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Southwest Region · MDC rules 2026-27
Newton County Hunting
Hunting Newton County in 2026-27: the county deer rules MDC set for 2026, deer and turkey harvest by year, CWD testing results, 7 listed public areas and the help close to Neosho.
Photo: Osbornb (CC BY 2.0)
How MDC rules apply in Newton County
With Neosho as its seat, Newton County spans 625 square miles of the Springfield Plateau, the western prairies and Table Rock and Stockton lakes. Roughly 61,519 residents share it, after a +4.9% change since the 2020 count. Newton County carries a 4 deer fill limit for firearms antlerless permits in 2026. Antlerless-only firearms days return to Newton County on Oct. 9-11 and again on Dec. 5-13. MDC lists Newton County under the feed and mineral ban, so deer feed and mineral sites are illegal here all year. Deer donated to Share the Harvest from Newton County must be CWD tested first; participating processors handle the test. MDC closed Newton County to fall firearms turkey for 2026. Newton County was inside the CWD Management Zone in 2025-26; MDC removed the zone, the CWD portion and the antler-point restriction for 2026.
| Item | In Newton | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firearms antlerless fill limit | 4 deer | All firearms portions |
| Antlerless portions | Open | Oct. 9-11, Dec. 5-13 |
| Mandatory CWD sampling | Not this year | Day of harvest |
| Feed and mineral ban | Yes | Year-round |
| Share the Harvest test | Required | Before donating |
| November dog rule | No | November portion, daylight |
| Fall firearms turkey | Closed | Oct. 1-31 |
| Elk hunting county | No | Carter, Reynolds, Shannon |
| Black Bear Management Zone | 1 / 3 | Oct. 17-30, by permit |
| Waterfowl zone (map layer) | South | 2021-2025 layer |
| SE flood closure zone | None | Gauge-based |
| CWD portion | Removed | Gone for 2026 |
| Antler-point restriction | Removed | Gone for 2026 |
County rules from the 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey booklet county table, the Wildlife Code 3 CSR 10-7 (antlerless limits and portions), CWD rules and stations, fall turkey counties, dog rule, bear digest, waterfowl digest. Checked October 29, 2026.
Newton County deer harvest, 2015 to 2025
MDC counted 2,890 deer from Newton County for 2025, with 1,173 does and 1,534 antlered bucks. Compared with 2,789 in 2024, the count moved +4%. 2023 tops the chart at 3,043 deer, while 2017 sits at the bottom with 2,208. Statewide, Newton County came 41st of 114 by deer checked in 2025. Archery accounted for 727 deer (25%) and the November portion for 1,450.
| Year | Antlered bucks | Buttons | Does | Deer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1,534 | 183 | 1,173 | 2,890 |
| 2024 | 1,470 | 144 | 1,175 | 2,789 |
| 2023 | 1,648 | 220 | 1,175 | 3,043 |
| 2022 | 1,522 | 202 | 1,230 | 2,954 |
| 2021 | 1,352 | 164 | 928 | 2,444 |
| 2020 | 1,417 | 169 | 1,041 | 2,627 |
| 2019 | 1,407 | 210 | 1,009 | 2,626 |
| 2018 | 1,379 | 183 | 938 | 2,500 |
| 2017 | 1,186 | 203 | 819 | 2,208 |
| 2016 | 1,168 | 186 | 873 | 2,227 |
| 2015 | 1,151 | 219 | 857 | 2,227 |
Newton County harvest split by season portion
| Portion | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | 722 | 727 |
| Early youth | 139 | 171 |
| Early antlerless | 52 | 61 |
| Opening weekend* | 503 | 641 |
| November portion | 1,477 | 1,450 |
| CWD portion | 153 | 213 |
| Late youth | 30 | 24 |
| Late antlerless | 115 | 125 |
| Alternative methods | 75 | 101 |
| Managed hunts | 26 | 18 |
Per square mile, Newton County gave up 4.9 deer in 2025 compared with the Southwest Region mark of 4.6.
