2023 Spring Turkey Hunting

Regulations and Information, Missouri

Department of Conservation
NOPPADOL PAOTHONG
Table of Contents
Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 What’s New for 2023?
Hunter-Education Requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 ◾  Several managed hunts have been removed or modi-
fied. See Page 16.
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Permit Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Sunrise Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Note: According to rule 3 CSR 10-5.216 of the Wildlife
Landowner Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Code of Missouri, if you have been convicted of multiple
or major violations of the Code in the past five years, the
Apprentice Hunter Authorization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Conservation Commission may consider suspending
Turkey Hunting Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 or revoking your hunting, trapping, and/or fishing
privileges regardless of any previous court action.
Turkey Hunting Regulations on Department Areas . . . . . . . . . . 8 The point system the Commission uses to assess Code
Managed Hunts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 violations is explained at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zg5.
How to Tell a Gobbler from a Hen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Rules for Safe Turkey Hunting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Feral Swine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sharpen Your Shooting Skills
Tagging and Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Regardless of your skill level, you can become a safer,
more accurate shooter by practicing at a shooting range
How to use Telecheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
before hunting season. The Conservation Department
Wildlife Code of Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 offers five fully staffed shooting ranges and many addi-
tional unstaffed ranges. To find one, aim your browser at
mdc.mo.gov/shootingranges.

Director, Department of Conservation

Sara Parker Pauley
The Conservation Commission
Margaret F. Eckelkamp
Steven D. Harrison
Mark L. McHenry
Wm. L. (Barry) Orscheln
Missouri Department of Conservation
PO Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
573-751-4115
mdc.mo.gov
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri
Department of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race,
color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, veteran status,
or disability. Questions should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO Box
180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to
Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
2  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information
 Turkey Seasons

Youth Spring Turkey Hunting Season

Who May Participate: Youth hunters who are age 6–15 on
Hunter-­Education R
­ equirement
opening day All hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, and hunting
Season Dates: April 1–2, 2023 with a Resident or Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting
Permit must complete an approved hunter-­education
Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset Central
course and display their certification card before they
Daylight Time
can purchase a firearms turkey hunting permit unless:
Valid Permits: ◾  They first purchase an Apprentice Hunter Authoriza-
◾  Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit tion. See Page 6 for requirements.
◾  Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit ◾  They are ages 6–15 and will be hunting with a quali-
◾  Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit fied mentor. See Page 5.
◾  They have a developmental disability. See rule 3 CSR
Note: Landowner permits are valid only on the land for which
10-5.205 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
they are issued. See Page 6 for additional information.
Hunters do not need to show their hunter-­education
Youth Season Limit: One male turkey or turkey with a card if certification can be verified online. If this is
visible beard. not possible, some hunters will need to contact the
Note: Youth hunters who take a turkey during youth season Conservation Department to provide proof of hunter-­
may not harvest a second bird until April 24. This is because education certification. Once in Missouri’s permit
the bird taken during the youth ­season counts as the bird for database, hunters won’t have to submit this informa-
the first week of the regular season. tion again.
A person must be at least 11 years old to receive
hunter-­education certification in Missouri. Hunters
Regular Spring Turkey using a Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting
Hunting Season Permit are exempt from the hunter-­education require-
ment unless they were born on or after Jan. 1, 1967,
Season Dates: April 17–May 7, 2023 and are mentoring a firearms hunter who is not hunter-­
Shooting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. Central education certified.
Daylight Time For more information or to find a hunter-­education
Valid Permits: class in your area, visit mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation.
◾  Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
◾  Resident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
◾  Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
◾  Nonresident Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit
Season Limit: Two male turkeys or turkeys with a
visible beard may be taken ­during the season, with the
following restrictions:
◾  You may take only one turkey during the first week from
April 17–23.
◾  If you do not take a turkey during the first week, then
you may take two during the second or third week from
April 24–May 7, but you may not take them both on the
same day.
Note: If you harvest a turkey during a managed hunt, it
counts toward your two-bird season limit. See pages 16–17.

Notch your permit immediately OPERATION GAME THIEF

and Telecheck your turkey by Remain Anonymous; Reward Possible
10 p.m. on the day it is taken. Dial 800-392-1111

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 3

 General Information

W
ild turkeys may be pursued, taken, possessed, or
transported only as outlined in this booklet. For MDC’s MO Hunting App Makes
complete hunting regulations, refer to the Wild- Permits Easy
life Code of Missouri, available at sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/
The Conservation Department’s free MO
current/3csr/3csr.asp.
Hunting app offers a quick, easy, and
The following methods are allowed: convenient option for carrying your
◾  Shotguns with shot not larger than No. 4 permits afield, voiding a permit after
◾  Longbows, recurve bows, or compound bows. Hand-held harvesting a turkey, and Telechecking
string-releasing devices, illuminated sights, scopes, and your harvest.
quickpoint sights are allowed. The app, which is available for Apple and Android
◾  Crossbows devices, allows you to:
◾  Atlatls ◾  Purchase permits.
◾  See all the hunting, fishing, and trapping permits you
The following methods are prohibited:
have purchased — even if they were purchased from
◾  Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells in
a traditional vendor, online, or by telephone.
­magazine and chamber combined
◾  Carry valid, electronic permits afield.
◾  Shot larger than No. 4 (in use or in possession)
◾  Electronically “notch” (void) your turkey permits
◾  Rifles and handguns
directly from the app.
◾  Firearms that propel a single projectile at one discharge
◾  Telecheck your turkey, using an easy-to-fill form.
◾  Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game
Telecheck will upload a confirmation number to the
◾  Thermal imagery equipment or night vision equipment (in
app. You can also see turkeys and deer you have
use or in possession)
Telechecked in the past. Note: Wildlife labeling
◾  Recorded calls (in use or in possession)
requirements still apply. See Page 20.
◾  Use of dogs or live decoys
◾  Flood-prone areas in southeast Missouri are closed to all To log in to MO Hunting, you’ll need your Conservation
hunting during spring turkey season when river levels Number. This nine-digit number can be found on your
exceed certain limits on local river gauges. To see if an area Heritage Card, Conservation Permit Card, or any current
is closed for hunting, visit mdc.mo.gov/semofloods. or previous permit. For help locating your Conservation
◾  Use of bait, which includes grain or other feed placed or Number, call 573-522-0107 during regular business
scattered so as to attract turkeys. An area is considered hours or go to short.mdc.mo.gov/ZkH.
baited for 10 days after complete removal of the bait. A MO Hunting is available for free in the Google Play
hunter can be in violation if they take or attempt to take a and Apple App stores. You can also get MO Hunting and
turkey by aid of bait where the hunter knows or reasonably learn more about the app at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zi2.
should know the area is or was baited. It is illegal to place Note: Make sure you update MO Hunting before
bait in a way that causes others to be in violation of the each hunting season to ensure you are using the most
baiting rule. recent version of the app and that all of your permits
Voiding the Permit: If you harvest a turkey, you must notch are visible while hunting.
your permit immediately. See Page 20.
Tagging and Checking: See pages 20–21 for tagging and
checking requirements.
Coyotes may not be
Additional Information: chased, pursued, or taken
◾  If you kill or injure a turkey, you must make a reasonable during daylight hours from
effort to retrieve and include it in your season limit, but this April 1–16, 2023. During
does not authorize trespass. the regular spring turkey
◾  It is a violation to wantonly leave, abandon, or waste com- season, coyotes may be
monly edible portions of game. taken only from one-half
◾  During the regular spring turkey season, anyone assisting hour before sunrise to
another hunter must be properly licensed with either a 1 p.m., using only legal
filled or unfilled spring turkey hunting permit. spring turkey hunting methods, and only by hunters
◾  During youth turkey season, you do not need a permit to holding an unfilled spring turkey hunting permit and
assist a properly licensed youth hunter. You must, how- either a Resident Small Game Hunting Permit or a
ever, be 18 or older and hunter-­education certified or born Nonresident Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Permit.
before Jan. 1, 1967.

