Deer numbers in the Ozarks have remained generally stable to slightly increasing as firearms season opens this weekend.
The Missouri Department of Conservation said in forest-dominated areas such as the Ozarks, acorn production can significantly influence harvest based more on where deer are than how many deer may be an area. Early indications of acorn production for this fall show a good red-oak production and an average white-oak production.
“Harvest doesn’t always reflect population numbers in these areas, but often is a reflection of annual acorn production,” said MDC deer biologist Emily Flinn. “For example, when acorn production is high, deer are more widely distributed on the landscape and have to travel less to acquire food. This can result in a reduced potential for encountering hunters.”
The November firearms season goes from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset from today (Saturday) through Nov. 24. Archery season begins the following day through Jan. 15. The anterless firearms season is Nov. 25 through Dec. 6 and alternative methods season is Dec. 19-29.
The first of two youth firearms seasons was Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Another is Jan. 2-3.