Deer numbers down from Mo. urban hunting season

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri conservation officials say fewer deer were killed during this year's urban hunting season.

The season was started in 2003 to help control deer populations around St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and the Columbia and Jefferson City areas. Hunters only can kill antlerless deer.

The Conservation Department says 570 deer were checked from Oct. 7 through Monday -- slightly fewer than last year and roughly half the longer-term average.

Conservation officials attribute the lower numbers to warm weather and less deer activity. Greene County had the highest number of deer checked at 109, while Boone County was second with 89.