Kyle Lairmore (L) of the Missouri Department of Conservation shows Bill Pollock some tips on sighting in a rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

Kyle Lairmore (L) of the Missouri Department of Conservation shows Bill Pollock some tips on sighting in a rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

I started this series writing about the arrival of fall and cooler temperatures. Now, with the start of the deer firearm season starting on Saturday, our forecast calls for snow. Last year, hunters were out in short sleeves with temperatures near 70. That’s Missouri weather for you.

Welcome to part two in our series of Google Hangouts with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

In our first Hangout, I was joined by Kyle Lairmore, the Hunter Education & Shooting Range Coordinator and three others, who were interested in taking up hunting for a variety of reasons. I showed you how easy it was to take the online hunter education course and attend the skills session, where I took my test and earned my hunter education certification.

Before I take my first shot in the field this deer season, there are just a few more things we need to cover that all new hunters need to take into consideration:

1: Purchasing the proper permits and tags.
2: Getting out to the range to practice with the firearm
3: Picking out the right clothing to wear.

In this Hangout, Kyle will talk to us about the permits. Brian Flowers, Outdoor Skills Specialist, will discuss which firearms are best to use during deer season and why it’s important you get them sighted in properly. Finally, Jessica Moore, a first time hunter like myself, will share her humorous story about the difficulties of finding the proper clothing to wear.

It is your responsibility to have the proper licenses to hunt and to understand the limits that you are allowed to harvest in the field. The cost for a resident deer permit is $17 and you can also purchase an antlerless permit for $7, during the firearms season.

Kyle encourages you to pick up a pamphlet at one of the several conservation centers around the state which will help answer all of your questions regarding tags and permits. For your convenience, we’ve included one that you can download here.

2014 Fall Deer and Turkey Regulations

Bill Pollock shows off his first three shots while sighting in his rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

Bill Pollock shows off his first three shots while sighting in his rifle (Photo/Karen Hudson)

I suggest that when you go to buy permits, go to a conservation center near you. The volunteers and staff on site will be more than happy to assist you and answer all your questions.

Brian said when selecting a firearm that is best for deer hunting there are four calibers that stand out: .270, 30-30, 30-06 and 308 Winchester. Any of those will work well for a first time hunter. You also need to take into consideration your price range and available ammunition.

Brian also says when choosing a firearm, consider the distance you’ll be targeting deer from.

My advice to you…as you shop for a firearm, keep in mind your initial distance to target a deer is most likely going to be from 100 yards and in. As Brian mentions, the goal is a quick, clean kill. For a first time hunter, anything over 100 yards is pushing your skill level.

My other piece of advice. You have to watch the Google Hangout above on Jessica’s story about trying on clothes. Fashion has to take a back seat for warmth, comfort and flexibility.