Is it necessary to register harvested deer in Missouri?

Mandatory Harvest Reporting

In Missouri, deer harvest reporting is required to monitor white-tailed deer populations, inform management decisions, and ensure hunter compliance with regulations. Hunters must report harvested deer within 30 days of the end of the season, or within 10 days of the deer being processed if it is processed before January 15. Reporting can be done through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website, by calling 1-800-324-BUCK, or through the MO Hunting app.

Registration Process

To register a harvested deer, hunters will need to provide their name, birthdate, and hunter education number or conservation number, as well as the deer’s sex, antler length, and any notable characteristics. Hunters will also need to provide the county and harvest location of the deer. Reporting can be done individually or by party, and the system will allow hunters to report multiple deer at once. Once reported, the MDC will issue a confirmation number that can be used to obtain a free deer harvest report.

Incentives for Reporting

Hunters who report their harvested deer are eligible for a free deer harvest report, which includes information on the deer’s age, sex, and antler characteristics. Additionally, hunters who report their deer may be eligible for special permits, such as a bonus antlerless deer permit or a muzzleloader permit. Hunters who fail to report their harvested deer may be subject to fines and penalties.