Rescheduled Wounded Warrior Deer Hunt Will Close Big Spring Area for Visitor Safety

NPS Photo by Bill O'Donnell

News Release Date: October 28, 2013

Contact: Kim Houf, 573-323-4941

Contact: Faye Walmsley, 573-323-4844

VAN BUREN MO: Originally scheduled for October 19^th – 20^th, 2013 at Big Spring, the Wounded Warrior Mobility Impaired Hunt for military service members has been rescheduled for Veterans Day Weekend November 9^th – 10^th.While the hunt is taking place, the Big Spring area will be closed to the public for visitor safety. The lodge and cabins will still be accessible however.

"Providing hunting opportunities for physically impaired wounded veterans addresses the Big Spring deer population issue and improves the overall health of the herd," states Superintendent Bill Black."The closure of the Big Spring area, including the spring itself, will be necessary during the hunt to insure the safety of the public."The Big Spring area will re-open on Veterans Day Monday, November, 11^th.

Local volunteers will be assisting the mobility challenged hunters during the hunt.A St. Louis sporting goods store donated the blinds and chairs that accommodates those in wheelchairs."The community has come together to insure that these veterans, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the American people, have successful hunting experiences," explains Superintendent Black.

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.