Questions for MO. hunters

tarponnut · December 11, 2013, 10:19:00 AM

I've been trying to make sense of the Missouri Conservation web-site.
I will be in St Charles over Christmas. I see the non-Resident archery deer license is $225, ouch! What about just turkey hunting with a bow?Is it the same? Or, is it just the cost of the turkey permit(when I called they couldn't give me a straight answer.)
They have a one-day small game permit for $11, I may just do that a day or two.

macbow · December 11, 2013, 10:33:00 AM

The archery license covers deer and turkey. Includes small game.
Fall turkey season for any weapon is over.
To have just some fun the small game would be your best choice.
Maybe your best bet is just stump shooting or target shooting.
The Busch Wildlife has an archery range in St. Charles County.
This is a large area for general hunting with a draw season for large game.

macbow · December 11, 2013, 10:36:00 AM

Here you are traveling to Mo. For Christmas and I'll be visiting family in Florida.

tarponnut · December 11, 2013, 10:51:00 AM

Thanks for the info. I'll probably just take my son stump shooting/squirrel hunting. I have access to some private property that has a lot of deer so I may bite the bullet and get the archery deer permit. Can you get them over the counter still?

tarponnut · December 11, 2013, 10:53:00 AM

macbow, remember you must bowhunt hogs in Florida when visiting(it's state law:)

macbow · December 11, 2013, 11:39:00 AM

Sure wish I could. Right now have a bum shoulder and can't pull my bow.
Maybe next year things will be better. Believe me I've considered you guys.

Deer tags can be bought over the counter. The easiest way is the internet at the MDC website and print your own. Cost $1 extra I think.
If any youths are along Mo. Has a deal for $8

swp · December 11, 2013, 12:34:00 PM

Yes you can get them over the counter or through the internet ($1 service fee).

December 11, 2013, 01:04:00 PM

turkeys can still be taken on the archery tag, through out the archery season.
2-turkeys and 2-deer, plus all the squirrels and rabbits, coyotes you can . if you use your 2 deer tags you can buy more antlerless tags for 7 bucks.
if your staying long enough to use them all up.
good luck.

tarponnut · December 11, 2013, 01:23:00 PM

I'm sure it depends on the spot, but are the deer all shot up/spooked by now? I would be hunting in St Charles county area.
Thanks for all of the tips guys!

December 11, 2013, 01:32:00 PM

I think muzzleloader season starts the 21st and goes for another 9 days, im pretty sure there isn't to many guys out bowhunting to hard in this cold weather were having, unless they are true diehards. really depends on where your hunting at.

tarponnut · December 11, 2013, 01:38:00 PM

I could hang out for a week with my in-laws or bowhunt in freezing cold weather, I'll leave it to your imagination which I'll choose:)

TRAP · December 11, 2013, 05:27:00 PM

Might luck into some "secondary" or "late" rut activity.

For the most part, deer start settling down right after the first weekend of the November firearms season. After those two days the number of people in the woods pursuing deer are greatly diminished. There's hardly anybody outside this time of year. A few trappers poking around (many of them are sneakier than the deer) and a few bird hunters on our Conservation Areas.

When I bowhunt in December and early January I feel like the woods are all mine. It's very peaceful. Find the food source and you'll find the deer.

Trap

kennym · December 11, 2013, 06:40:00 PM

I had 13 does/fawns under me Sunday eve. , the 3 bigger does I wanted decided not to cross the creek after I let the others walk on 30 yds....

The deer are bunching up up north due to the cold(and its wintertime) so you may see none or a herd up here....

Horsey · December 12, 2013, 07:08:00 AM

Sent you a PM, Jim.

--Mike Dunnaway