The Missouri spring turkey season preliminary report released by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reveals that the statewide harvest totaled 34,593 birds. The number is lower than previous years’ totals. However, the decline is attributed to a drop in overall hunting participation rather than a decrease in the turkey population.
The Missouri turkey hunting spring season ran from April 19 to May 9. There was a decrease in permits sold compared to the 2020 hunt, which totaled 41,458 birds across the state. The 2019 season totaled 38,795 birds harvested.
The bag limit for the spring season is two bearded turkeys for the entire season. However, this cap is limited to one during the first week and one per day at any time of the season.
Missouri Spring Turkey Hunting Season Trends
The 34,593 total for 2021 includes the 2,795 turkeys young hunters bagged during youth hunting weekend on April 10 and 11. This is a slight increase from the 2020 total of 2,724 youth hunter turkeys and the 2019 total of 2,546 birds.
Missouri spring turkey hunting season has been consistent throughout the years, thanks to the stable turkey population statewide. Franklin County led the state with 710 birds reported, Texas County in second place with 666 birds, and Callaway County in third with 639 birds. These rural counties have usually been in the top 5 counties in the state for turkey hunting in the past few years.
Fall and Future Seasons
The fall turkey hunting season, which includes firearm and archery hunting, is typically less popular than the spring season. Firearm season runs October 1 through 31. Archery season is from September 15 through November 12 and November 24 through January 15. However, fall firearm season is prohibited in Dunklin, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot, and Scott counties.
Officials have not yet commented on prospects for 2022 turkey, elk, or deer seasons. Information is usually released in December of each year.
