Pets and Hunting Dogs

PURPOSE: This rule establishes provisions for allowing pets and hunting dogs on department areas. (1) Pets and hunting dogs are permitted but must be on a leash or confined at all times, except as otherwise provided by signs, area brochures, or this chapter. (A) Pets and hunting dogs are prohibited on the following department areas: 1. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area; 2. Engelmann Woods Natural Area; 3. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center; 4. Prairie Fork Conservation Area; 5. Runge Conservation Nature Center; 6. Springfield Conservation Nature Center; 7. Three Creeks Conservation Area (Waters-Russell Unit); and 8. White Alloe Creek Conservation Area. (2) Hunting dogs may be used off the leash and unconfined for hunting and for training for the purposes of chasing, locating, tracking, or retrieving game when hunting and dog training as defined by this Code. Legally obtained rock pigeon may be re leased and taken in any number from August 1 through March 31, on those department areas where and when hunting and dog training are permitted. (A) Any person training hunting dogs must have the permit required by 3 CSR 10-7.405. (B) On Duck Creek Conservation Area, training of hunting dogs is permitted only by holders of a valid area dog training permit during dates and hours established for this activity. (3) Dogs may be used for the recovery of wounded bear, deer, elk, and turkey as specifically authorized by 3 CSR 10-7.410 during all hours on those department areas where bear, deer, elk, or turkey hunting are permitted. Any person using dogs in accordance with this section for pay is exempt from the permit requirements of 3 CSR 10-11.111 for commercial use on department areas. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* This rule previously filed as 3 CSR 10-4.115. Original rule filed April 30, 2001, effective Sept. 30, 2001. Amended: Filed Sept. 29, 2004, effective Feb. 28, 2005. Amended: Filed March 6, 2006, effective Aug. 30, 2006. Amended: Filed Sept. 27, 2007, effective Feb. 29, 2008. Amended: Filed March 7, 2011, effective July 30, 2011. Amended: Filed March 13, 2012, effective Aug. 30, 2012. Amended: Filed Aug. 28, 2018, effective March 1, 2019. Amended: Filed Dec. 7 , 2022, effective May 30, 2023. Amended: Filed Sept. 8, 2023, effective Feb. 29, 2024. Amended: Filed Feb. 7, 2025, effective Aug. 30, 2025. *Original authority: 252.040, RSMo 1945, amended 1989.