Most of the chatter following last year’s firearms deer hunting season was about the reduced harvest totals. Rationale such as weather, acorns, moon phases and timing didn’t appease the skeptics, but when reviewed over time, things certainly were not that bad.
The overall harvest total was down 15 percent from the record set the previous year and 8 percent below the most recent five-year average, but there were still 276,272 deer taken by hunters. Of those checked from all seasons combined, 129,252 were antlered bucks.
Which brings me to this weekend’s annual free antler-scoring event at Jay Henges Shooting Range and Education Center near High Ridge. The open house is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Shed antlers and racks from previous years may also be scored.
The event is free, but hunters may choose to have their trophies recognized, for a fee, by the Pope and Young, Boone and Crocket, and Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club record books. The Boone and Crocket registry includes deer taken with firearms, while Pope and Young provides similar certification for bow and arrow hunters. Show-Me Big Bucks Club recognizes trophy white-tailed deer harvested or found in Missouri, in typical and non-typical categories.
Advanced registration is not required for the open house event. The Henges Range is at 1100 Antire Rd., near its intersection with I-44. For more information, call 636-938-9548.
While the overall harvest total declined this past season, archery hunting numbers statewide were about 1 percent higher than last year. Jefferson County retained its position as the archery champion, exceeding its own record-setting total of 1,445 deer by nearly 10 percent. Top counties for the 2024-25 season were Jefferson with 1,579, Franklin with 1,216, and St. Louis with 994.
Fishing Basics at Suson Park
March is a busy month for programs and events offered by the state Department of Conservation in Jefferson County and the St. Louis region. If learning how to fish is on your wish list, the first installment of the Discover Nature education series is scheduled for the rearing pond at Suson Park, off Hwy. 21 just north of the Meramec River.
This introductory class includes instruction as well as hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants will learn the parts of a fishing pole, how to safely cast a line with a spincast reel, how to use simple fishing tackle, and how to properly handle and release a fish.
The class is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29. Fishing equipment will be provided. The minimum age for children is 5 and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Advanced registration for up to 20 anglers is required through the Discover Nature Fishing page at mdc.mo.gov.
Wildflower Walks at Powder Valley Conservation Center
For those looking for signs of spring, two Wonderful Wildflower Walks March 29 at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center will be led by a park naturalist who will point out some of the area’s early-blooming wildflowers. Registration is available for 90-minute hikes at 9 or 11 a.m. on the 1.2-mile Hickory Ridge Trail. The path is paved, but can be steep and rough in spots. Closed-toe shoes are required.
Each guided hike is limited to 25 participants, so advanced registration is required. Search for hiking at the Discover Nature page on the state website.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.