Cool weather helped hunters during Missouri firearms season

Chilly opening-day weather helped Missouri hunters nearly set a record during the 10-day November firearms deer season.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, hunters killed 199,427 deer during the November portion of fall firearms deer season, Nov. 10- 20.

Of the 199,427 deer harvested, 102,930 were antlered bucks, 19,924 were button bucks, and 76,573 were does. That tally came close to the record 2012 November firearms season, when hunters killed 204,668 deer, including 87,368 antlered bucks, 27,143 button bucks and 90,157 does.

Top-producing counties this year were Franklin with 4,021 deer checked, Howell with 3,858, and Callaway with 3,695.

Last year hunters checked 192,797 deer during the 2017 November portion of firearms deer season, with 100,161 being antlered bucks, 20,267 being button bucks, and 72,369 being does.

MDC reported eight firearms-related hunting incidents during the November portion of firearms deer season, three of them fatalities — two of those occurred incidental to hunting while at hunting camps, and one was a self-inflicted incident while in the field.

Of the five non-fatal incidents, four were self-inflicted and the fifth occurred when the shooter struck a victim while swinging on game.

Deer hunting in Missouri continues with archery deer hunting from Nov. 21 through Jan. 15, 2019. The late youth portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 23-25. The antler-less portion of firearms deer season runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 2.

Lastly, the alternative methods portion will run Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, 2019.

Hunter education classes required for many

While firearms deer hunting is coming to an end, waterfowl, rabbit, squirrel, furbearer, quail, and other hunting seasons continue into the new year.

Hunter education is required for most hunters in Missouri. MDC offers hunter-education classes year-round online, through a self-study option, and in the classroom.

Missouri's hunter-education course is required for any hunter born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, who uses a firearm while hunting, unless exempt. Anyone 11 or older is eligible to take the course and exam.

Hunters who have completed an approved hunter-education course in another state are not required to take Missouri’s hunter-education course.

“MDC’s hunter-education program provides a foundation in hunting safety and ethics,” said MDC Outreach and Education Unit Chief Kyle Lairmore, who coordinates the program. “It instills responsibility, improves skills and knowledge, and encourages interaction between beginner and veteran hunters. In fact, hunter education has reduced hunting incidents and deaths in Missouri by more than 70 percent since it became mandatory in 1987.”

Hunter education covers hunter responsibility and ethics, how firearms work and firearm safety, wildlife identification, game care, survival, first-aid skills, firearm-handling skills and hunting techniques, awareness about wildlife conservation and management, and rules and information unique to Missouri.

Hunter education options

MDC offers two options to complete hunter education. The “blended format” is for all ages and includes a knowledge session that must be completed online, in the classroom, or through a self-study guide, followed by a skills session and final exam.

MDC’s “all-online” option is for Missouri residents 16 years of age and older. They can complete the entire program online through coursework and a final exam without having to take the skills session.

For more information on MDC hunter education, go online to huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training.

Bowhunter education, too

MDC also offers voluntary bowhunter education in the classroom and online. While classroom offerings are limited, the online offering can be taken any time through a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

It includes live‐action, high-definition videos complemented by a comprehensive instruction booklet. Participants must be at least 16 years old and a Missouri resident to take the online course. There is a $30 fee.

Learn more about the online course at bowhunter-ed.com/missouri/. Find classroom courses at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/.

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