Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters harvested 68,312 deer during the November firearms deer season opening weekend, which took place on Nov. 16 and 17.Of the 68,312 deer harvested, 42,283 were antlered bucks, 5,105 were button bucks, and 20,924 were does.The top harvest counties for the opening weekend were Franklin, which had 1,627 deer harvested; Texas, which had 1,305; and Pike, which had 1,161.Last year, hunters checked 90,253 deer during the opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season.According to MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle, a combination of factors caused this year’s drop in harvest.“The calendar shift this year put the November portion a week later than last year, which results in lower deer harvest,” said Isabelle. “The peak of the rut in Missouri occurs around Nov. 10. When the calendar shifts, it puts the opener about a week p...