The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds hunters and anglers that squirrel and black bass seasons begin May 28.
The eastern gray squirrel and fox hunting season runs from May 28 to February 15, 2023. Permitted hunting methods include shotguns, rifles, and other legal firearm methods, as well as archery equipment, slingshots, or atlatls. Squirrels can also be taken in cage-style traps during hunting season, provided the hunters have a valid small game permit. Traps must be labeled with the hunter’s full name and address, or Conservation number, serviced daily, and have an opening of 144 square inches or less.
The daily limit for squirrel hunting, including the use of cage-style traps, is 10 and the possession limit is 20. Hunters must have a valid small game permit or be exempt.
More information on squirrel hunting and trapping is available in the MDC’s Summary of 2022 Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations, short.mdc.mo.gov/4EU.
Anglers can catch and keep Black Bass, such as Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted/Kentucky Bass, from May 28 to February 28, 2023. Black Bass can be found statewide , but has a closed season part of the year in most streams south of the Missouri River. Largemouth bass can be legally caught and released year-round anywhere in Missouri, and legal-size bass can be kept year-round away from reservoirs and streams with no closed season. In most state waters, the daily limit for largemouth bass is six. Fish caught in most rivers and streams should be 12 inches long. Additional regulations may apply to specific waters or areas. Anglers must have a valid fishing permit or be exempt.
Find more information about bass fishing in the MDC’s Summary of 2022 Missouri Fishing Regulations, available where permits are sold or at short.mdc.mo.gov/4Ua.