Managed deer hunt sign ups come to an end July 31

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – July 31 was the last day for signups for the managed deer hunts in Cape Girardeau.

The City of Cape Girardeau managed deer hunt will open their third archery, deer only managed hunting season beginning October 21, 2023 and closing December 22, 2023. There will be five hunting periods that will have a one-week break between each hunting period. The periods begin on a Saturday and end on Sunday.

Once hunters are drawn by the MDC, the selected hunters must attend a mandatory hunting meeting that will be held on Saturday, October 07, that reviews the ordinance pertaining to the safety and requirements of the hunters. All hunters must be 18 years of age or older and must possess a valid hunter safety education certification card. Firearms are prohibited for the use of hunting within the city limits.

Failure to attend the mandatory informational meeting will result in the selected hunter having their privilege revoked for this particular hunt.

There is still no hunting within the city limits on private property. Anyone who intentionally interferes with the managed hunt or hunters may be charged with interfering in a lawful hunt according to the ordinance.

The purpose of the managed hunt is to control the urban deer population to help reduce property damage in neighbor hoods and deer car collisions. Some hunters may elect to donate their deer to the Missouri Department of Conservation “Share the Harvest” program.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds deer hunters to apply online during July for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas.

Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing.

Draw results will be available Aug. 15 through Jan. 15. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail.

Get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details, and apply starting July 1 at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.