Missouri hunters took home more bucks than does during the November portion of firearms deer season, according to data from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Out of the 159,120 deer harvested, 82,613 were antlered bucks, 13,203 were button bucks, and 63,304 were does. Top harvest counties were Franklin, Texas, and Howell.
The total harvest was lower than last year’s, with a 15% drop from the five-year average. Factors contributing to this decrease included a later start to the season, less than ideal hunting conditions, and a bumper acorn crop leading to decreased deer movement. Counties with heavily forested areas were most affected by the acorn abundance.
MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle explained that the late start to the season meant the November portion occurred further from the peak of the rut, decreasing harvest numbers. Less favorable hunting conditions, including warm temperatures and high winds, also affected deer movement and hunters’ desire to be in the woods.
Isabelle highlighted that counties in northern and western Missouri either saw an increase or slight decrease in harvest numbers, while the more heavily forested Ozark counties experienced the largest decline due to the abundance of acorns.
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