The Missouri Conservation Commission has given final approval to a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) regulation requiring most users of the agency’s unstaffed firearms shooting ranges to possess a valid small-game hunting permit beginning in March 2027.
The commission approved the regulation during its Oct. 23 open meeting in Cape Girardeau. The requirement will apply to more than 35 unstaffed shooting ranges operated by MDC throughout Missouri, where recreational firearms shooting has traditionally been available at no charge.
Originally developed decades ago primarily to serve hunters, the ranges historically experienced their heaviest use during the spring and fall as hunters prepared for upcoming seasons. MDC officials report that participation has increased substantially in recent years, driven partly by greater interest in home and personal defense firearms training and the growing use of modern sporting rifles…