ONSR Plans Upcoming Wounded Warrior Hunt

Date: October 28, 2015
Contact: Kim Houf, 573-323-4941

VAN BUREN, MO: Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be conducting a Wounded Warrior managed deer hunt November 7 and 8 at Big Spring. This managed hunt was made available to ten individuals who are current or honorably discharged military members with permanent mobility impairments.Participants were selected through an application process and will be allowed to use center-fire rifles in accordance with Missouri hunting regulations to take two deer each.

Managed deer hunts help the National Park Service improve the overall health of the Big Spring deer herd.The Big Spring area has generally been managed as 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.

Portions of the Big Spring area will be temporarily closed November 7 and 8 to ensure public safety during the Wounded Warrior managed deer hunt. This includes Peavine Road, the Big Spring hiking trails, the Big Spring campground, the Peavine pavilion, and the Chubb Hollow area.The spring and boat landing will remain open throughout the weekend and can be accessed by Highway 103.

According to Superintendent Larry Johnson, "We are pleased to offer this recreational opportunity in honor of individuals who have sacrificed so greatly for our freedom.I'm proud of the efforts put forth by our National Park Service staff and the outpouring of support from the local community to make this an unforgettable experience for our veterans.We hope visitors will be understanding about the temporary closure of the Big Spring area for this purpose."

For more information, visit the park's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/ozar, or phone [phone].

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.