JEFFERSON CITY MO. -- Hunters will find seasons and regulations for Missouri’s 2011-2012 deer-hunting season similar to last year’s. Exceptions include the timing of the Early Youth Portion of Firearms Deer Season and new counties where unlimited antlerless permits are available.

The archery deer season will run from Sept. 15 through Nov. 11 and Nov. 23 through Jan. 15, 2012, statewide. The bag limit is two deer of either sex, except that only one antlered deer may be taken before the November portion of the firearms season. Additional deer may be taken on Archery Antlerless Deer permits in select counties.

Firearms deer seasons are:

-Urban Zones Portion:  Oct. 7 through 10 in select zones; limit one antlerless deer per any-deer or antlerless-deer permit.

-Youth Portion – Early:  Nov. 5 through 6 statewide; limit one deer of either sex on an any-deer permit or, in select counties, one antlerless deer on a firearms antlerless deer permit.

-Youth Portion – Late:  Jan. 7 through 8, 2012, statewide; limit one deer of either sex on an any-deer permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken in select counties on firearms antlerless deer permits.

-November Portion:  Nov. 12 through 22 statewide; limit one deer of either sex on an any-deer permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken in select counties on firearms antlerless deer permits.

-Antlerless Portion:  Nov. 23 through Dec. 4 in select counties; limit one antlerless deer per any-deer or antlerless-deer permit.

-Muzzleloader Portion:  Dec. 17 through 27 statewide, limit one deer of either sex on an any-deer permit. Additional antlerless deer may be taken in select counties on firearms antlerless deer permits.


Regulation changes this year include:

The Early Youth Portion of Firearms Deer Season will take place one week later this year to reduce conflicts with the Halloween holiday.  Public comments played a direct role in this adjustment.

Holders of concealed carry weapon permits and qualified active or retired law enforcement officers may carry those weapons while archery hunting.


Information provided by Missouri Department of Conservation