Sunday, July 28, 2024

Hunting Seasons and Safety

Brandon Lyddon, Conservation Agent

September is the month in Missouri when several hunting seasons open. The dove hunting season opens Sept. 1 and closes Nov. 29. The teal duck season opens Sept. 7 and closes Sept. 22. The deer and turkey archery season opens Sept. 15 and closes Nov. 15 for the Nov. firearms portion of the deer season. Hunting regulation booklets can be found online at www.mdc.mo.gov, at permit vendors, and at MDC offices. 

To continue to keep hunting one of the safest outdoor activities, remember the top four safety rules. 1. Always point the firearm muzzle in a safe direction. 2. 100% identify your target and what is beyond it. 3. Keep your safety on until you are ready for a safe shot. 4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. 

According to the International Hunter Education Association, out of the 11.5 million hunters in the U.S., in an average year fewer than 1,000 hunting related shooting incidents occur. Due to the mandatory hunter education programs and safety regulations like blaze orange, hunting incidents have declined significantly over the last 50 years. 

To report conservation violations, you can contact Conservation Law Enforcement Agents directly (numbers on MDC website and in the fall/spring deer/turkey regulation booklets) or by calling the county or state dispatch center. You can also call the OGT (Operation Game Thief) 24-hour hotline at 1-800-392-1111, you can remain anonymous, and rewards are possible.


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