The 2005 deer and turkey-hunting seasons are upon us
By Jessica McCormick

Hunters are packing up their gear and heading off to that special spot in the woods hoping to bring home that prize rack or gobbler. But before wildlife-lovers head out, there is a new system they must know how to use.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has implemented the Telecheck system. This year, all deer and turkey must be checked by telephone or via the Internet by 10 p.m. on the day they are harvested.

Telecheck eliminates the need for hunters to physically present harvested animals at an official check station before processing.

Like any new system, Telecheck users have varying opinions about the program.

For instance, some hunters are concerned that the Telecheck system makes it easier for illegal poaching. The MDC seems to think different.

“The new system does not cater to poachers. Violations are always going to be part of hunting,” MDC Agent Ryan Wood said. “If anything, the new system provides us with more up to date information about what deer were taken and at what time. It’s allowing us to spend more time out in field enforcing regulations rather spending that time at check stations.”

“The Telecheck system was initially designed with the hunter’s convenience in mind,” Wood said.

The handiness of the new system seems to be working for the MDC and hunters alike.

“It’s pretty easy to use. All the information you need is right there on the tag. Plus, if I take a deer late in the day and don’t have too much time to get to a check station, the Telecheck system allows me to stay out in the field longer,” MU freshman, Luke Yager said.

“I like the new system because it saves gas. I don’t have to drive all the way to town in order to check in my deer. My dad and I can also start processing the deer immediately after we complete the phone call. It saves a lot of time,” CAFNR student, Taryn Dameron said.

The Telecheck system is indeed an easy two-step process.

First, a hunter needs to have their Telecheck ID number (found on their hunting permit), and know the type of deer or age and sex of turkey they killed. If a buck is taken, a hunter has to report the number of points that are one inch or longer. The county the game was taken in is also required.

Next, all a hunter has to do is call the toll-free number or log on to http://www.mdc.mo.gov/ before 10 p.m. and follow the instructions from there. .

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