Urban Deer Management Program

Managed hunts within city limits help control deer populations and reduce issues caused by overpopulation. Fewer deer mean fewer car accidents and less damage to yards and gardens. They also promote a healthier herd by reducing disease spread and protect plants and other animals from overgrazing. Jefferson City’s new urban deer hunting program aims to address these challenges while ensuring safety for both people and wildlife.

JC Parks is excited to launch this hybrid Urban Deer Management Program in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation. The program will focus on archery hunting within city limits at ten sites identified as safe and having significant deer activity. Hunters with program permits can hunt in these designated locations during the specified season.

 

2024 Program Details

Timeline:

  • 10/16/24, 4:00 PM: Registration opens
  • 11/4/24, 8:00 AM: 50 permits drawn from the registration pool, those drawn will be notified via email
  • 11/6/24, 6:30 PM: Mandatory program orientation at the Linc (1299 Lafayette St., Jefferson City, MO 65109)
    • To be eligible to receive permit, hunters must attend this orientation
  • 11/7/24, first light: Program season opens
  • 1/15/25, last light: Program season closes

Additional program information:

  • Sites: Click here to download the 2024 Site Maps
  • Methods: Archery (crossbows may be used)
  • Fees: No charge
  • Permits: 50 permits will be issued for 2024 program season
  • Selection process: Lottery
  • Participation:
    • Hunters must be at least 15 years of age to hunt without direct supervision of an adult (younger hunters with mentors welcome to apply)
    • Hunters need not reside within city limits to apply
    • Participants must reapply on an annual basis
    • Hunters must obey all MDC rules and regulations pertaining to deer and archery hunting

Registration:

  • Activity Number: 908172-01
  • Register below; opens October 16, 2024 at 4:00 PM

Resources:

 

Key Information for Hunters

Jefferson City permits bow hunting for deer within city limits as part of efforts to manage growing deer populations and maintain ecological balance. Residents are encouraged to participate responsibly by adhering to both local ordinances and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) regulations.

Key Points to Know:

  • Permits: Hunters must obtain the necessary permits from the MDC, including the Archer’s Hunting Permit, which allows the harvest of two deer (either sex) during the designated archery season.
  • Seasons: The archery season runs from September 15 to November 15, 2024, and November 27, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Hunting is allowed from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
  • Safety: Hunters are responsible for ensuring public safety by keeping arrows within their property boundaries and obtaining landowner permission when hunting on private land.
  • Methods: Approved equipment includes longbows, compound bows, recurve bows, and crossbows. The use of electronic calls, bait, or motorized vehicles for hunting is prohibited.

By following Jefferson City’s regulations and MDC guidelines, hunters play an essential role in managing the local deer population while promoting safety and sustainability. For additional details, please consult the MDC’s official hunting rules and regulations.

Key Information for Park Visitors

The following precautions are put in place to ensure park visitor safety is a priority during this program.

  1. Hunters are required to be at least 100 feet from all trails and park facilities.
  2. A mandatory orientation will provide all hunters with the rules, including boundaries and restrictions. If a park user witnesses hunting outside of a designated areas, they can report to JC Parks or the Cole County game warden.
  3. Trails will remain open. Signs will be posted at the designated parking areas for each site.
Urban Deer Management Program
Register to enter drawing for JC Parks Archery Permit
Activity Number: 908172-01

Fees

FREE

Session Dates

Drawing: 11/04/24
Orientation 11/06/24

Program Days

Season: November 7, 2025 - January 15, 2025

Registration Dates

October 15, 2025 - November 3, 2024

REGISTER HERE

Urban Deer Management Program
Register to enter drawing for JC Parks Archery Permit
Activity Number: 908172-01

Session Dates

Drawing: 11/04/24
Orientation 11/06/24

Program Days

Season: November 7, 2025 - January 15, 2025

Registration Dates

October 15, 2025 - November 3, 2024

Fees

FREE

REGISTER HERE