Between the hot summer days and the fireworks exploding all around it seems odd to be thinking about deer hunting. But if you’re one of the state’s many hunters who enjoy participating in the managed hunts offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation, now is exactly the time to get in gear.

MDC began taking applications for managed hunts on Wednesday and will continue to do so until August 15. These hunts are used to manage whitetail populations on areas like Missouri’s state parks, national wildlife refuges, military reservations and nature preserves.

Hunters who have applied in the past yet were unsuccessful in drawings should keep in mind that it has been two years since MDC implemented the new preference point system that gives unsuccessful applicants an advantage in future drawings.

Applicants can find managed hunt dates, locations and two-digit code numbers in the 2009 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which should now be available wherever hunting permits are sold.

MDC makes it easy to apply and applicants can do so online at www.missouriconservation.org/hunt/deer or by having the correct information available and calling (800) 829-2956 between 4 a.m. and midnight seven days a week. To use the phone-in system, applicants must use touch-tone phones.

Those who are successfully drawn will receive notice of their selection by mail. Applicants can also check the drawing status on MDC’s web site beginning Sept. 14.

When it comes to selecting a managed hunt, there is a little something for everyone, including archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, historic methods, shotgun or modern firearms. On top of all this, there are subcategories that cater to youth and those with disabilities.

Those interested in applying for hunts might be interested in doing a little research before applying to ensure they find a hunt that meets their wants and needs. While there are more than 85 types and categories of hunts available, some have advantages and disadvantages.

For instance, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Reserve hosted a muzzleloader hunt on Jan. 3-4 where hunters could take four antlerless deer. More than 735 hunters applied for 125 spots, lowering the chance of being drawn to only 17 percent. Those who were drawn, however, took more than 150 deer with a success rate of 67 percent.

Watkins Mill State Park (near Excelsior Springs) offered a similar muzzleloader hunt on Dec. 13-14, 2008. Only 259 hunters applied for the 85 spots, improving their chances of being drawn to 33 percent. While more hunters were successfully drawn, the harvest totals painted a different picture, as only 50 deer were taken, leaving a success rate of only 48 percent.

Younger hunters should take a look at the Smithville Lake Managed Hunt, where 76 applicants applied for 30 spots, making the odds of being drawn around 39 percent. This hunt allowed younger hunters to shoot two deer, including a buck. Last year, it had a harvest success rate of 54 percent, with 18 deer being taken, including four bucks.

Hunters with disabilities fared even better at Smithville Lake last November when 62 total hunters harvested 77 deer, including 24 bucks that had four or more points on one side. The chances of being drawn for this hunt are good, as last year’s stats showed that only 80 hunters applied for 60 spots.

When looking through previous years’ statistics, it’s obvious the hunts with the highest success rates are also the ones where your chances of being drawn are less than 20 percent. For those wanting to hunt in these type hunts and areas, be patient and continue to apply. You may get lucky and be drawn the first time, but if not, each year you’ll earn a preference point that will pay off eventually. Then you’ll be the one beating the odds.