MDC reminds hunters of procedures for hunting season

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters of the procedures required before and after harvesting game this hunting season.

Archery season for deer and turkey is underway. Fall turkey firearms season runs through October 31. Other firearms hunting seasons are approaching.

According to MDC the following are the key points for hunters to remember:

• Hunters must have their permits prior to hunting. Purchasing your permit after harvesting game is a violation.
• Once you’ve harvested a deer, turkey, elk, or bear and before transporting the animal, make sure to “notch” your permit. By doing this, you are invalidating your permit. Hunters using paper permits can perform this step by notching the date and month of the harvest. For those using MDC’s MO Hunting App, click on the permit valid for the animal you have harvested and then click on the “notch” icon. You do not have to have cell or internet service to notch a permit.
• The final step is to telecheck your harvested deer, turkey, elk, or bear. You must telecheck your harvested game animal by 10 p.m. on the day it was taken. It’s important to note that “notching” is not telechecking – these are two separate steps, both of which are mandatory. A harvested animal must be telechecked by phone, computer or through MDC’s MO Hunting App.

Additionally, MDC also reminds that hunting in an area that has been baited is a violation. Bait is grain, feed, or food for consumption and does not include salt or mineral if there is no grain or feed mixed in. Areas are considered baited until 10 days after the complete removal of the bait, according to MDC.

Placing bait or mineral in the 52 counties that comprise Missouri’s CWD Management Zone is also illegal in order to prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease, according to MDC.

More information about telecheck procedures, baiting regulations, and other parts of deer and turkey hunting in Missouri can be found in the “2023 Fall Deer and Turkey” booklet, a free publication available at all MDC offices and most places that sell hunting permits. Hunting information can also be found at mdc.mo.gov.