| Deer hunting regulations are established for a | | | | education certification. Other changes were made, |
| reason. With a set of rules, all hunters know what | | | | which carry over into the current year. |
| is and is not allowed, which helps to maintain | | | | However, when looking at regulations specific to |
| control of the deer population, as well as keep | | | | deer hunting, three specific things are considered |
| hunters safe. Keep in mind that each state has | | | | among the most important. These factors are |
| slight different regulations so it is imperative that | | | | listed below. |
| you learn what the rules are for the state in | | | | 1. Four-Point Rule - For several states to include |
| which you plan to hunt for deer. Additionally, it is | | | | Missouri, a new four-point rule was established, |
| common for regulations to change. Therefore, | | | | which means that unless the deer has at least |
| before hunting season opens, you should review | | | | four points that measure a minimum of one-inch |
| state regulations so you have current information. | | | | they cannot be hunted. Typically, deer are close |
| Another important thing to understand is that | | | | to three years of age before reaching this type |
| regulations for deer hunting could vary based on | | | | of antler growth so the benefit is that bucks are |
| the time deer are being hunted. Each season is | | | | provided more time to reach maturity, thereby |
| broken down by three sets of dates (that vary | | | | growing large antlers. While this is good news for |
| by state), which include: | | | | the deer, it also presents a challenge in that the |
| 1. Urban - October 9 through 12 | | | | older the buck the more wise they are to |
| 2. Early Youth - October 31 through November 1 | | | | hunters, which makes a kill harder. |
| 3. November - November 14 through 24 | | | | 2. Crossbow Usage - Another regulation that |
| 4. Antlerless - November 25 through December 6 | | | | hunters should know about is for some states to |
| 5. Muzzleloader - December 19 through 29 | | | | include Illinois. This regulation now makes it legal |
| 6. Late Youth - January 2 through 3 | | | | for a crossbow to be used during bow hunting |
| In addition to regulations varying, sometimes | | | | season by hunters age 62 and older. The prior |
| hunting categories change among other things. A | | | | regulation was that only individuals with a |
| great example is that for the 2009 season, dates | | | | confirmed disability could use a crossbow so this |
| for antlerless and muzzleloader switched. Other | | | | makes it easier for older hunters to enjoy the |
| changes that took place included young hunters | | | | sport in a safe and effective manner. |
| needing to be a minimum of six years of age to | | | | 3. Late Winter Hunting - Permits can now be |
| acquire a permit, nonresident landowner permits | | | | purchased in many states specific to late winter |
| were not longer required, anyone mentoring a | | | | hunting but typically, this limits the hunter to a |
| hunter not certified in firearms safety or not | | | | single permit. During this hunting season, hunters |
| hunting on a landowner permit had to be a | | | | can also apply for a permit for unfilled firearm, |
| minimum of 18 years old and possess a hunter | | | | muzzleloader, landowner, and youth firearms. |