4  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

 Spring Turkey Permits SUNRISE AT ­JEFFERSON CITY, MO.
Central Daylight Time
Resident Spring Turkey ­Hunting Permit SUNRISE SUNSET SUNRISE
DAY A.M. P.M. DAY A.M.
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17
APRIL APRIL
Age 6–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50 1 . . . . . 6:54 . . . . . . 7:32 27 . . . . . 6:17
Resident Landowner 2 . . . . . 6:52 . . . . . . 7:33 28 . . . . . 6:15
Spring Turkey Hunting Permit . . . . . . . No cost; see Page 6 17 . . . . . 6:30 29 . . . . . 6:14
18 . . . . . 6:29 30 . . . . . 6:13
Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit 19 . . . . . 6:27 MAY
Age 16 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $224 20 . . . . . 6:26 1 . . . . . 6:12
Age 6–15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.50 21 . . . . . 6:25 2 . . . . . 6:11
22 . . . . . 6:23 3 . . . . . 6:09
Nonresident Landowner Spring Turkey 23 . . . . . 6:22 4 . . . . . 6:08
Hunting Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $165 24 . . . . . 6:21 5 . . . . . 6:07
Available to nonresidents who own at least 75 acres in one 25 . . . . . 6:19 6 . . . . . 6:06
contiguous tract in Missouri and members of the landowner’s 26 . . . . . 6:18 7 . . . . . 6:05
immediate household. See Page 6 for details. This table is for ­Jefferson City and points on the same longitude
north or south. For locations east, subtract one minute from the
Note: Youth age 6–15 are not required to be hunter-­ table for each 13 1/2 miles (airline) of ­distance. For ­locations west,
education certified. If a youth is hunter-­education certified add one minute for each 13 1/2 miles.
and hunting on a resident or nonresident spring turkey per-
mit, they may hunt alone. If a youth is not hunter-­education ◾  Any member of the U.S. military currently assigned as a
certified, they must be in the immediate presence of a men- patient to a Warrior Transition Brigade, Warrior Transition
tor, age 18 or older, who is hunter-­education certified or born Unit, or a military medical center; must carry orders show-
before Jan. 1, 1967. The mentor does not need a permit dur- ing such assignment while hunting and purchasing permits.
ing the youth turkey season but must possess a spring turkey ◾  Nonresidents who are registered students attending a
hunting permit (filled or unfilled) during the regular season. public or private secondary, postsecondary, or vocational
Mentors may not hunt turkeys during the youth season. school in Missouri and who live in Missouri while attending
Regardless of age, a youth hunter must be capable of school; must carry evidence of a Missouri residence and
holding, aiming, and shooting the firearm without help from student status, such as a student ID, while hunting.
a mentor. Note: Nonresident students who qualify for resident
Resident land­owners born after Jan. 1, 1967, permits must purchase them in person, over the phone, or
accompanying youths on the landowner’s property must be through the mail from Conservation Department offices.
hunter-­education certified. ◾  Immigrants who possess an I-551 Resident Alien Card from
the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service and who
Who may purchase resident permits? do not claim resident privileges in another state or country,
◾  Any person who does not claim resident privileges in and whose actual residence and legal permanent home
another state or country, and whose actual residence and address are both in Missouri, and have been for at least 30
legal permanent home address are both in Missouri, and days before purchasing a permit.
have been for at least 30 days before applying for the per-
mit. Owning real estate or attending a Missouri school does Purchasing Permits
not in itself make you a legal resident. You may purchase turkey hunting permits:
◾  Missouri residents employed by the United States in the ◾  Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges
District of Columbia or serving in the U.S. armed forces. will be assessed.
(Immediate family members who reside with them also ◾  Online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Use your credit card
may purchase resident permits.) to pay. No surcharges will be assessed. Print your permit at
◾  All members of the U.S. armed forces stationed and resid- home and have it in hand immediately.
ing in Missouri on permanent change-of-station status and ◾  From your smartphone using the free MO Hunting app (see
immediate family members residing with them. Page 4). Use your credit card to pay. No surcharges will be
◾  Any honorably discharged military veteran having a assessed. Your permit will appear on the app immediately
service-related disability of 60 percent or greater, or who after purchase.
was a prisoner of war during military service; must carry ◾  By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay
certified statement of eligibility from the U.S. Department a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery.
of Veterans Affairs while hunting and purchasing permits. Note: No-cost resident landowner permits also are available.
See Page 6 for additional information.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 5

 Landowner Permits
All turkey hunters, including landowners, must have a valid
turkey hunting permit. Resident landowners may quailfy for Know the Rules
no-cost resident landowner permits. Nonresident landowners Each hunter may harvest only two turkeys during the
may quailfy for reduced-cost nonresident landowner permits. spring season. You may not harvest additional turkeys
No-Cost Resident Landowner Permits using landowner permits (either no-cost resident or
To qualify for no-cost resident landowner permits, you must reduced-cost nonresident). All landowner permits are
be a Missouri resident. A Missouri resident is a person who valid only on the land for which they are issued. You
does not claim any resident privileges (for example, hunt- must purchase permits to hunt on land you do not own.
ing, fishing, trapping, driver’s license, or registered voter) in
another state or country and whose legal residence or domi- Where to Get Landowner Permits
cile has been in the state of Missouri for at least 30 days prior
to obtaining a landowner permit. Once your Landowner Permit Application has been accepted,
you may get landowner permits using any of the following
In addition to being a Missouri resident, you methods:
also must meet one of the following criteria: ◾  Over the counter from any permit vendor. No surcharges
◾  You must own at least 20 acres in one contiguous tract. will be assessed.
◾  You must be a member of the landowner’s immediate ◾  Online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. Print your permit at
household and have the same legal residence as the land- home and have it in hand immediately.
owner for at least the last 30 days. ◾  From your smartphone using the free MO Hunting app (see
◾  You must be a general partner of a resident limited liability Page 4). Your permit will appear on the app immediately
partnership, limited partnership, or limited liability limited after purchase.
partnership, or a general partner of a general partnership ◾  By telephone at 800-392-4115. Use your credit card and pay
formed by written agreement and the partnership must a $1 surcharge. Allow 10 days for delivery.
own at least 20 contiguous acres. Whichever method you choose, please be ready to provide
◾  You must be an officer of a resident or foreign corporation your Conservation Number, Social Security number, or driver’s
and the corporation must own at least 20 contiguous acres. license number.
◾  You must be a managing member of a resident limited
liability company and the company must own at least 20
contiguous acres.
◾  You must be an officer of a benevolent association organized Apprentice Hunter Authorization
pursuant to Chapter 352 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri To help introduce adults to hunting, the Conservation
and the association must own at least 20 contiguous acres. Department allows hunters age 16 or older who are
◾  You must be a settlor of a revocable trust and own at least not hunter-­education certified to hunt with firearms, as
20 contiguous acres. long as they:
◾  You must be a permissible distributee of an irrevocable ◾  First purchase the Apprentice Hunter Authorization
trust and own at least 20 contiguous acres. for $10;
◾  Then purchase a firearms hunting permit for the sea-
Reduced-Cost Nonresident Landowner Permits son they want to hunt, for example, a Resident Spring
The Conservation Department offers reduced-cost nonresi- Turkey Hunting Permit; and
dent landowner permits. To qualify, you must own at least 75 ◾  Hunt in the immediate presence of a properly
acres in one contiguous tract in Missouri. You also qualify if licensed mentor 18 years old or older who is hunter-­
you are a member of the landowner’s immediate household education certified or was born before Jan. 1, 1967.
whose legal residence and domicile is the same as the land- The mentor must have a filled or unfilled permit for
owner’s for at least the last 30 days. the prescribed season. “Immediate presence” means
close enough for normal conversation, without
Submit Property Information to Get shouting.
Landowner Permits Note: The Apprentice Hunter Authorization can be
To get no-cost resident landowner permits or reduced- purchased twice, and it allows the holder to obtain
cost nonresident landowner permits, you must submit firearms permits throughout the permit year. After the
information about your property to the Conservation second purchase, the apprentice hunter will be required
Department by filling out a Landowner Permit Applica- to become hunter-­education certified if they want to
tion at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits. continue purchasing firearms permits.

