News Release

Ozark National Scenic Riverways Plans for Upcoming Wounded Warrior Managed Deer Hunt

Date: October 20, 2017
Contact: Kim Houf, 573-323-4941
Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814

VAN BUREN, MO: Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be conducting a managed deer hunt for Wounded Warriors the first weekend of November at Big Spring. Portions of the Big Spring area will be temporarily closed to the public from Friday, November 3, until the morning of Monday, November 6, to help ensure public safety during the activity. This includes Peavine Road, the Peavine pavilion area, the Big Spring hiking trails, and the Chubb Hollow area. Due to the flood that occurred in April, the Big Spring campground has been and will remain closed. Big Spring, the Big Spring pavilion area, and the boat ramp will remain open during the hunt and can be accessed from State Highway 103. All areas will reopen the morning of November 6. 

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.  

The Wounded Warrior managed hunt is being conducted in partnership with the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (The FEW) and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The FEW is a nonprofit organization that proactively and directly serves Exceptional Warriors who epitomize honor, valor, service and sacrifice. The organization is helping to offset hunting and lodging expenses for the Wounded Warrior hunt participants. For more information on The FEW, visit their website at www.exceptionalwarriors.org, or phone [phone].

According to Superintendent Larry Johnson, “We are pleased to once again offer this recreational opportunity in honor of individuals who have sacrificed so greatly for our country. I’m proud of the efforts put forth by our National Park Service staff and the outpouring of support from the local community over the past several years to make this an unforgettable experience for our veterans. We appreciate the understanding of visitors during 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.

-NPS-