Transportation

PURPOSE: This rule establishes provisions for the transportation of wildlife into, within, and out of the state. (1) Wildlife legally taken by sport hunting and fishing may be possessed and transported into, within, or out of this state as personal baggage of the taker, who has in his/her possession the required permit, or by other lawful possessor. Except for black bears, cervids, and turkeys taken in Missouri, persons possessing wildlife taken by another shall plainly label that wildlife with the full name, address, and permit number of the taker and the date taken, except that Missouri limits shall apply on Missouri waters unless otherwise provided by reciprocal agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this rule, black bears, cervids, and turkeys reported in accordance with established procedures, when labeled with the full name, address, date taken, and Telecheck confirmation number of the taker, may be possessed, transported, and stored by anyone. (2) Wildlife legally taken and exported from another state or country may also be shipped into Missouri by common carrier, except cervid carcasses (or parts thereof). Cervid carcasses (or parts thereof) taken from or obtained outside of Missouri may not be imported, transported, or possessed in Missouri, except— (A) Meat that is cut and wrapped; (B) Meat that has been boned out; (C) Quarters or other portions of meat with no part of the spinal column or head attached; (D) Hides from which all excess tissue has been removed; (E) Antlers; (F) Antlers attached to skull plates or skulls cleaned of all muscle and brain tissue; (G) Upper canine teeth; (H) Finished taxidermy products; and (I) Head with cape and not more than six inches (6") of neck attached, only if taken to a licensed taxidermist within fortyeight (48) hours of entry. (3) In addition to personal transportation, legally possessed commercial fish, frogs, cervid hides, squirrel and rabbit pelts, furbearer pelts and carcasses, and black bear pelts may be shipped by mail, express and freight, when truly labeled with the names and addresses of shipper and addressee, shipper’s permit number, or Telecheck confirmation number, as required, and the contents of each package. Wildlife breeders, taxidermists, fur dealers, and tanners may ship according to regulations specifically provided for such permittees. Wildlife shall not be accepted for shipment unless the shipper shall have complied with the provisions of this rule. (4) Notwithstanding other provisions of this rule, the trans portation of waterfowl and other migratory birds shall be in accordance with applicable federal regulations. AUTHORITY: sections 40 and 45 of Art. IV, Mo. Const., and section 252.040, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Aug. 14, 1970, effective Dec. 31, 1970. Amended: Filed April 20, 1978, effective Aug. 15, 1978. Amended: Filed July 30, 1979, effective Jan. 1, 1980. Amended: Filed Aug. 7, 1986, effective Jan. 1, 1987. Amended: Filed April 27, 1994, effective Jan. 1, 1995. Amended: Filed Aug. 24, 2005, effective Jan. 30, 2006. Amended: Filed Oct. 13, 2005, effective April 30, 2006. Amended: Filed March 6, 2006, effective Aug. 30, 2006. Amended: Filed Sept. 25, 2009, effective March 1, 2010. Amended: Filed Jan. 4, 2011, effective July 1, 2011. Amended: Filed May 29, 2019, effective Feb. 29, 2020. Amended: Filed Sept. 4, 2020, effective Feb. 28, 2021. Amended: Filed Jan. 22, 2021, effective Aug. 30, 2021. Amended: Filed Jan. 15, 2025, effective June 30, 2025. *Original authority: 252.040, RSMo 1945, amended 1989.