SMITHVILLE, Mo.— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smithville Lake will host a special deer hunt for disabled hunters on November 22 and 23.
This year commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Annual Managed Deer Hunt which consists of 65 blinds that are accessible by truck in and around designated park areas and Waterfowl Refuge. This hunt continues to prove a success year after year for many hunters that otherwise would not have the ability to enjoy deer season.
“Throughout our 24-year managed hunt history at Smithville Lake, 1,284 disabled hunters have harvested 1,266 deer; averaging nearly one deer per participant. Applicants apply from all over the states hoping to secure a spot in this annual event. We offer 65 hunting blinds, making Smithville Lake’s Managed Deer Hunt the world’s largest,” said Derek Dorsey, Smithville Lake park manager. “The managed deer hunt is vital for us to manage our large deer herd and it provides an excellent opportunity for disabled hunters to return to the outdoors.”
Participants for managed hunts submit applications and are selected based on their disability. Hunters that use a wheel chair for their primary source of mobility have priority in the drawing. Those selected were notified in October and must purchase all required deer permits.
For more information, please call the Jerry L. Litton Visitor Center at (816) 532-0174.
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Release no. PA-2014-57