Cooler weather means wildlife is active. Deer are included in that bunch as hunters look forward to the rut while motorists dread the deer crossing the roadways at night. When is deer season? How can motorists be prepared?
Firearm Season
Firearm deer season has several options this year. Hunting in Oregon County, one can participate in some changes to decrease deer/vehicle collisions by decreasing the deer herd.
October
The first firearm season opens on October 6-8. Later that month, youth may hunt October 28-29.
November
The regular scheduled deer firearm hunt is November 11-2023, through November 21, 2023. Oregon County residents can participate in the November 22-26 CWD season. youth can hunt again during that time, from November 24-26.
December/January
For those braving colder, wetter weather, December 2-10 is an antlerless-only portion of firearm season. If you want to try your hand at alternative hunting, that season is open from December 23- January 2, 2024.
Archery Season
Archery season works around firearm season. If you have a bow, the archery season for deer begins September 15, 2023. It continues until November 10, right before firearm season begins. It restarts on November 22, 2023, and continues until January 15, 2024.
With those dates in mind, motorists can begin to predict deer behavior. Often, on the first day or two of the season, deer roam more than usual and at different times than usual. Besides dusk and dawn, motorists need to be deer-aware all day long. Youth season brings out younger, less experienced hunters which motorists also need to be watchful for.
You can click here to get further information regarding dates and requirements for the upcoming deer seasons.
