Missouri Deer Hunting Season

There’s a certain nip in the air. The leaves are starting to turn, and the days are getting shorter. The year is starting to wind down, and for many in Missouri, this is the signal for one thing. It’s time for deer hunting season. Deer hunting is a time honored tradition in outdoorsmanship that thousands of people all across the nation participate in. This coming September and all throughout the fall and winter into January, the season and population of deer will be just right for the state of Missouri and the state will start issuing its first round of hunting permits and licenses soon. Hunters of all types may use weapons such as crossbows, classic and composite bows, muzzle loaded guns and modern firearms.

If you are new to deer hunting and would like to know more about the sport, there are a few important things to remember. First and foremost is actually obtaining your license. The time to apply for these licenses is from June 1 to August 15, wherein the names of prospective hunters are drawn from the lot. You must be at least 11 years old to apply for hunting, and may only attend one managed hunt per year. Depending on the draw, you will be notified at any time between September 14 through December 31, so don’t be disappointed if September rolls around and you have not been contacted for your license because it may still be a few months before you can be given that information. The forms and information for submitting this application can be found at the official Missouri Department of Conservation government website. For those with special needs such as the wheelchair bound, there are even special considerations made by certain parks for those that want to join these managed hunts!

Remember to always keep safety in mind. Scout out the area you will be hunting in, and make sure that you have a hunting jacket on to make sure that other hunters who might happen to be in your same area will recognize you through the foliage. Try to be downwind of the deer as they can be easily startled by any sounds or smells that is carried by the air. For the types of guns that you may use, the state of Missouri allows crossbows, longbows, compound bows, shotguns that only use slugs, rifles and handguns that fire only centerfire ammunition, and muzzle loaded firearms that use .40 caliber or smaller ammunition.

Always be respectful of the animals you hunt because they are still wild and may startle even the most seasoned hunter. Make sure that you only kill the amount of deer that is allowed in your permit as these limits are set by the Department of Conservation to keep the deer population healthy. White-tailed deer the iconic animal for hunting and will provide a good challenge as well as an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. As always, make sure that you always obey the law and practice proper safety, and to enjoy your experience!