About 11K deer killed during alternative weapons season

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri conservation officials say hunters using muzzleloaders and other alternative weapons killed 11,061 deer during a special season.

The Columbia Missourian reported the special hunting season ended Tuesday. The season allows the use of centerfire pistols, muzzleloading firearms, air-powered guns, bows, crossbows and atlatls. There are other seasons for archery and regular firearms.

Counties with the most deer killed during the alternatives season were Franklin with 260, Howell with 247 and Texas with 235.

The statewide total during the alternative season was six fewer than last year.

Deer hunting continues with statewide archery hunting through Jan. 15. There's also a statewide firearms late youth weekend.

Information from: Columbia Missourian, http://www.columbiamissourian.com