With hunting and trapping seasons underway at Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR), countless hunters are taking part in a time-honored tradition. However, while most hunters have enjoyed legal hunting, two recent road hunting incidents resulted in arrests by ONSR law enforcement rangers.
“Road hunting” involves shooting wildlife from a public roadway. This illegal practice can ruin legitimate hunting for others, and it is particularly dangerous during fall in the Ozarks.
Shooting from the road is often done hastily, resulting in hunters not paying attention to their surroundings or backstop. This can lead to car accidents or worse: stray bullets could land in yards, campgrounds, or homes and RVs. Because of dangers like this, road hunting is taken very seriously by state and federal agencies.
The first incident took place on M Highway, near Van Buren. A man riding with his son spotted a white “piebald” deer across a field. After having his son stop the vehicle, he poached the animal from the roadway. A witness then called law enforcement, resulting in an arrest.
Not only was this act illegal, but it also negatively impacted the experience of nearby, legitimate hunters. At the time of the incident, another hunter was making his way through the field to take a legal shot. According to an interview, that hunter planned to make a full body mount of the deer. His plans were ruined when the illegal shot hit the deer’s face.
“Piebald” deer have a genetic abnormality that produces more white fur. Only about 1 in 20,000 deer are piebald, and this one was almost pure white. Suffice to say, most hunters will go their entire life without seeing a deer like this.
The second incident involved the shooting of a “decoy” deer near Akers. Rangers placed an animatronic decoy with moving parts and real deer hide along KK Highway. To prevent car accidents, this unit was placed along a straightaway. Rangers then waited to see if anyone would stop to shoot the decoy.
After only one other car had passed, a poacher stopped and shot the decoy deer from his vehicle – a Class D felony in Missouri. Rangers then moved in to make an arrest.
Because of the spontaneous, decentralized nature of road hunting, law enforcement will sometimes use decoys to catch the illegal activity. This allows hard evidence to be gathered in a more safe, controlled manner. These practices are conducted in accordance with the state’s wildlife code.
Both individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If found guilty, they can face punishment under federal law and/or the Wildlife Code of Missouri. Punishment can include fines, suspension/revocation of permit privileges, and more.
As always, ONSR welcomes legal hunters from across the country. We appreciate everyone who takes the time to research and follow the law. These cases are just an example of the challenges faced by law-abiding hunters.
Violations are taken seriously by the National Park Service and partner agencies. There is zero tolerance for road hunting, illegal use of dogs, damage to private property, or any other offense. If you wish to report a suspected violation, please contact NPS Arrowhead Dispatch at (844) 460-3604 or Operation Game Thief at (800) 392-1111.
For detailed information about fall deer and turkey hunting seasons in Missouri, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov. Ozark National Scenic Riverways follows all state regulations for hunting, trapping, and fishing within the park.
