Mark Twain National Forest
At roughly 1.5 million acres, Mark Twain National Forest is the largest block of public hunting land in Missouri and spans rugged Ozark terrain of oak-hickory ridges, hollows, and creek bottoms. The big, broken topography rewards a mobile saddle hunter who can hike deep off the road, scout pinch points, and hang light from ridge to ridge away from crowds. Many hunters rate its DIY bowhunting among the best in the state, and there is no extra fee to hunt with a valid Missouri permit.
Hours / Access
Open to the public year-round; legal hunting hours are generally about one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Only portable/removable stands are allowed and must be labeled with the hunter's name. Confirm rules with MDC.
Free public access with a valid Missouri deer permit; no additional forest hunting fee. No hunting within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, or developed recreation site. Only portable stands permitted.
Seasons
- Archery: Long fall-and-winter archery window (commonly mid-September through mid-January with a break around the November firearms portion).
- Firearms: November firearms portion typically falls in mid-to-late November, with additional late portions.
- Muzzleloader: Late-season alternative-methods portion typically falls in late December into early January.
Species
- White-tailed deer
Official Resources
Local Guides & Outfitters
MDC Hunting & Seasons
Mark Twain NF is predominantly self-guided DIY public hunting; no specific verified outfitter found for the forest, so use the official state hunting resource.
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