• Missouri laws allow children as young as 6 to hunt with a mentor.Deer image by Pinhole from Fotolia.com
  
  Children who want to hunt or trap in Missouri are fortunate enough to be able to do so at an early age as long as they have a licensed mentor who is willing to supervise. Missouri child hunting laws allow those experienced in hunting to mentor young ones so they can learn hunting skills while gaining valuable knowledge about hunting and regulations in the state.
  
  

Young Children

• Children age 6 to 15 are exempt from having to carry a permit to hunt or trap in Missouri when they are in the immediate presence of a mentor who also resides in Missouri with a valid hunting license for the current season. Immediate presence means the child and mentor can carry on a conversation without yelling and the mentor can assist the child easily. The child has the opportunity to hunt in the presence of an experienced hunter and share valuable time with a loved one in many cases.
  
  

Mentor

• A family member, friend or seasoned hunter in Missouri can satisfy child hunting laws by providing adequate information and guidance to a young hunter. Mentors must be over the age of 18 or born before January 1, 1967, and properly licensed with a hunter education certificate.
  
  

Hunter Education

• Hunter education promotes safety and knowledge of Missouri hunting laws.duck hunter image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Older children can participate in hunter education once they reach age 11 and apply for their own permit to hunt alone. Hunter education prepares young and new hunters for hunting and trapping in Missouri while familiarizing the hunter with laws and safety precautions. Children who satisfy the requirements of hunter education must carry their permit with them at all times while hunting and abide by the obligations of carrying a hunting permit.
  
  

Permit Obligations

• Hunter safety and responsibility is important for Missouri children and adults. The permit rests upon the laws of the state and ensures the hunter is willing to agree to the tenets of the Wildlife Code, allow the Missouri Department of Conservation to inspect any hunting or trapping equipment as well as the hunting permit, hunt and trap safely, use the permit and not lend it out, and carry the permit at all times while hunting or trapping. Detailed information about hunting seasons and permits can be obtained through the Missouri Department of Conservation website.