Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 14,896 deer during the antlerless portion of the firearms deer season, Dec. 4-12. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 467 deer harvested, Pike with 376 and Morgan with 354. Texas County had 149.
Last year’s antlerless-portion harvest total was 15,620.
The antlerless portion was extended from three days to nine days this year.
“Prior to last year, the average harvest during the three-day antlerless portion had been just under 8,000 deer,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle. “We had some fantastic hunting conditions during last year’s antlerless portion, which resulted in a harvest total that was nearly double the average. So, although we were below last year’s mark, this year’s total was well above the average harvest over the last several years with the shorter season.”
Archery season continues through Jan. 15. Alternative methods portion runs Dec. 25 – Jan. 4.