New Missouri shooting range permit rule starts in March 2027
Missouri will begin requiring permits in March 2027 for people using more than 35 unstaffed state firearms shooting ranges, a change intended to address increasing damage, litter and safety concerns. The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval Oct. 23 to Missouri Department of Conservation regulations requiring users to have a valid small game hunting permit, according to a community announcement. Existing age and disability exemptions will remain. The requirement applies only to MDC-owned unstaffed firearms shooting ranges. It will not apply to partner ranges or MDC's five staffed ranges. Why MDC is requiring permits MDC offers free recreational firearms shooting at more than 35 unstaffed ranges across Missouri. The ranges were designed decades ago primarily for hunters, with much of their traditional use occurring in the spring and fall as hunters prepared for hunting seasons. Range use has increased significantly in recent years as more people practice with firearms for home and self-defense and use modern sporting rifles, according to the announcement. MDC also reported increasing damage to signs, shooting booths and other infrastructure. Some users have left spent shells, targets and other litter rather than collecting and properly disposing of the items. The agency said in the announcement that
