Peck Ranch refuge off limits to turkey hunters

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Turkey hunters in south central Missouri will have to stay away from the Peck Ranch Conservation Area's refuge for the second straight year.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is making the area off limits to hunters during the spring turkey season due to the arrival of another group of elk from their capture site in Kentucky. The department wants the elk to acclimate to their new surroundings without the stress of possible human contact.

Areas outside of the fenced-in refuge will still be available for hunting.

The department closed the refuge area to hunters when the first elk arrived in spring of 2011, but opened the refuge to the public in July after the elk were released from their holding pens. Department of Conservation studies show little disruption to the elk herd during last fall's deer hunting season inside the refuge.

The department hopes to be able to repeat that pattern beginning this summer.