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News Brief

Nov. 18, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MDC releases preliminary deer hunting figures

a deer in field

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Missouri hunters harvested 68,312 deer during the opening weekend of firearms deer season on November 16 and 17, according to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

The harvest included 42,283 antlered bucks, 5,105 button bucks, and 20,924 does. Top counties were Franklin with 1,627 deer, Texas with 1,305, and Pike with 1,161.

This year’s harvest was down from last year’s 90,253 deer, which the MDC attributes to several factors. A later season start meant less deer movement as the opener fell after the peak rut.

An abundant acorn crop also kept deer out of open areas, making them harder for hunters to spot. Warm temperatures further reduced deer activity.

The November portion of firearms deer season continues through Monday, November 26, with additional hunting opportunities in the coming weeks. For more details and ongoing harvest data, visit mdc.mo.gov.