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The experimental antler-point restriction proved to be popular with hunters in the pilot counties in north and mid Missouri. The antler restriction produced more adult bucks in the harvest but only increased doe harvest in the central group of counties
Although not all population/harvest management objectives were achieved, there were no negative biological consequences. Since a majority of hunters in northern and central counties wanted the program expanded to areas where they hunt, the restriction was added to 36 more counties for this year. Although there was generally good public support, the counties of Platte, Clay, Jackson, Cass, St. Charles, St. Louis and Jefferson were not recommended for the antler restriction because the management goal is to provide
liberal harvest opportunities in these urban areas.
Keeping the deer population at a healthy level that also offers hunters plenty of opportunities is an ongoing part of deer management. In parts of southwestern Missouri, deer numbers have declined and hunters say the deer population is below the desired level. As a result, hunters will be limited to only one antlerless firearms permit in Barry, Barton, Christian, Dade, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Stone, Webster and Wright counties.
For the same reason, Christian and Webster counties were removed from the urban counties portion of the firearms season. However, in Miller County, deer populations have been gradually increasing. Miller County has historically had deer populations at modest levels where antlerless permits were appropriate, but inclusion in the antlerless portion was not. Recent increases in the Miller County deer population now warrant its inclusion in the antlerless portion of the 2008 firearms deer season.
Another change for 2008 was the additional firearms hunting opportunity for youth during their winter school holidays. Youth hunters age 6-15 were able to try out new deer rifles and other hunting equipment they receive for Christmas on Jan. 3-4. This change should have little impact on the deer population, while allowing youth a special time to hunt when they are out of school and the holidays are over.
Contact information for the Missouri Department of Conservation: www.mdc.mo.gov for online information or call 573-751-4115 to contact headquarters. For regional info call your regional office, phone numbers are online.
Also, to help direct you to the right contact person here is a simple guideline:
Conservation agent – for questions about seasons, regulations, programs and events.
Fisheries management biologist – for questions about fishing, fish or other aquatic life, or the management of lakes and streams on public or private land.
Forester – for questions about forest management or forest products.
Natural history biologist – for questions about plants and animals.
Private land conservationist – for questions about farm bill conservation programs and managing wildlife habitat on private land.
Education consultant or outdoor skills specialists – for questions about conservation education in schools and communities or questions about learning or teaching outdoor skills.
Administrative Office
P.O. Box 180 (zip 65102)
2901 W. Truman Blvd.
Jefferson City, MO 65109
(573) 751-4115
Fax: (573) 751-4467
