Check Your Fishing, Small Game Permits

Landowner Registry is Now Open

Spring is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the outdoors.  As spring approaches, outdoor enthusiasts are eager to go for a hike, get out and look for deer antler sheds, listen to the birds chirp and the turkey gobble, or possibly plan a fishing trip.   If you are planning a fishing trip please don’t forget that the 2019 fishing and small game permits expired on February 29th.  So before you head out to do any fishing or hunting activities, be sure to purchase your fishing and or small game permit at any local vender or online at www.mdc.mo.gov .  The new 2020 fishing permits will be needed for those planning on snagging for paddlefish or sucker, the seasons for both open on March 15th. 

Also, beginning with the 2020 Spring Turkey season, all qualifying resident landowners with 20 or more contiguous acres, or nonresident landowners with 75 or more contiguous acres, must submit their property information via a Landowner Registry Application to be eligible to receive no-cost or reduced-cost landowner deer and turkey permits. The Landowner Registry Application may be completed online at www.mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or by submitting a paper application. The registry cannot be completed by a permit vendor; qualifying landowners and immediate household members (IHM) are responsible for completing this document to verify eligibility for landowner permits. A separate application, online or paper form, must be submitted by each qualifying landowner and IHM. Following entry of the registry information, qualifying individuals will be able to request no-cost or reduced-cost permits online or from their local permit vendor. Registry submissions remain valid for three years from the original entry or from the last update. After the three-year period, each qualifying landowner and IHM will be required to reaffirm the accuracy of the property information on file. In some cases, landowners may be required to submit additional information if ownership cannot be verified through county records. 

Those completing their registry online will be able to obtain permits as soon as they are available in the permit system (i.e., spring turkey on 3/1/20, fall deer/turkey on 7/1/20). Those who choose to complete the registry via a paper application must submit the form to the Department of Conservation 60 days prior to the opening day of the season to guarantee the registry application is processed. To learn more about the Landowner Registry, view a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and access additional registry applications, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/landownerpermits. To request a paper copy of the FAQ or registry application forms, you may email permits@mdc.mo.gov, call 573-522-0107 and select Option 1, or mail:  

Missouri Department of Conservation

Permit Services – Landowner

PO Box 180

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180

I hope you enjoy all the things the outdoors has to offer this spring.  For further information on this topic or to speak with a Conservation Agent you can call me, Eric Long, at 573-579-5057.