Paying a bit more to hunt

For 20 years, hunters, trappers, and fishermen have paid the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for permits at the same price. Starting on Feb. 29, 2024, outdoorsmen and women will be paying roughly a dollar more for their permits.

Due to rising costs affecting everything, including goods and services that MDC uses through its more than 1000 facilities, which include nature centers, fish hatcheries, shooting ranges, and more, a proposed permit increase was presented to the Missouri Conservation Commission.

In a press release from the MDC, they explained the initial proposal was discussed in a meeting with the Commission on May 19. Afterward, a public comment period was held from July 4 through Aug. 2, where roughly 250 comments and feedback were given regarding the permit increase.

After the comment period closed and all the information was processed, the Missouri Commission approved permit increases, which will take effect next year. On average, most resident hunting and fishing permit prices will only be adjusted by about $1.

“Compared to other states, Missouri permit prices are still in the middle-to-lower end of the scale and will still be a bargain,” said MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley. “The average price of a resident firearm deer permit for surrounding states is $54 compared to Missouri’s new price starting in 2024 of $18.”

Not all permits will be affected by the increase. The MDC stated they will not raise prices on resident and non-resident Daily Fishing Permits, annual Trout Permits, and Fur Dealer’s Permits for residents and non-residents.

Also, exempts remain for people under 16 and 65 and older for small-game hunting permits and annual fishing permit requirements. Daily trout tags and an annual trout permit are still required.

The following is a list of the new permit prices, along with the average for the surrounding states:

*The price of a resident hunting and fishing permit will go from $19 to $20.50. The average cost for surrounding states is $42.47.

*The price of a resident small game hunting permit will go from $10 to $10.50. The average cost for surrounding states is $26.57.

*A resident trapping permit will go from $10 to $11. The average cost for surrounding states is $29.38.

*The price of a resident spring turkey permit will go from $17 to $18. The average cost for surrounding states is $47.69.

*A resident firearm deer permit will go from $17 to $18. The average cost for surrounding states is $54.06.

*The price of a resident antlerless deer permit will go from $7 to $7.50. The average cost for surrounding states is $24.21.

*The price of a youth resident antlerless deer permit will go from $3.50 to $3.75. The average cost for surrounding states is $24.21.

*The daily trout tag will go from $4 to $5 for adults and stay at $3 for youth. In all trout parks, the daily limit is four trout, with a statewide possession limit of eight.