Due to long-term population increases for certain species of furred wildlife, and the decrease in global demand and trade for fur products, officials in our state of Missouri are considering the possibility of extending the dates for hunting and trapping of certain species.
The extension would apply to eight different species: bobcats, coyote, raccoons, opossums, striped skunks, minks, muskrats, and river otters. This expansion of hunting and trapping seasons would not include certain species considered to be vulnerable or endangered, such as Missouri’s fox population. Below are the proposed extensions:
Bobcat
Current: Nov. 15 to Jan. 31
Proposed: Nov. 15 to the last day of February
Coyote
Current: All year, except daylight hours from April 1 to April 18
Proposed: March 1 to April 14 (trapping on private land only) and Nov. 15 to the last day of February
Raccoon
Current: Nov. 15 to Jan. 31
Proposed: March 1 to April 14 (trapping on private land only), Aug. 1 to Oct. 15 and Nov. 15 to the last day of February
Possum
Current: Nov. 15 to Jan. 31
Proposed: March 1 to April 14 (trapping on private land only), Aug. 1 to Oct. 15. and Nov. 15 to the last day of February
Striped skunk
Current: Nov. 15 to Jan. 31
Proposed: March 1 to April 14 (trapping on private land only) and Nov. 15 to the last day of February
Mink
Current: Nov. 15 to Jan. 31
Proposed: Nov. 15 to the last day of February (trapping only)
Muskrat
Current: Nov. 15 to Feb. 20
Proposed: Nov. 15 to the last day of February (trapping only)
River otter
Current: Nov. 15 to Feb. 20
Proposed: Nov. 15 to the last day of February (trapping only)
For more information on Missouri hunting seasons, see your local office for the Missouri Department of Conservation.