Telechecked harvest from the MDC 2025 deer harvest summary and earlier deer harvest summaries (2015-2025); density from the 2025 Missouri Deer Season Summary and Population Status Report. Checked October 29, 2026.
Drawings and zone lines for Newton County
Newton County hunts by application
The 2026-27 managed hunt list includes 2 hunts in Newton County. Applications closed July 31, 2026.
| Hunt | Location | Type | Dates | Drawn | Bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | Bicentennial CA | Archery | Oct. 31–Nov. 13 | 30 | 2, 1 antlered |
| None | Camp Crowder Training Site — MO Army National Guard Disabled Veterans Hunt (573-638-9517) | Disabled hunters – Firearms | Oct. 27–29 | 7 | 2, 1 antlered |
Bear zone facts for Newton County
The bear season in Newton County is Oct. 17 to 30, 2026, open only to residents drawn for a Zone 1 and 3 permit.
| Zone | Share of county | Permits 2026 | Quota 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | 97% | 1,000 | 30 |
| Zone 3 | 3% | 250 | 8 |
| Year | Statewide bears |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 9 |
Newton County duck season zone
For waterfowl, Newton County reads as the South Zone on the layer MDC published with the 2021-2025 lines.
| Season | Zone | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Ducks, split 1 | South | Nov 26–Nov 29 |
| Ducks, split 2 | South | Dec 7–Jan 31 |
Managed hunts from the 2026 managed deer hunt tables; bear from the 2026 Black Bear Hunting Digest and MDC bear reports; elk from the 2026 Elk Hunting Digest; waterfowl and wetlands from the 2026-2027 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Digest. Checked October 29, 2026.
Newton County calendar for deer, turkey, birds and furbearers
Filter the table by species; dates come straight from the 2026 MDC booklets and the waterfowl digest.
| Game | Portion | Where | Opens | Closes | Today |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed deer | Archery, first part | Statewide | Sep 15, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, early antlerless | Antlerless county | Oct 9, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, early youth | Statewide | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, November | Statewide | Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Archery, second part | Statewide | Nov 25, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, late youth | Statewide | Nov 27, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, late antlerless | Antlerless county | Dec 5, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | |
| White-tailed deer | Firearms, alternative methods | Statewide | Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 5, 2027 | |
| Black bear | Bear, zone 1 | Bear zone 1 | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Black bear | Bear, zone 3 | Bear zone 3 | Oct 17, 2026 | Oct 30, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall archery | Statewide | Sep 15, 2026 | Nov 13, 2026 | |
| Wild turkey | Fall archery, part 2 | Statewide | Nov 25, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Bobwhite quail | Youth quail | Statewide | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | |
| Bobwhite quail | Quail | Statewide | Nov 1, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Pheasant | Youth pheasant | Statewide | Oct 24, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | |
| Pheasant | Pheasant | Statewide | Nov 1, 2026 | Jan 15, 2027 | |
| Rabbits | Rabbit hunting | Statewide | Oct 1, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Squirrels | Squirrel season | Statewide | May 23, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | |
| Woodcock | Woodcock season | Statewide | Oct 18, 2026 | Dec 1, 2026 | |
| Doves | Dove season | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Teal | September teal | Statewide | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 20, 2026 | |
| Youth waterfowl | Youth waterfowl days | South Zone | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 22, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Ducks, split 1 | South Zone | Nov 26, 2026 | Nov 29, 2026 | |
| Ducks and coots | Ducks, split 2 | South Zone | Dec 7, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Early Canada goose | Early Canada goose | Statewide | Oct 3, 2026 | Oct 11, 2026 | |
| Geese | Regular geese | Statewide | Nov 11, 2026 | Feb 6, 2027 | |
| Light geese | Conservation order | Statewide | Feb 7, 2027 | Apr 30, 2027 | |
| Coyote | Coyote hunting | Statewide | Jan 1, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | |
| Groundhog | Groundhog | Statewide | May 11, 2026 | Dec 15, 2026 | |
| Bullfrogs and green frogs | Frogging | Statewide | Jun 30, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | |
| Raccoon, opossum, skunk | Hunt and trap, early | Statewide | Aug 1, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | |
| Rails | Rail season | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | |
| Snipe | Snipe season | Statewide | Sep 1, 2026 | Dec 16, 2026 | |
| Crow | Crow season | Statewide | Nov 1, 2026 | Mar 3, 2027 | |
| Badger and foxes | Hunting and trapping | Statewide | Nov 15, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | |
| Bobcat | Hunting and trapping | Statewide | Nov 15, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | |
| Raccoon, opossum, skunk | Hunt and trap, main | Statewide | Nov 15, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 |
From the 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations, the 2026-2027 Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Digest and the 2026 hunting and trapping summary (Missouri Department of Conservation), checked October 29, 2026.
