I from MO as well and will miss the atmoshpere of the the check stations.

The original purpose of check stations was to gather information on deer health and deer kill numbers. The check station system started back when they reopened the deer season back in the 40's or 50's here in MO. With the new system, deer numbers can still be monitored. Deer health information (with the exception of CWD) is of minimum importance, since it basically has been studied to death as it deals with the entire population. I have heard the cost of the check stations is over a million dollars/year. The deer population and turkey population are both high here in the state. They account for a certain percentage of harvest as being unreported or unchecked.

So with everything I mention above being true or preceive to be true, why would anyone be surprised by the elimination of check stations?


It will make poaching or filling other tags easier, but with all time high populations, who cares? It will only be a small increase of cheating percentage wise. Sooner or later enough of these people who cheat will get caught to set examples. Those of us who are ethical, will abide by the laws.