ST. LOUIS — This year’s opening weekend of firearms deer season saw a dip in harvests, with hunters bagging 68,312 deer—a stark contrast to last year’s bumper crop of 90,253. That’s a 24 percent drop.
The lower harvest can be attributed to several key factors, including a calendar shift that placed the hunting season a week later than previous years, an abundant acorn crop, and unusually warm temperatures. Missouri Department of Conservation Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle explained that the timing occurred after the peak deer mating season, reducing deer movement.
Harvest details revealed 42,283 antlered bucks, 5,105 button bucks, and 20,924 does were taken. Franklin County led harvests with 1,627 deer, followed by Texas County with 1,305, and Pike County with 1,161.
The acorn abundance particularly impacted more heavily forested regions, as deer had ample food sources and less need to move, making them less visible to hunters. Warm temperatures also likely reduced deer activity and hunters’ processing capabilities.
The firearms deer hunting season continues through November 26, with additional hunting periods scheduled until January 7, 2025. Learn more here.