The Missouri deer hunting season for 2024-2025 wrapped up on January 15, revealing a notable decline in the number of deer harvested compared to previous years. Officials from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reported a 15% drop in the total number of deer tagged, largely due to a late start to the firearms season and an abundance of acorns this year.
Decline in Numbers
This season saw over 276,000 deer harvested across the state. Of these, more than 129,000 were antlered bucks, nearly 24,000 were button bucks, and over 123,000 were does. However, the total was significantly lower than the previous season’s record-breaking 326,000. It was also 8% below Missouri’s five-year average for deer hunting totals.
Franklin County led the harvest with 6,208 deer tagged, followed by Jefferson County with 4,900 and Macon County with 4,495.
Why the Numbers Dropped
Jason Isabelle, MDC’s Cervid Program Supervisor, explained that two key factors contributed to the decrease:
- Later Start to Firearms Season
The firearms deer season, traditionally held two Saturdays before Thanksgiving, began a week later this year due to the calendar. This delay pushed the hunting period past the peak rutting season when deer are more active, resulting in fewer opportunities for hunters.“When the start date moves past the rut, deer activity declines, which impacts harvest numbers,” said Isabelle. - Abundant Acorn Supply
Acorns may seem insignificant to people, but they are a crucial food source for deer. This year, Missouri experienced a bumper crop of acorns, which meant deer didn’t have to venture far to find food.Isabelle noted, “With plenty of acorns on the ground, deer stayed in the woods and were less likely to frequent fields and open areas where hunters could spot them.”
Regional Impact
The acorn abundance particularly affected areas in the Ozark counties, where forests dominate the landscape. In contrast, counties in northern and western Missouri, which are more open and consist of croplands or pastures, experienced smaller declines in harvest numbers.
Archery Season Holds Steady
While overall totals fell, the archery season, which ended alongside the general hunting season, saw a slight increase in deer checked compared to last year. Hunters tagged more than 56,000 deer during the archery portion. Jefferson, Franklin, and St. Louis counties recorded the highest numbers, with Jefferson leading at 1,579.
The Broader Impact
A decline in deer harvests could have mixed effects on Missouri’s ecosystem and economy. Lower harvest totals might mean a higher deer population in the coming year, impacting vegetation and potentially increasing vehicle-deer collisions. However, conservation officials stress that such fluctuations are natural and influenced by various environmental factors.
The Missouri Department of Conservation continues to monitor deer populations and hunting trends to ensure sustainable management of wildlife in the state.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.