Newton County turkey numbers and disease testing
Newton County gave up 193 turkeys in the spring 2026 regular season. 2024 leads the spring column at 209 birds. Fall 2025 archery hunters checked 3; the firearms portion does not open in Newton County. Spring 2026 is history; MDC had not set the spring 2027 dates at the last check.
| Year | Spring youth | Spring | Fall firearms | Fall archery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 17 | 193 | — | — |
| 2025 | 20 | 181 | — | 3 |
| 2024 | 15 | 209 | 1 | 9 |
| 2023 | 6 | 151 | 1 | 6 |
| 2022 | 11 | 102 | — | 13 |
| 2021 | 7 | 99 | 0 | 13 |
| 2020 | 10 | 115 | 3 | 9 |
| 2019 | 12 | 112 | 2 | 17 |
| 2018 | 10 | 114 | — | 14 |
| 2017 | 13 | 133 | — | 8 |
| 2016 | 14 | 134 | — | 10 |
CWD surveillance in Newton County
848 deer from Newton County have been tested since 2016 on the MDC dashboard, and 0 were positive. Newton County has no first-positive year on the MDC list.
| Year (July-June) | Tested | Positive |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025-26 | 74 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | 364 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | 72 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | 78 | 0 |
| 2021-22 | 76 | 0 |
| 2020-21 | 61 | 0 |
| 2019-20 | 58 | 0 |
| 2018-19 | 19 | 0 |
| 2017-18 | 17 | 0 |
| 2016-17 | 24 | 0 |
Turkey harvest from the MDC 2026 turkey harvest summary and earlier turkey harvest summaries; CWD from the MDC CWD sampling results layers and the MDC CWD page. Checked October 29, 2026.
Places open to hunting in Newton County
Newton County has 7 listed places open to some hunting, led by Fort Crowder Conservation Area (2,213 acres). About 1.2% of the county (4,742 acres) is public on the state and federal layers. We left out 9 places where hunting is not allowed.
| Area and kind | Acres | Deer methods | Antlerless | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Crowder CA · Conservation area | 2,213 | Archery and firearms | antlerless OK | — |
| Diamond Grove Prairie CA · Conservation area | 852 | Muzzleloader, archery | antlerless OK | — |
| Capps Creek CA · Conservation area | 726 | Muzzleloader, archery | antlerless OK | 3 dove fields |
| Bicentennial CA · Conservation area | 721 | — | — | 1 managed hunt |
| Tipton Ford Access · Public access | 90 | Archery only | antlerless OK | — |
| Neosho Towersite · Towersite | 76 | Archery only | antlerless OK | — |
| Goodman Towersite · Towersite | 40 | Archery only | antlerless OK | — |
Nearby areas in other counties
- Buffalo Hills Natural Area17 miles · 486 ac · McDonald County
- Deep Ford Access20 miles · 42 ac · McDonald County
- Huckleberry Ridge CA22 miles · 2,106 ac · McDonald County
- Lanagan Towersite22 miles · 57 ac · McDonald County
- Cowskin Access23 miles · 41 ac · McDonald County
- Flag Spring CA25 miles · 4,036 ac · Barry County and McDonald County
Areas from our Missouri land list (MDC area pages and the MDC area deer quick regs, USFS, USFWS, Corps and NPS records); acres by kind from MDC, USFS, USFWS, PAD-US and NPS GIS layers (GIS measures, not official acreages); MRAP from the MDC MRAP program. Checked October 29, 2026.
