After firearms opener, Macon County leads in total deer and antlered bucks taken

Opening weekend of firearms season brought just what hunters were looking for: cold weather, good times and a lot of action.

As of 9:15 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, leading all other Missouri counties in deer taken was Macon County. At 2,829 total deer and 1,159 antlered buck, it surpassed other Missouri counties in both categories.

Coming in only slightly behind, Benton County reports 2,619 total deer.

Statewide, 146,926 deer have been reported.

Relying on Telecheck data, Missouri Department of Conservation is updating these numbers 3-4 times hourly, so be sure to regularly check this link, which has a state map. Just scroll over the county to see totals.

As of 9:15 a.m. Monday, here are the top five counties in total deer, with antlered bucks in parentheses:

1. Macon County - 2,829 (1,159)
2. Benton County - 2,619 (873)
3. Callaway County - 2,528 (865)
4. Texas County - 2,354 (1,089)
5. Howell County - 2,338 (932)