Hunters Harvest 5,741 Deer During Missouri’s Early Antlerless Portion

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri hunters harvested a total of 5,741 deer during the state’s early antlerless firearms portion of the deer season, held from October 11-13, according to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Franklin County led the state with 156 deer taken, followed by Howell County with 140, and Bollinger County with 135.

This year’s early antlerless harvest is significantly lower than last year’s total of 16,553 deer. MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle attributes the decrease in harvest numbers to the warmer weather during the weekend.

“Unseasonably warm temperatures this year likely discouraged some hunters from getting into the woods, leading to a reduced harvest,” said Isabelle. “Last year, we were fortunate to have a cold front during this portion, which increased deer movement and encouraged more hunters to participate.”

Missouri’s deer hunting season continues with archery season, which opened on September 15 and runs through November 15, before resuming from November 27 to January 15, 2025. Firearms hunting will return with the Early Youth Portion on November 2-3, followed by the main November Portion from November 16-26. Other upcoming portions include the CWD Portion from November 27 to December 1 in open counties, the Late Youth Portion from November 29 to December 1, and the Late Antlerless Portion from December 7-15 in open counties. The season will close with the Alternative Methods Portion from December 28 to January 7, 2025.

For more detailed harvest summaries by county, visit the MDC website.

For more information on hunting regulations and upcoming season dates, check out the 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet, available at permit vendors statewide or online.