APPLY NOW FOR MANAGED SPRING TURKEY HUNTS

JEFFERSON CITY -- Hunters who want to take part in managedspring turkey hunts at Weldon Spring Conservation Area and August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles County should obtain application forms now.

The managed hunts will take place during the regular spring turkey season April 24 through May 7 under statewide regulations. Hunters will be selected for the managed hunts by random drawing. Each hunter whose name is drawn will be assigned to hunt during one of four periods during the 14-day season.

Seventy-five hunters will be able to hunt at Weldon Spring during each of the four periods. Forty hunters will be drawn for each of the four periods at Busch.

Hunters may apply individually or in groups of up to three per hunting party. Applying as a party decreases individual hunters' chances of being drawn, but ensures that if drawn, all three will get to hunt together. If you apply as a party, do not send individual application cards for each member of the party. If the group is unsuccessful, each party listed on the application will be notified. Only the hunter listed first on group applications will be notified if the group is drawn for a hunt.

Successful applicants will be charged a $3 administrative fee, but money should not be sent with applications. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified.

Missouri residents who are permanently confined to wheelchairs automatically qualify to participate in one of these managed hunts. They need only complete a separate application card and forward it to the Missouri Department of Conservation along with a supporting statement by a licensed physician and a $3 processing fee.

Completed applications must be postmarked at a post office no earlier than Feb. 16 and not later than March 3.