By Blake Jackson
The Missouri Conservation Commission recently granted preliminary approval to proposed deer hunting regulation changes by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) during the Dec. 12 Commission meeting in Jefferson City. The updates aim to simplify hunting rules and help manage chronic wasting disease (CWD), keeping Missouri’s deer population healthy.
Eliminating the CWD Portion of Firearms Deer Season
The five-day CWD Portion of firearms deer season, limited to CWD Management Zone counties, has not significantly increased harvest numbers. Hunters have also expressed concern over the complexity of multiple season portions. Removing this segment will simplify the firearms deer season without greatly affecting harvest results.
Ending the CWD Management Zone
The CWD Management Zone currently covers counties with confirmed CWD cases and those within 10 miles of detection. Since 2012, the Zone has grown from six to 82 counties, creating regulatory confusion.
Removing the Zone will streamline rules while still allowing mandatory CWD testing in selected counties, which will be listed in the MDC Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations booklet available each July. Deer feeding and mineral placement remain prohibited in counties with confirmed CWD or within 10 miles of detection.
Changes to Antler Point Restriction (APR)
The APR, designed to protect yearling bucks, has been removed in some CWD-affected counties because young bucks can spread CWD widely. Currently, the APR applies in only 18 counties, and its removal there will reduce disease spread and simplify regulations.
Increase in Acreage Requirement for CWD Management Permits
Starting in 2026, landowners must have at least 20 acres in a CWD core area to qualify for no-cost CWD Management Permits, up from the current five-acre minimum. This aligns requirements with standard landowner deer permits and reduces confusion.
MDC is accepting public comments on these proposals from Jan. 16 to Feb. 14, 2026, at mdc.mo.gov/about-regulations/wildlife-code-missouri/proposed-regulation-changes. Final Commission approval would make the regulations effective June 30, 2026.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy