Mingo National Wildlife Refuge adds youth muzzleloader hunt this year

PUXICO, Mo. -- The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge will have two managed hunts this year instead of one.

The annual managed deer hunt is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. It is a muzzleloader hunt with 165 registered hunters including five hunters with disabilities. On Dec. 11 and 12, the first youth muzzleloader hunt will take place with 50 registered hunters.

In the past few years, more than 2,000 hunters have applied annually for managed hunts at the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. The hunts are conducted though a hunter draw, registration and licensing process administrated by the Missouri Department of Conservation. This year the refuge added the youth muzzleloader hunt to increase youth interest in hunting and to help balance the deer population in the refuge.

The Job Corps Entrance, Bluff Road west of the Swampwalk (Boardwalk) Nature Trail and the Rabbit Ridge Entrance will be closed to public entry each weekend during the managed hunts. Only registered muzzleloader hunters and attendants for disabled hunters will be permitted into the managed hunt area. Other visitors may drive Red Mill Drive and hike the Swampwalk Nature Trail during the hunt weekends.

For more information about refuge activities, check the refuge's Facebook page or website, telephone 573-222-3589 or stop by the temporary office north of Puxico just west of the intersection of Bluff Road and Highway 51.