Missouri Conservation Commission Approves Changes to Nonresident Deer Hunting Regulations

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved changes to nonresident deer hunting regulations aimed at addressing growing concerns about hunting pressure on public lands while maintaining opportunities for visiting hunters.

During its May 29, 2026 meeting in Washington, Missouri, the Commission approved a regulation change that will reduce the nonresident antlered buck bag limit from two to one beginning with the 2026 deer hunting season. Nonresident landowners who qualify for nonresident-landowner permits will continue to be allowed an antlered buck bag limit of two.

Commission members also gave initial approval to a proposal that would require nonresident deer hunters to purchase a $165 Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting Permit to hunt deer on Missouri public lands beginning with the 2027 deer season. The permit would be required for pursuing, taking, possessing, and transporting deer on conservation areas and other state and federal public lands throughout Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will accept public comments on the proposed permit requirement from July 16 through August 14 through its website. After reviewing public feedback, the Commission is expected to consider final approval of the proposal during its September 11 meeting. If approved, the regulation would take effect for the 2027 deer season.

According to MDC, nonresident participation in Missouri deer hunting has increased significantly over the past two decades. Approximately 20,000 nonresident hunters participated in Missouri deer season 20 years ago, representing about four percent of the state's nearly 475,000 deer hunters. By 2025, the number had grown to roughly 42,000 nonresident hunters, accounting for about nine percent of all deer hunters in the state.

MDC officials noted that while nonresident hunters contribute significantly to local economies and support businesses and landowners across Missouri, many resident hunters have expressed concerns about increasing hunting pressure, particularly on public lands.

"MDC strives to provide quality hunting opportunities for resident hunters and recognizes the important contributions resident hunters and landowners make to sustaining a healthy deer herd in Missouri," said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle. "We're thankful for the input from our resident hunters on this issue and certainly appreciate their concerns. The proposed changes to nonresident deer hunting are designed to address those concerns and help alleviate the increasing nonresident deer hunting pressure in our state."

The department has spent the past two years gathering public input on deer management and nonresident hunting through surveys, public comment periods, and statewide open houses. In 2025, MDC surveyed approximately 56,000 resident hunters and 1,800 nonresident hunters while also hosting 10 public meetings across Missouri.

Additional information about deer hunting regulations and opportunities in Missouri is available through the Missouri Department of Conservation.