6  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

 Habitat Management is Key to Increase Turkey Numbers
NOPPADOL PAOTHONG

A
lthough wild turkeys can be found throughout Missouri’s wild turkeys were no exception. Although an
Missouri’s diverse landscapes, turkey numbers in increase in turkey numbers above current population levels
the Show-Me State have declined since their peak is possible when good production occurs, it is unlikely turkey
in the early-to-mid 2000s. Based on recent research, poor numbers will ever increase to the peak populations observed
production — not poor survival or overharvest — appears following restoration. Wild turkey populations are dynamic,
to be the greatest contributor to turkey population declines. and turkey reproductive success is rarely constant from year
Unfortunately, turkey production in Missouri and neighboring to year. In the future, hunters should expect to see consider-
states has exhibited a long-term downward trend and has able fluctuations in turkey numbers. There will be periods
been especially poor the past few years. when poor production reduces turkey numbers for several
Multiple factors influence turkey production, including years and periods when improved production will result in
weather, habitat, predators, and food availability. Although more turkeys on the landscape.
land managers cannot control the weather, they can create
and improve turkey nesting and brood-rearing habitat. In A Comprehensive Approach to Wild
general, this type of cover consists of a knee-high mixture Turkey Management
of grasses and other herbaceous vegetation. Planting native The mission of the Conservation Department’s Wild Turkey
warm-season grasses in open areas and thinning woodlands Management Program is to use science-based methods,
are great ways to establish this type of cover. If you have spe- including public engagement, to manage wild turkey
cific questions about how to improve turkey habitat on your populations throughout Missouri that provide quality hunting
property, contact your local MDC private land conservationist. and other recreational opportunities. A range of biological
information is collected annually to monitor trends in turkey
Transitional Times production, abundance, and population age-structure. The
Missouri’s turkey population has undergone a transition Department has conducted a number of wild turkey research
during the past several decades. In the 1970s and 1980s, projects, and data from these studies provide important
when the recently restored population was expanding rapidly, information used to make management decisions. The
people often reported seeing flocks of turkeys during winter Department also surveys thousands of hunters each year to
that numbered well into the hundreds. During that time, learn about their opinions, success, and satisfaction.
production was extremely high as turkeys took advantage of
vacant, highly suitable habitat. But a basic ecological principle Looking Ahead to the 2023 Season
eventually caught up with Missouri’s turkeys. As wildlife The Show-Me State still offers great turkey hunting even
populations grow, factors that limit their size exert ever- when numbers are down. Each year, the spring turkey harvest
greater influence. Habitats become crowded, predators find continues to be among the highest in the nation, and despite
easy prey, and disease spreads more quickly. By increasing relatively poor production the past few years, the 2023 season
mortality, decreasing production, or doing both, each limiting should be no exception.
factor puts the brakes on an expanding population.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 7

 Turkey Hunting Regulations on Areas Managed
or Owned by the Conservation Department

T
his table is intended to inform hunters of opportunities Area Name County 1 2 3 4
for hunting wild turkeys on public land managed or
owned by the Conservation Department. Elam Bend Gentry ✓
Turkey hunting is only allowed on Department areas Elrod Mill Access Andrew ✓
that are listed in the table. If an area that is owned or man- Floyd Memorial Chariton ✓
aged by the Conservation Department is not listed, turkey
Fountain Grove Linn, ­Livingston ✓ ✓
hunting is not allowed. For hunting opportunities on public
land that is not owned or managed by the Conservation Gallatin Daviess ✓
Department, contact the appropriate agency. Grand Pass Saline ✓ ✓
For maps and more details of areas listed on the following
Grand Trace Harrison ✓
pages, contact the regional office or visit mdc.mo.gov/atlas.
Hadorn Bridge Access Andrew ✓
Regulation key for table Happy Holler Lake Andrew ✓
Hardin Ray ✓
1. Statewide turkey seasons and limits apply.
2. Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, atlatls, and Helton Memorial Harrison ✓
crossbows may be used. Turkey hunting with firearms Holmes Bend Access Daviess ✓
is prohibited. All other statewide turkey seasons and Honey Creek Andrew ✓
limits apply.
3. Only nontoxic shot may be used. Jamesport ­
Daviess ✓
4. Managed hunt. See pages 16–17 for details. Community Lake
King Lake DeKalb, Gentry ✓
Northwest 816-271-3100 Kneib Memorial Buchanan ✓
Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Lake Paho Mercer ✓
Agency Buchanan ✓ Little Compton Lake Carroll ✓
Aspinwall Bend Atchison ✓ ✓ Little Tarkio Prairie Holt ✓
Bagley Woods 1
Mercer ✓ Logan Memorial Buchanan ✓
Bee Creek Buchanan ✓ Lower Hamburg Bend Atchison ✓ ✓
Belcher Branch Lake Buchanan ✓ McClure Mercer ✓
Bilby Ranch Lake Nodaway ✓ McCormack Holt ✓
Bluffwoods Buchanan ✓ McGee Family Clinton ✓
Bonanza Caldwell ✓ McKinny Carroll ✓
Brickyard Hill Atchison ✓ Mockingbird Hill Access Grundy ✓
Brown (Bob) Holt ✓ ✓ Monkey Mountain Holt ✓
Bunch Hollow Carroll ✓ Mussel Fork Linn, Macon ✓
Chloe Lowry Marsh Mercer ✓ Nishnabotna Atchison ✓ ✓
Christie Andrew ✓ Nodaway County
Nodaway ✓
Corning Atchison, Holt ✓ ✓ Community Lake
Crooked River Ray ✓ Nodaway Valley Holt, Andrew ✓ ✓
Dalton Bottoms Access Chariton ✓ O’Keefe Buchanan ✓
Davis Memorial Andrew ✓ Pawnee Prairie Harrison ✓
Denton Access Gentry ✓ Pigeon Hill Buchanan ✓
Deroin Bend Atchison, Holt ✓ ✓ Pony Express Lake Dekalb ✓
Dupree Memorial Buchanan ✓ Poosey Livingston ✓
Price Bridge Access Chariton ✓
This area is landlocked. You must get permission from
1
Punkin Center Access Livingston ✓
landowner to gain access.
8  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information
 Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Riverbreaks Holt ✓ Griffiths Memorial Macon ✓
Rush Bottoms Holt ✓ ✓ Heath Memorial Clark ✓
Schifferdecker Memorial Carroll ✓ Henry Sever Lake Knox ✓
Seat Memorial Gentry, Worth ✓ Hidden Hollow Macon ✓
Sowards Ford Access Worth ✓ Hunnewell Access Shelby ✓
Star School Hill Prairie Atchison ✓ Hunnewell Lake Shelby ✓
Sterling Price Indian Hills Scotland ✓
Chariton ✓
C
­ ommunity Lake Julian Steyermark Woods Marion ✓
Sunbridge Hills Buchanan ✓ LaBelle Lake Lewis ✓
Tarkio Prairie Atchison ✓ Locust Creek Sullivan ✓
Thurnau Holt ✓ ✓ McPike Access Marion ✓
VanDyke Mercer ✓ Mineral Hills Putnam ✓
Wagner Ray ✓ Montgomery Woods Adair, Macon ✓
Wiese2 Chariton ✓ Morris Prairie Sullivan ✓
Wolf Creek Bend Holt ✓ ✓ Mound View Access Shelby ✓
Worth County Neeper Clark ✓
Worth ✓
C
­ ommunity Lake
Pin Oak Shelby ✓
Worthwine Island Andrew ✓
Ranacker Pike ✓
Yellow Creek Chariton ✓
Ray Memorial Marion ✓
Northeast 660-785-2420
Rebel’s Cove Putnam, Schuyler ✓
Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Redman Macon ✓
Anderson Ralls, Pike ✓
Rocky Hollow Monroe ✓
Arrow-Wood Shelby ✓
Rose Pond Clark ✓ ✓
Atlanta —
Macon ✓ Sears Community Lake Sullivan ✓
Long Branch Lake
Macon, Shanks Pike ✓ ✓
Bee Hollow ✓
R
­ andolph Shoemaker Adair ✓
Big Creek Adair ✓ Soulard Access Marion ✓
Black Hawk Access Marion ✓ Sugar Creek Adair ✓
Bollow Shelby ✓ Sunnyside School
Lewis ✓
Callahan Mound Access Marion ✓ Access

Cedar Bluff Access Monroe ✓ Thomas Hill ­Reservoir Macon ✓

Clark Clark ✓ Tolona Access Lewis ✓

Dark Hollow Sullivan Adair, ­Putnam,

✓ Union Ridge ✓
S­ ullivan
Deer Ridge Lewis ✓
Upper Mississippi —
Dodd Access Macon ✓ Angle, Blackbird, Black-
Dunn Ford Access Marion ✓ burn, Ducher, Gilbert, Pike ✓
Dupont Reservation Pike ✓ Mozier, North, Pharrs
and South Fritz Islands
Elmslie Memorial Marion ✓
Upper Mississippi —
Ewing Lake Scotland ✓ Marion ✓
Bay Island
Fabius Chute Access Marion ✓ Upper Mississippi —
Fox Valley Lake Clark Lewis ✓
✓ Cottonwood Island
Frost Island Clark ✓ ✓ Upper Mississippi —
Area is accessible by boat via Grand River or with permission
2 Fabius, Orton, Poage, Marion ✓
from surrounding landowners. Whitney, Ziegler Islands

