Missouri’s young hunters are off to an impressive start this deer season. Over the weekend of Nov. 2-3, kids ages 6 through 15 harvested 13,923 deer during the early youth portion of the 2024 firearms deer hunting season, according to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
Franklin County led the way with 285 deer harvested, followed by Howell County with 273 and Texas County with 265. Breaking down the numbers, youth hunters bagged 9,852 antlered bucks, 3,102 does, and 969 button bucks.
This year’s early youth harvest surpassed last year’s total of 11,270, showing a significant increase in participation and success among young hunters. For more harvest details, visit here.
Missouri’s deer hunting season continues with:
- November Portion: Nov. 16-26
- CWD Portion: Nov. 27 to Dec. 1 in designated counties
- Late Youth Portion: Nov. 29 to Dec. 1
- Late Antlerless Portion: Dec. 7-15 in open counties
- Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 28 to Jan. 7, 2025
- Archery Season: Open through Nov. 15, then reopens from Nov. 27 to Jan. 15, 2025
For complete regulations and more information on upcoming hunting opportunities, consult the 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available at permit vendors and online.
