Conservation agents urge hunting safety as deer season gets underway

By Jenna Wilson

Deer hunting season is underway, and the Missouri Department of Conservation wants hunters to keep a few things in mind before going out into the woods.

The most common accidents during the season result from falls while using tree stands and elevated platforms. Hunters are encouraged to follow critical safety protocols to avoid injury.

“Before you go hunting always make sure you have the right permits and you’re hunting at the right location,” said Parker Rice, Missouri Department of Conservation agent. “The biggest safety issues sometimes come with hunting from tree stands because the fall can be horrific. Always wearing a harness, tie your bow or your rifle to a rope unloaded, climb up the tree in your harness, and then, bring your weapon up with you on a rope.”

While chronic wasting disease among deer is spreading across Missouri, there still have been no reported cases in northwest Missouri but hunters with concern can bring their deer to the Northwest conservation office to have it checked.

“It’s mostly an issue in north central Missouri and the counties around Linn and Sullivan,” Rice said. “But if you’re concerned about your deer having chronic wasting, you can always bring the head to the office as long as it’s cut off where the lymph nodes are still in the neck.”

Gun safety should also be considered when hunting this season. Officials say once the trigger is pulled you can’t undo what happens next so it’s important for both hunters and non-hunters to be aware of their surroundings.

“You want to 100% have positive identification on your target,” Rice said. “Know what you’re about to shoot whether it’s a deer or a turkey. Know what’s behind that and just always make sure it’s a safe shot.”

For more safety information and tips, hunters can visit https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education.