Everyone is opposed to the boogeyman, and the state Department of Conservation is poised to jump on him with both feet.
It is always a popular opinion to blame someone else, or a group that is recognized as other, and many people in Missouri are quick to call out nonresidents for the perceived impact they have on wildlife populations.
The conservation commission will consider changes to deer hunting regulations for participants from out-of-state, but first the process requires more public input. An online survey is available until April 20 for feedback on several proposals that are being discussed.
The first change could take place as soon as this fall. Currently all hunters are allowed to harvest two antlered deer throughout the firearms and archery hunting seasons. The new restriction would allow non-resident hunters only one antlered buck each year, while residents could continue to take two.
The other suggested changes would begin in 2027 and beyond.
The first idea implements a new $165 Nonresident Public Land Deer Hunting permit in addition to the $288 nonresident any-deer permit and $27 antlerless deer permits. Those prices are the same for nonresident archery permits. By comparison, residents pay $18 for an any-deer firearms permits and $20.50 for two archery permits.
After 2027, the state is considering establishing a draw system for nonresidents. People from out of state who want to experience deer hunting in Missouri would have to enter a lottery for the privilege. Those types of obstacles are familiar in other states, but the conservation commission here has generally taken a different, more inclusive approach.
While there certainly are “professional” hunters who travel the country looking for opportunities take big deer everywhere they can, a significant number of non-resident hunters are former Show-Me State residents and family members who are coming back for the camaraderie and traditions. Finding ways to wring more money out of them or put up roadblocks to their participation seems excessive.
According to a press release from the conservation department, the number of nonresident hunters has doubled in the past 20 years. Of the 470,000 hunters in the state last year, about 42,000 were from beyond Missouri's borders. Early in this century that number was closer to 20,000 nonresidents annually.
The press release did acknowledge the economic impact that those out-of-staters have on the cities and towns where they stay and spend while they are here. They support small businesses and landowners throughout the state when they visit.
But the bottom line on this issue is public input. In 2025, the state surveyed 56,000 resident hunters and 1,800 nonresident hunters. The state also collected public comments and hosted 10 open houses throughout the state that same year. Those results evidently wanted “corrective” action levied against nonresidents.
The changes will be a win for those who need someone to blame for perceived inadequacies in deer management in the state. Obviously the department has much bigger fish to fry in its attempts to soothe its detractors. Meanwhile, they must maintain focus on managing the health of nearly two million wild deer in Missouri.
I am sure my opinion is in the minority, but I completed the survey and said that I opposed all of the regulation changes for nonresidents. In a time when hunter participation is waning, or at best staying stagnant, we shouldn't be looking for ways to build barriers for any group.
Anyone can fill out the survey, but one question asks if you are a hunter. It also collects information about state residency. The direct link provided in the press release is long, but the survey can also be found by going to mdc.mo.gov and clicking on “Contact and Engage” in the upper right hand corner of the home page. The provided link is: mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities/nonresident-deer-hunting-changes.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.