2024 Missouri Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt

Conditions were harsh compared to last year, when hunting conditions were near perfect (cooler temperatures and a spotty mast crop), and hunter success was high.

Temperatures during the 2024 event were in the high 80s and low 90s, and most of the state experienced a bumper mast crop. The majority of the hunting at all locations was focused on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 12, and because of the temperatures, deer activity was largely limited to the last 30 minutes of shooting light. Food plots, common on most of these larger managed properties, were also not nearly as attractive as they usually would be because deer prefer acorns, which were plentiful this year.

Although the hunting conditions were tough and the harvest was down this year, all participants had a great time learning about the sport and enjoying the other aspects of the hunting experience.

Mentored hunts occurred across several counties, offering an invaluable opportunity for both new hunters and landowners facing challenges with increasing deer populations.

Partners included: The Missouri Department of Conservation, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, the National Wild Turkey Federation, National Deer Association, Friends of the NRA, Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Missouri Disabled Sportsmen, Missouri's Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, Whitetails Unlimited, ALPS Outdoorz, Dead End Game Calls, Missouri Woods and Wildlife, Antlers and More, Kansas City Safari Club International and Missouri Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

Deer populations have been rising across Missouri, particularly in areas where intensive wildlife management practices are in place or regions with a significant agricultural component. Landowners with larger properties have found it challenging to achieve the necessary doe harvest to stabilize or reduce deer populations. The Governor's Mentored Deer Hunt seeks to address this issue by providing access to these properties during the special antlerless-only rifle season.

One notable advantage of this season's timing, well in advance of the rut, is its ability to minimize interference with regular hunting activities on these properties, aligning seamlessly with broader efforts to effectively conserve and manage wildlife populations.

Deer hunters are crucial in helping state agencies achieve deer management goals by maintaining populations at desirable levels.

Declining hunter numbers pose a significant concern for all involved in conservation efforts, which sparked the collaborative efforts to recruit, reactivate and retain new hunters (R3 programs).

The Governor's Mentored Deer Hunt is a vital part of this strategy, aiming to introduce newcomers to hunting while providing them with essential knowledge about conservation, deer biology, hunting strategies, safety and etiquette.

This event is a perfect marriage of providing opportunities that help accomplish agency and organizational R3 objectives while at the same time assisting landowners with large land holdings and high deer densities to accomplish harvest goals determined in their property-specific plans designed to achieve and maintain optimal herd health for their properties.

The Governor's Deer Hunt exceeded expectations, with 35 participants selected to attend a comprehensive hunting clinic and participate in the hunt, fostering an atmosphere of learning, camaraderie and conservation.                    

Each property welcomed two to six hunters, all paired with experienced adult mentors. Each hunt comprised a social gathering on Friday, Oct. 11, followed by an orientation session the morning of Oct. 12, with hunts occurring the afternoon of Oct. 12 and the morning of Oct. 13.               

The success of this event, this year and last, is setting the stage for continued collaboration among partners and paves the way for future conservation initiatives.

For further information about the Governor's Mentored Deer Hunt, contact MDC Outreach and Education Coordinator Rob Garver at 573-522-4115 ext. 6507 or at Rob.Garver@mdc.mo.gov.