Missouri Public Land

Hey I'm a student at Mizzou and I'm hoping to go whitetail hunting for the first time this coming season. I don't have a lease or know anyone with land in Missouri so it looks as if I'm going to be hunting on public land. I was wondering if anyone who has knowledge on some good public land spots. I know I can go to Missouri's department of conservation website, but I want some feedback from people who have actually been there and used it. Anything will help, Thanks!:D

 

unless you're family or good friends, people usually like to keep their public areas "sshhhhh" from others...it's just the truth...you just have to do your homework on available areas; and do some scouting beforehand...I actually hunt in the southwest corner of MO...I have some places marked at Mark Twain, Flag Spring, Huckleberry, Ft Crowder, Capps Creek, and my family's 80 acre property...last year, I walked in a trail (public land), setup my climber, and nailed a deer without ever scouting it...sometimes you just get lucky...lol


fyi, Missouri does allow feeding year round (only up until 10 days prior to hunting that spot).....I suggest you start a mineral site and keep at it since it's legal...however, with the CWD cases = check your local DNR office to verify baiting laws...

 

Ya I understand why you'd wanna keep it hush hush haha. Thanks for the advice though.

 

This is about 90 minutes from you: http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=4901
Full of deer, however they're managed hunts. Applications will be available in July. http://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/deer/managed-hunts-selection-process

 

Do you have to be a resident for the managed hunts?

 

Valid permits

•Resident or Nonresident Managed Deer Hunting Permit.
•Note: Permits are available to successful applicants beginning Sept. 14 anywhere permits are sold.
When to apply

•July 1–Aug. 15

The above is in that second link I had sent you. There's also phone numbers in there you can call too.

 

Thanks! I'll put in and hope I get lucky

 

Justin,

There is lots of great public ground near where Mizzou. I know because public is about all I hunt. I live 30 min. south of you and am familiar with the area. Get on the Missouri Dept. of Conservation website to search public ground. Also, the city of Columbia allows hunting within the city limits in a couple of the parks I believe. My understanding is you have to register with the city and sit through a safety class. When I was at the processors last year outside of Columbia a guy was checking a real nice deer that he killed in the city park. He had done his homework and found a great public spot. Little things like having to take the class will keep the masses away. If you work hard you can kill plenty of deer within 30 minutes of campus.

 

Download google earth (if you don't have it already) and then download and run this file. It will outline all of the pieces of public ground in the whole state.
http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places-go/google-earth

 

Thanks for the info guys! I'll definitely check both of those out!

 

Let us know what you decide or where you go and how it went... Good luck to you.