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Hunters faced stormy weather, smaller deer tally during opening weekend

Heavy rain and storms may have slowed down deer hunters during Missouri's opening weekend of firearms deer season.

According to the conservation department, hunters killed 80,525 deer Saturday and Sunday — 8,235 fewer than last year's opening weekend of firearms deer season.

Of the 80,525 deer killed over the weekend, 48,695 were antlered bucks, 6,867 were button bucks, and 24,963 were does.

Howell County hunters had the most success, with 1,499 deer killed, followed by Bollinger County with 1,453 and Franklin County with 1,446.

For current ongoing preliminary totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.