Please Be Safe This Firearms Season - November, 2022

I sure hope this month's article finds everyone doing well and enjoying the Fall season.  As this year draws to a close, your dedicated Sheriff's Office staff remain busy throughout the county, conducting numerous reactive and proactive patrols and investigations.  At the current pace, we will handle around 26,000 calls for service for the year with approximately 1,600 arrests made for an array of offenses.  I could not be prouder of my staff and their devotion to public service.

Coming into November always reminds me of the upcoming firearms deer season.  Callaway County usually has an abundance of hunters in our rural areas, many of whom come from other areas and aren't always necessarily most aware of the "lay of the land".  Landowner trespassing complaints typically increase during the firearms deer season.  Of most concern though, over the years, our county unfortunately has been home to some serious hunting accidents, including fatal incidents. 

It's my best hope, supported by prayer, the upcoming firearms season will be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!  Please adhere to all safety regulations set forth by the Missouri Department of Conservation.  Additionally, if landowners experience trespassing issues, please contact our office and a deputy and/or state conversation agent will respond accordingly.

Last, poaching via "road hunting" by those cheating to get their prized buck occurs during this same period.  Should suspicious vehicles or "spot lighters" be witnessed in the rural areas, please do not hesitate to contact our office for response by a deputy and/or conservation agent. 

Respectfully, your Sheriff,

Clay Chism