Mingo National Wildlife Refuge's annual event slated to begin Jan. 6

The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge again will host the annual managed deer hunt on the weekend of Jan. 6 through 8.

The managed deer hunt is a primitive weapon (muzzleloader) hunt that registers 135 hunters, including five persons with disabilities. This hunt is hosted by the refuge with hunter-draw registration and licensing processes sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

For public safety, the refuge will limit the managed deer hunt area to lands west of Ditch 4 and north of Ditch 11. Also, on Jan. 6, the portion of the Auto Tour Route beyond the spillway and along Ditch 6 Road will be open only to permitted hunters. The entrance to Rabbit Ridge Road will be closed to both hunters and the general public.

On Jan. 7 and Jan. 8, the Jobs Corps Entrance and Rabbit Ridge entrance roads will be closed to all. Bluff Road west of the Boardwalk Nature Trail parking lot will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic except registered hunters participating in the managed deer hunt. These closures include the flatbanks and spillway areas.

All roads will reopen at the regular opening time on Jan. 9.

For information, contact the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at (573) 222-3589.