Hunting News

14,896 deer harvested during antlerless season

14,896 deer harvested during antlerless season

By Missouri Department of Conservation

Preliminary data shows that Missouri deer hunters 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.

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 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.

For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, click here.

For harvest summaries from past years, click here.

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