SMITHVILLE, Mo. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smithville Lake will celebrate its 30th year hosting a special deer hunt for disabled hunters Nov. 23 and 24. All hiking and biking trails at Smithville Lake will be closed during the two-day event.
This is the 30th anniversary of the Annual Managed Deer Hunt at Smithville Lake. The hunt consists of 60 blinds accessible by truck in and around designated park areas and Waterfowl Refuge. The hunt is a success year after year for many hunters who otherwise would not have the ability to enjoy deer season.
“It’s hard to believe we’ve been hosting this event for so many years. A handful of hunters have participated since starting this event in 1990. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smithville Lake provides an incredible opportunity for disabled hunters to get back to nature,” said Derek Dorsey, Smithville Lake park manager. “Hunters apply nationwide hoping to secure a spot. Some have traveled in from as far as Florida, Utah and Arizona. We provide 60 blinds on 3,800 acres of prime ground where hunting is not allowed, making this the world’s largest managed deer hunt. We partner with other agencies and large groups with dedicated volunteers that help with building the hunting blinds and providing food to the hunters over the two-day event.”
Participants for managed hunts submit applications and are selected based on their disability. Hunters who use a wheelchair for their primary source of mobility have priority in the drawing. Those selected were notified in October and must purchase all required deer permits.
Partners for this event include the Missouri Department of Conservation, Clay County Parks and Recreation, Boy Scouts Troop 397 in Kearney, Mo., Smithville Kiwanis Club and Missouri Disabled Sportsmen.
For more information, call the Jerry L. Litton Visitor Center at (816) 532-0174.
Release no. 19-073