The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) recommendations for the upcoming 2025 migratory game bird and 2025-2026 waterfowl hunting seasons. The newly established seasons bring exciting opportunities for hunters across the state to enjoy Missouri’s outdoor traditions, with detailed schedules and regulations aimed at managing populations and preserving ecosystems.
2025 Migratory Game Bird Seasons
Missouri’s migratory game bird hunting seasons cover a variety of species, including doves, rails, snipe, woodcock, and coots. The hunting hours for most migratory birds are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Below are the details of the 2025 migratory game bird seasons:
- Mourning Doves, Eurasian Collared Doves, and White-Winged Doves
- Season: Sept. 1 – Nov. 29
- Limits: 15 daily, 45 in possession combined for all species
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Sora and Virginia Rails
- Season: Sept. 1 – Nov. 9
- Limits: 25 daily, 75 in possession combined for both species
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Wilson’s (Common) Snipe
- Season: Sept. 1 – Dec. 16
- Limits: 8 daily, 24 in possession
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- American Woodcock
- Season: Oct. 18 – Dec. 1
- Limits: 3 daily, 9 in possession
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Coots
- Season: Same as duck season dates for respective zones (See below for Waterfowl Hunting for Ducks)
- Limits: 15 daily, 45 in possession
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
2025-2026 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons
Waterfowl hunters in Missouri will enjoy varied hunting dates based on their zones: North, Middle, and South. The state has designated hunting periods for teal, ducks, geese, and brant, with season dates outlined below:
- Teal
- Season: Sept. 13 – 21
- Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Ducks
- North Zone: Nov. 1 – Dec. 30
- Middle Zone: Nov. 1 – 9 and Nov. 15 – Jan. 4, 2026
- South Zone: Nov. 27 – 30 and Dec. 7 – Jan. 31, 2026
- Limits: 6 ducks daily with species restrictions, including mallards (no more than 2 females), wood ducks, redheads, canvasbacks, and more
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Snow Geese (White and Blue Phases) and Ross’s Geese
- Season: Nov. 11 – Feb. 6, 2026
- Limits: 20 geese daily, no possession limit
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- White-Fronted Geese
- Season: Nov. 11 – Feb. 6, 2026
- Limits: 2 daily, 6 in possession
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Canada Geese and Brant
- Season: Oct. 4 – 12 and Nov. 11 – Feb. 6, 2026
- Limits: 3 Canada geese and brant combined daily, 9 in possession
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Light Goose Conservation Order
- Season: Feb. 7 – April 30, 2026
- Limits: No daily or possession limits
- Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
- Methods: Hunters may use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells, along with recorded or electronically amplified bird calls or sounds.
Youth Hunting Days
Special youth hunting days are set for young hunters to participate in waterfowl hunting with certain regulations in place. These days are:
- North Zone: Oct. 25-26
- Middle Zone: Oct. 25-26
- South Zone: Nov. 22-23
- Limits & Hours: Same as regular waterfowl season
- Requirements: Youth hunters (15 years or younger) may participate without a permit as long as they are accompanied by an adult (18 or older). If the youth is not certified in hunter education, the adult must have the required permits and proof of certification.
Falconry Seasons
Falconers can also enjoy hunting during specific seasons:
- Doves: Sept. 1 – Dec. 16
- Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers: Open during regular waterfowl seasons and extended falconry seasons (Feb. 11 – March 10, 2026)
The limits for falconry are 3 daily and 9 in possession, in total, for all species taken.
Hunting Zones and Nontoxic Shot Requirements
Waterfowl hunting in Missouri is divided into three zones: North, Middle, and South. For more information about zone boundaries and specific rules, hunters can visit the MDC website. All hunters must use nontoxic shot when hunting waterfowl and coots, as well as other species designated by MDC.
Federal Duck Stamp Changes
In accordance with the Federal Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023, hunters are no longer required to carry a paper copy of the Federal Duck Stamp. Instead, a digital version of the stamp is now required and must be in the hunter’s possession.
For More Information
Hunters are encouraged to visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website at mdc.mo.gov for the complete 2025-2026 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest, which will be available in July. This digest provides detailed information on regulations, hunting zones, permits, and specific hunting dates.
Missouri’s migratory bird and waterfowl hunting seasons offer exciting opportunities for hunters of all skill levels. By following the regulations and being mindful of conservation efforts, hunters can continue to enjoy the rich outdoor traditions of Missouri.
