Jefferson City, Missouri - Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 11,061 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the 2015-2016 Missouri firearms deer-hunting season, which ran Dec. 19-29. Of the total harvest, 2,994 were antlered bucks, 1,594 button bucks, and 6,473 does. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 260 deer harvested, Howell with 247, and Texas with 235.

The harvest total for last year's alternative-methods portion was 11,067 and consisted of 2,851 antlered bucks, 1,503 button bucks, and 6,713 does.

For 2015 harvest totals by county and season portion, visit the MDC website and under “Telecheck: Deer and Turkey Harvest Data.” For past season numbers, visit the same link under “Deer Harvest Summaries.”

Deer hunting continues for this season with statewide archery hunting through Jan. 15 and the statewide firearms late youth weekend Jan. 2-3.

During the alternative-methods portion of firearms deer season, hunters are allowed to use muzzle-loading firearms, center-fire pistols, air-powered guns, bows, crossbows, or atlatls.

Missouri offers some of the best deer hunting in the country, and deer hunting is an important part of many Missourians' lives and family traditions. Deer hunting is also an important economic driver in Missouri and gives a $1 billion annual boost to the state and local economies. For more on Missouri deer hunting, go online to the MDC website at www.mdc.mo.gov and click on Hunting/Trapping at the top of the home page.

Press Release and Photo submitted by Joe Jerek, MDC Statewide New Service Coordinator.