I'd like some input from guys or gals out in that part of the world. I have a chance to hunt in Shelby Co. on a friends farm.....250-300 acres. I'm looking at the regs. and it looks like that area is a 4 pt. on a side minimum AR. I have 4 guys who are thinking about going but wondering if they want to be restricted by the antler issue. 2 of the four have never shot a deer.....and would like to. Can anyone out that way give us some guidance? Thanks !
It is a very good county and lots of big deer have come from that area. Tag is over the counter, Wal-Mart 225.00 or so. Thats for 2 bucks and 2 turkey, the 1st buck can be taken before the gun season, the second after. I think antlerless deer tags are 7 dollars.
I would say you crew would not have any trouble getting deer to meet the antler restrictions, there is some good public areas there to give you some more options, doe
I would plan for a rut hunt,gun opens nov 16th this year, so from hallowen to the gun opener would be the best.
You have access to a wonderful deer hunting county in this state. Damn the restrictions, full speed ahead.
Your buddies can always shoot does.
This fella rents it out to gun guys later in the year....we would be going in the early part of bow before the gun season. I'm thinking we would hunt the food sources at that time.
What Charlie said....don't worry about the restrictions...just play by the rules...and those that haven't ever shot a deer before would probably be best off to shoot a doe 1st anyway. You know, get a couple under your belt....they will get 'doe fever' just the same...and that would be good experience.
Great deer hunting and don't worry about the antler restriction. There are plenty of ladies to throw arrows at. I just wish we could get that dang rifle season out of the rut.
Just to make it clear....I'm one of the ones who wants to shoot something.....lol!
In my opinion shooting a little immature buck that does not make the minimum restrictions is not a greater accomplishment than shooting a doe, especially a mature one.
I agree, but was if there a six point at 10 yards with a perfect shot, then can not take it....after traveling 1000+ miles that kind'a sucks. I can live with it, but I don't have to like it. I have no problem taking a doe if the chance comes up. 2 guys on this trip have shot lots of deer with trad gear, 2 of us have not....even though I have been doing this a long ,long time! I contacted the DNR out there today and got some helpful info. I think the trip will be a go.......a week bowhunting at a new place, how can that be bad.....lol! Now what bow should I take....MMMMMMM! :biglaugh:
Thanks for all the input to my questions, that's what makes this site what it is!!! :notworthy: :notworthy:
The area your going to will give a chance at a good one.
Non-res antlerless are 25$ if i remember correctly.
Shelby is great! worth the trip if you ask me!
Yes, NR antlerless tags are $25 apiece. I was up in Clark and Scotland counties this past season on public land, had zero luck. 3 years ago I had deer all over me on public land up there and 2 years ago we had a lease in Clark county which is NE of Shelby. Lots of good deer in N MO but some areas were hit a little harder than others by EHD this past year. Talked to a few farmers up there who had found a lot of dead deer on their property, when 25 miles south of them it was game on with deer going everywhere. It's cyclical, and fwiw I'll be back out there this fall :)
Ron, You guys are going to have a blast. I know which bow you should take, the real question is... will you listen to me? :confused:
Yeah, you should be fine up in Shelby. Great hunting around there.
I did talk to a Conservation agent who takes care of an area south of Kansas City, and he told me his area lost around 75% of their population this year to bluetongue!
Hopefully, the rest of the herd can survive the winter in good health. I love hunting that area, but it's hard enough to get a shot when there are plenty of deer!
I have hunted NE Missouri for many years. If it is like this area you will see many fork horns, 3 points and spikes.
I had 7 bucks walk by the first 3 days in Oct and none were legal. For some reason there is a lot of deer with broken racks. But they do have nice ones also.
Carrollton about 100 miles east was great to me this year, My first mid west whitetail hunt and this fella walked under my stand and said shoot me :)
You will have a great time.
I will be back for sure!!!!
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c210/coaster500/2012%20Missouri%2011%20point%20Buck/IMG_8560.jpg)
sorry double post
Ron, check your PM's!
R
Again ...thanks for all the help!!
QuoteOriginally posted by 9 Shocks:
Non-res antlerless are 25$ if i remember correctly.
Yup. They were $7 a few years back, but the out of state liscense was $150 back then. I used to but my liscense and $49 worth of doe tags. It made for a fun trip. :thumbsup:
By the way, the 4pt rule is no big deal. The average buck I see in MO is 100ish" 8pts, but I hunted in the extreme NW part of the state. I have killed a ton of deer in that state. Don't forget your turkey calls. After you tag out on deer the state has plenty of birds to offer.
God Bless,
Nathan
Ron - take your "new" bow"! You know, the one that's coming this week!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
:biglaugh: I may just do that......
Ron, ask your bud if he has deer, the EHD was in pockets in my part of N MO. We had plenty and 20 miles away, they lost a bunch!
Here are some N MO deer pics to look at, this is 3 years on 330 acres in 2 pieces of ground...
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/kennym/hunting%20lease%202010/?albumview=slideshow
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/kennym/2011%20HUNTING%20LEASE%20PICS/?albumview=slideshow
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d34/kennym/2012%20HUNTING%20LEASE/
My friend said so far no EHD in that county....hope he is right!
Should be done for the season, midges carry it, and it is about 0* this minute!! LOL
We don't have it every year, likely won't for a bit now...
Oh, I'm 70 miles West of Shelbina!
If you think a little on ground guidance would help we might work out a meeting... bows in hand of course.
I actually hunt very close to Shelby county and have logged a few miles around there.
Ron, if you can get Charlie to help ya pick a stand site, go for it!! :saywhat: :D
I always follow you guys post from out there during deer season. I hope this hunt happens.......
Man Kenny nice lookin deer on those trail cameras..............
Compared to what your used to, you should see lots of deer. Like most posters above said, if you can get down here any time from Halloween up to the 15th of Nov, you should see plenty of activity... and chances are some of you should get opportunities at legal bucks, and all of you should get multiple chances at does if you do your part. Actually, on a good farm, it is unusual to sit on stand and not have multiple deer sightings any time from the mid Sep opener through mid Nov. Deer numbers are down in the North half of Missouri, but there still are quite a few. Good luck, and enjoy Missouri!
Like has already been mentioned, Halloween through mid Nov. you should have all kinds of activity. Actually, on a decent farm it is unusual to sit on stand and not have multiple deer sightings all the way from the Sep. opener up to the opening of gun season.
I would bet that several of you will get opportunities at legal bucks, and all of you should get opportunities at does if you do your part.
Look for pinch points, low fence crossings, creek crossings, trails leading to and from food sources, etc. Just like where you hunt now. Tree stands will increase your chances. Of course, scent control and watch the wind.
Have fun, and welcome to Missouri!
Again thanks for all the input, manitou1, I like the quote at the bottom of your post....says it all!