Image: mo_turkey_regs

Missouri has announced changes to the nonresident harvest limit for the upcoming turkey season. (Photo by B. Kao)

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced regulation changes that will reduce the nonresident harvest limit from two bearded turkeys to one during the 2026 spring turkey season.

According to a MDC press release, nonresident landowners will still be allowed to harvest a limit of two bearded birds but only one can be taken during the first seven days of the season.

Youth hunters who are successful during the youth season will be allowed to harvest their second bird during the first week of the regular season. Currently, youth turkey hunters who harvest a bird during the youth season may not harvest a second bird until the second week of the regular season.

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The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the regulation changes at its Dec. 12 open meeting and they will go into effect for the 2026 spring turkey season.

During public comments, turkey hunters expressed concern over nonresident participation and overcrowding on some public areas.

The MDC says reducing the nonresident spring harvest limit should reduce the number of days that nonresident hunters spend hunting, reducing the crowding or pressure that resident hunters experience. MDC will also be assessing nonresident participation in Missouri’s deer season.

The 2026 Spring Youth Season runs from April 11-12. The 2026 Regular Spring Turkey Season will run from April 20 through May 10. For more info, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.