The following Missouri state parks will be temporarily closed for managed deer hunts:
- Bennett Spring State Park: Nov. 7-9
- Crowder State Park: Nov. 7-9
- Cuivre River State Park: Nov. 1-5
- Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park: Nov. 7-9
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Nov. 7-9
- Harry S Truman State Park: Dec. 1-4
- Long Branch State Park: Nov. 8-11
- Mark Twain State Park: Nov. 8-9 and Dec. 6-7
- Montauk State Park: Dec. 2-4
- Robertsville State Park: Nov. 8-9
- Rock Bridge Memorial State Park: Nov. 3-4
- St. Francois State Park: Dec. 5-8
- St. Joe State Park: Nov. 15-16
- Watkins Mill State Park: Nov. 1-2
The Missouri Department of Conservation has already selected hunters. Guests are encouraged to not visit these park on the stated days, as they will be turned away for their safety.
Missouri state parks are usually wildlife refuges where hunting is not permitted. However, when an overpopulation of deer develops, the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation hold special managed hunts to prevent harm to the ecosystem. These hunts are a coordinated effort between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation to effectively manage the park’s and wild area’s deer population.