DEER SEASON BEGINS ON SATURDAY
Hunters from across Missouri will be heading to the woods this weekend for the beginning of deer season.
Officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation say that the November portion of the firearms deer season runs from November 14th through the 24th and the opening weekend is the most popular two days for most deer hunters in Missouri.
Hunters are reminded that only one antlered deer may be taken during the entire firearms season.
You can find more information about deer season as well as regulations online at mdc.mo.gov.
THE FRONTMEN TO HEADLINE 2027 VALENTINES FOR VETERANS CONCERT
The artists have been announced for the 2027 Valentines for Veterans concert in Poplar Bluff.
According to the Wake Foundation, the concert, featuring legendary country group The Frontmen, which includes Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Richie McDonald, of Lonestar, and Tim Rushlow, of Little Texas, will be held on Friday, February 12th at the Black River Coliseum.
The opening act will be Tyler Kinch.
Tickets for the concert are free for military members and veterans as well as their families.
Tickets can be picked up at the Black River Coliseum, the Stars and Stripes Museum, and the Wake Foundation beginning the first week of January. You must show a military ID when picking up your tickets.
For more information, contact the Wake Foundation at 573-281-5140.
ELLINGTON WOMAN TAKEN TO CAPE GIRARDEAU HOSPITAL AFTER BUTLER COUNTY CRASH
One woman was injured in a Thursday morning crash in Butler County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shortly before 7 am on Thursday, a 24 year old Ellington woman struck the rear of a commercial vehicle on US Highway 60, three miles west of Poplar Bluff.
The woman’s vehicle then ran off the left side of the road and overturned in the median.
The woman suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to a Cape Girardeau hospital.
DETAILS RELEASED ABOUT FATAL CRASH IN NORTHEAST ARKANSAS
Officials have released details about a fatal crash from earlier this week in Northeast Arkansas.
According to the Arkansas State Police, the crash occurred at around 6 pm Monday night on US Highway 412 in Greene County.
Officials say that a vehicle driven by 64 year old Pamela Bryant, of Paragould, turned in front of another vehicle and was struck.
Bryant was killed in the crash, as was her passenger, identified as 47 year old Billy Adams, also of Paragould.
The driver of the second vehicle was injured in the wreck and transported to an area hospital.
MOTORISTS WARNED TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DEER
Deer season begins on Saturday and Missouri motorists are being advised to watch for more animals on the roadway.
Officials say that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists at this time of year.
The majority of deer strike crashes happen in the 6 to 7 am and 6 to 9 pm timeframes.
Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced over 2,800 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. In these crashes, there were six fatalities and 435 people were injured.
Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed gradually while watching other traffic around you.
If you do strike a deer, move your vehicle to a safe location and call 9-1-1 or *55 on a cell phone and report it.
DEER HUNTERS REMINDED OF MANDATORY CWD SAMPLING
With firearm deer season coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding deer hunters that it will be holding mandatory chronic wasting disease sampling during the opening weekend.
Hunters who harvest deer from designated counties in the CWD Management Zone on November 14th or 15th are required to take their harvested deer, or the head, on the day of harvest to one of MDC’s numerous CWD mandatory sampling stations located throughout the zone.
CWD sampling will be mandatory this year in Iron, Reynolds, and Wayne Counties. .
Hunters must present their deer to a CWD mandatory sampling station within the county of harvest, with a few exceptions. Sampling and test results are free.
MDC is also offering voluntary CWD sampling opportunities for hunters who harvest deer in any county at any time during any of Missouri’s deer hunting seasons. These additional sampling opportunities include at MDC offices, cooperating taxidermists and meat processors, and self-service freezers.
You can find the sampling locations as well as all counties that are in the CWD Management Zone at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.
STATE OFFICIALS STRESS SAFETY FOR NON-HUNTERS DURING HUNTING SEASON
Firearms deer season will open this weekend in Missouri and state officials are reminding non-hunters that they also need to practice safety measures when afield.
Officials say that non-hunters should wear bright clothing to be more visible, such as a bright orange hat, jacket, or pack.
Place a bright orange vest or bandana on canines who join you and remember to keep them leashed. Be aware that hunters are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon, when game animals are most active. Be especially aware of your own visibility during these times when light is dim.
Stay on designated trails. Trails are designed to improve the safety of public users and to protect sensitive habitats. Enjoying recreational activities only on designated trails will reduce the likelihood of entering hunting areas.
If you hear shooting, raise your voice, and let hunters know you are in the area.