There is a lot of national forest in SE MO that is used for deer hunting. Ripley Co. is about one third public land, there is a state forest here too. This is fairly rough country, and no ATV's are allowed, so usage is rather heavy at access points. There is deer available. NE MO has more deer, and supposedly larger ones but not as much public land. Deer season starts in mid Nov, lasts for ten days or so. I will get the dates if you want, and the out of state license costs.