Ozark National Scenic Riverways Offering Two Mobility Impaired Managed Deer Hunts at Big Spring

VAN BUREN, MO: To improve the overall health of the Big Spring deer herd, managed deer hunts will be conducted in October and November 2016 at Big Spring. These hunting opportunities are being extended to special groups of the nation’s population, our youth and military service members with related injuries. The Big Spring area has generally been a “no hunting” zone since the days when it was a wildlife refuge within Big Spring State Park. In 2011, park resource management staff implemented a study within the Big Spring area to estimate deer abundance and establish baseline information for population management. Results of this study confirmed the deer population density has grown to a level that could have negative impacts on park resources and the health of the deer.

The youth hunt will be held October 1 and 2. Anyone interested in applying for this hunt must apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation at www.mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. The Managed Deer Hunt application period for this hunt is July 1 through July 31. A total of 10 randomly selected youth will be allowed to harvest 2 antlerless deer with a center-fire rifle.

The Big Spring Mobility Impaired Managed Deer Hunt in Partnership with the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (The FEW) will be held November 5 and 6. This hunt is open to all current or honorably discharged military members with permanent mobility impairments. The physical condition must severely impair movement, such that assistance of a wheelchair, braces, crutches, or similar mobility aids may be required. Ten hunters will be randomly selected to participate in each hunt. Center-fire rifles will be the only weapons allowed and must be in accordance with Missouri hunting regulations. Each hunter may take two deer, including one antlered deer, during the hunt. Hunters are asked to provide their own personal assistant, or one will be provided. Applications for this hunt can be found on-line at:

www.nps.gov/ozar/upload/managedhuntapplication.pdf. Applications must be completely filled out and include a letter from a physician verifying the applicant’s physical condition. Completed application packets must be received by close of business, Thursday, October 14, at the park’s office in Van Buren. Mailing address is as follows: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, ATTN: Kim Houf, P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965.

According to Superintendent Larry Johnson, “We are pleased to once again offer these unique recreational opportunities. Last year’s managed hunts were a huge success, both in supporting our youth and disabled veterans, as well as helping us manage the Big Spring deer population as Congress intended in the park’s enabling legislation. We are grateful to our partners who so graciously help us provide these opportunities.”

The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (The FEW) is an adventure-based outreach program designed to “reach” Exceptional Warriors. For more information on The FEW, visit their website at www.exceptionalwarriors.org, or phone (918) 824-1094.

For more information, visit the park’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/ozar, or phone (573) 323-4236.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.

NR 16-026 Ozark Riverways Offering Two Managed Deer Hunts at Big Spring