Stories
Bucks, Birds, & Blinds: Hunting in Pulaski County, MO
You’ve been up since before the crack of dawn; as the sun rises quietly over the rolling Ozark hills in the distance, you sit quietly in your blind, scanning the tree line for signs of life. Movement catches your eye; the grass rustles, and your patience is rewarded as a 130-inch buck steps into the open. As you knock your arrow, you think, “This was worth the early rise.”
Hunting is regarded by many as a chance to not only enjoy the natural scenery, but also to reap its bounties. The stunning landscape of Pulaski County, MO, creates a memorable backdrop for any outdoor adventure, a place where hunters of all skill levels can revel in the majestic environs as well as the satisfaction that comes from a successful harvest.
Wild Game of the Ozarks
By wing or by hoof, numerous game species, make their home in the Missouri Ozarks. Regardless of which animal you’re after, all hunters are required to purchase a hunting permit before stepping out into the wilderness. Some of the most popular species hunted in Pulaski County and their 2026 seasons include:
Whitetail Deer
• Archery: Sept. 15 – Nov. 13; Nov. 26, 2026 – Jan. 15, 2027
• Firearms (antlerless portions): Oct. 9-11; Dec. 5-13
• Firearms (youth portions): Oct. 24-25; Nov. 27-29
• Firearms (November portion): Nov. 14-24
• Firearms (alternative methods): Dec. 26, 2026 – Jan. 5, 2027
Turkey
• Archery: Nov. 26, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026; Sept. 15 – Nov. 13; Nov. 25, 2026 – Jan. 15, 2027
• Spring youth (ages 6-15): April 11-12
• Spring: April 20 – May 10
• Fall firearms: Oct. 1-31
Rabbit
• Hunting: Oct. 1, 2026 – Feb. 15, 2027
• Trapping: Nov. 15, 2026 – Jan. 31, 2027
Squirrel
• Hunting: May 23, 2026 – Feb. 15, 2027
Dove
• Hunting: Sept. 1 – Nov. 29
• Falconry: Nov. 30 – Dec. 16
Quail
• Hunting (youth): Oct. 24-25
• Hunting: Nov. 1 – Jan. 15, 2027
Into the Wild
Before heading out, purchase your permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation and familiarize yourself with the state’s hunting regulations, many of which may vary by species. All hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, are required to pass a hunter education course before purchasing a firearms hunting permit.
Need to restock your gear? Outdoors shops around Pulaski County feature a wide selection of products needed to ensure a successful trip. Gasconade River Outdoors in Richland carries a variety of hunting and fishing supplies. Hone your aim at Bow and Barrel Sportsmen Center, home to an indoor shooting range and outdoor archery range, then stock up on ammo and arrows from the shop’s retail side.
Find a Hunting Ground
Don’t know anyone willing to let you hunt their private property? No problem — Pulaski County is home to both Missouri Department of Conservation and Mark Twain National Forest public lands open to hunters:
Roubidoux Creek Conservation Area
Located just north of Waynesville, this mixture of old fields and mature bottomland hardwoods runs alongside Roubidoux Creek, covering 178.5 acres. Home to whitetail deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, eastern cottontail rabbits, and northern bobwhites.
Gasconade Hills Conservation Area
Located south of Dixon via Route 18 and spanning 371.2 acres, this vast area offers plenty of space for hunting deer, turkeys, rabbits, and squirrels. Open 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.
Mark Twain National Forest
Decker Cave Area — part of the 39,177 acres of Mark Twain National Forest within Pulaski County boundaries — provides roughly 2,750 acres of walk-in turkey hunting in spring. The area is bound by Route 17, the Gasconade River, and private land on all sides, in addition to a small parcel of private land located within the walk-in area boundary; hunters should refer to maps of the region and be mindful of their position. Permission from private landowners is required to hunt on their land, so be respectful as you head into the wild.
A Weekend-long Adventure
Make a weekend of your hunting trip! Book a stay in a rustic cabin or sleep under the stars. Grab a stick-to-your-ribs meal, then warm up with a steaming-hot cup of coffee. And depending on when you’re here, check out our calendar of events and enjoy happenings that celebrate the outdoors like the Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloaders Fun Day, which gives guests of all ages a chance to enjoy black powder shooting, tomahawk throwing, Dutch oven cooking, and other primitive activities.
Don’t prefer to hunt but still want to be outdoors? Pulaski County is great for bird watching. Even though there are resident eagle populations here, the rivers are welcoming locations for migrating eagles every fall and winter.
Answer the call of the wild — plan your trip to Pulaski County today! Learn more about hunting in the Ozarks and find some excellent spots to grab a bite or recharge before another day in the blind.
