Archery

Around here in the four-state area, you really have to keep your eyes on the calendar and your feet on the right side of the border. In Missouri, we usually see Archery season kick off on September 15th, while our neighbors in Arkansas and Kansas often start right around the same time. Oklahoma folks have to wait a bit longer, typically until October 1st. We recommend checking your specific county tags before you head out, as things can get confusing when you’re hunting near the state lines. It’s better to be sure than to have a friendly chat with a conservation officer about why you’re in a tree stand a week early. Archery is a game of patience, even before the season actually begins.

View the official MDC 2025–2026 hunting season calendar for all dates, limits, and legal hours. https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons

We suggest anyone interested in Archery start by trying out a few different styles of bows to see what feels right in the hand. Whether you fancy a traditional longbow or a modern compound, Archery is all about consistency and muscle memory. We often tell beginners to join a local club because the older hands are usually happy to share a bit of wisdom over a cup of coffee. You will want a decent arm guard and a glove or tab to protect your fingers, unless you happen to have skin as tough as an old work boot. It is a rewarding hobby that gets you out of the house, even if the target is just a hay bale sitting in the south pasture.