Missouri Department of Conservation

Deer Tagging and Checking Procedures

• Video

e-Permits deer

Using the new deer-hunting permits couldn't be easier. Just remember: Bag it. Notch it. Tag it. Check it.

Step 1: Bag it. Protect paper e-Permits in a plastic sandwich bag while afield.

Step 2: Notch it. Immediately after harvesting a deer, notch the month and date of harvest on your permit.

Step 3: Tag it. Attach the notched permit to the deer's leg. We recommend sealing the permit in a plastic sandwich bag and attaching the bag to the animal’s leg with string, twist-ties, wire or tape. You may now legally transport your deer within Missouri.

Step 4: Check it. Report your deer by 10 p.m. on the day of harvest using the Telecheck system. Write the confirmation number provided by Telecheck on your permit. You may now process your deer, or transport it out of state.

Things to remember before tagging and checking

• Use the correct permit. Because many hunters carry multiple permits while deer and turkey hunting, check your permit carefully to make sure you’re using the right one before notching it and attaching it to your game.
• Notching voids the permit. Do not notch the month and day on your permit until you harvest a deer or turkey.
• Until checked, heads of deer must remain attached, and turkeys must have their heads and plumage intact.
• The transportation tag and permit with confirmation number must remain attached to the game until processing for consumption begins.
• Deer and turkeys must be checked by 10 p.m. on the day they were harvested.
• All deer and turkeys must be checked before they can be removed from Missouri.
• Only the person who harvested the deer or turkey may possess and transport the game before it has been checked.
• After checking, deer and turkeys may be possessed and transported by anyone, but must be labeled with the taker’s full name, address, Telecheck confirmation number and the date taken.
• Avoid duplicate Telecheck records. If you are given an eight-digit Telecheck confirmation number, your checking information has been successfully received and recorded. Write the confirmation number on the permit, and the checking process is complete. Do not call again to check the same deer or turkey.