Hunters have killed more than 11,000 Missouri deer this season with crossbows, spear-throwers and other alternative weapons.

The Missouri Department of Conservation on Wednesday reported that hunters killed almost 1,000 fewer through alternative methods compared to the last deer hunting season.

Alternative methods include using center-fire pistols, bows and muzzle-loading firearms.

That portion of the season ran from Dec. 20-30.

Top harvest counties for this year were Oregon with 269 deer, Franklin with 248 and Howell with 244.

The archery hunting portion of the season is next and runs through Jan. 15.