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!  

Thanks for all the input to my questions, that's what makes this site what it is!!!      

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!!!!

 

sorry double post

Ron, check your PM's!

R