JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri deer hunters harvested 89,861 deer during the opening weekend of November’s gun deer season, according to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
This is nearly 10,000 more than last year’s opening weekend, where hunters examined 80,744 deer.
Of the 89,861 deer harvested, 54,415 were in dollars, 7,187 were in buttons and 28,259.
The top harvest counties for the opening weekend were Franklin with 1,968 deer harvested, Texas with 1,814 and Benton with 1,654 deer.
“Thankfully, the weather cooperated this weekend and the hunters were treated to some good conditions,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle in a press release. “Due to heavy rain and winds across the state last year’s opening weekend, it’s not surprising that we’ve seen an increase in harvests this year.”
The November portion of gun deer season continues through November 23.
Missouri’s turkey and deer archery season will run from November 24 to January 15, 2022.
The youth end of gun season runs from November 26 to 28. The velvet-free portion of gun deer season runs from December 4 to 12, followed by the alternative methods section from December 25. December to January 4, 2022.
For current preliminary harvest totals, ongoing by season, seed and deer type, or aggregate harvests from previous years, visit the MDC website.
