It’s the height of Missouri deer hunting season. Here’s what to know before you hunt
It’s an exciting time of year to be a deer hunter in Missouri.
Nov. 16 through Nov. 26 marks the height of the state’s deer hunting season: the only 11 days of the year when adult hunters anywhere in the state are allowed to use firearms to hunt antlered deer.
Other periods of deer hunting season restrict hunters to antlerless deer only, limit hunting methods to archery or alternative projectile weapons, or allow only youth hunters aged 6 to 15 to hunt deer and other animals.
Although deer hunters can go after their biggest game for the next week, some hunting restrictions are still in place. Here’s what to know before you head out to hunt deer in Missouri.
How many deer can I hunt in Missouri?
Hunters are allowed to kill a total of two antlered deer in the state each hunting season — but only one of those can be killed during the firearm season. An antlered deer is defined as one with antlers that are at least 3 inches long.
The number of antlerless deer you can hunt during the firearms season varies by county. In the Kansas City area, hunters can kill up to four antlerless deer each with the proper permits. From Dec. 7 through 15, hunters may only hunt antlerless deer.
Some counties place an antler-point restriction on the antlered deer that can be hunted. These restrictions protect young male deer with small antlers that are longer than 3 inches but have fewer than four points. A point is defined as the tip or broken end of any antler branch that measures one inch or longer.
Counties with a four antler-point minimum include northern Platte County and southern Cass County as well as 25 other counties in the northern and central areas of the state. In these counties, antlerless deer, those with antlers shorter than 3 inches and those with four or more antler points are fair game.
What weapons can I use to hunt deer in Missouri’s firearm season?
The November portion of Missouri’s firearm season is the only time of year when adult hunters can use rifles and shotguns statewide to hunt antlered deer. Also acceptable are airguns, handguns, revolvers, various types of bows and atlatls, which are devices that launch small spears.
Remember: Hunters are limited to one antlered deer in the firearms portion of the hunting season. The number of antlerless deer you can hunt during the firearms season varies by county.
Some types of hunting equipment are not allowed during deer hunting season in Missouri. They include buckshot, automatic weapons, firearms that hold more than 11 rounds of ammunition at a time, night vision equipment, bait, hunting dogs and any equipment that shines light on game.
What type of permit do I need to hunt deer in Missouri?
In Missouri, hunters must purchase a permit for each deer they intend to hunt. An any-deer hunting permit is good for one antlered or non-antlered deer. These are available for either firearms hunting or archery hunting. If you’re hoping to hunt an antlered deer, this is the permit you want.
Antlerless deer hunting permits are also available for firearms or archery hunters. How many you can purchase depends on where the permit is issued. Some counties sell only a limited number of antlerless deer hunting permits to help maintain deer populations.
Most hunters between the ages of 16 and 57 must complete a hunter-education course before they can buy deer or turkey hunting permits. This course can be completed online.
Hunting permits can be purchased online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website, in person from any permit vendor or over the phone by calling 800-392-4115.
Do you have more questions about wildlife or the outdoors in Missouri? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
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