Although temperatures are peaking into the 90s, now is the time to get ready and prepare for fall deer and turkey hunting. July is the time to apply for managed deer hunts in the state of Missouri.
The first thing to do is either pick up a copy of the "2018 Fall Deer & Turkey" pamphlet at a local permit vendor or review the information online at mdc.mo.gov.
The application process for the managed deer hunts is on page 32 of this pamphlet.
Missouri offers numerous managed deer hunts for archery, crossbow, muzzleloading and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January. Hunters are selected by random.
Important points to remember are, first and foremost, that if you apply for more than one hunt, you will be disqualified from this year's drawing and will not receive a preference point.
Youths who apply for a youth-only hunt may also not apply for a regular managed deer hunt.
If you cannot attend, another hunter cannot take your place. Only those hunters who applied and were drawn may hunt. Individuals not drawn may not accompany a hunter who has successfully drawn. This restriction does apply to mentors accompanying youth hunters on a youth-only managed hunt.
Some managed hunts require hunters to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation. If you cannot attend the orientation, do not apply for these hunts.
Whether you apply as a party (up to six hunters per party) or as an individual, your chances of being drawn are the same. If you are not drawn for a managed deer hunt this year, you will earn one preference point that will increase your odds the next time you apply.
If you have a medical condition that limits your mobility, please contact the manager of the area on which you want to hunt before applying. Some areas may not have the access you require, and you may want to apply for a hunt on a different area.
Most conservation areas remain open to the public during managed hunts. Go to mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt for a summary of how many people applied for last year's managed hunts and how many deer were taken for reference.
Hunter education certification is required to purchase a firearms managed hunt permit after you have been drawn.
Missouri has 110 managed hunts to choose from. However, some hunts are strictly for those people who are disabled or are youths.
Regulations and methods for each managed hunt differ. Some hunts allow for antlerless deer only. Some have antler point restrictions, and some may include both restrictions. Some may include multiple deer being allowed to be taken. Also, these managed deer hunts do not require the use of your regular firearms deer or archery permits, only the managed deer hunting permits you purchase after being successfully drawn. And, only those selected for managed deer hunts can purchase managed deer hunting permits.
You must be at least 11 years old to apply by the day of the hunt. Youth hunters may apply singly or with one other youth hunter for youth-only hunts, but not as a group.
To apply for a managed deer hunt, you will need to look up the hunt number, list the method, location, and date along with all the conservation numbers of hunters in your party. Make sure to use the same conservation number each year if you have multiple files, so that you accrue your preference points all into the same account. Also, make sure your address is correct and up to date before applying.
There is a worksheet on page 33 of the 2018 Fall Deer & Turkey Information pamphlet that should be filled before actually applying online for one of these hunts. This will help greatly to make sure you have reviewed the information about the hunt you are interested in and help avoid making any errors while actually applying.
You can go online between Sept. 1 and Jan. 15 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt to see if you have been successful in drawing for a managed deer hunt.
Do not forget, the deadline for applying for a managed deer hunt in Missouri is July 31. Do not miss this golden opportunity to spend time with your loved ones or close friends, or just get out by yourself.