When is Missouri Rifle Season for Deer?
Missouri is renowned for its deer hunting, with a long history of providing exciting and challenging hunting experiences for outdoorsmen. The state offers a variety of hunting seasons, including archery, muzzleloader, and modern gun seasons. In this article, we will focus on the Missouri rifle season for deer, providing information on the dates, bag limits, and regulations to help you plan your hunt.
When is Rifle Season for Deer in Missouri?
The Missouri rifle season for deer typically runs from mid-November to mid-December, with the exact dates varying from year to year. The 2022-2023 rifle season for deer in Missouri is from November 12th to November 27th.
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Bag Limits and Regulations
Before heading out on your hunt, it’s essential to understand the bag limits and regulations in place for Missouri deer hunting. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Bag Limit: One antlered deer per hunter, with a minimum of 2 inches of antler length on either side of the main beam.
- Antlerless Deer: No more than two antlerless deer per hunter, with no minimum antler length requirement.
- Buck Deer: Only bucks with at least 2 inches of antler length on either side of the main beam can be harvested.
- Youth Deer Hunting Days: Youth hunters (ages 11-15) can participate in a special youth deer hunting day, which usually takes place in late October or early November. This day is designed to provide young hunters with an opportunity to harvest a deer before the regular season begins.
Zone Maps and Regulations
Missouri is divided into several deer hunting zones, each with its own set of regulations and bag limits. Here is a breakdown of the zones and their corresponding regulations:
| Zone | Antlered Deer Bag Limit | Antlerless Deer Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | 2 |
| B | 1 | 2 |
| C | 1 | 2 |
| D | 1 | 2 |
| E | 1 | 2 |
| F | 1 | 2 |
| G | 1 | 2 |
| H | 1 | 2 |
Note: Zone maps can be found on the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Other Important Information
Here are some additional tips and reminders to keep in mind when planning your Missouri deer hunt:
- Hunting Hours: Hunting hours are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- License Requirements: All hunters must have a valid Missouri hunting license, as well as a deer permit.
- Harvest Reporting: All harvested deer must be reported to the Missouri Department of Conservation within 72 hours of harvest.
- Check Stations: Check stations are available throughout the state, where hunters can bring their harvested deer for weighing and inspection.
Conclusion
Missouri’s rifle season for deer is an exciting and challenging experience, offering hunters the opportunity to harvest a trophy buck or two. By understanding the bag limits, regulations, and zone maps, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable hunt. Remember to always follow safe hunting practices and respect the land and wildlife. Happy hunting!
