Conservation Department encourages hunters to buy permits early

The Missouri Conservation Department encourages hunters to buy deer permits early to avoid long, last-minute lines.

By purchasing permits a few days or weeks early, hunters might find a faster-working computer system and shorter waits at vendors. The Conservation Department estimates 180,000 deer hunting permits are sold within the 24 hours leading up to November's firearms deer season.

Permits may be purchased at any of Missouri's 1,200 permit vendors, online at the Conservation Department's Web site or by phone at 800-392-4115. Online and phone purchases are subject to a $2 convenience fee.