There is a reason that MDC didn't inplement AR across the entire state. southern areas like yours do not require or need it. and no they will not be doin it anytime soon in the southern portion of mo right now.

as for harvest numbers the first counties in the pilot program did show aslight increase in the number of mature but that increase was paltry to increase in the doe harvest which was also a target for AR. Now dont get me wrong I know its mostly all about big "bucks" (pun intended)
but are you sure that most of your deer wont grow to reach AR orwas there a majority of the population that wasn't letting them get that big.
in my county this will be the first year for ar so we will see how it works on a larger spectrum cause i know its working on my property.