By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri hunters using old-fashioned muzzleloading guns shot nearly 16,000 deer this year. That's the largest harvest since Missouri began its muzzleloading season 21 years ago. The previous high was set in 2007.
Osage County in central Missouri had the largest harvest, with hunters killing 403 deer.
Conservation officials say good weather drew more hunters during the 10-day season late last month. Bow hunters are out this week and next; Missouri's archery season ends January 15th.