The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds deer hunters of several rule changes for the upcoming Deer Seasons. This includes several CWD-related changes. The changes include:
Reduced Buck Limit for Nonresidents
MDC has reduced the antlered buck limit for those hunting on nonresident deer hunting permits from two to one. The change is the result of increasing numbers of nonresident deer hunters in Missouri.
Early Youth Portion Moved Earlier
MDC has moved the Early Youth Portion one week earlier this year to Oct. 24 and 25 to help avoid conflicts with Halloween activities at the end of October.
APR Removed
MDC has removed the Antler-Point Restriction (APR) for the final 18 counties where it was most recently in place. Yearling bucks, which the APR protects, travel many miles and can spread chronic wasting disease (CWD) long distances. Removing the APR will help to minimize the spread of CWD while also simplifying regulations.
CWD Management Zones Removed
MDC has removed the designations of the CWD Management Zone, as a majority of Missouri counties either have had a case of CWD or are within 10 miles of a confirmed case of the disease.
Prohibiting Feed and Minerals for Deer Continues
Placing feed and mineral for deer has been prohibited in counties close to where CWD has been detected since CWD was first found in Missouri.
Removed CWD Portion
MDC has removed the CWD Portion of firearms deer season to simplify the structure of the season while not significantly affecting deer harvest.
Mandatory CWD Sampling Moved to County Rotations
MDC has moved mandatory CWD sampling during the opening weekend of the November Portion of the firearms deer season to a four-year county rotation. Mandatory CWD sampling will now be conducted in every county of the state once every four years.
Changes to CWD Management Permits
MDC has increased the minimum acreage requirement for CWD Management Permits and simplified the application process.
No Post-Season Removals
As a result of public engagement and continued evaluation, MDC will not conduct targeted deer removals after the season and currently has no plans to resume the activity.
Instead, MDC staff will work with hunters, landowners, and other partners to develop a localized approach in which hunter harvest is the primary tool to manage deer numbers and CWD during the regular deer season.
Learn more about these regulation changes and get other information on deer hunting in Missouri, check online at mdc.mo.gov.