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 9

 Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Area Name County 1 2 3 4
White Oak Bend Access Knox ✓ J.N. “Turkey” Kearn
Pettis, ­Johnson ✓
Willingham M
­ emorial Monroe ✓ Memorial
Woodlawn Access Monroe ✓ Kendzora Buchanan, Platte ✓
Wyaconda Crossing Lewis ✓ Kings Prairie Access St. Clair ✓
Kansas City  816-622-0900 La Due Bottoms Henry ✓
Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Liberty Bend Clay ✓
Amarugia Highland Cass ✓ Linscomb St. Clair ✓
Balltown Access Vernon ✓ Little Bean Marsh Platte ✓ ✓
Baltimore Bend Lafayette ✓ Lone Jack Lake Jackson ✓
Berrier (Dr. Harry and Lost Valley Fish
Cass ✓ Benton ✓
Mrs. Lina) Memorial Hatchery
Big Buffalo Creek Benton, Morgan ✓ Maple Leaf Lake Lafayette ✓
Big Drywood Creek Vernon ✓ Marshall Platte ✓
Birdsong St. Clair ✓ Montrose Henry ✓ ✓
Blackjack Access St. Clair ✓ Mora Benton ✓
Brickley Hollow Benton ✓ Mount Hulda ­Towersite Benton ✓
Bridger Urban Jackson ✓ Old Town Access Bates ✓
Bristow Vernon ✓ Osage Prairie Vernon ✓
Bruns Tract Pettis ✓ Paint Brush Prairie Pettis ✓
Bryson’s Hope Pettis ✓ Park, Guy B. Platte ✓
Burr Oak Woods Jackson ✓ Parma Woods Range &
Training Center — North Platte ✓
Cephas Ford Access Vernon ✓ of Powerlines Only
Chapel View Prairie Henry ✓ Peabody Bates ✓
Cooley Lake Clay ✓ ✓ Saline, Pettis,
Dave Rock St. Clair Perry Memorial ✓ ✓
✓ Johnson
Dorsett Hill Prairie Cass ✓ Platte Falls Platte ✓ ✓
Douglas Branch Vernon ✓ Poague Henry ✓
Drovers Prairie Pettis ✓ Ripgut Prairie Bates ✓
Edmonson Access Benton ✓ Schell-Osage Vernon, St. Clair ✓ ✓
Ferguson-Herold Lafayette ✓ Settle’s Ford Bates, Cass ✓ ✓
Fewel Henry ✓ Sni-A-Bar Lafayette ✓
Flight Lake Vernon ✓ Taberville Prairie St. Clair ✓
Four Rivers Vernon, Bates ✓ ✓ Truman Reservoir —
Henry ✓
Friendly Prairie Pettis ✓ Bethlehem
Gama Grass Prairie Vernon ✓ Truman Reservoir —
Henry ✓
Brownington
Grandfather Prairie Pettis ✓
Truman Reservoir —
Granny’s Acres Benton ✓ Benton ✓
Brush Creek
Harmony Mission Lake Bates ✓
Truman Reservoir —
Hartwell Pettis ✓ Henry ✓
Cedar Creek
Hazel Hill Lake Johnson ✓ Truman Reservoir —
Henry ✓
Hi Lonesome Prairie Benton ✓ Deepwater Creek
Ionia Ridge Benton ✓ Truman Reservoir —
St. Clair ✓
Kahrs-Boger Park Pettis Gallinipper Creek
✓

10  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Truman Reservoir — Danville — Thornhill &
Henry ✓ Montgomery ✓
Gouge Eye Schulze Annex
Truman Reservoir — Davisdale Howard ✓
Henry ✓
Grand River ­Bottoms Diana Bend Howard ✓ ✓
Truman Reservoir — Diggs Audrain ✓
Henry ✓
Leesville
Eagle Bluffs Boone ✓ ✓
Truman Reservoir —
Benton ✓ Earthquake Hollow Callaway ✓
Little Pomme de Terre
Truman Reservoir — Fiery Fork Camden ✓
Benton ✓ Franklin Island Howard
Little Tebo Creek ✓ ✓
Truman Reservoir — Gale Access Camden ✓
St. Clair ✓
Sac-Osage Grand Bluffs Montgomery ✓
Truman Reservoir — Hart Creek Boone ✓
St. Clair ✓
Salt Creek
Hinkson Woods Boone ✓
Truman Reservoir —
Benton ✓ Hite Prairie Morgan ✓
Tebo Islands
Honey Creek Access Cole ✓
Truman Reservoir —
Henry ✓ Hungry Mother Howard ✓
Upper Tebo Creek
Truman Reservoir — Lamine River Cooper, Morgan ✓
St. Clair ✓
Valhalla Lick Creek Boone ✓
Truman Reservoir — Little Dixie Lake Callaway ✓
St. Clair ✓
Weaubleau Creek
Loutre Lick Access Montgomery ✓
Urich Henry ✓
Lowe Audrain ✓
Wah-Kon-Tah Prairie —
St. Clair ✓ Madden Ford Access Miller ✓
North of Highway 82
Morgan,
W.R. Kearn Pettis ✓ Manito Lake ✓
Moniteau
Central 573-815-7900
Mansfield Camden ✓
Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Marion Bottoms Cole, ­Moniteau ✓
Ben Branch Lake Osage ✓
Marshall Junction Saline ✓
Boone, Howard,
Bennitt, Rudolf ✓ Moniteau Creek Howard ✓
Randolph
Moores Mill Access Callaway ✓
Blind Pony Lake Saline ✓
Northcutt Memorial Audrain ✓
Blue Lick Saline ✓
Painted Rock Osage ✓
Boeckman Bridge
Miller ✓ Pikes Camp Access Cole ✓
Access
Branch Towersite Camden ✓ Plowboy Bend Moniteau ✓ ✓
Bruns Access Osage ✓ Moniteau,
Prairie Home ✓
C
­ ooper
Burnt Mill Cave Camden ✓
Proctor Towersite Morgan ✓
Canaan Gasconade ✓
Reform Callaway ✓
Carpenter Memorial Morgan ✓
Rinquelin Trail
Charles W. Green Boone ✓ Maries ✓
C
­ ommunity Lake
Church Farm Cole ✓ ✓
Rocky Fork Lakes Boone ✓
Clifty Creek Maries ✓
Rocky Mount ­Towersite Miller ✓
Cooper Hill Osage ✓
Saline Valley Miller ✓
Danville Montgomery ✓
Scrivner Road Cole ✓
Danville —
Montgomery ✓ Smith Moniteau, Cole ✓
Baldwin Annex

