JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- With the November firearms deer season on the horizon, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters of changes to deer and turkey permits and tagging procedures that went into effect in this year.
The November firearms deer hunt starts Nov. 12. The 11-day season typically accounts for approximately 80 percent of the firearms deer harvest each year.
This year is the first time that Missouri hunters can buy deer and other hunting permits online, print them and use them immediately. Hunters can use this new e-Permits system to buy permits online or purchase them in person at MDC regional offices, nature centers and other offices statewide. Hunters also still can buy permits from hundreds of vendors statewide.
Vendors still are printing permits on the familiar yellow plastic material that has been used in the past. However, the format has changed and no longer includes a separate self-adhesive tag. Within a couple of years, all permits will be issued on plain paper.
The new format does not include separate tags for deer or turkeys as in the past. Under this new e-Permits format, deer and turkey permits are permit-and-tag in one.
With these changes come some changes in deer and turkey tagging and checking procedures. These are explained in the 2011 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which is available wherever permits are sold or at mdc.mo.gov/node/3656. MDC also has a Web page (mdc.mo.gov/node/3891) explaining the procedure. It even has a short video at youtube.com/watch?v=CHFp_9UiKjg that illustrates the reminder phrase, “Bag it, notch it, tag it, check it.”
“E-Permits offer some significant advantages in terms of convenience,” said MDC Permit Services Supervisor Greg Jones. “We know that changes can be confusing. We want to be sure hunters have easy access to permits and information about the new procedures in whatever form they like best – in person, in print, online text or video. If folks still have questions, they can call or visit any of our offices for help.”
MDC is providing free permit protectors through its conservation agents and regional offices.
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