It's not too early to plan for deer season permits

It's summertime. It's hot and humid. It will be many weeks before we experience the cool temperatures that come with the fall hunting seasons. However, it's only a few days until you can take that first important step in preparation for Missouri's deer seasons.

Both firearms and archery deer hunting permits go on sale July 1. Archery permits will be available through January 15, 2003 (the last day of that season). Firearms deer hunting permits (tags) may be purchased through December 22. Hunters who want to participate in one of the many managed deer hunts have an August 15 deadline to apply for a specific hunt.

There are a number of regulation changes for this season, but only two changes in the state permit.

The changes this year

First, "any-deer" permits are not available on an open-quota basis statewide. That is, there is no limit on the number of hunters who may buy an any-deer permit.

Second, any-deer permits are no longer unit specific. Now, all purchased any-deer permits (but not landowner any-deer permits) are valid for any deer anywhere in Missouri. However, "bonus deer" permits are still unit specific and valid for antlerless deer only.

In the past, hunters had to specify a unit for their any-deer permit. Now, all any-deer permits, except landowner any-deer permits, are valid for any deer anywhere in Missouri. This change gives you much greater flexibility in where you hunt and what deer you take.

While there is no deadline for purchasing any-deer permits, consider obtaining them early to avoid long lines immediately prior to the season.

As previously mentioned, hunters wishing to participate in one of the many managed deer hunts offered in Missouri have an August 15 application deadline.

Missouri offers numerous managed deer hunts for archery, muzzleloading and modern firearms from October through January. These hunts achieve deer management goals while also providing additional hunting opportunity. The number of hunters allowed at each hunt is restricted to ensure both safety and a quality hunting experience. Hunters are selected by random drawing, and all hunters have an equal chance of being selected.

A detailed listing of hunt locations, dates, limits, and hunter quotas may be found in the 2002 fall deer and turkey hunting information brochure.

The application period is July 1 through August 15.

Applications are made either by using a touch-response telephone system or through the department's Web page. Hunters may apply individually or as a party of up to six hunters. Each hunter may apply for only one managed deer hunt each year; hunters who apply for more than one hunt will be disqualified from this year's drawing.

Ways to apply

To apply, designate one member of your party to either place a call or access the Web page. That person must have ready the following information: 1) the two-digit number for the preferred hunt and 2) the nine-digit Conservation ID number of each hunter in the party. Then, either call 800-829-2956 between 4 a.m. and midnight or go to our Web site at www.conservation.state.mo.us/hunt/deer to apply.

Notification process: from September 11 through December 31, either call the interactive phone system between 4 a.m. and midnight or go to our web page. Both require that you enter your nine-digit conservation ID number. All successful applicants will receive in the mail an area map and other information regarding the hunt.

Gene Myers is an agent for the Missouri Department of Conservation.