The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding outdoor enthusiasts that squirrel hunting and catch-and-keep black bass fishing seasons officially begin Saturday, May 24.
Squirrel season runs through February 15, 2026, and includes both eastern gray and fox squirrels. Hunters can use a variety of methods, including firearms, archery equipment, slingshots, atlatls, and cage-style traps (with proper labeling and daily checks). The daily limit is 10 squirrels, with a possession limit of 20. A valid Small Game Hunting permit is required unless exempt.
Black bass season, covering largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, runs through February 28, 2026. While catch-and-release is allowed year-round statewide, this season allows anglers to keep legal-sized bass, especially in waters where the closed season applies. The daily limit is typically six, with a 12-inch minimum length on fish taken from most rivers and streams. A valid fishing permit is required unless exempt.
MDC encourages hunters and anglers to use the Mo Hunting and Mo Fishing mobile apps to store permits, check regulations, and find nearby hunting and fishing spots. More information is available in the 2025 Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations, both online at mdc.mo.gov.
