The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is planning a managed deer hunt on its grounds in December.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the hunt is being done “to reduce problems posed by growing deer numbers in southeast Springfield.” MDC says, while deer provide interesting nature viewing opportunities to urban dwellers, they can also cause problems. Those include traffic risks to city drivers and feeding on gardens, ornamental shrubs and other vegetation. According to MDC, when deer numbers grow too large in one area, the animals’ own health is compromised.
According to the Nature Center’s manager, Linda Chorice, they don’t want to eliminate deer from that area, but they “value the natural communities that are being harmed by too many deer.” She says they also want to insure their deer populations are healthy.
Six archery hunters have been chosen through MDC’s managed hunt drawing process to participate in the Nature Center’s December hunt. They’ll be required to hunt from elevated tree stands and must maintain a distance of at least 35 yards from adjacent residential areas. Hunters will be allowed to take three deer, only one of which may be antlered. Hunters must check in at least one antlerless deer before harvesting an antlered deer. They'll be required to attend a pre-hunt orientation.
The nature center trails will be closed for the three-day hunt December 10 through 12, but the visitor center will remain open Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The archery hunt at the nature center and others planned on City Utilities properties at Fellows Lake and Lake Springfield will be discussed at a program called “Managing Urban Deer Populations” on November 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for ages 10 and up. Those who attend will also learn about Springfield's bow hunting ordinance. Registration is required at 888-4237.