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 11

 Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Smoky Waters Osage, Cole ✓ Franklin,
Little Indian Creek ✓
Spring Creek Gap Maries ✓ Washington
Stringtown Bridge Access Cole ✓ Little Lost Creek Warren ✓
Tate Island Callaway ✓ Logan Lincoln ✓
Three Creeks Boone ✓ Long Ridge Franklin ✓
Toronto Springs Camden ✓ Marais Temps Clair St. Charles ✓ ✓
Tri-City Community Lake Boone ✓ Meramec — All of Area
Franklin ✓
Except Wildlife Refuge3
Vandalia Community
Audrain ✓ Merrill Horse Access Jefferson ✓
Lake
Waters & Moss Myron and Sonya
Boone ✓ Jefferson ✓
Memorial Glassberg Family
Wellsville Lake Montgomery ✓ Noser Mill Franklin ✓
Whetstone Creek Callaway ✓ Pacific Palisades Jefferson ✓
White Audrain ✓ Pea Ridge Washington ✓
Wigwam School Access Morgan ✓ Prairie Slough Pike, Lincoln ✓
Wilson Camp Access Miller ✓ Redhorse Access Franklin ✓
St. Louis  636-441-4554 Reifsnider Warren ✓
Area Name County 1 2 3 4 River ‘Round Franklin ✓
Anderson Memorial Crawford ✓ Saint Stanislaus St. Louis ✓
August A. Busch St. Charles ✓ Sandy Island Lincoln ✓
August A. Busch Sizemore Memorial Crawford ✓
Shooting Range and Upper Mississippi —
St. Charles ✓ St. Charles ✓
Outdoor Education Dresser Island
Center Upper Mississippi —
St. Charles ✓
B.K. Leach Memorial Lincoln ✓ ✓ Pool 26 Tracts
Blue Springs Creek Crawford ✓ Upper Mississippi —
Bootleg Access Washington ✓ Stag, Sterling, Lincoln ✓
Westport Islands
Catawissa Franklin ✓
Valley View Glades Jefferson ✓
Columbia Bottom St. Louis ✓ ✓
Victoria Glades Jefferson ✓
Crooked Creek Crawford ✓
Vonaventure Memorial Lincoln ✓
Cuivre Island — Lincoln,
✓ Weldon Spring St. Charles ✓
Island Portion Only St. Charles
Cuivre Island — Lincoln, White Memorial Lincoln ✓
✓
Mainland Portion St. Charles Young Jefferson ✓
Daniel Boone Warren ✓ Southwest 417-895-6880
Forest 44 — Jay Henges Area Name County 1 2 3 4
St. Louis ✓
Range Restricted Portion Alfred Newton Gossett Dallas ✓
Howell Island St. Charles ✓ Barclay Dallas ✓
Hughes Mountain Washington ✓ Bear Creek Laclede ✓
Huzzah Crawford ✓ Bennett Spring Access Dallas ✓
Kessler Memorial Lincoln ✓ Bethel Prairie Barton ✓
Keysville Towersite Crawford ✓ Bluff Springs Cedar ✓
Kingston Access Washington ✓ Bois D’Arc Greene ✓
LaBarque Creek Jefferson ✓ Boston Ferry Taney ✓
Brush Creek Polk ✓
3
Hunting is not allowed in the wildlife refuge.
12  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information
Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Buffalo Hills McDonald ✓ Mule Shoe Camden, Hickory ✓
Buffalo Wallow Prairie Barton ✓ Murphy Memorial Hickory ✓
Bushwhacker Lake Barton, ­Vernon ✓ Neosho Towersite Newton ✓
Busiek Christian ✓ Niangua Webster ✓
Capps Creek Newton ✓ Osage Fork Laclede ✓
Charity Access Dallas ✓ Pa Sole Prairie Barton ✓
Clear Creek Vernon, Barton ✓ Paris Springs Access Lawrence ✓
Coffin Cave Laclede ✓ Phenix Access Greene ✓
Compton Hollow Webster ✓ Pilot Knob Stone ✓
Comstock Prairie Barton ✓ Pleasant Hope Polk ✓
Corry Flatrocks Dade ✓ Pomme de Terre Lake
Hickory, Polk ✓
Cowskin Access McDonald ✓ Management Lands
Cross Timbers Access Hickory ✓ Powell Towersite McDonald ✓
Dale Sare Greene ✓ Providence Prairie Lawrence ✓
Davis Memorial Barton ✓ Rader Access Webster ✓
Deep Ford Access McDonald ✓ Redwing Prairie Barton ✓
Diamond Grove Prairie Newton ✓ Risch Barton ✓
Dorris Creek Prairie Barton ✓ Roaring River Barry ✓
Drury-Mincy Taney ✓ Rocky Barrens Greene ✓
Drynob Access Laclede ✓ Sentinel Polk ✓
Drywood Barton ✓ Shawnee Trail Barton ✓
Fiddlers Ford Access Dade ✓ Sky Prairie Cedar ✓
Flag Spring McDonald, Barry ✓ Sloan Dade ✓
Fort Crowder Newton ✓ Stockton Lake —
Dade, Polk ✓
Big Sac Unit
Goodman Towersite Newton ✓
Stockton Lake —
Goose Creek Laclede ✓ Dade, Polk ✓
Little Sac Unit
Hayes Spring Stone ✓ Stony Point Prairie Dade ✓
Holland Stone ✓ Stubblefield Access Barry ✓
Hollister Towersite Taney ✓ Talbot Lawrence ✓
Horse Creek Prairie Dade ✓ Tipton Ford Access Newton ✓
Huckleberry Ridge McDonald ✓ Treaty Line Prairie Barton ✓
Indigo Prairie Dade ✓ Truman Reservoir —
Jessie Hollow Stone Hickory ✓
✓ Cross Timbers
Kickapoo Prairie Lawrence ✓ Turkey Creek Cedar ✓
Lanagan Towersite McDonald ✓ Twenty-Five Mile Prairie Polk ✓
Lead Mine Dallas ✓ Wade and June Shelton
Dade ✓
Lewis Family, Dean, Memorial
Anna Mae, and Taney ✓ Williams Ford Access Dallas ✓
David D. Memorial Wire Road Stone ✓
Little Sac Woods Greene ✓ Ozark 417-256-7161
Mary Lawson Laclede ✓ Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Monegaw Prairie Cedar ✓ Allen Memorial Wright ✓
Mo-No-I Prairie Barton ✓ Angeline Shannon ✓
Mon-Shon Prairie Barton ✓ Barn Hollow Howell, Texas ✓

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 13

 Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Barnes Texas ✓ Odin Access Wright ✓
Beaver Creek Phelps ✓ Patrick Bridge Access Ozark ✓
Birch Creek Shannon ✓ Peck Ranch — Inside
Shannon, Carter ✓
Bohigian Phelps ✓ Fenced Portion
Brown Dent ✓ Peck Ranch — Outside
Shannon, Carter ✓
Fenced Portion
Bull Shoals Lake Ozark ✓
Piney River Narrows Texas ✓
Buzzard Bluff Access Wright ✓
Rippee Douglas ✓
Cabool Towersite Texas ✓
Rocky Creek Shannon ✓
Caney Mountain —
Ozark ✓ Rosati Towersite Phelps ✓
Outside Fenced Area
Caney Mountain — Rose Hill Towersite Oregon ✓
Ozark ✓
Inside Fenced Area Roubidoux Creek Pulaski ✓
Carter Creek Carter ✓ Sand Pond Ripley ✓
Cedar Gap Wright ✓ Shannon Ranch Douglas ✓
Cedar Grove Dent ✓ Short Bend Access Dent ✓
Clement Memorial Sunklands Shannon ✓
Dent ✓
Forest Tecumseh Towersite Ozark ✓
Cover Memorial Oregon ✓ Thomasville ­Towersite Shannon ✓
Cover Prairie Howell ✓ Timber Knob ­Towersite Ozark ✓
Davidson-Paris Howell ✓ Tingler Prairie Howell ✓
Davis Howell ✓ Twin Knobs ­Towersite Douglas ✓
Dixon Towersite Pulaski ✓ Vanderhoef ­Memorial Howell ✓
Eck Texas ✓ Vera Cruz Access Douglas ✓
Fort Leonard Wood Warm Fork Oregon ✓
Pulaski ✓
Towersite
White State Forest
Fourche Creek Ripley ✓ Texas ✓
Nursery
Fuson Wright ✓ White Ranch Howell ✓
Gasconade Hills Pulaski ✓ White River Trace Dent ✓
Gist Ranch Texas ✓ Woods Memorial Phelps, ­Crawford ✓
Grandin Towersite Ripley ✓ Southeast 573-290-5730
Hemenway Ripley ✓ Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Horseshoe Bend Texas ✓ Amidon Memorial Bollinger ✓
Houston Towersite Texas ✓ Apple Creek Cape Girardeau ✓
Hunter Towersite Carter ✓ Aquilla Access Stoddard ✓
Hyer Woods Dent ✓ Ben Cash Memorial Dunklin ✓
Indian Trail Dent ✓ Big Cane Butler ✓
Little Black Ripley ✓ Bismarck St. Francois, ✓
Little Prairie Phelps ✓ Black Island — All Units Pemiscot ✓ ✓
Massengill Douglas ✓ Blue Spring Branch Perry ✓
Midvale Texas ✓ Buck Mountain4 St. Francois ✓
Montauk Towersite Dent ✓ Buford Mountain Iron, ­Washington ✓
Mountain View Cape LaCroix Bluffs Scott ✓
Howell ✓
Towersite
Castor River Bollinger ✓
Mudpuppy Ripley ✓
Cedar Mountain 4
Iron ✓
Norfork Lake Ozark ✓

14  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

 Area Name County 1 2 3 4 Area Name County 1 2 3 4
Chalk Bluff Trail Access Dunklin ✓ Mac and Zelma
Butler ✓
Champion Springs 4
Reynolds ✓ Carmichael State Forest4
Clearwater Reynolds ✓ Magnolia Hollow Ste. ­Genevieve ✓
Clearwater Lake Reynolds ✓ Maintz Wildlife Preserve Cape Girardeau ✓
Clubb Creek Bollinger ✓ Marquand Access Madison ✓
Coldwater Access Wayne ✓ Millstream Gardens Madison ✓
Coldwater — Inside Oak Ridge Stoddard ✓
Wayne ✓
Disabled Hunt Area Old Plantation Access Cape Girardeau ✓
Coldwater — Outside Poplar Bluff Butler ✓
Wayne ✓
Disabled Hunt Area Red Rock Landing Perry ✓
Coon Island Butler ✓ ✓ Reynolds, Iron,
Riverside ✓
Corkwood Butler ✓ Wayne
Crowleys Ridge Stoddard ✓ Sand Prairie Scott ✓
Shannon, Sank Bollinger ✓
Current River ✓
R
­ eynolds, Carter Seven Island Mississippi ✓
Donaldson Point New Madrid ✓ Seventy-Six Perry ✓
Duck Creek Bollinger ✓ ✓ Stephen J. Sun Butler ✓
Duck Creek, Sweetgum Access Bollinger ✓
Bollinger ✓ ✓
Greenbrier Unit
Swift Ditch Access New Madrid ✓
Duck Creek, Dark
Bollinger ✓ ✓ Ten Mile Pond Mississippi ✓ ✓
Cypress Swamp Unit
Flatwoods Wayne ✓ Thompson Ford Access Madison ✓

