Missouri to require new nonresident migratory bird hunting permit in 2026

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, nonresident hunters in Missouri will be required to purchase a new $60 nonresident migratory bird hunting permit to hunt waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock and rails, the Missouri Department of Conservation announced.

The new permit is part of a broader set of permit price adjustments approved by the Missouri Conservation Commission in October.

Nonresident hunters who purchased a migratory bird hunting permit before Jan. 1, 2026, will be allowed to use that permit through the remainder of the current season, which ends Feb. 6. No additional permit will be required for that season.

However, nonresident hunters who have not purchased a migratory bird permit before Jan. 1 must buy the new nonresident migratory bird permit to hunt from Jan. 1 through the end of the season. Beginning with the 2026–27 migratory bird hunting season, all nonresident hunters will be required to purchase the new permit.

Permits may be purchased online at Online-Sales | Missouri Department of Conservation.

MDC officials said while nonresident hunters make up a smaller portion of overall hunters in Missouri, public opinion surveys and feedback indicate strong support for raising nonresident permit fees to better align with those of neighboring states.

Revenue generated from the new permit will help support MDC programs and services for hunters, anglers and wildlife watchers, as well as address rising maintenance costs at conservation areas, fish hatcheries, wetlands, lake and river access points and shooting ranges across the state.