Deer season continues on as many hunters continue to share their harvests with the Marshfield Mail. Accoridng to the Missouri Department of Conservation, hunters are reminded to be aware of the various seasons, restrictions, and guidelines in place to ensure a safe and successful hunting experience.
Archery Season
Archery season kicked off on September 15 and runs through November 15. After a brief break, archery season will resume on November 27 and continue until January 15, 2025. Hunters can pursue deer using archery equipment from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset during these dates.
Firearms Seasons
Firearms hunting season is divided into multiple portions throughout the fall and winter. The key dates are as follows:
• Early Antlerless Portion: October 11–13, 2024
• Early Youth Portion: November 2–3, 2024
• November Portion: November 16–26, 2024
• CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) Portion: November 27–December 1, 2024
• Late Youth Portion: November 29–December 1, 2024
• Late Antlerless Portion: December 7–15, 2024
• Alternative Methods Portion: December 28, 2024–January 7, 2025
Hunting Hours
During all hunting seasons, hunters are permitted to hunt from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. These hours remain consistent for both archery and firearms seasons.
Key Regulations and Restrictions
Missouri’s deer season includes some important regulations to ensure ethical hunting practices:
• Shot Size Restriction: During the November Portion and the Antlerless Portion in open counties, hunters are restricted to using shots no larger than No. 4. This restriction does not apply to landowners hunting on their own property.
• Antler-Point Restrictions: Hunters who are 15 years old or younger on September 15 of the current year are exempt from the antler-point restriction, allowing them to harvest deer without adhering to the antler-point requirements that apply to older hunters.
As always, hunters are encouraged to review all relevant regulations and obtain the proper permits before heading out into the field. Missouri’s diverse deer hunting opportunities provide something for hunters of all skill levels, and MDC officials urge hunters to follow all safety protocols, respect private land boundaries, and practice responsible hunting.
For more information on deer hunting seasons, regulations, and other MDC services, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website.
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