Frogs, falconry and unprotected species
Bullfrog hunting in Missouri
2026-27 dates Jun 30 to Oct 31, 2026, limits, permits and public land, from MDC.
Photo: USFWS Midwest Region (Public Domain Mark 1.0)
Bullfrogs in Missouri: 1 season row between Jun 30, 2026 and Oct 31, 2026, plus limits, permit prices and the public land where they are found.
Bullfrog rules in one list
- Limit: 8 daily combined with green frogs, 16 possession.
- Seasons in short: June 30 (sunset)-Oct 31.
MDC source (as of Feb 6, 2026), checked October 29, 2026.
Bullfrog calendar by zone and county
1 season line for bullfrogs, opening to closing.
| Hunt | Applies to | Limit | Start | End | Days | Open now? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frogging | Statewide | 8 daily combined, 16 possession | Jun 30, 2026 | Oct 31, 2026 | 124 |
What the bullfrog rows add
- .22 rimfire rifle/pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, hand or hand net (fishing methods with fishing permit)
- Opens at sunset June 30 (8:37 p.m. at Jefferson City). Artificial lights allowed.
From Hunting and Trapping Summary p. 18, checked October 29, 2026.
How bullfrogs may be taken
| Frogging | Rule |
|---|---|
| Legal | .22 rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, hand, hand net; lights allowed. |
| Not legal | Centerfire firearms. |
| Group | Hunting season June 30 (sunset)-Oct 31; also fishing methods. |
The bullfrog limit is 8 a day combined, 16 in possession.
Wildlife Code frogs, checked October 29, 2026.
Bullfrog bag and permit table
Missouri calls hunting licenses permits; the bullfrog permits below come from the 2026 MDC price list, and the permit year runs March 1 to the end of February.
| Bag row | What it allows |
|---|---|
| Bullfrogs and green frogs | 8 daily, 16 possession; only the daily limit on the water/banks. |
Bullfrog permit prices
| Permit | Residency | Who | Price | Valid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Game | resident | Age 16-64 | $11.50 | Permit year |
| Daily Small Game | nonresident | All | $16 | 1 day |
| Small Game | nonresident | Age 16+ | $108.50 | Permit year |
| Small Game and Fishing | resident | All | $22.50 | Permit year |
| Lifetime Small Game | resident | Age 15 or younger | $320 | Lifetime |
| Lifetime Small Game | resident | Age 16-29 | $465.50 | Lifetime |
| Lifetime Small Game | resident | Age 30-39 | $407 | Lifetime |
| Lifetime Small Game | resident | Age 40-59 | $349 | Lifetime |
| Lifetime Small Game | resident | Age 60+ | $40.50 | Lifetime |
From Hunting and Trapping Summary p. 11, Hunting and Trapping Summary p. 18, Hunting and Trapping Summary p. 8 and Hunting and Trapping Summary p. 9, checked October 29, 2026.
What the Code requires of bullfrog hunters
- Daily window: June 30 at sunset is the bullfrog opener; frogging with a light at night is allowed.
- Hunter orange: MDC puts bullfrog hunters in orange during firearms deer portions, except in counties closed to the antlerless portions.
Bullfrog weapons
| Methods | Rule |
|---|---|
| Legal | .22 rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, hand, hand net; lights allowed. |
| Not legal | Centerfire firearms. |
shooting hours, hunter orange, methods, checked October 29, 2026.
Shooting times for bullfrogs by county
Six counties, two bullfrog dates: legal times worked out from the MDC Jefferson City table. Sunrise and sunset only: bullfrogs carry no shooting hours.
| Date | County | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2026 | Jackson County | 6:47 a.m. | 7:48 p.m. |
| Sep 1, 2026 | St. Louis County | 6:31 a.m. | 7:32 p.m. |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Greene County | 6:43 a.m. | 7:44 p.m. |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Boone County | 6:39 a.m. | 7:40 p.m. |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Cape Girardeau County | 6:28 a.m. | 7:29 p.m. |
| Sep 1, 2026 | Nodaway County | 6:49 a.m. | 7:50 p.m. |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Jackson County | 7:43 a.m. | 6:19 p.m. |
| Oct 31, 2026 | St. Louis County | 7:27 a.m. | 6:03 p.m. |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Greene County | 7:39 a.m. | 6:15 p.m. |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Boone County | 7:35 a.m. | 6:11 p.m. |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Cape Girardeau County | 7:24 a.m. | 6:00 p.m. |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nodaway County | 7:45 a.m. | 6:21 p.m. |
MDC sunrise and sunset table with the MDC longitude rule; checked October 29, 2026. Legal hours for every county.
Bullfrog, answered
What weapons are legal for bullfrogs?
.22 rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, hand, hand net; lights allowed. Not legal: Centerfire firearms.
Which Missouri permit covers bullfrogs?
For bullfrogs, the resident Small Game permit costs $11.50 (Age 16-64). A nonresident hunting bullfrogs pays $16 for the Daily Small Game permit. Vendors and the MO Hunting app sell bullfrog permits with no surcharge.
Does the orange law cover bullfrog hunting?
MDC puts bullfrog hunters in orange during firearms deer portions, except in counties closed to the antlerless portions.
How early can I shoot bullfrogs?
June 30 at sunset is the bullfrog opener; frogging with a light at night is allowed.
Is a .22 legal for bullfrogs?
.22 rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, bow, crossbow, atlatl, hand, hand net; lights allowed. Fishing methods need a fishing permit.
Does Missouri restrict Sunday hunting for bullfrogs?
Yes. Sunday bullfrog hunting is legal; only the season dates and hours apply.
What is the bullfrog limit in Missouri?
8 daily, 16 possession; only the daily limit on the water/banks.
What are the 2026-27 bullfrog dates in Missouri?
Frogging Jun 30 to Oct 31, 2026.