Deer hunting season begins

Hunting seasons are opening up to new game in Missouri this month.

Deer season dates vary by region and regulations. There will be a November deer season Nov. 14-24.

Hunting hours extend from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

People who have lived in Missouri for at least 30 days can apply for resident hunting and fishing permits which can be obtained at the local Department of Conservation office, according to the MDC website. Students who are not residents of the state “must carry evidence of a Missouri residence and student status while hunting,” according to the site.

Chad Whittom, assistant director of Truman State’s Department of Public Safety, says firearms are not allowed on Truman State’s campus, but DPS offers arms storage at a locker facility in its building.

Whittom says because of limited storage space, DPS only stores firearms or bows for students living on campus. Students must store ammunition and other supplies themselves, he says. Students living off-campus cannot use the facility, because they can store arms in their own housing, he says. The number of students taking advantage of the storage has seemed to increase during recent years, Whittom says.

“Last five or six [years] I’ve noticed more people bringing things in. And it may be too that people are more aware of the ability for us to store weapons.”

– Chad Whittom, assistant director of Truman State Department of Public Safety

The Kirksville area has a number of hunting grounds. Conservation Agent Marsha Jones says Big Creek Conservation Area, located near the University Farm, offers deer hunting for archery or muzzle-loaded firearms, turkey, fishing ponds and small game. Big Creek also offers other forms of recreational activities such as hiking and biking trails, Jones says.

The Sugar Creek Conservation Area south of Kirksville offers a shooting range and is open to state-wide hunting regulations, Jones says.

Jones says students can obtain hunting permits at the Missouri Department of Conservation office located at 3500 S. Baltimore St.