News Release

Ozark National Scenic Riverways offers two special managed deer hunts

A successful hunter from the 2022 Exceptional Warrior Mobility-Impaired managed hunt.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 27, 2024

Contact: Derek Saffle, [phone]

Contact: Dena Matteson, [phone]

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will be conducting two managed deer hunts in October at Big Spring.

These hunting opportunities are being extended to two special groups of the nation's population: our youth and military service members with permanent mobility impairments. The Managed Deer Hunt application period for both hunts is July 1 through July 31. A total of 10 randomly selected hunters will be chosen for each hunt.

The youth hunt will be held October 5 and 6. Anyone interested in applying for this hunt must apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation at www.mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt.

The Exceptional Warrior Mobility-Impaired managed hunt will be held October 19 and 20. Applications and more information for the Mobility Impaired hunt can be found online at https://go.nps.gov/BigSpringHunt2024.

Portions of the Big Spring area will be temporarily closed to the public during both hunts on the following dates: October 4 through October 6 (Friday to Sunday), and October 18 through October 20 (Friday to Sunday). All areas will reopen the Monday following each hunting event.

These closures help ensure public safety during hunting activities. Affected areas include the Big Spring Campground, Peavine Pavilion area, all hiking trails within the Big Spring area, and Peavine Road (Peavine Road only closed during FEW hunt). Big Spring and the boat ramp will remain open during the hunts and can be accessed from Hwy 103.

The Exceptional Warrior Mobility-Impaired managed hunt is being conducted in partnership with the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (The FEW), the Missouri Department of Conservation, Jolly Cone, Quilts of Valor, Outdoorsmen with a Mission, OA Rentals, and Ozark Riverways Foundation. 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 Exceptional Warrior hunt participants. For more information on The FEW, visit their website at www.exceptionalwarriors.org, or phone [phone].

According to Superintendent Jason Lott, “We are pleased to once again offer these recreational opportunities for our youth and 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 these an unforgettable experience for our youth and veterans. We appreciate the understanding of visitors during the temporary closure of portions of the Big Spring area for this purpose.”

For more information, visit the park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ozarkriverways, 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. For other posts and updates from the park, follow us on facebook.com/ozarkriverways or on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.