Numbers were down more than 30 percent for this past alternative-methods portion of firearms deer season.
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation showed that there were 9,965 deer killed Dec. 25, 2021 to Jan. 4. Top harvest counties were Osage with 223 deer harvested, Franklin with 211 and Callaway with 201.
The harvest total 2020's alternative-methods portion was 14,623.
The season limit is one antlered deer for all portions of the firearms deer season while an antler-point restriction applies in some counties, according to MDC.
Allowed alternative methods include:
- Muzzleloading or cap-and-ball firearms, .