Missouri deer hunting and activity patterns

During the early firearms antlerless portion of the 2026 season, Missouri hunters harvested 6,524 deer between October 9 and 11. This total was a decrease of 1,970 deer compared to the 8,494 harvested during the same period in 2025. The Missouri Department of Conservation attributed the lower harvest numbers to record or near-record high temperatures during the three-day window.

Following this period of unseasonably warm temperatures, an incoming cold front in Mid-Missouri is expected to increase deer activity as animals enter their peak breeding season. Jason Isabelle, Cervid Program Supervisor for the Missouri Department of Conservation, noted that the temperature drop influences daytime activity.

As peak breeding approaches, deer movement is expected to overlap more frequently with evening commute hours and decreasing daylight. Authorities have advised drivers to remain hyper-vigilant, especially on secondary highways with high speed limits.