Missouri NWTF Receives Grant for Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt

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EDGEFIELD, S.C. — In early March, the National Wild Turkey Federation joined the Conservation Federation of Missouri for its 89th Annual Convention in Lake Ozark, Missouri — an event that continues to shape the future of conservation across the state. During the event’s luncheon, the Missouri NWTF State Chapter was awarded a check for a Risberg grant.

 “CFM has always been a great partner of the NWTF, from being our eyes and ears at the capitol to supporting outreach events like the Governors Youth Turkey Hunt and the Governors Mentored Deer Hunt,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. “Their funding support through grants like this Risberg grant has been extremely helpful over the years, and I am also extremely appreciative of their behind-the-scenes assistance when it comes to coordinating these events.”

The grant will directly support the Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt this October, a program launched in 2023 to engage new hunters while addressing key wildlife management needs. Held during Missouri’s antlerless-only rifle season, the mentored hunt grants participants access to private lands where achieving recommended doe harvest numbers is a growing challenge, especially on large, intensively managed properties. 

The special season provides a solution to Missouri’s growing deer population, because the early timing provides more opportunity to efficiently accomplish adequate doe harvest. 

 

“The mentored hunt has been well received by landowners because it is a doe only season and gives them an acceptable option to put more hunters on their farms without interfering with their regular hunters because the season occurs far enough in front of the rut,” Burk said. 

The hunt is also a great example of events representing Missouri’s Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) strategy to reverse the decline in hunter participation. The Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt introduces new hunters to the outdoors, equipping them with knowledge in deer biology, conservation principles, hunting tactics, firearm safety and outdoor ethics.  

By empowering a new wave of hunters, this initiative strengthens Missouri’s longstanding hunting heritage and helps ensure the future of wildlife management. This event was also awarded the Partnership Achievement award at the outreach awards breakfast at the 2025 NWTF Convention and Sports Show in February.  

For further information about the Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt, contact MDC Outreach and Education Coordinator Rob Garver at 573-522-4115 ext. 6507 or at [email protected].