Jefferson City, Missouri - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announced that young hunters ages 6 through 15 checked 18,091 deer during Missouri’s early youth portion of deer hunting seasons on Nov. 1 and 2. Top counties for the early youth hunt were Osage with 448, Franklin with 393, and Howell with 376 deer checked. Last year’s harvest total for the early youth hunt was 18,676.

Antlered bucks accounted for 11,481 of deer harvested, or about 63 percent. Button bucks accounted for 1,728, or almost 10 percent. Does accounted for 4,882, or about 27 percent.

For harvest totals by county, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/29442.

Up next for deer hunting in Missouri is the November portion of firearms deer season running Nov. 15 through 25. This portion normally accounts for about 80 percent of the state’s firearms deer harvest.

Get more information on deer hunting in Missouri through MDC's free 2014 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available where permits are sold, from MDC regional offices and nature centers, and online at the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/03/ftd2014.pdf.

Shown in the photo is Jadyn Northcutt from Dexter, Missouri.  She bagged her 6-point buck during the Missouri Youth Hunt.  This is her first deer!  Way to go Jadyn!!!