Hunting in Missouri: 3 Invasive Species to Missouri and Its Rules for Hunting Them

There are some animals that have multiplied beyond reasonable control to the point of nuisance or endangering crops or other animals. For this reason, Missouri has enacted rules for hunting such invasive animals.

Here are three invasive species and the rules for hunting them:

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1. Feral Hogs
These pesky pigs are a problem throughout America, including throughout the state of Missouri. Feral pigs can be very damaging due to their burrowing and feeding practices, so hunters are encouraged to kill these pigs on site since transportation just makes the pigs someone else’s problem.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages anyone that finds their self in a stare-down contest with a feral pig “to climb the nearest tree. If the pig charges, sidestep quickly, taking care to avoid the swing of its tucks, and promptly find a tree to climb,” which the MDC says is humans’ best defense against this nuisance animal.

Rules regarding hunting feral pigs include the ability to use dogs, hunting the pigs at night and with bait on private land, and absolutely no bag limit. In fact, HuntWildPig.com says, “Missouri encourages hunters to take feral hobs at any time while hunting other game.”

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2. Pigeons
The common pigeon, also called a rock dove, is alive and well in Missouri to the point of over-abundance. As a result, there are very few restrictions on methods for controlling the pigeon population, so shooting pigeons throughout the state where firearms are permitted is typically permissible, but other control methods, such as nest removal, netting, and blocking access to ledges are also encouraged. Of course, it’s imperative to check local laws before shooting pigeons or any animals in that area.

3. Starlings
Another nuisance bird, the starling is a blackbird that does not migrate completely from Missouri. As a result, the starlings can be destructive for farmers since starlings like to nest where livestock live.

These birds are not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or any state laws, so shooting starlings is permissible. However, it is not recommended as the most effective way to eliminate these blackbirds.

Instead, the Missouri Department of Conservation states that the use of pesticides is the best way to eliminate this invasive animal.

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

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