Frisbee Cutoff Access Dunklin ✓ Tywappity Towersite Scott ✓

Funk Memorial Iron ✓ University Forest Wayne, Butler ✓

General Watkins Scott ✓ Wappapello ­Reservoir Wayne ✓

Gipsy Towersite Bollinger ✓ Warbler Woods Dunklin ✓

Grassy Towersite Bollinger ✓ Wilhelmina Butler, Dunklin ✓

Graves Mountain Wayne, Iron ✓ Windy Bar Island Cape Girardeau ✓

Hammer Memorial Wayne ✓ Yokum School Wayne ✓

Hawn Access Bollinger ✓

Holly Ridge Stoddard ✓
Hornersville Swamp Dunklin ✓
Horton Farm Ste. Genevieve ✓
Iron Bridge Access Wayne ✓
John L. and Georgia New Madrid,
✓
Girvin Pemiscot
Ketcherside ­Mountain Iron, ­Reynolds ✓
Knob Lick Towersite St. Francois ✓
Lake Girardeau Cape Girardeau ✓
Little Whitewater Bollinger ✓
Shannon,
Logan Creek ✓
Reynolds
Lon Sanders Canyon Wayne ✓

4
T his area is landlocked. You must get permission from
landowner to gain access.
2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 15
 Managed Spring Turkey Hunts

Hunt No. Area Name County Date Quota Odds1

Archery (1 hunt — longbow, recurve bow, compound bow, crossbow, or atlatl only)

1 Caney Mountain CA 2,3 Ozark April 17–23 30 53%

Firearms (16 hunts — shotgun only)

2 August A. Busch CA 3 St. Charles April 17–20 40 10%

3 August A. Busch CA 3 St. Charles April 22–25 40 14%

4 August A. Busch CA 3 St. Charles April 28–May 1 40 28%

5 August A. Busch CA 3 St. Charles May 4–7 40 26%

August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center 4,5
6 St. Charles May 1–2 2 11%
Mandatory pre-hunt orientation begins at 4 p.m., April 11
7 Caney Mountain CA 2,3 Ozark April 24–30 30 24%

8 Caney Mountain CA 2,3

Ozark May 1–7 30 42%

Coldwater CA — Managed Hunt Area 2,6

(Call 573-223-4525 to apply.) Wayne April 17–May 7 5 N/A
Forest 44 CA (Jay Henges Range Restricted Portion) 4,5
9 St. Louis April 23–24 5 13%
Mandatory pre-hunt orientation begins at 5:30 p.m., April 6
10 Peck Ranch CA (Inside Refuge Fence) 2 Carter/Shannon April 17–23 40 15%

11 Peck Ranch CA (Inside Refuge Fence) 2

Carter/Shannon April 24–30 40 33%

12 Peck Ranch CA (Inside Refuge Fence) 2

Carter/Shannon May 1–7 40 34%

13 Weldon Spring CA St. Charles April 17–20 40 17%

14 Weldon Spring CA St. Charles April 22–25 40 18%

15 Weldon Spring CA St. Charles April 28–May 1 40 34%

16 Weldon Spring CA St. Charles May 4–7 40 52%

Youth-Only Firearms for Ages 11–15 (9 hunts — shotgun only) Note: Hunter-education certification is required, see Page 17.

17 August A. Busch CA St. Charles April 1–2 15 35%

18 Caney Mountain CA 2,3

Ozark April 1–2 10 100% 7
Charles W. Green CA and Three Creeks CA — Waters-Russell Unit 4,8
Mandatory pre-hunt orientation date and time will be announced before Boone April 1–2 3 N/A
the hunt. (Call 573-815-7900, ext. 2866 by 5 p.m. on March 1 to apply.)
Fellows Lake 4
19 Greene April 1–2 4 31%
Mandatory pre-hunt orientation will be held online.
20 Marais Temps Clair CA St. Charles April 17–May 7 2 100% 7
21 Peck Ranch CA (Inside Refuge Fence) 2 Carter/Shannon April 1–2 10 32%

22 Saint Stanislaus CA St. Louis April 1–2 3 38%

23 Saint Stanislaus CA St. Louis April 17–30 3 100% 7

24 Weldon Spring CA St. Charles April 1–2 15 59%

Key
CA = Conservation Area 5
O
 nly first-time turkey hunters 18 and older who have never
1
O
 dds of being selected are based on last year’s drawings. Telechecked a turkey are eligible. Hunters will be accompanied by a
2
M
 anaged hunt occurs in a designated area; statewide regulations mentor during the hunt.
apply outside the designated area. 6
H
 unters must permanently need to use a wheelchair to participate
3
H
 unters permanently needing to use a wheelchair may bypass the in this hunt.
random drawing but do not displace others in the drawing. Send 7
B
 ecause odds are for the previous year, 100 percent odds do not
a request with a statement from a licensed physician to: Managed guarantee you will be drawn.
Turkey Hunts, Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, 8
O
 nly first-time turkey hunters ages 11–15 at the time of the hunt
Jefferson City, MO 64102-0180. Requests must be received by Feb. 28. who have never Telechecked a turkey are eligible.
4
D
 o not apply for this hunt if you cannot attend the mandatory pre-
hunt orientation.

16  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

When to Apply: Feb. 1–28 Managed Turkey Hunt Application Worksheet
Valid Permits: Resident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit,
Nonresident Spring Turkey Hunting Permit Hunt No.:
Bag Limit: One male turkey or turkey with visible beard. Method:
Note: A turkey taken at a managed hunt counts toward Location:
the two-bird season limit. If you take a turkey during Date:
a managed hunt before April 24, you may not harvest
another during the first week of the regular season. Hunter Conservation Number(s) (nine-digit ­number
Hunter Quota: See table on Page 16 for the number of on your Heritage Card, Conservation Permit Card, or any
hunters who will be drawn to participate in each hunt. current or previous permit):
Odds: See table on Page 16. 1.                 
Points to remember 2.                 
◾  You may apply for only one managed hunt. 3.                 
◾  You may apply individually or with one other youth for a
youth managed hunt. You may apply individually or with
up to two other hunters for other managed hunts. To apply, complete the following steps.
◾  Only hunters who are drawn for a managed hunt may Step 1: Designate one member of your group to go online.
attend that managed hunt. If you cannot attend, another That person must have ready the following information:
hunter can’t take your place. ◾  The number for the preferred hunt
◾  To participate in a youth-only managed hunt, you must be ◾  The nine-digit Conservation Number of each hunter in the
11–15 years old. To participate in a non-youth managed group. If you need a number, call 573-522-0107 during
hunt, you must be at least 11 years old. regular business hours. Note: A Social Security number is
◾  You must attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation for not the same as a ­Conservation Number. Your Conservation
some managed hunts. If you cannot attend, do not apply. Number is located on your Heritage Card, Conservation
◾  All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult men- Permit Card, or any current or previous permit.
tor (age 18 or older) who is hunter-­education certified or Step 2: Complete the worksheet on this page before applying
exempt. The mentor does not need a permit if the man- so you will have all the information ready.
aged hunt occurs during youth turkey season but must Step 3: Go online at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3d. If you correctly
possess a filled or unfilled spring turkey hunting permit if enter all the required information, you will receive a message
the managed hunt occurs during the regular season. Men- confirming your application. To change or delete your
tors must attend the pre-hunt orientation if one is required application, visit the same website and click “Change or
and may not hunt during the managed hunt. Delete Your Hunt.”

