Missouri Department of Conservation

Deer Hunting

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Deer Hunting

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), or simply the whitetail. Although to some it may represent purely a seasonal pursuit, it symbolizes all that is majestic about the Missouri wild. The astonishing growth of the whitetail over the last four decades is not only testimony to the species, but to our commitment to the conservation principle itself—and to our very heritage. You will discover in this minisite the various aspects of this grand creature, from its North American history to how deer hunting has changed over the centuries and its practical realities in our modern world.

2011-2012 Managed Hunts

Missouri offers numerous managed deer hunts for archery, crossbow, muzzleloading and modern firearms from mid-September through January. More

2011 Special Hunts for People with Disabilities

There are 10 special hunts exclusively for persons with disabilities. Application for these hunts is made through the hunt location, NOT through the "regular" managed deer hunt application process. More

Deer Hunting Tips

Experience can never substitute for any list of hunting tips, so always seek out others who have hunted deer or landowners whose land you may be hunting. Seek mentors. They are invaluable when it comes to the sport and especially the safety afield that it demands. More

Field Dressing

Proper care and processing of your deer right after you've harvested it ensures quality meat. More

History of Whitetail Deer in Missouri

The history of white-tailed deer in Missouri shows positive and negative influences humans can have on wildlife. More

Hunting and Managing Deer

The Department’s goal is to maintain deer numbers at levels that serve the best interest of the Missouri public. More

Life History

White-tailed deer are ungulates, or hoofed mammals, belonging to the family Cervidae. More

Managed Hunts: Selection Process

Weighted random drawing increases the odds for future managed hunts. More

Missouri Deer Hunting: Preparations

Photo of a family deer hunting
Your chance for success in a familiar area, even though it may have fewer deer, is greater than in an area that is strange to you. More

Butchering and Freezing Venison

Venison is a healthy and delicious meat choice, but the road to a tasty meal requires care in the butchering and freezing process. More

Share the Harvest

Share the Harvest helps deer hunters donate venison to the needy. Find an approved processor or start a Share the Harvest program in your area. More

Tree Stand Safety

Tree stands offer a better vantage point, a larger field of view and an earlier view of game. However, they also are a major cause of accidents during the deer-hunting season. More

Trophy Tips

Deer hunting is indeed an exciting sport, and trophies are popular reminders of successful days afield. More

Urban Deer Hunting Resource

Hunters, no matter where they live, all have one thing in common: They want to hunt close to home, and hunters from urban areas are no exception. More

MDC Applications

  • Deer-Hunting Areas

    Looking for a place to hunt deer? Browse this long list of Department conservation areas that permit deer hunting.

Related Information

  • Adult's First Deer Certificate

    To commemorate your first deer, download, complete, print and frame this full-color certificate.

  • Apprentice Hunter ProgramTo help introduce adults to hunting, the Apprentice Hunter Authorization allows hunters age 16 and older who are not hunter-ed certified to hunt with firearms--as long as they purchase a firearms hunting permit, and hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed, hunter-ed certified adult age 21 or older.
  • CWD Facts Brochure

    This two-page brochure details facts about Chronic Wasting Disease in Missouri.

  • Deer Harvest Map

    This map provides the latest deer harvest numbers.

  • Deer ManagementBecause deer populations in our state are under the land’s carrying capacity—the number of deer the habitat can support—generally deer are not limited by food scarcity. Missouri’s mild winters, naturally diverse habitats and good mixture of crop ground and woody cover provide deer ideal conditions.
  • Deer RegulationsMissouri has two deer-hunting seasons: firearms and archery. The archery season is in two segments, and the firearms season consists of five portions: urban, youth only, November, muzzleloader and antlerless only.
  • Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information

    Find out what's new with fall deer and turkey hunting regulations this year. Download the annually updated Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet.

  • Firewood Pests

    Don't give bad bugs a free ride. Emerald ash borer and other tree-killing insect pests travel in firewood. Burn firewood where you buy it.

  • Free Publications

    Our free publications help Missouri landowners, homeowners, teachers and students improve their acres, learn about animals and plants, enjoy more fishing and hunting, attract fun-to-watch wildlife with native plants and get involved in special programs. Download this form to browse or order dozens of free publications from MDC's distribution center. Note: you must be a Missouri resident to receive our free printed publications.

  • Hunter Ethics and Safety

    According to the National Safety Council, hunting is a safe activity. In fact, hunting results in fewer injuries per 100,000 participants than do many other sports, including cycling, bowling, golf and tennis. However, as with any activity, you must always use good judgment and take responsibility for your actions.

  • Kid's First Deer Certificate

    To commemorate your child's first deer, download, complete, and frame this full-color certificate.

  • White-Tailed Deer

    The white-tailed deer is aptly named because the white undersurface of its flaglike tail is about all that we see in the fleeting glimpse we get of this superb mammal as it bounds across an opening in the woods.

External Links

  • Estimate a Deer's Age

    The age of a deer can be estimated from the dental characteristics of the lower jaw. The two techniques used to determine the age of deer from the jawbone are tooth replacement and wear and cementum annuli. This MU Extension web page shows you how.

  • Implement Quality Deer-Herd Management

    Although many deer management problems are complex, the solutions often involve the application of several simple biological principles. This MU Extension web page shows you how to implement quality deer-herd management.

Deer Seasons
Game Season Dates
Deer: Firearms (Main Portion) Sat, 11/10/2012
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