Heading to Missouri – Any pointers?

Hi guys,

Just throwing this out there. I am heading for my first ever out of state trip to do some bow hunting in norther Missouri October 15-18th (maybe 2nd week of November as well).

Not looking for specific spots, but would like to get an idea of hunting pressure in the northern part of the state during bow season. I have probably 10 or so MDC areas already mapped out but I will be going in blind for the most part so any pointers would be greatly appreciated! I am planning on truck camping at one of the MDC areas that I decide on and then venturing out from there. Have a kayak and a mountain bike I can also bring to get into remote spots or use water for access.

Is it worth asking for permission on private? Seems like there is so much public land its not even necessary.

Again, not looking for any honey holes, just some general guidance and maybe an idea of where to avoid.

Appreciate any help you can offer!

I’ve hunted private quite a few years in Missouri but last year was my first public land hunt. Private is a 100x better but the public is still 100x better then where we hunt in MN.

I hunted in Northern MO within 30-45 minutes of hwy 35. Very very little hunting pressure. Scout and scout some more. You should be seeing deer all day. If not, move deeper or find ag land to hunt buy bordering public.

I’ll be out there a week after you. PM and I’ll share specifics of where I hunted.

I have experienced the opposite. Every year It seems more and more people discover northern Missouri. You will see alot of Louisiana and Mississippi folks. Every year we meet more and more Minnesota people too.

The hunting is usually good. Everyone in our group usually gets a shot at a decent deer.

Don’t be surprised if the b spots you have marked, are already being hunted. Just go the next ridge over and set up. The deer don’t seem to pattern as much as they do in Minnesota