Ozark National Scenic Riverways Offers Two Managed Deer Hunts at Big Spring

Date: August 6, 2013
Contact: Kim Houf, 573-323-4941
Contact: Faye Walmsley, 573-323-4844

VAN BUREN MO: To improve the overall health of the Big Spring deer herd, managed deer hunts will be conducted in October and December 2013 at Big Spring. One hunt opportunity is for specific individuals with military service related physical limitations. The other is an archery recreational hunt. "We are pleased to offer these recreational opportunities to help address the deer population issue in the Big Spring area," states Superintendent Bill Black.

The Wounded Warrior Mobility Impaired hunt is open to all current or honorably discharged military members with permanent mobility impairments. The physical conditions must severely impair movement such as paralysis or amputation of lower extremities that require assistance of a wheelchair, braces, crutches, or similar mobility aids. Eight hunters will be randomly selected to participate in the Wounded Warrior hunt being held October 19^th – 20^th, 2013 at Big Spring. Center-fire rifles will only be allowed during the hunt and must be in accordance with Missouri hunting regulations. Two antlerless deer can be taken by each hunter during the hunt. Participation in the Wounded Warrior hunt is through an on-line application at: https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/special-events.htm. Hunters in need of aid are required to provide their own personal assistant. Applications must include a letter from a physician verifying the applicant's physical condition and be received by close of business, Friday, August 30^th.

The managed archery hunt will be held at Big Spring for 80 randomly selected hunters on December 13^th – 15^th, 2013. Two antlerless deer are permitted to be harvested by each hunter. Applications for the managed archery hunt are through the Missouri Department of Conservation website at: www.mdc.mo.gov/node/11252. The application deadline for the archery hunt is August 15^th.

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

-NPS-