Southeast Missouri sees increase in deer harvest

While statewide the total number of deer taken during the 2010 season was down, Southeast Missouri hunters harvested more deer this year than in 2009.

The deer harvest numbers in Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Perry, Scott, Stoddard and Ripley counties were above last year, while there was a slight decrease in total deer taken in Wayne County.

Overall the Missouri Department of Conservation reported that 188,000 deer were harvested this year -- 193,000 were taken last year.

Cape Girardeau County hunters increased their deer haul by more than 400, from 1,482 in 2009 to 1,930 in 2010. This year 929 antlered bucks, 214 button bucks and 787 does. were taken

Hunters in Bollinger County harvested 2,525 deer compared to 2,430 last year. The total was made up of 1,167 antlered bucks, 322 button bucks and 1,036 does.

In Perry County, hunters took 2,216 deer this year compared to 2,001 in 2009. This year's harvest was 916 antlered bucks, 303 button bucks and 997 does.

Scott County's number taken increased from 378 in 2009 to 509 in 2010. Hunters in Scott County bagged 255 antlered bucks, 68 button bucks and 186 does.

Hunters in Stoddard County took 1,480 total deer in the 2010 season compared to 1,045 last year.

The largest deer harvest was in Wayne County with 2,773 total, but below the 3,140 total in 2009.

The Mississippi River delta counties are among the least productive in the state.

Staff writer Scott Moyers contributed to this report.