Newton County contacts, towns and shops
Hunters in Newton County fall under the Southwest Region, whose office sits in Springfield. The closest MDC office open to the public is Shoal Creek Conservation and Education Center, about 13 miles from mid-county.
Newton County hunting towns
- Neoshopop. 13,782 · seat
Help for Newton County hunters
Listings come from MDC lists (Share the Harvest processors, CWD sampling partners, commercial permits) and directories; call before you drive.
Newton County neighbours
- Barry CountySouthwest
- Jasper CountySouthwest
- Lawrence CountySouthwest
- McDonald CountySouthwest
Offices from MDC offices open to the public; services from MDC lists and directories as tagged; towns from Census 2024. Checked October 29, 2026.
Newton County ranges and shoot dates
Within Newton County the guide finds 2 ranges; each card says who may shoot.
Shoots in the county
| When and what | Kind | Go |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 6-8, 2026 | Gun show | Host page |
Ranges from MDC area pages and its Shooting Ranges layer, the operators’ own sites and directory listings, checked October 29, 2026.
When legal light starts in Newton County
MDC publishes sunrise and sunset for Jefferson City only; Newton County sits 9 minutes later by the 13.5-mile rule.
| Day | Hunt | Sun up | Sun down | Big game window | Migratory window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2026 | Dove opener | 6:47 a.m. | 7:48 p.m. | 6:17 a.m. to 8:18 p.m. | 6:17 a.m. to 7:48 p.m. |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Archery opener | 6:59 a.m. | 7:26 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 7:56 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 7:26 p.m. |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Fall firearms turkey | 7:14 a.m. | 7:00 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | 6:44 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Middle Zone ducks | 6:51 a.m. | 5:11 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 5:41 p.m. | 6:21 a.m. to 5:11 p.m. |
| Nov 14, 2026 | November firearms opener | 6:59 a.m. | 5:05 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 5:35 p.m. | 6:29 a.m. to 5:05 p.m. |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Alternative methods | 7:34 a.m. | 5:03 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. to 5:33 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. to 5:03 p.m. |
| Jan 15, 2027 | Archery close | 7:34 a.m. | 5:21 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. to 5:51 p.m. | 7:04 a.m. to 5:21 p.m. |
Hours rule and the Jefferson City sunrise and sunset table from the MDC Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Digest (same table in the Fall Deer and Turkey booklet), adjusted 1 minute per 13.5 miles east or west as MDC directs; checked October 29, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Things hunters ask about Newton County
Must archers wear orange in Newton County during gun season?
Yes in firearms portions, with some exceptions listed in the booklet.
Is Newton County closed to the October and December antlerless portions?
No, both are open.
Must Newton County deer go to a CWD station in November 2026?
No. The county is outside the 28-county mandatory list this year; free voluntary testing is offered all season.
Where does Newton County land in the statewide deer harvest ranking?
41st out of 114 counties for 2025.
How many spring turkeys came from Newton County in 2026?
193 in the regular season.
Could I draw an elk permit for Newton County?
No. Elk hunting is limited to Carter, Reynolds and Shannon counties.
How much public land is there in Newton County?
About 4,742 acres by GIS, with 7 listed areas.
Where can I buy hunting permits near Newton County?
Online, in the MO Hunting app, at permit vendors or at an MDC office.
Is there a Share the Harvest processor near Newton County?
Check the tags in the services band; Downrange Processing LLC is closest on our list.
Answers from the 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations, the county rules table, the hunter orange rule, Telecheck rules, MDC harvest summaries and the sources above. Checked October 29, 2026.
Newton County trip reminders
Rules here are for the 2026-27 permit year; the booklet and Wildlife Code win where they differ.
Sources: 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations, MDC hunting, Census and the sources in each section. Checked October 29, 2026.
Other photos on this page: USFWS Midwest Region (Public Domain Mark 1.0).