The 2019 deer hunting season is just around the corner. For many, hunting is more than just getting a kill. It can be helpful to the environment and can also assist those in need.

The 2019-2020 archery hunting season began Sept. 15 and will continue until Nov. 15. The firearms hunting season begins directly after that, from Nov. 16-26. The season for antlerless deer, such as doe, goes from Dec. 6-8. Finally, the season to use alternative firearms–such as muzzle loaders, atlatl or crossbows–is from Dec. 28 to Jan. 7.

The impact on the environment

Alex Cary, who began hunting at eight years old, is an Eagle Scout who cares deeply about the environment. He explained his experience hunting and why deer hunting is so important for the environment.

“My first hit was a lucky shot. We were just heading out for breakfast when a buck sprinted across a field and just stopped. I was able to shoot and kill it almost immediately,” Cary remembered. “Hunting helps with overpopulation of species that tend to grow at an exponential rate. Too many deer make it dangerous for driving, hurt the growth of other deer and destroy gardens.”

Helping Those in Need

Hunting is more than just helping the environment, however. Many people choose to donate their kill.

“My family and I also donate half of our kills to Ozark Food Harvest, which then go to those who are in poverty,” explained Cary.

Ozarks Food Harvest hosts a program called “Share the Harvest.” For this program they partner with local meat processors and the Missouri Department of Conservation to allow processing at little to no cost for hunters who choose to donate.

With this option, the hunter decides how much of the deer they are willing to donate. For more information, go to http://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/deer/share-harvest.

Hunting Safety

It is important to follow the rules and guidelines involved in hunting. You should also know what to do to stay safe.

Before you go hunting, make sure you acquire a hunting tag for each animal you intend to harvest. It is illegal to kill more animals than you have tags.

“Most importantly, any hunter over the age of 16 is required to do the two-part hunter’s safety course,” explained Cary.

Information about this safety course is available at https://www.hunter-ed.com/Missouri.

Hunters are also required to have the proper apparel, which means wearing at minimum an orange vest. This ensures that you don’t accidentally get shot by another hunter.

There are some benefits to hunting. This hunting season, be sure to follow the rules, pick up your trash and enjoy the outdoors.

Article written by Delilah Gadd