Hunting in Missouri: 4 Animals Designated Nongame, Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species

Several federally protected species can be found in Missouri, such as the gray bat, but the state is also home to several state-protected animals that everyone should be aware of before hunting in Missouri.

The Missouri Ozarks, the outdoor recreation capital of Missouri, is home to many of these species, but some are found in other parts of the state as well.

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Here are four animals that are off-limits when hunting in Missouri.

1. Bachman’s Sparrow (Endangered)
This tiny bird — only getting to about six inches in length — is found in the Ozark area typically from March to July and they seek out grassy understory for their nests. Missouri Bachman’s sparrows tend to be redder than their counterparts in other states.

2. Blanding’s Turtle (Endangered)
This turtle’s shell grows to about five to seven inches in length, and is typically found in the northeastern area of Missouri. They can often be found basking in the sun and like to stick to shallow water.

These turtles are most active in the spring when they emerge from their underwater hibernation, which takes place between October until about April.

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3. Eastern Spotted Skunk (Endangered)
The spotted skunk was once found in abundance, but now is listed as endangered in Missouri and threatened or concern-worthy in other states like Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.

This animal grows to somewhere between 14 and 24 inches, and can be found throughout the state, and the biggest cause for concern is their lack of habitat due to human expansion.

4. Greater Prairie-Chicken (Endangered)
This bird is part of the pheasant family and gets to about 17 inches in length. Males are more easily spotted thanks to their orange eyebrows and air sacs. The highest concentration of the greater prairie-chickens is found in the Osage and Glaciated Plains areas.

The Missouri Department of Conservation estimates that only about 500 of these birds remain and urges that it’s imperative humans help preserve this colorful bird.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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