Record number of deer killed in state this year

Missouri hunters have already checked a record number of deer this year, even before the final figures roll in.

Hunters killed 23,098 deer during the antlerless portion of the firearms season, which ran Dec. 9 through Sunday, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. That brought the total statewide firearms harvest — with the November season and other special hunts combined — to a statewide record total of 280,856 deer, beating the previous record set only two years ago.

Boone County firearms hunters accounted for 4,113 of the statewide deer total, and checked almost 5,000 with the archery harvest included.

While the total figure for Missouri’s 2006 deer harvest won’t be known until the archery season ends Jan. 15, it’s already a record at around 318,800 deer. That, too, beats the record set in 2004.

Resource scientist Lonnie Hansen of the Conservation Department, who oversees Missouri’s deer-management program, said weather was the key to hunters’ success.

“We had as ideal weather for hunting as you’ll ever see, really throughout all portions of the season and throughout much of the state,” Hansen said. “Generally, the thing that keeps people out of the woods is the cold rain, and we just haven’t had much of that.”

While the snowfall kept some hunters away from their game for a few days, overall it had a positive effect by improving the visibility of deer. A slight statewide increase in the deer population also contributed to this year’s record-breaking season, despite a big acorn crop that caused deer to spread out, making them harder to find.

Record harvests like this year’s help keep Missouri’s urban deer population in check, Hansen said.

“Deer are very adaptable animals as long as you give them a little cover, which most urban areas offer,” Hansen said. “The hunting seasons are essential for stopping deer growth into many parts of the cities.”