“Deer movement is unpredictable, influenced by local factors like food, rut stage, hunting pressure, and time of day, and is not easily solved,” so said an article I was reading recently. Many deer hunters across Missouri are signing the same song, “where are the deer?” 

Missouri's firearms deer season opening weekend harvest for the last three years was: 90,334 in 2023, 68,312 in 2024, and about 70,000 in 2025. The significant drop in 2024 and 2025 was attributed to factors like the later timing of the season relative to the rut, an abundant acorn crop, and warmer temperatures. 

Missouri's 2025 firearms deer season was not moved back a week; the 2024 season began one week later than in previous years, which was a factor in the lower deer harvest for that season. For the 2025 season, the November portion of the firearms deer hunt started on November 15, 2025, as scheduled, with the earlier archery season having concluded on November 14, 2025. 

2024 Season: The November firearms season began one week later than usual, contributing to a lower harvest because it missed the peak of the rut and was affected by abundant acorns and warm weather.

2025 Season: The November firearms season started on November 15, 2025, and the 2025 regulations, including a new CWD portion, are in effect.

Reason for the confusion: The initial query may be referencing the timing of the 2024 firearms season, which was moved back, not the 2025 season. 

The 2025 Missouri firearms deer season was not actually moved back a week; rather, the opening date of the November portion falls on November 15, which is consistent with the traditional framework of beginning on the Saturday closest to November 15. Any perception of it being “moved back” likely stems from how that date aligns differently with the Thanksgiving holiday each calendar year.  

Historically, the season has been scheduled to end before Thanksgiving to accommodate family gatherings. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) sets the specific dates for each season based on a consistent framework, which the Missouri Conservation Commission approves annually. 

The main changes for the 2025-2026 deer season primarily relate to efforts to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), including: 

• Revised carcass transport and disposal regulations to minimize the spread of CWD prions.

Mandatory CWD sampling on the opening weekend in certain newly added CWD Management Zone counties.

• Removal of antler-point restrictions (APR) in CWD Management Zone counties to encourage the harvest of younger, male deer that tend to travel farther and potentially spread the disease.

Standardizing bag limits for youth hunters to simplify regulations. 

For complete details on season dates and regulations, hunters should consult the official MDC 2025 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet or visit the MDC website directly. 

Deer movement slows down during hot weather, the post-rut period, and when they are stressed by human activity, high winds, or loud noises. Slow periods can also occur when deer are "locked down" with a receptive doe or when they are in the process of becoming more nocturnal to avoid hunters and conserve energy during cold snaps. 

Weather and seasonal factors 

Hot weather: Deer movement is suppressed when temperatures are above average for the season. They tend to move less during daylight hours and may become more nocturnal, especially after a cold snap.

High wind: Very high winds can make deer cautious and reduce their movement. Conversely, extremely low wind speeds can also suppress movement, possibly due to amplified sounds causing heightened paranoia.

Winter: During the winter, a buck's testosterone levels drop, and their metabolism slows down, leading to decreased movement and activity.

"The Lull": This is a period, often in October, where deer movement becomes almost non-existent due to factors like land use changes, hunter activity, or food availability shifts. 

Behavioral and environmental factors 

"Locked down" during the rut: During the breeding season, bucks may become less active when they are "locked down" with a receptive doe, waiting for her to be ready to breed.

Human activity: Factors like ATVs and high hunting pressure can cause deer to become more cautious and reduce their daylight movement.

Stress: Deer movement can be suppressed if they feel stressed or overly pressured by their environment.

Nocturnal behavior: In response to cold weather or other stressors, deer may shift their activity to nighttime, resting more during the warmer parts of the day. 

What to do when movement is slow 

Hunt the edges: Stay in your stand from before daylight until after dusk, as deer may be most active moving to and from their nocturnal feeding or bedding areas.

Adjust your strategy: Use scent eliminators to reduce your smell. Be patient, and consider moving your stand if you have been sitting for a long time with no luck. Scout for fresh sign to understand where deer are traveling.