Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
There are many locations on the Mark Twain National Forest to hunt and fish.
We ask that all visitors adhere to Missouri Department of Conservation seasons, hours, license requirements and limits when hunting or fishing on National Forest System land.
Lake and Pond Fishing
Common lake and pond fish include largemouth bass, sunfish, channel catfish, and panfish. For information on permits, regulations, and seasons visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
River and Stream Fishing
Common river and stream fish include smallmouth bass, longear sunfish, bluegill, goggle-eye (rock bass), suckers, largemouth bass, and trout. For information on permits, regulations, and seasons visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Fishing guide services operating under a special use permit on the Eleven Point and Current Rivers:
Hunting
A million and a half acres of land await hunters within Mark Twain National Forest. No fees are charged by the Forest Service for this activity. Hunting is very popular on the Forest and hunted species include deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, mourning doves, ducks, raccoon, bobcat, fox, and coyote.
All hunting seasons, hours, license requirements and bag limits are published and enforced by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The Missouri Wildlife Code can be requested from the Missouri Department of Conservation on the MDC website.
All wilderness areas are available for remote hunting experiences, either on foot or horseback.
There are several Walk-in Turkey Hunting Areas, these areas are open to foot traffic during spring turkey season. Maps are available on the Maps and Guides page.
Other information to keep in mind when hunting on the Forest
- Hunting is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area and on National Forest System roads or bodies of water, whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge.
- Hunting is prohibited on all administrative sites.
- Only portable deer stands are permitted and the deer stand must be labeled with the hunter’s name and address.
The following lakes are closed to waterfowl hunting unless posted otherwise:
Poplar Bluff Ranger District
- Beaver Lake
- Pinewoods Lake
Eleven Point Ranger District
- Fourche Lake
- McCormack Lake
- Ripley Lake
Salem Ranger District
- Loggers Lake
Willow Springs Ranger District
- Noblett Lake
Houston Ranger District
- Roby Lake
The following lakes are open to waterfowl hunting, unless posted otherwise (no shooting of frogs is allowed):
Potosi Ranger District
- Council Bluff
- Crane Lake
- Palmer Lake
- Parole Lake
Salem Ranger District
- Howes Mill Lake
- Howes Mill Pond
Information about specific locations (including maps) may be obtained on this website or by contacting a Forest office.
Do not trespass! It is important to remember there is private land intermingled with National Forest system lands within the National Forest Boundaries. You must obtain permission from a landowner before hunting on private land.
Archery
Target practice with a rifle, handgun or bow and arrow is permitted provided you abide by all state and federal regulations. A hunting license is not required when shooting at identifiable, artificially constructed targets and/or when no attempt is made to take game.
Recreational and Target Shooting
Target practice with a rifle, handgun or bow and arrow is permitted provided you abide by all state and federal regulations. A hunting license is not required when shooting at identifiable, artificially constructed targets and/or when no attempt is made to take game.
Use approved targets along with a safe, “bullet-proof” backstop.
- Do not to attach your targets to vegetation or structures, such as: trees, log decks, slash piles, fences, or water tanks.
- Exploding targets are not recommended due to safety and wildfire concerns.
- All trash must be packed out, including shell casings and targets.
We ask that you do not target shoot within 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite/ground, developed recreation area, or other occupied areas or in a manner or place where an person or property is exposed to injury or damage because of discharge.
Search for Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Opportunities
Council Bluff Recreation Area
Crane Lake Recreation Area
Crossroads Access
Current River
Deer Leap Recreation Area
Dry Branch Access - Gasconade River
East Gate
Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River
Enough Boat Launch and Trailhead
Float Camp Recreation Area