With a chill finally in the air and fall in full swing, the Mark Twain National Forest welcomes visitors and hunters to the forest during the annual firearms deer season. The November portion of the annual firearms season begins Saturday, November 16 and ends November 26. Hunting is permitted in most forested areas in accordance with state and federal regulations, and everyone is encouraged to hunt or recreate safely and legally this deer season. .

Whether hunting, hiking, horseback riding, or simply enjoying the woods, everyone should follow seasonal safety practices. Visitors come from near and far to participate in the long tradition of white-tailed deer hunting. Before the deer camps start to fill up 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 mandatory for all deer hunters. Other visitors are encouraged to wear hunter orange when hiking, horseback riding, or enjoying time in the forest.
• All Missouri hunting regulations are enforced throughout the forest. These regulations create and maintain equitable opportunities for all hunters and help maintain wildlife populations. Hunters should check the Missouri Department of Conservation website or the Hunting app for specific regulations and information.
• Using the 10 Rules of Gun Safety and practicing the principles taught in hunter education will not only provide increased safety for hunters, but other visitors as well. In particular, hunters must be sure of their target and what lies 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 of the forest while hunting.
• Many hunters use a camp when hunting during the season. For those who camp, remember that felling standing trees and littering is prohibited.
• A reminder for those looking for places to hunt or those collecting their trophy, motorized travel is limited to designated roads and trails, and off-road travel is a punishable offense.
• Tree stands cannot be permanently attached to trees or structures, must be labeled with the owner’s name, address and conservation number, and must be removed by February 15. Floor blinds are permitted but must be removed after each flush.
• Know before you go, familiarize yourself with the location where you will be hunting. Recent flooding has affected certain areas and access routes. District offices can be an excellent source of information.
• Finally, let someone know each day when you will return from your hunting trip.
• Although November’s main gun portion is the most popular among hunters, additional opportunities exist in some or all of the Forest’s 29 counties:
• Second annual component on firearms for young people (November 29 – December 1), alternative methods component (December 28 – January 7),
• Portion on woodless firearms (December 7 to 15)
• Portion on firearms linked to chronic wasting disease (November 27 – December 1).

For detailed information on all fall deer and turkey hunting seasons in Missouri, view the 2024 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Information and Regulations Guide online at Regulations and 2024 fall deer and turkey hunting information.

The following practices are a violation of the Missouri Wildlife Code and are strictly prohibited:

• Taking or attempting to take wild animals from or across a public road
• Pursuit of wildlife by motorized air, land or sea transport
• Taking or attempting to take deer from motorboats or in state waters
• Taking or attempting to take deer with dogs (in use or 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 cancel (notch) deer license or failure to attach license to deer

Advertisement