Deer seasons in the Ozarks

Fall is here, and with it comes many traditions we share as families and communities. We enjoy trick-or-treating with the kids for Halloween and enjoy (probably a little too much) a feast for Thanksgiving. Here in Missouri and in Webster County we have another tradition—Hunting! What better way to spend some quality time with family and friends than in the great outdoors. Whether enjoying an early season archery hunt, passing on the hunting tradition to the young people in our lives during the youth season, or taking advantage of one of the firearms deer seasons to fill the freezer, deer hunting is exciting and rewarding. The deer hunting seasons for 2021 are as follows:

Archery Deer and Turkey: Sept. 15–Nov. 12, 2021, and Nov. 24, 2021–Jan. 15, 2022

Firearms Deer Early Youth Portion: Oct. 30–31, 2021

Firearms Deer November Portion: Nov. 13–23, 2021

Firearms Deer Late Youth Portion: Nov. 26–28, 2021

Firearms Deer Antlerless Portion: Dec. 4–12, 2021 In open counties.

Firearms Deer Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 25, 2021–Jan. 4, 2022

With archery season underway, and the firearms deer seasons fast approaching, now is a good time to brush up on this year’s deer hunting regulations.

Early in the 20th century, as a result of unregulated hunting, Missouri’s deer herd dwindled to about 400 statewide.  From the 1930s through the 1980s, Missouri’s deer management strategy was to maximize the deer herd’s reproductive potential to repopulate the state.  To accomplish this, deer regulations were designed to protect female deer. Fast forward to today and we see that the deer population statewide is impressive, and the Missouri Department of Conservation works to sustain a healthy deer herd. Just like in the past, deer regulations are adjusted annually to meet the Conservation Department’s targeted goals each year. Be sure to check the 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet for a complete list of changes.

The key changes to the 2021 deer hunting season are as follows:

1. Camden, Laclede, McDonald, and Pulaski counties have been added to the CWD Management Zone. See Page 7.

2. During Nov. 13–14, hunters who harvest a deer in the CWD Management Zone must take it (or the head) on the day of harvest to a CWD sampling station. See pages 6–12.

3. Hunters may transport deer heads out of the CWD Management Zone and deliver them to any approved CWD sampling location within 48 hours of leaving the county of harvest, except on Nov. 13–14 when the head must be taken to a CWD sampling station on the day of harvest. See Page 6 for additional carcass movement restrictions.

4. The antler point restriction has been removed for Camden and Pulaski counties. See Page 13.

5. Hunters may now fill additional firearms antlerless permits in 17 counties. See Page 23.

6. Hunters may now fill one firearms antlerless permit in Reynolds and Stoddard counties. See Page 23.

7. Qualifying landowners may now receive two Resident Landowner Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permits in Dent, Douglas, Maries, Phelps, Texas, and Wright counties. See Page 25.

8. The antlerless portion of firearms deer season has been extended from three days to nine days. See Page 32.

9. New managed deer hunts have been added, and others have been removed or modified. See pages 36–43.

10. Hunters without hunter education may now participate in most managed deer hunts, but they must hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult hunter who is hunter-education certified or exempt. See Page 36.

11. Deer hunting regulations have changed for some conservation areas. See pages 44–57.

A change of particular interest affecting hunters here in Webster County is the increase of firearms antlerless permit limit to 2!

As you look forward to, and prepare for the 2021 deer hunting seasons, one of the most frustrating things for a hunter is finding out that quite possibly, the deer they have been looking forward to hunting all year was poached.  I frequently get calls from distraught landowners and hunters that discover a dead deer lying in a field, wasting away, sometimes with nothing but the head cut off. Yes, there are people out there that will steal your opportunity to harvest that big buck by shooting from the road, or trespassing on your property, sometimes at night with spotlights/headlights or even during the day, right out in the open. Many times, it happens for no other reason than someone’s desire for a big set of antlers. Whatever the reason or rationale, it is WRONG. Poachers are not only stealing from each of us, but they pose a great danger to public safety.

Ethical hunters put a great deal of emphasis on safety and obeying the law, but poachers disregard both. Poachers often take to the roads in search of a big deer or other game and will take a shot without regard to what might be beyond their intended target. There could be a house, barn, deer camp, hunter, pet, cattle, or tractor, and a poacher will take the unsafe shot without regard or respect for the rule of law or the safety of others. We must put a stop to these despicable acts. So how do we do that? It takes a collaborative effort between the community and law enforcement. No matter what means the Department of Conservation employs in our fight against poaching, community involvement is the key to reducing poaching in any given area. Program the Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline # 1-800-392-1111, and the Webster County Conservation Agent’s # (417) 839-0258, into your cell phone—so you can act fast!

Your cell phone programmed with the OGT toll-free number and the local Conservation Agent’s number will help you take immediate action when you see violations in the field. For your safety, do not attempt to intervene yourself.

If you witness or suspect a wildlife violation, report it to your local Conservation Agent or call the toll-free number which is manned 24 hours a day. You may remain anonymous, and you may ask to be considered for a reward if you wish.

When you call, you will be asked simple questions, the answers to which will be vital to the investigation. Here are a few things to remember when you witness a suspected violation.

• Nature of suspected illegal activity

• Date and time of violation

• The suspect’s identity, if possible

• Description of the suspects and vehicles

Poaching hurts all Missourians, but if we work together, we can bring the poachers to justice and conserve, protect and enjoy Missouri’s natural resources for generations to come!

For additional information, please visit www.mdc.mo.gov or call the Webster County Conservation Agent Andrew Feistel at (417) 839-0258.