The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages young hunters to get outdoors and discover nature this weekend for the early portion of youth firearms deer season October 31 and November 1.

MDC says shooting hours run one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. To participate, hunters must be at least 6 years old and no older than 15 on opening day.

Valid permits include the Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit and the Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit. Permits are available at participating locations throughout the state or online at https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/permits.

Only one deer of either sex may be taken during the early youth portion in accordance with permits held. If hunters possess more than one permit, they must use them in another portion. Only one antlered deer may be taken during the entire firearms season (all portions combined).

MDC notes the antler-point restriction does not apply to youth hunters using a firearms deer hunting permit during the youth portion.

Hunters may take only two antlered deer during the archery and firearms deer hunting seasons combined. Each county limits the number of antlerless deer hunting permits you can fill during the entire firearms season.

During the youth portions of firearms deer season, adults who accompany youth hunters do not need a deer hunting permit. The adult must be 18 or older and hunter-education certified or born before January 1, 1967. At all other times, hunters must have a filled or unfilled deer hunting permit to assist others in taking deer.

MDC reminds hunters the use of bait is illegal while hunting. Bait includes grain or feed placed or scattered to attract deer or turkeys. However, doe urine and other scents may be used to attract deer while hunting, as long as the scents are not used on or with grain or other food products.

The late youth portion of firearms deer season runs November 27-29.

Photo courtesy the Missouri Department of Conservation.