Embrace Your Inner Predator

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Do you ever get the urge to shoot at defenseless mammals, despite the fact that you've never been hunting in your life? You're in luck! Deer hunting season is upon us and it's not too late to get in on the fun. Firearm deer season only runs from November 11 to 21, so in the interest of saving time, we've boiled down everything you need to do to go from bystander to hunter. Follow these simple steps as suggested by Missouri Department of Conservation spokesperson Francis Skalicky and you'll be ready to hunt in no time.

Step One: Partner Up

If you've never been hunting before, finding a mentor is the most important thing you can do, Skalicky says. Not only will you learn a lot faster than going the trial and error route, but also the camaraderie between friends or family members is part of the hunting experience.

Once you've found a hunting buddy, spend a day scouting a site. You can view the list of public hunting areas at missouriconservation.org, but Skalicky says that finding a coworker or fellow church member with a rural plot of land is a good way to beat the crowds. He says that some desperate souls even knock on strangers' doors to ask permission to hunt on their land. Many people don't mind, but make sure you ask.

Step Two: Legalize It

If you were born since 1967, you must complete a hunter's training course before you'll be allowed to hunt. Since deer season starts on Saturday, you'd better get a move on. Luckily, Skalicky says there are probably still a few last minute classes for slackers like you. You can get a list of places offering the classes from the Springfield Conservation Nature Center (417-888-4237) or The Missouri Department of Conservation's Springfield Office (417-895-6880).

Whoa shooter! Getting trained doesn't qualify you for active hunting duty. To hunt legally, you've still got to buy a permit. A $17 permit allows hunters to shoot and kill one doe or buck during the season. Hunters may also purchase an additional permit for antlerless deer for $7 more.

Step Three: Get a Gun

There are several kinds of guns you can use for deer hunting, but according to a study done several years ago by the Missouri Department of Conservation, a .30 caliber rifle is the most frequently used gun for deer hunters. Skalicky also points out that it's important to shoot your rifle or shotgun before going on the hunt to prevent any untimely malfunctions. He recommends the Andy Dalton Shooting Range in Bois D'arc (417-742-4361).

Step Four: Suit Up

It's sort of funny that hunters are always wearing camouflage, because the law states that anyone hunting must wear a bright orange cap or hat and an orange vest or jacket. Makes it kind of hard to blend in, but at least you won't die. Make sure to bundle up, because it gets cold out there.