Wounded Warrior Hunt Scheduled for Big Spring

After a successful hunt.

Courtesy KFVS-TV

News Release Date: October 31, 2014

Contact: Kim Houf, 573-323-4941

VAN BUREN, MO: Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be conducting a Wounded Warrior managed deer hunt November 8 and 9 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.

The Big Spring area will be temporarily closed November 8 and 9 to ensure public safety during the Wounded Warrior managed deer hunt. On these dates, the Big Spring area - including Big Spring, the hiking trails, and the boat ramp - will be closed to thru-traffic during daylight hunting hours until approximately 6 p.m. Access to the Big Spring Cabins will remain open throughout the weekend. Big Spring Campground will be completely closed for the duration of each managed hunt. 

According to Superintendent Bill Black, "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.