Howell County is among the planned locations for the fourth annual Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt, to be held Oct. 9 through 11.
Registration closes Monday, and may be completed through the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The mentored hunts will be held in several counties during Missouri’s early firearms antlerless deer season. The program is designed for new hunters, with preference given to applicants who have never hunted or who have never harvested a deer.
Selected participants will spend the weekend with an assigned mentor. Mentors will provide instruction on gun safety, firearm handling, shot placement and harvesting a deer. They also will cover hunting strategy, deer biology, deer behavior and the role hunting plays in conservation.
“These hunts wouldn’t be possible without our partners, landowners, and the endorsement of Gov. Mike Kehoe. Mentored hunts offer the opportunity to learn about hunting in a controlled environment alongside others new to hunting,” said Rob Garver, MDC education and outreach coordinator. “This multifaceted project not only helps develop novice participants into confident hunters and stewards of the land but also helps Missouri landowners manage deer in areas of dense population.”
In addition to Howell County, mentored hunts are planned for Audrain, Benton, Cooper, Maries, Phelps, Osage, Platte, Madison, Pike, Putnam, Shelby and Monroe counties.
Those interested should first register for the event through MDC at short.mdc.mo.gov/opF. After registering, applicants will be contacted to complete an application.
Selected applicants will need to purchase a Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit or a Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit. Those without hunter education certificates may apply with an Apprentice Hunter Authorization. More information about Missouri’s Apprentice Hunter program is available at short.mdc.mo.gov/4ex.
The event is held in partnership with several organizations, including the Conservation Federation of Missouri, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Deer Association, Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation, Kansas City Safari Club International, Missouri Disabled Sportsmen, Missouri’s Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, Whitetails Unlimited, ALPS Outdoorz, Dead End Game Calls, MO Woods and Wildlife, Friends of the NRA and Missouri Back Country Hunters and Anglers.
For more information about the Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt, contact John Burk at jburk@nwtf.net.
