OUTDOOR CORNER: FIREARMS DEER HUNTING PERMITS GO ON SALE JULY 1

Summer school pop quiz: What do fireworks stands have to do with firearms deer hunting in Missouri? After all, fireworks are usually associated with daytime temperatures in the mid-90's and the Fourth-of-July. Firearms deer hunting is associated with crisp, fall weather in November.

So, what do they have in common? The answer: Beginning July 1, you can purchase both fireworks and firearms deer hunting permits.

The deadline for purchasing fireworks is July 4. The deadline for purchasing firearms deer hunting permits depends on where you plan to hunt. Regular "bucks only" permits can be purchased throughout the season (Nov. 14-24 in all units and January 2-5, 1999 in some units). However, if you wish to hunt "antlerless" deer, you will need an "any deer" or "bonus" permit. Again, depending on where you hunt, you may need to enter a random drawing. Application dates for the lottery are July 1 thru August 15.

Because female deer (does) produce next year's deer, harvest of does regulates herd size. The quota system is the best management tool available for regulating doe harvest.

Missouri is divided into 59 deer management units. Highways and rivers are used as unit boundaries because they are easily recognized. Deer population goals are set for each unit and are based on habitat, deer population size, hunting pressure and other factors.

As part of the deer management plan for each unit, a number (quota) of Any-Deer and First and Second Bonus Deer Hunting Permits are made available to hunters. In units where the deer population is below the desired goal, few quota permits are available, thereby protecting does and allowing deer numbers to increase. In units where deer numbers are higher than the goal, many quota permits are available to reduce doe numbers.

An Any-Deer Hunting Permit allows the hunter to take eithe r one deer of any sex or age ("any deer") in the unit specified on the permit or one antlered deer statewide.

First and Second Bonus Deer Hunting Permits are valid only for antlerless deer and only in the unit specified on the permit. However, during the January Extension unused Any-Deer and Bonus Deer permits for any unit are valid in Units 1 thru 17, 20, 22, 23, 58 and 59.

Permit availability is determined primarily by the size of the deer herd and the number of hunters in each unit. In many units there is no restriction on the number of permits that can be sold ("open quota"); that is, all hunters who want to purchase permits can do so. However, Any-Deer and Bonus Deer permits are limited or unavailable in some units ("limited quota"). Bonus Deer permits must be of the same type (either firearms or muzzzleloading firearms) and for the same unit as the Any-Deer permit.

In units where permits are available in limited numbers, a drawing will be held. Apply for the lottery at any permit vendor from July 1 thru August 15. See the poster at any permit vendor to learn which units have open quotas and which have limited quotas.

How to Purchase

Open Quota permits

Purchase open quota Any-Deer and Bonus Deer Hunting Permits from any permit vendor from July 1 until midnight November 7 (one week before the opening of the firearms season). Be sure to verify unit choice at time of purchase; units cannot be changed after purchase.

Limited Quota permits

Any-Deer permit: Purchase a regular Firearms Deer Hunting Permit by August 15 and tell the vendor you want to apply for an Any-Deer permit. Those drawn for limited quota Any-Deer permits will be sent a sticker that converts their Firearms Deer Hunting Permit to an Any-Deer Hunting Permit.

Bonus Deer permit: Apply at any permit vendor. Those drawn for limited quota Bonus Deer permits will be sent a letter instructing them to return to the permit vendor to purchase the Bonus Deer permit by November 7.

Missouri offers several managed deer hunts for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms from October 1998 through January 1999. Hunt locations are announced in July, and hunters are selected by random drawing. These hunts are part of the continuing effort to provide additional hunting opportunity through sound wildlife management practices. The number of hunters allowed to participate in each hunt is restricted to ensure safety and a quality hunting experience.

Hunts are offered at selected conservation areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges, Fort Leonard Wood, and various other public properties. Hunt areas, harvest methods, and quotas are determined each year and may differ from the previous year.

There is only one application card and one application period (July 15 thru August 15) for all managed deer hunts (except for youth-only hunts which have a special application card). Hunters may apply for only one of the hunts listed on the application card. Hunters may apply individually or as a party of up to six (6) hunters.

To hunt as a party, complete and mail in one application card; do not send individual application cards for each party member. If drawn, only Hunter #1 on the group application will be notified, with all group members' names listed. Each successfully-drawn applicant must pay a $3 administrative fee, but DO NOT SEND MONEY WITH THE APPLICATION CARD. If the group is not drawn, each member will be notified.

Hunters whose names appear on more than one application card will be disqualified from the drawing. Application cards are available at Missouri Department of Conservation offices. Applications must be postmarked at a post office between July 15 and August 15, 1998; metered postmarks will not be accepted.

All hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, must complete an approved hunter education program and display their card before they can purchase a firearms deer hunting permit. They do not have to show their card if certification can be verified through the vendor's computer terminal.

A person must be at least eleven (11) years old to receive hunter education certification. A Missouri Conservation Heritage Card with a hunter education number is an acceptable hunter education certificate card. Those under age 11 cannot purchase deer or turkey hunting permits.

For additional details, consult the 1998 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Information pamphlet available from permit vendors.

Gene Myers is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.