8,599 deer killed during alternative methods portion, MDC says, down from prior years
Numbers are slightly down after Missouri's alternative methods portion of firearms deer season wrapped up this week.
Missouri Department of Conservation released preliminary data showing hunters harvested 8,599 deer between Dec. 24, 2022 to Jan. 3. The previous alternative methods season garnered 10,038.
Top harvest counties were Franklin with 200 deer harvested, Harrison with 186 and Macon with 162.
The archery deer and turkey season runs through Jan. 15.
According to MDC's harvest summaries, alternative methods portion numbers for deer killed include:
2021-2022 with 10,038
2020-2021 with 14,623
2019-2020 with 12,024
2018-2019 with 12,109
2017-2018 with 10,027
Allowed Alternative Methods include:
Muzzleloading or cap-and-ball firearms, .40 caliber or larger and capable of firing only a single projectile at one discharge; in-lines and scopes are allowed.
Multiple-barreled muzzleloading or cap-and-ball firearms and/or muzzleloading or cap-and-ball handguns, including revolvers, .40 caliber or larger, are allowed and may be carried in addition to a muzzleloading or cap-and-ball rifle.
Centerfire pistols or revolvers using expanding-type bullets, such as lead or copper
Air-powered firearms, .40 caliber or larger, charged only from an external high compression power source (external hand pump, air tank, or air compressor)
Longbows, compound bows, and recurve bows of any draw wright; hand-held string-releasing devices, illuminated sights, scopes, and quickpoint sights are allowed.
Crossbows
Atlatls, which are defined as a rod or narrow board-like device used to launch, through a throwing motion of the arm, a dart 5 to 8 feet in length.
Prohibited Alternative Methods include:
Any rifle capable of being loaded by any means other than the muzzle
Shotguns
Self-loading firearms with capacity of more than 11 cartridges in magazine and chamber combined
Ammunition propelling more than one projectile at a single discharge (such as buckshot)
Full hard metal case projectiles
Fully automatic firearms
Any sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game
Electronic calls or electronically activated calls
Night vision equipment
Use of bait
Use of dogs
Motor driven conveyances may not be used to take, drive or molest wildlife. Deer may not be hunted from a boat with a motor attached.
Additional methods may be prohibited by local ordinances.
Sara Karnes is an Outdoors Reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at skarnes@springfi.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 8,599 deer killed during alternative methods portion, MDC says
