Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows deer hunters in Missouri killed 9,965 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the firearms deer season.
Top counties during the season, which was Dec. 25-Jan. 4, were Osage with 223 deer killed, Franklin with 211 and Callaway with 201.
During the alternative-methods portion of firearms deer season, hunters are allowed to use muzzle-loading firearms, centerfire pistols, air-powered guns, bows, crossbows or atlatls.
Figures for other counties in Central Missouri showed 53 deer were killed in Cole County, 103 in Boone, 110 in Maries, 116 in Miller, 62 in Moniteau and 156 in Morgan.
The total for last year's alternative-methods portion was 14,623.
Archery deer season lasts through Jan. 15.