2026 Riverlands Veteran and Active-Duty Military Deer Hunt

The 2026 Riverlands Veteran and Military Deer Hunt takes place November 17-19 at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. This hunt is open only to active-duty military and veterans of the U.S. Armed forces and is part of the Riverlands Deer Management Program, which was adapted to address negative impacts from deer overpopulation at the sanctuary.

A total of 5 applicants will be selected to harvest 1 either-sex deer each, and hunting will only be permitted in Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary from designated blinds located away from marsh and wetland habitat. Hunters must follow Missouri Department of Conservation hunting regulations and must provide documentation proving their military service to be eligible. Applicable MDC regulations can be found at https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/seasons/deer-firearms-november-portion

A public drawing will be held September 2, 2026 at 9 a.m. at the Rivers Project Office parking lot. Attendance is not required. All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of the day. Applicants will be given 48 hours from the time that they are contacted to secure their spot by phone or email before the spot will be forfeited.

If selected for the hunt, applicants are required to attend a mandatory pre-hunt safety meeting on November 16 at 6 p.m. at the Rivers Project Office.

Hunters must fully read and understand the official rules and regulations document for this hunt, which is located here: 2026 Deer Hunt Regulations. Please ensure that you have read this document in its entirety before applying. Hunters who do not follow the rules and regulations of this hunt will forfeit their spot.

For questions, please contact Tyler Goble at (636) 899-2600, or by email at tyler.j.goble@usace.army.mil.