Missouri - Beginning July 1, deer hunters can apply online for a shot at more than 5,100 slots for nearly 100 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) managed deer hunts. The managed hunts will take place from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges, urban parks, and other public areas. The online application period runs July 1-31.

To apply, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/11252 between July 1 and 31. MDC will post drawing results at the same website address from Sept. 1 through Jan 15. Applicants who get drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail.

The hunts are open to Missouri residents and nonresidents and help achieve MDC’s deer-management goals for the state while providing additional hunting opportunities. Types of hunts include archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, historic methods, and modern firearms, plus youth hunts and hunts for people with disabilities.

Seventeen managed hunts will be held exclusively for hunters with disabilities. Eligibility varies by hunt so applicants should call the area hosting the hunt for details and to apply. Wheelchair-confined hunters may apply for more than one managed hunt offered at select conservation areas with a written request due by July 31 to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Attn: Managed Deer Hunts, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

All other hunters may apply for only one managed hunt per year. Hunters may apply individually or as groups of up to six, except for youth-only hunts. Youths age 11-15 years by the date of the desired hunt who are hunter-education certified may apply individually or with one other youth for youth hunts and must be accompanied on the hunt by a qualified adult mentor.

All applicants will need their nine-digit Conservation ID number to complete the application process. Conservation ID numbers are listed on hunting and fishing permits and Missouri Conservation Heritage Cards.

Resident or nonresident managed deer hunting permits are required to participate in managed hunts. These permits will be available to successful applicants beginning Sept. 1 from permit vendors, online through MDC’s e-Permits at mdc.mo.gov/node/10901, or through MDC’s free hunting mobile app -- MO Hunting.

Hunter education is required for firearms managed hunts, unless the hunter is exempt by age or other reason. Hunter education classes fill up quickly as fall hunting seasons approach. For more information on hunter education options and classes, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3095.

MDC uses a weighted-preference-point system to give previously unsuccessful applicants an advantage in future drawings. Hunters who apply for the first time or who were drawn for hunts the previous year are statistically less likely to be drawn than those who entered but were not drawn in previous years.

Details about managed hunts can be found in MDC’s “2015 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available in July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.