Happy hunters expected for Missouri
Jena Thompson, posted Nov. 21, 2006
Deer season — it’s the time of year hunters live for. Throughout the month of November, many will venture into the great outdoors in search of their prize. A prize that this year, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Deer Management Specialist Lonnie Hansen, will be found just as easily as in previous years.
"It's going to be a good season," Hansen said in a press release issued by the Missouri Department of Conservation. "There's going to be lots of deer. It might be a little tough in places where you have to fight the acorn, but otherwise it's going to be a great season."
Acorns are more plentiful overall in the state this year, up about 6 percent from last year. This can cause troubles for hunters because deer don’t have to move as far in search of food. But, luckily other factors will play in favor of the hunter.
The 2005 doe harvest was down 11 percent, which resulted in more deer for this year’s population. Add in a low level for deer diseases, and there should be some happy hunters.
MU student Grant Kendrick is an avid deer hunting participant. “I went out two days last weekend, and saw 30, but they were all running.”
The weather can also make a big difference. The National Weather Service out of St. Louis predicts lower temperatures and cloudy skies for a large portion of Missouri during the final days of regular firearm deer season, which lasts through Nov. 21. Many would agree that this is the perfect condition for hunting success.
“This weekend will be much better,” Kendrick said. “The deer will be moving because of the cooler temperatures.”
If you missed the regular season, don’t stress, the muzzleloader deer season will be Nov. 24 through Dec. 3, and the final part of firearms deer season is the antlerless portion Dec. 9 through 17.
For more information on deer hunting regulations, consult the 2006 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available wherever hunting permits are sold.
