Keith Lusher 12.22.25
The Missouri Department of Conservation has approved a set of regulation changes for spring turkey hunting that will reduce nonresident harvest limits while expanding opportunities for youth hunters beginning with the 2026 season.
The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the changes during its Dec. 12 open meeting in Jefferson City. MDC officials said the updates are designed to address concerns about hunting pressure and crowding, particularly on public lands, while maintaining overall harvest goals.
Under the new rules, nonresident hunters will be limited to harvesting one bearded turkey during the spring season. That is a reduction from the current limit of two birds. MDC said the change is expected to reduce the number of days nonresident hunters spend in the field, which could ease pressure and congestion for resident hunters.
Nonresident landowners will continue to be allowed to harvest two bearded turkeys. However, only one of those birds may be taken during the first seven days of the regular spring season. MDC said this provision preserves opportunities for landowners while still limiting early season pressure.
Youth hunters will also see expanded flexibility under the new regulations. Youth who successfully harvest a turkey during the spring youth portion will now be allowed to take their second bird during the first week of the regular spring season. Under current rules, those hunters must wait until the second week to harvest a second turkey.
MDC said public feedback played a significant role in shaping the changes. Comments consistently showed that resident turkey hunters value having uncrowded places to hunt and raised concerns about increasing nonresident participation, especially on popular public hunting areas.
In addition to the turkey regulation changes, MDC noted it will continue monitoring nonresident participation in other hunting seasons, including deer, as part of its broader wildlife management efforts.
Key dates for the 2026 season have also been set. The Spring Youth Portion will run April 11 through April 12. The Regular Spring Turkey Season will open April 20 and continue through May 10.
Additional regulations, season details, and guidance will be included in the MDC 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which will be released closer to the season and made available online at mdc.mo.gov.
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