just moved, need a little public hunt land help...

[switchbackXT_shooter]

hello all,
I just moved to springfield, MO. and I am wondering how is the best way to go about finding public hunting land.

[Bulzeye]

I've just gone to the IL DNR's website, chose recreation, and looked at the hunter fact sheets for parks in my area. I assume MO has something similar. If not, give them a call.

On public land, you need to pattern the other hunterss more than you do the deer, so you might as well just pick a spot near home with terrain you like.

[GTOHunter]

Bulzeye is right,just go to www.mdc.org and see what is available in your area?Be sure to check out the area your intend to hunt in because certain area's only want a Doe or Buck taken from there and most area's only allow you to walk into the ground your hunting,your not allowed to use any screw-in steps and you have to have your name and phone number on any stand or climber you put up.

[spudrow]

I think the web address is www.mdc.mo.gov.The one above this post is for Maryland.

Spudrow from Mo

[DTC]

Mincy and Drury have great hunting and it down around Branson. Don't know much about Bois Darc, that is close to you. Good luck in your search.

[kevin1]

You could also try mapping services thathavetopographical maps, topos show every parcel of public land, including secluded smaller forestries that may not be commonly known. I've hunted many such small gems with little or no competition, but bring your map and a GPS with you, most of them border private property and it's very hard to convince an irate landowner that you're not on his property without them. I once got kicked off of a good spot with a plat map in my hand because I couldn't prove that I was outside of his boundary line.