Local hunters interested in joining the Missouri Department of Conservation's managed deer hunts may sign up beginning July 1.
From mid-September through mid-January, the MDC will offer more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities.
The managed deer hunt application period is July 1-31. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Drawing results will be available Aug. 15-Jan. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail.
Three hunts are planned within Callaway County, all at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area.
Archery, Oct. 14-Nov. 10. Limit two deer, but only one may be antlered. Antlered deer must have at least one antler with at least four points. Quota is 75 hunters.
Muzzleloader or cap-and-ball firearms, Dec. 6-8. Hunters must attend a pre-hunt orientation Oct. 12; those who do not attend are disqualified. Limit two deer, but only one may be antlered. Antlered deer must have at least one antler with at least four points. Quota is 30 hunters.
Firearms, Oct. 12-13. Hunters must attend a pre-hunt orientation Oct. 12; those who do not attend are disqualified. Limit two antlerless deer. Quota is 50 hunters.
More hunts are planned for neighboring counties. See the full list at bit.ly/2KVaPmh.
Note that interested hunters may only apply for one managed deer hunt per year. Application for more than one results in disqualification.
Hunters may apply as individuals or in groups. Neither affects the odds of being chosen, according to the MDC.
You must be 11 or older by the date of the hunt. Youth hunters may apply individually or with one other youth hunter for youth-only hunts, but not as a group. If applying for any other hunt, hunters may apply individually or as a group of up to six.
For more information about managed hunts and how to apply, see bit.ly/31wYtGy.