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Press Release for the Mobility Deer Hunt, Information and Application Form

News Release

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge

37599 Pike 206, Annada, MO  63330

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2023

Contact: Jared Nance, 573-847-2270, jared_nance@fws.gov

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge mobility and visually impaired hunt application now open

Applications are now being taken for the 2023 Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities.  This hunt is a recreational opportunity for permanent mobility and/or visually impaired individuals.  The hunt will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge in Annada, Missouri.  All applications must be received by Friday, August 25, 2023.  Nine eligible hunters will be drawn on August 31, 2023 and will be notified by mail.

Applicants must be non-ambulatory or legally blind to participate in the special hunt.  Non-ambulatory is defined as a permanent physical condition that severely impairs mobility resulting from paralysis or amputation of one or more of the lower extremities requiring the use of a wheelchair, braces, crutches or other similar aids of mobility. Legally blind as defined for this hunt includes conditions where the better eye has a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less with the use of a correcting lens.  A person with an eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.

Eligible applicants are required to submit a completed Quota Deer Hunt Application.  Applications and more hunt information may be obtained at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/clarence_cannon/ or by calling 573-847-2270.

Participating hunters are required to have an assistant with them throughout the hunt. 

Anyone wishing to become a community partner, help assist in future hunts, or wanting more information may call 573-847-2270.  We also encourage everyone to come visit the refuge located at 35799 Pike 206, Annada, MO.  Refuge land is open every day during daylight hours for wildlife viewing and hiking.  Visit us at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/clarence_cannon/.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws/gov.

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge Deer Hunt for Persons with Disabilities

A Recreational Opportunity for Permanent Mobility and/or Visually Impaired Individuals

Purpose

The special deer hunt at Clarence Cannon NWR helps improve and manage the deer herd on the refuge and provides a recreational opportunity for mobility and/or visually impaired hunters who have a permanent physical condition.  These individuals are fully capable of safely and properly using a firearm to hunt game, but have restricted ability to access land for a quality hunting experience.  This hunt is an effort to provide for proper access, facilities, and other needed resources so individuals with disabilities can enjoy a safe and successful recreational experience.

Point of Contact

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge

37599 County Road 206

Annada, Missouri 63330



Jared Nance

Phone:  573-847-2270, Extension 12

jared_nance@fws.gov

Floyd Truetken

Phone:  573-847-2270, Extension 11 

floyd_truetken@fws.gov

Criteria for Eligibility and Permit Information

  1. Applicants must be non-ambulatory or legally blind to participate in the special hunt. 
    • Non-ambulatory is defined as a permanent physical condition that severely impairs mobility resulting from paralysis or amputation of one or more of the lower extremities requiring the use of a wheelchair, braces, crutches or other similar aids of mobility.
    • Legally blind as defined for this hunt includes conditions where the better eye has a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less with the use of a correcting lens.  A person with an eye which is accompanied by a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees shall be considered as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.
  2. Prior to the day of the hunt, successful applicants must purchase a managed deer hunting permit for the State of Missouri through the Missouri Department of Conservation.  A resident permit is $17.00 and nonresident is $265.00. Youth (ages 6-15) permits are $8.50. For more information go to the Missouri Department of Conservation website.  NOTE: Do NOT purchase a permit until you have been notified you were drawn for the hunt.

Description of Hunt Area

Located one mile east of Annada, Missouri, in Pike County, Missouri, the hunt will take place within the boundaries of the 3,750 acre Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The entire refuge is located within the floodplain of the Mississippi River.  Previously, this land had been converted to farmland, but is now managed for migratory waterfowl and other birds.

Season

A 3-day hunt from Friday, October 20, 2023 to Sunday, October 22, 2023.

Application Procedure and Permit Notification

  1. The eligible applicant will be required to submit a completed Quota Deer Hunt Application (attached).  All applications must be received by Friday, August 25, 2023.
  2. Nine (9) permits will be issued for the October 2023 hunt.
  3. Participants will be selected by a random drawing on/about Thursday, August 31, 2023.  All applicants will be notified by mail, whether drawn or not, and those that were selected will receive a packet of additional instructions.
  4. Hunters and their assistants will be required to attend an orientation meeting held at 5:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023.  Orientation will outline the special hunt instructions and cover safety requirements for the hunt.  A drawing for the selection of the day’s appointed hunt blind will be conducted each morning of the hunt.

Method

  1. Centerfire firearms will be the only device permitted during the hunt. Legal centerfire firearms must be in accordance with Missouri hunting regulations.
  2. No hunting dogs or other pets are permitted for the hunt, nor will they be allowed in the area during the hunt.

Bag Limit

Two deer, either one antlerless and one antlered or two antlerless are permitted to be harvested by each hunter. Each hunter may ONLY harvest one antlered deer.  An antlered deer is defined as a deer having at least one antler, 3 inches or longer.

Monitoring

The check station will be located at the headquarters of Clarence Cannon NWR.  Hunters will be required to check in and out each day of the hunt.  Personnel at the station will be on hand to ensure compliance with regulations and safety during the hunt, as well as gather biological data for use by the refuge.

Safety

  1. Hunters will be required to have an assistant with them throughout the hunt.  The assistant will not be permitted to possess any weapon, therefore only one firearm will be permitted in the blind.  Hunters and their assistants will be required to remain within their blind unless pre-approved by the Refuge Manager.  The hunter and/or assistant may leave the blind to retrieve a harvested deer, provided they call the refuge personnel in advance.
  2. Helmets must be worn when operating any ATV.  All firearms must be cased and unloaded when transported in any vehicle (car, truck, ATV, etc.).
  3. All firearms will be unloaded until the hunter and assistant are safely seated inside the blind. Firearms must be unloaded upon departure of the hunter and/or the assistant from the blind.
  4. Hunter Orange – all hunters and their assistants must wear hunter orange at all times during the hunt.  Hunter orange must meet or exceed what is specified in the Missouri State hunt regulations both on person and on the blind.  Orange on the blind will be provided by the refuge.
  5. Cellular phones are recommended for direct communication with refuge personnel in case of emergency or if assistance is needed.

Equipment Required

On each day of the hunt, participants will be assigned a specific hunt location with a blind already set up at the location. It is the responsibility of the participant and their assistant to bring with them any equipment and gear required to hunt and/or harvest deer.  No hunting gear or equipment will be supplied by Clarence Cannon NWR with the exception of one chair per blind and shooting sticks.

Per policy, refuge staff are not allowed to assist hunters with anything other than game retrieval.  Therefore, every hunter is required to have a personal assistant/helper with them during the duration of the hunt. 

We highly recommend each hunter have a four-wheeled drive vehicle to access their blind.  ATV/UTV use is authorized for this hunt.

Restrooms

There will be an ADA-compliant handicapped portable restroom for your use at the Refuge.

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