Hunting requirements for children in Missouri allow kids to be introduced to hunting without the hassle of paperwork until the age of 15. Parents can also save their selves quite a bit of money by purchasing a lifetime license before children turn age 15.
Parents interested in introducing their children to hunting also have various resources at their disposal, including the Missouri Department of Conservation and the
Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, which hosts lots of education and hands-on training.
ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now
Here are three things to keep in mind when applying for a youth hunting permit:
1. Age
As mentioned, children under the age of 15 are not required to have a permit or to complete the hunter education course as long as they are accompanied by a licensed hunter over the age of 18 at all times.
If hunters below the age of 18 would like to hunt or trap on their own, they must complete the hunter education course and pass the test in order to be able to carry a valid hunter-education proof of certification. Proof of certification includes a certificate card, a Missouri Conservation Heritage Card, or the certification itself.
2. Lifetime License
It’s worth considering purchasing a lifetime license for children below age 15 to streamline the process each year and net a significant savings. Currently, a resident lifetime license for small game hunting is only $275 for children ages 15 and under, which jumps to $400 for hunters between the ages of 16 and 29.
VOTE NOW: Is Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill Doing a Good Job?
Even better? A resident lifetime conservation partner permit allows for kids ages 15 and under to have the privileges covered under a resident hunting and fishing permit as well as a conservation order permit, migratory bird permit and a trout permit, all rolled into one license for only $550 for hunters ages 15 and younger.
3. Apprentice Hunter Authorization
Another way for kids to try hunting without a permit or the need for the hunter education course is taking advantage of the Missouri Apprentice Hunter Program. The program is open to those at least 16-years-old who will always be in the presence of a hunting mentor who is licensed, certified and at least 18-years-old.
This option can be utilized two years in a row, but after that period, kids must become hunter education certified on their own in order to continue hunting in Missouri.
This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.
URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.