MISSOURI EXPECTS GREAT DEER HARVEST

The Missouri Department of Conservation has good news for hunters in the woods this weekend for the start of the state's 50th deer season: A bountiful harvest is anticipated.

With 180,000 expected to be taken -- just a bit of an increase over the 784 taken in 1944 -- conservation officials issued 339,350 total deer permits. In mangement area No. 44 which consists of Cape Girardeau County and parts of Bollinger and Perry counties, 4,500 permits have been issued.

In fact, the deer population, which has increased steadily in recent years, is so prosperous that a record number of doe tags have been issued. However, the Cape area is an exception to that statewide trend as the number of doe tags was reduced for area No. 44.

"We reduced locally because the deer population has not increased as vigorously as it has in other areas of the state," said Gene Myers, conservation agent for the Cape County region. "Still, there is no shortage of deer."

Last season 155,821 deer were taken -- an increase of about 5,000 over the 1992 count. An even larger harvest was expected but warm, rainy weather kept numbers down.

Weather could again play a role this year.

"If it doesn't rain any more and the creeks get back down it will not be a big factor, but if we get more rain deer movement will be down," said Myers.

Hunters also need to be cognizant of a few minor changes in state regulations.

Previously, self-adhesive tags were issued to mark kills for inspection by conservation officials. However, those tags had a habit of falling off so hunters now must secure tags to the animal's leg with string.

Another change is that bait is no longer allowed. Commonly used baits include corn, apples and wheat.

The final change is that for the first time hunters using muzzleloaders will be allowed to use scopes.

Myers reminds those hunting on public land to be aware of boundaries in order to avoid stumbling onto private property. He also stresses that hunters practice safety techniques at all times while in the field.