March 1 marks the start of a new permit year.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Many hunting and fishing permits expire at the end of February,
Buying permits is easy, with three options. First is the traditional method of purchasing from a local permit vendor, such as a sporting goods or convenience store or bait shop.
The second option is visiting mdc.mo.gov and clicking on “Buy Permits.” This e-Permits option lets hunters, trappers and anglers buy permits at home or on any computer and print them immediately. Sport-fishing and hunting permits are available through e-Permits, along with trapping permits and the Apprentice Hunter Authorization.
Advantages to e-Permits include the ability to save them on a computer, smart phone, or removable memory device so you can print replacements if permits are lost or destroyed. Permits may not be shared, and additional copies of a permit do not provide additional valid permits for the buyer or others to use.
The third option is purchasing by toll-free phone call to 800-392-4115. Be sure to allow up to 10 days for mail delivery with this option.
Commercial permits and lifetime permits can be purchased only through MDC’s Central Office by calling573-751-4115.
Low permit cost for world-class outdoor opportunities is one reason why Missouri is a great place to hunt and fish. In comparison, Missouri residents pay $12 for an annual fishing permit, while residents in the eight neighboring states pay an average of $20 for the same privileges. Missouri’s $17 Resident Any-Deer Permit also is a bargain compared to the average of $46 for equivalent privileges in surrounding states.
LIFETIME OPTION
Resident Lifetime Small Game Hunting, Fishing, or Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner permits offer the ultimate in permit-buying value and convenience. A one-time purchase provides the same privileges as annual resident fishing, trout, small-game hunting, migratory bird hunting and conservation order permits for the buyer’s life.
The cost of these permits is on a sliding scale based on the buyer’s age. The cost drops dramatically for buyers age 60 to 65, when lifetime hunting or fishing permits cost only $35. At age 60, you can get a Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit for $70. Those same privileges would cost much more if you bought the corresponding annual permits from age 60 through 65. After age 65 Missouri resident hunters and anglers become exempt from some permit requirements.
Lifetime permit buyers get durable plastic cards, like credit cards, to carry in the field. They also receive mail updates about regulation changes and other information that most outdoors people pick up when they visit permit vendors annually.
Information about lifetime permits is printed in MDC’s annual hunting and fishing regulation summaries, which are available wherever permits are sold. The same information is available atmdc.mo.gov/node/9205. You can print the online application or call 573-522-4115, ext. 3574 to apply.