To find out if you’ve been selected

From March 15 through May 7, go online. Be prepared
to enter your nine-digit Conservation Number (the same
number you used when you applied).
Hunter-Education Requirement All successful applicants will receive by mail an area map
for Managed Hunts and information regarding the hunt. We must have your
correct address to send the information. If your address
Hunter-education certification is required to participate changes, call the Department during business hours at
in a firearms managed turkey hunt unless: 573-522-0107.
◾  You were born before Jan. 1, 1967.
◾  You are 11–15 years old and are hunting in the imme-
diate presence of a properly-licensed adult mentor
who is hunter-education certified or was born before
Jan. 1, 1967.
◾  You are 16 or older, purchased an Apprentice Hunter
Authorization, and are hunting in the immediate pres-
ence of a properly-licensed adult mentor who is hunter-
education certified or was born before Jan. 1, 1967.
Note: Managed hunts held on lands not owned by MDC
may continue to require hunter-education certification.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 17

 How to Tell a Gobbler from a Hen

G
obblers are large birds with a black body and long beard. Hens sometimes have beards, but they are smaller, brown,
and have blue heads. Bearded hens produce young and help increase the turkey population. They should not be killed,
but any turkey with a visible beard is legal. Hens without beards are illegal to shoot during the spring turkey seasons.

Female Male
Breast Breast
HEN f­ eathers ­ feathers GOBBLER
buff-tipped black-tipped

HEAD Mainly red

BEARD Long tassel-like

BREAST Appears black

No spurs SPURS Usually 3/4 inch

or more

JUVENILE GOBBLERS have spurs less than 1/2 inch long and a beard less than 6 inches long.

Basic Rules for Safe Turkey Hunting

◾  Identify a ­turkey’s head and beard before aiming.
◾  Never shoot at sound or movement. Assume it is
another hunter until you can clearly see a turkey’s
head and beard.
◾  Wear hunter orange when walking through
the woods.
◾  Use hunter orange to identify your hunting location.
◾  Wrap a bagged turkey or decoy in hunter orange
when transporting it.
◾  Dress defensively. Never wear red, white, blue, or
black while turkey hunting.
◾  Be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
◾  Never follow the sound of a gobbling turkey or
attempt to sneak up on turkeys. Always call turkeys
to you.
◾  Sit against a large tree or other natural barrier to
shield yourself from hunters approaching from
the rear.
◾  Shout “STOP” when another hunter approaches.
Don’t move, wave, whistle, or make turkey calls to
get their attention.
18  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information
 Feral Swine

F
eral swine are highly destructive and prolific pests. They
cause significant damage to wildlife habitat, compete with
native wildlife for food, prey upon native wildlife, destroy
nests of birds such as turkeys, degrade natural areas and agricul-
tural fields, pollute ponds and streams, and spread diseases to
livestock, people, and pets. Feral swine are a menace that must be
eliminated in Missouri.
Report Feral Swine
◾  Report feral swine sightings and damage to 573-522-4115,
ext. 3296.
◾  Releasing swine into the wild is illegal. If you see someone releas-
ing swine, report violators to your local conservation agent.
◾  During deer and turkey seasons, opportunistic take of feral
swine by hunters with an unfilled deer or turkey hunting permit
is allowed on lands owned, leased, or managed by the Conserva-
tion Department. Outside of deer and turkey seasons, the taking
of feral swine is prohibited on lands owned, leased, or managed
by the Conservation Department.
The Conservation Department and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, along with
private landowners and other partners, are working to eliminate
feral swine in Missouri. Swine are social animals that travel in
groups called sounders. Shooting one or two swine scatters
the sounder and makes trapping efforts aimed at catching the
entire group at once more difficult. With their high reproductive
NOPPADOL PAOTHONG

rate, removing only one or two swine does not help to reduce
populations. Anyone who observes a feral swine or damage
caused by feral swine should report it to the Conservation
Department rather than shooting the animal.

Feral swine tracks are distinguished from deer tracks by the rounded or blunt tips of the toes. The
toes of a swine track on a firm surface tend to be more splayed than a deer track. A swine track also
appears rounded or square; deer tracks appear heart-shaped and have more sharply pointed toes.
DAVID BESENGER ILLUSTRATION

The presence of dew claw marks with feral swine or white-tailed deer tracks is not an indicator of
sex as is commonly thought. Dew claw marks simply mean that the animal was running or stepping
on a soft surface.

We Need Your Help!

Please participate in the Conservation Department’s wild turkey brood survey.
The Department has conducted a wild turkey brood survey To learn how you can participate in the wild turkey brood
annually since 1959. The survey relies on volunteers to survey, please visit mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/wildlife-surveys.
submit observations of all wild turkeys — hens, poults, and
gobblers — they see during June, July, and August. The
information is used to gauge the hatch of Missouri’s wild
turkey population.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 19

 After the Harvest
Whether you’re using a traditional paper permit or the MO Hunting app, after harvesting
a turkey, you must notch your permit and Telecheck your bird. Here’s how.

Notch It
Immediately after harvesting a turkey, you must notch
your permit.
◾  To notch a paper permit, tear a small notch in the
month and day of harvest on the permit.
◾  To notch a permit using the MO Hunting app, simply
select the permit you wish to use from the list in the
app, and follow the short, easy prompts on the screen.
Once you notch your permit, you may transport your
turkey within Missouri. Note: Notching is not the same
as Telechecking. You must still Telecheck your turkey by
10 p.m. on the day of harvest.

Tag It If You Leave It

As long as you stay with your turkey, you don’t need to
tag it. But if you leave your turkey, you must attach a tag.
◾  If you have a paper permit, you can simply attach your
notched permit to the turkey’s leg. We recommend
sealing the permit in a zip-top bag and attaching the
bag with string, wire, or tape.
◾  If you’re using the MO Hunting app, you must attach a
label with your full name and address, or Conservation
Number to the turkey’s leg.

Check It
You must Telecheck your turkey by 10 p.m. on the day
of harvest.
◾  If you’re using a paper permit, follow the Telecheck
instructions on Page 21. Write the confirmation
number provided by Telecheck on your permit.
◾  If you’re using the MO Hunting app, select your
notched permit from the list on the screen, tap
“­Telecheck,” and follow the prompts. Telecheck will
upload a confirmation number directly to your
mobile device.
After you’ve reported to Telecheck, you may process
your turkey and transport it out of state.

Additional Information
◾  Until checked, turkeys must have the head and plumage intact.
◾  Notching voids the permit. Do not notch your permit until you harvest a turkey.
◾  All turkeys must be Telechecked before they are removed from Missouri.
◾  Only the person who harvested the turkey may possess and transport the turkey before Telechecking.
◾  After Telechecking, turkeys may be possessed and transported by anyone, but must be labeled with the taker’s full
name and address, or Conservation Number; date taken; and Telecheck confirmation number.

20  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

 How to Use Telecheck

9
ll turkeys must be Telechecked online, by using the
MO Hunting app, or by telephone. If you are calling
­Telecheck on your cellphone, be sure you have a clear
How to
signal. If the signal is spotty, move closer to a major highway,
go to higher ground, or wait until you get to a land-based line
Measure Spurs
to call. Avoid calling in areas with loud background noise. Spur length measurements help biologists

8
You do not need to Telecheck immediately after harvesting keep track of the age structure of the
a turkey. You can transport unchecked game within the state adult turkey
as long as you have notched your permit. You have until 10 population.
p.m. on the day taken to Telecheck your turkey. Please
accurately
measure
Telecheck Using the MO Hunting App

7
your turkey’s
Step 1: Select your notched permit from the list. spurs before
Step 2: Tap “Telecheck.” checking it.
Step 3: Follow the prompts on the screen. This will ensure
Telecheck will upload a confirmation number to your biologists place your turkey in the correct
mobile device. age class. A difference in spur length of less

6
than 1/8 of an inch can be important, so
please take an accurate measurement.
Telecheck Using a Phone or the Internet Start at the outside center from the
Step 1: Before calling the toll-free number or going online, point where the spur protrudes from the
find your Telecheck ID number on your permit. Also get a leg scales, and measure to the tip of the
pen so you will be able to write your Telecheck confirmation spur. Report the length of the longest spur.

