Missouri

Centerfire rifles firing expanding soft-point or hollow-point bullets of any caliber are legal for deer hunting during the November firearms season. .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, and .30-06 are leading choices for Missouri Ozarks and northern agricultural whitetails. Suppressors are 100% legal for hunting. FMJ bullets prohibited.

Minimum .40 caliber single-barrel muzzleloaders. Modern in-line muzzleloaders with 209 ignitions, sabots, and magnifying optical scopes are fully legal during the November firearms portion and the dedicated 10-day December/January Alternative Methods season. Black powder or commercial synthetic substitutes only.

Longbow, recurve, and compound bows of any draw weight (provided the bow can propel an arrow with hunting broadhead at least 150 yards). Broadheads must have minimum 7/8-inch cutting diameter. Lighted nocks legal; electronic projecting sights illegal. Archery deer season runs mid-September through mid-January.

Fully legal for ALL hunters during both the general archery season and the firearms seasons without any disability permit. Crossbows must have a functioning mechanical safety and shoot bolts with broadheads measuring at least 7/8 inch wide.

Pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airguns of .40 caliber or larger firing a single expanding slug are 100% legal for deer hunting during both the November firearms portion and the Alternative Methods season. Must be charged from an external tank to high pressure, delivering massive terminal kinetic energy.

10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge shotguns firing single slugs or sabots are legal for deer. 3-shell capacity limit. Buckshot is illegal for deer hunting statewide. Shotguns with non-toxic shot required for all waterfowl on Missouri wetland areas.