomes public comments through April 20th on potential regulation changes for nonresident deer hunters. You can comment online by clicking HERE
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