Hunting

Unlike many other parks, Ozark National Scenic Riverways allows hunting each year! Hunters just have to follow state and federal laws.

Courtesy of Rob Barth

Throughout Ozark history, hunting was a way to earn a living, enjoy the great outdoors, or simply feed one's family. Before settlers moved to the area, indigenous peoples hunted deer, otter, and other animals. Today, hunters are drawn from across the country to the remote Ozark Mountains.

As part of its founding documentation, Ozark National Scenic Riverways allows the public to hunt within its boundaries. Regulations are primarily dictated by the state, through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). To learn more about hunting in Missouri, visit the MDC website.

 

Hunting Regulations

Hunting is permitted inside most areas of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, given that hunters follow all state and federal regulations. A summary of park-specific hunting regulations can be found below. Other federal hunting laws can be found via the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Otherwise, be sure to check state hunting regulations on the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

Areas Closed to Hunting / Trapping

The following developed areas are closed to regular hunting and trapping. Portions of these areas may be open to hunting in coordination with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

• Alley Spring on Highway 106 (former state park boundaries)
• Big Spring on Highway 103 (former state park boundaries)
• Round Spring on Highway 19 (former state park boundaries)
• Other Developed Areas – hunting and trapping is prohibited 300 yards from any developed area, which includes buildings, administrative compounds, camping areas, roads, hiking trails, and public use facilities administered by OZAR.

It is prohibited to discharge a firearm, shoot an arrow from a bow, or shoot an arrow from a crossbow in the direction of any of the aforementioned areas.

Feral Swine Hunting

The hunting of feral swine is prohibited on all fee-owned lands of OZAR. The following persons are exempt from this closure:

• Persons possessing a valid Missouri deer or turkey hunting permit who are hunting deer or turkey in compliance with the permit.
• Any federal, state, or local officer, member of an organized rescue, or fire fighting force in the performance of official duty.
• Persons with an agreement, special use permit, or contract from the National Park Service authorizing feral swine elimination activities on OZAR and their employees, sub-contractors, or agents are exempt from the prohibition listed above to the extent authorized by the special use permit or contract.

Transportation of Taken Wildlife

The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:

• Lawfully taken wildlife may be transported through the park in accordance with Missouri State Wildlife Code, 3 CSR 10-4.135.
• Any carcass must be properly tagged.

Use of Artificial Light

In accordance with the Missouri State Wildlife Code 3 CSR 10-7.405, viewing wildlife with the aid of an artificial light, headlight, infrared light/beam, or spotlight is prohibited with the exception of when using the light with the aid of dogs to tree raccoons.

Hunting Dogs

The use of dogs in support of hunting must be in accordance with federal and state laws and the following conditions:

• Dogs used for hunting must be collared or tagged with the owner’s name and telephone number.
• Dogs are only allowed off leash when actively engaged in legal hunting activities and in accordance with state laws. [This means hunting dogs are not allowed off-leash within developed areas, as listed above.]

Hunting dogs must be within a reasonable proximity to their owner. Dogs running freely without supervision may be collected by park rangers. If this happens, the owner will be contacted to retrieve the dog. If the dog is not wearing a name tag, or if the owner cannot be contacted, the dog may be taken to an animal shelter at the owner's expense. Persistent violations or unresponsive owners may result in citations.

As a reminder, Missouri state law prohibits hunting deer while in possession of a dog.

Portable Tree Stands

In accordance with the Missouri State Wildlife Code 3 CSR §10-11.145, portable tree stands are allowed for hunting purposes from September 1 through January 31. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or Conservation Number, of the owner and must be removed from the area before February 1. The use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited.

Game Cameras

The use and installation of game cameras is prohibited.

Hunting Camps

Camping in a non-designated primitive site requires a special use permit, subject to the approval of the Superintendent. Hunting camps may get permission through the special use permit process.

 

Park Regulations