Missouri Department of Conservation explains importance of managed deer hunts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Missouri Department of Conservation offers managed deer hunts, aimed at guiding new and seasoned hunters through the tradition.

Mid-September to mid-January is when multiple seasons of deer hunting in Missouri occur.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers more than 100 managed deer hunts for archery, muzzleloading, shotgun and modern firearms. These managed hunts are also provided to youth and disabled adults and youth.

Managed hunts are often associated with tradition, learning and acquiring a food source, but the sport is far more important than people realize.

Missouri state parks are usually wildlife refuges where hunting is not permitted, but when overpopulation of deer occurs, special managed hunts are conducted to prevent harm to the ecosystem.

Overpopulation can occur when there is a lack of predators and a lack of hunting occurring.

Deer population management has been a rapid issue across Missouri. This year, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced that 14 state parks would be temporarily closed for managed deer hunts.

"Hunting has such a long tradition in Missouri. And, it is absolutely a conservation resource for managing our deer populations and things like that," said Erin Woodiel, the media specialist with the MDC.

Deer population management is vital for ecosystems to thrive. The overpopulation of deer can lead to forest degradation, increased vehicle accidents, and an increase in disease risk.