Young hunter bags first deer in Cedar County

Published 10:30 am Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Waylon Appel, 6, of Jerico Springs harvested his first deer, a small doe, Sunday morning on his family’s farm in Cedar County.

Youth hunters ages 6 to 15 harvest approximately 20,000 deer annually in Missouri. Young hunters are generally accompanied by an adult, although those who meet the state’s hunter education and age requirements may hunt independently.

Participation among younger hunters has fluctuated in recent years, prompting conservation organizations to continue efforts to introduce the next generation to hunting and outdoor traditions.