With a chill finally in the air and fall in full swing, Mark Twain National Forest welcomes visitors and hunters alike to the forest during the annual firearms deer seasons. The November portion of the annual firearms season starts Saturday, November 16 and goes through November 26. Hunting is allowed in most areas of the forest in accordance with state and federal regulations, and everyone is encouraged to hunt or recreate safely and legally this deer season.
Whether hunting, hiking, riding, or just enjoying the woods, everyone needs to abide by seasonal safety practices. Visitors come from near and far to take part in the longstanding tradition of white-tail deer hunting. Before the deer camps begin to fill, and the roadsides become dotted with vehicles, the Mark Twain National Forest offers a few reminders when hunting or visiting during deer season:
- Hunter orange is required for all deer hunters. Other visitors are encouraged to wear hunter orange if hiking, horseback riding, or recreating within the Forest.
- All Missouri hunting regulations are enforced across the Forest. These regulations create and maintain fair opportunities for all hunters and help maintain wildlife populations. Hunters should consult the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website or Hunting App for specific regulations and information.
- Using the 10 rules of firearm safety and practicing the principles taught in hunter education will not only keep hunters safer but also other visitors. In particular, hunters should be sure of their target and what is beyond it.
- The Forest remains fully open to other visitors during deer season. Hunters are not allowed to restrict access to other visitors, or block roads or public areas in the Forest while hunting.
- Many hunters use a camp while hunting during the season, for those camping a reminder that cutting of standing trees, and littering is prohibited.
- A reminder for those looking for spots to hunt or those recovering their trophy motorized travel is restricted to designated roads and trails, and off-road travel is a citable offense.
- Tree stands cannot be permanently affixed to trees or structures, must be labeled with owner’s name, address, and conservation number, and must be removed by February 15. Ground blinds are allowed but must be removed after each hunt.
- Know before you go, familiarize yourself with where you will be hunting recent flooding has affected some areas and access routes. District offices can be a great source of information.
- Lastly let someone know when you will be back from your hunting trip each day.
- While the main firearms November portion is the most popular among hunters, additional opportunities exist in some or all of the 29 counties across the forest:
- Annual youth firearms second portion (November 29 – December 1), alternative methods portion (December 28 – January 7),
- Antlerless firearms portion (December 7-15)
- Chronic Wasting Disease firearms portion (November 27th -December 1).
Antlerless and Chronic Wasting Disease portions are restricted to particular counties, so be sure to check if the county you wish to hunt applies.
For full requirements and details on special rules, or all regulations and restrictions related to any of the seasons visit the Missouri Department of Conservations website.
For detailed information about all fall deer and turkey hunting seasons in Missouri, check out the 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information guide online at 2024 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information.
The following practices are in violation of the Missouri Wildlife Code and are strictly prohibited:
- Taking or attempting to take wildlife from or across a public roadway
- Pursuing wildlife by motor-driven air, land, or water conveyances
- Taking or attempting to take deer from motor-driven boats or while in the waters of the state
- Taking or attempting to take deer with dogs (in use or in possession)
- Taking or attempting to take deer with artificial light or night vision equipment (“spot lighting”)
- Taking or attempting to take deer with bait
- Failure to void (notch) deer permit or failure to attach permit to deer
To report a suspected wildlife violation, please contact county sheriff’s office or Operation Game Thief (800) 392-1111. For Forest specific questions, contact any of the Forest’s offices. Mark Twain National Forest wishes all a safe and fun fall of recreating!
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