5
number on your permit.
Step 2: Fill out the orange form to the right, which contains
the information you will be asked when you use ­Telecheck.
Step 3: Call 800-314-6828 or visit mdc.mo.gov, then follow
the instructions. If you’re using a phone, speak clearly and →  Your Telecheck ID number:

4
slowly. You can use Telecheck between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. ________________________________
Step 4: After you have provided the required information,
you will be given a confirmation number that verifies you →  Turkey type:
have legally checked your turkey. Write this number on the □ Gobbler
permit. You have now completed Telecheck and can process □ J uvenile gobbler (see Page 18 for
your turkey. how to identify a juvenile)
3
→  □ B
 earded hen (see Page 18 for details
on ­sexing a turkey)

→  Spur length (gobblers only, see

2

box above)
□ Less than 1 inch
□ 1 inch or more

→  Beard length
Telecheck □ Less than 6 inches
1

□ 6 inches or more
your turkey at:
800-314-6828 →  County of harvest
or mdc.mo.gov _______________________________
0

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 21

 Wildlife Code of Missouri — Turkey Hunting Regulations
3 CSR 10-7.455 Turkeys: Seasons, Methods, Limits (D) Youth Spring Season. The two- (2-) day youth spring
season will be from April 1 through April 2, 2023. Any
(1) Turkeys may be pursued, taken, killed, possessed, or person possessing the prescribed turkey hunting permit
transported only as permitted in this rule. and who is at least six (6) but not older than fifteen (15)
(A) Spring Season. A person possessing the prescribed years of age on the opening day of the youth spring season
turkey hunting permit may take two (2) male turkeys or may take only one (1) male turkey or turkey with visible
turkeys with visible beards from April 17 through May 7, beard during the youth spring season. A turkey harvested
2023; provided only one (1) turkey may be taken before during the youth spring season will count towards an
April 24, 2023, and only one (1) turkey may be taken per individual’s spring season bag limit; individuals hunting
day. A turkey taken during a managed hunt will count under the prescribed turkey hunting permit may not
towards an individual’s spring season bag limit. Turkeys harvest a second bird before April 24, 2023. Turkeys may
may be taken only by shotgun, with shot no larger than No. be taken only by shotgun with shot no larger than No.
4, atlatl, crossbow, or bow; without the use of dogs, bait, 4, atlatl, crossbow, or bow; without the use of dogs, bait,
electronic calls, or live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour electronic calls, or live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour
before sunrise to 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT). before sunrise to sunset. Possession of electronic calls or
Possession of electronic calls or shotshells loaded with shot shotshells loaded with shot larger than No. 4 is prohibited
larger than No. 4 is prohibited while hunting turkeys. while hunting turkeys.
(B) Fall Firearms Season. Fall season annually will be (2) Hunters who take a turkey shall void their permit
October 1 through October 31. A person possessing the immediately by notching the month and date of harvest and
prescribed turkey hunting permit may take two (2) turkeys shall keep the turkey separate or distinctly identifiable from
of either sex during the season. Turkeys may be taken only turkeys taken or possessed by another. When the turkey is
by shotgun, with shot no larger than No. 4, atlatl, bow, or not personally attended and prior to reporting through the
crossbow; without the use of dogs, bait, electronic calls, Telecheck Harvest Reporting System, the voided permit or
or live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise proper label shall be attached to the turkey. Turkeys may be
to sunset in all counties except: Dunklin, McDonald, possessed and transported only by the taker until reported
Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot, and Scott. through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System. All turkeys
Possession of electronic calls or shotshells loaded with taken shall be accurately reported by the taker or in the taker’s
shot larger than No. 4 is prohibited while hunting turkeys. immediate presence through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting
A person, while in the act of pursuing or hunting turkey System by 10:00 p.m. on the day taken. The Telecheck
on a fall firearms permit, shall not have both a firearm, confirmation number shall be recorded immediately on the
and an atlatl, bow, or crossbow on his/her person except turkey hunting permit. The head and plumage of the turkey
any person may carry concealable firearms, as defined shall remain intact until the turkey is reported through the
in Chapter 571, RSMo, on or about his/her person while Telecheck Harvest Reporting System. All turkeys shall be
hunting. Firearms possessed under this exception may not reported through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System
be used to take wildlife while hunting with an atlatl, bow, prior to processing or being removed from the state. After
or crossbow. reporting through the Telecheck Harvest Reporting System,
turkeys may be possessed, transported, and stored by anyone
(C) Fall Archery Season. A person possessing the prescribed when labeled with the permit or any label that includes the
archer’s hunting permit may take two (2) turkeys of either full name and address of the taker, date taken, and Telecheck
sex from September 15 through January 15, excluding confirmation number.
the dates of the November portion of the firearms deer
season. Turkeys may be taken only by atlatls, bows, and (3) Bait shall mean grain or other feed placed or scattered so
crossbows; without the use of dogs, bait, electronic calls, or as to constitute an attraction or enticement to turkeys. An
live decoys; from one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise to one- area shall be considered baited for ten (10) days following
half (1/2) hour after sunset. Possession of electronic calls is complete removal of the bait.
prohibited while hunting turkeys. An archer, while in the act (4) Resident and nonresident landowners as defined in 3 CSR
of pursuing or hunting turkey on an archer’s permit, shall 10-20.805 may obtain landowner turkey hunting permits from
not have a firearm on his/her person except any person any permit vendor, but only after application to and approval
may carry concealable firearms, as defined in Chapter 571, by the department in accordance with 3 CSR 10-7.412.
RSMo, on or about his/her person while hunting. Firearms
possessed under this exception may not be used to take (A) Approved resident landowners may obtain the
wildlife while hunting with an atlatl, bow, or crossbow. following permits at no-cost: one (1) Resident Spring
Turkey Hunting Permit, one (1) Resident Landowner

22  2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

Archer’s Hunting Permit, and one (1) Resident Fall Turkey (5) Any person who kills or injures any wild turkey shall make
Hunting Permit. a reasonable effort to retrieve the turkey and include it in his/
her season limit.
(B) Approved nonresident landowners may obtain the
following permits at a reduced-cost: one (1) Nonresident (6) Turkeys (or parts thereof ) reported in accordance with
Landowner Spring Turkey Hunting Permit, one (1) established procedures, when labeled with the full name
Nonresident Landowner Archer’s Hunting Permit, and one and address of the taker, the date taken, and the Telecheck
(1) Nonresident Landowner Fall Turkey Hunting Permit. confirmation number of the turkey, may be possessed,
transported, and stored by anyone.
(C) All landowner turkey hunting permits are valid only on
qualifying property. Regardless of department approval (7) Feral hogs may be taken in any number during the spring
to obtain or purchase landowner permits, all landowner firearms turkey season and youth spring season only by the
turkey hunting permits are valid only if the holder is a holder of a valid unused turkey hunting permit and only by
resident or nonresident landowner as defined in 3 CSR methods and times prescribed for taking turkeys. During the
10-20.805 at the time the permit is used. fall firearms turkey season, feral hogs may be taken only by
the holder of a valid, unused turkey hunting permit or a small
(D) All landowners who take turkey on landowner permits
game hunting permit and only by methods prescribed in
may also purchase and fill other turkey hunting permits
Chapter 7 for taking wildlife and without the use of bait. Other
but must abide by seasons, limits, and restrictions.
restrictions may apply on public lands. Resident landowners
(E) All landowners taking turkeys on a landowner turkey as defined in this Code may take feral hogs on their own
hunting permit shall report the turkeys through the property at any time, by any method, and without permit.
Telecheck Harvest Reporting System as required in this rule.

Hunting Safety is No Accident

During the 2022 spring turkey hunting season, there were It’s easy to become complacent and neglect the rules of
two firearm-related hunting incidents reported. Both were firearm safety, but the consequences of doing so are far
self-inflicted, and one was fatal. The nonfatal incident too significant.
occurred when the safety of a hunter’s shotgun malfunc- ◾  Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
tioned and allowed the firearm to discharge, striking the ◾  Always 100 percent positively identify your target and
hunter in the foot. The fatal incident occurred when a what is beyond it before firing.
hunter’s shotgun discharged into their chest as they were ◾  Always keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
crossing a fence.
◾  Always keep your finger outside the trigger guard until
Both incidents could have been averted had the
you are ready to shoot.
muzzles of the firearms been pointed in safe directions.

Don’t Trash Nature

Littering is illegal. It also harms
wildlife and destroys the
beauty of natural areas. Pack
out spent shotgun shells, food
wrappers, and other trash, and
dispose of it in a proper recep-
tacle. Carry a plastic grocery
sack when you go afield so you
can pick up litter left behind by
less-conscientious users. Let’s
all pitch in to keep our wild
places looking wild.
JOHN MILLER

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information 23

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Go mobile with
MDC apps
MO Hunting MO Outdoors
Purchase, view, Find conservation areas,
and store permits. shooting ranges, and
Notch your permits nature centers. Tailor
and Telecheck your search to specific
your turkey activities, including
harvests. Access birdwatching, camping,
basic statewide fishing, hiking, hunting,
regulations and or shooting. Mark
season information. favorite locations to
quickly find them again.

MO Fishing MO Con Mag

Purchase, view, and View our award-winning
store permits. Access magazine through the
fishing regulations, convenience of this
species information, mobile app. Keep up to
and maps of MDC date on happenings with
public boat ramps, fish, forests, and wildlife
underwater fish in Missouri while you’re
structures, and more. on the go. Enjoy articles,
wildlife photography,
videos, and more.
Download for
Android

mdc.mo.gov E00605 2023