Small Game Hunting Permit

Hunting allowed methods

• Pistols, revolvers, and rifles propelling a single projectile at one discharge
• Guns powered by spring, air, or compressed gas
• Shotguns not larger than 10 gauge
• Crossbows, which are classified as a firearm method
• Shotguns with the magazine cut off or plugged to reduce the capacity to not more than 3 shells in the magazine and chamber combined. This restriction does not apply during the Conservation Order for light geese.
• Shotguns are the only firearm allowed for hunting game birds (except crow). Pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shotguns may be used to hunt crow.
• Bows, which include longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows, illuminated sights, scopes, quickpoint sights and hand-held string releasing mechanisms may be used.
• Atlatls
• Slingshots

Note: Regulations vary between species, see the species specific regulations page for additional information.

Hunting prohibited methods

• Arrows containing any drug, poison, chemical or explosive.
• Motor driven conveyances may not be used to take, drive or molest wildlife. Deer may not be hunted from a boat with a motor attached; however, a motorboat may be used to hunt other wildlife if the motor is shut off and the boat’s forward progress has stopped.
• Artificial lights may be used only to hunt bullfrogs and green frogs, or to hunt raccoons and other furbearing animals when treed with the aid of dogs. Using lights to search for, spot, illuminate, harass, or disturb other wildlife is a violation of the Wildlife Code of Missouri. Landowners and lessees may use artificial lights on their property, but while doing so may not be in possession of — or be in the company of someone who possesses — a firearm, bow, or other implement used to take wildlife.
• You may not possess night vision or thermal imagery equipment while carrying a firearm, bow, or other implement used to take wildlife.

Special Provision During the Firearms Deer Season: During the November portion statewide and antlerless portion in open counties, other wildlife may be hunted only with a shotgun and shot not larger than No. 4 or a .22 or smaller caliber rimfire rifle. This does not apply to waterfowl hunters, trappers, or to landowners on their land.

Trapping methods

In addition to the hunting methods listed above, you may take groundhogs, squirrels, and rabbits with a cage-type trap during that species' open hunting season with a small game hunting permit.

Traps must:

• be labeled with your full name and address, or Conservation Number;
• be attended daily; and
• have an opening of 144 square inches or smaller.