Image
Caption
A chickenlike marsh bird with a long, slightly curving bill, the Virginia rail is a migratory gamebird related to coots and gallinules.
Credit
Noppadol Paothong
Right to Use
Photo by Noppadol Paothong, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Image
Species Description
What’s New for 2026?
- Permit prices have increased to keep pace with the rising costs of goods and services.
- The Migratory Bird Hunting Permit has been replaced by a Resident Migratory Bird Hunting Permit and a Nonresident Migratory Bird Hunting Permit.
- Duck hunting zone boundaries have changed slightly for the 2026–2030 seasons.
- Duck season date formulas have changed for the 2026–2030 seasons.
Soras and Virginia Rails are legal to hunt during migratory bird seasons. They are typically 9 inches from beak to tail, and forage primarily in marshes and swamps.
Topic Category
Hunting / Fishing Guide
Seasons
Regulations
Biological Information