By Blake Jackson
As fall hunting seasons kick off, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges hunters to confirm the status of their preferred hunting areas, especially on private lands enrolled in the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP).
MRAP encourages private landowners to allow public access for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing by offering incentives. Funded through the federal Farm Bill via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program includes over 40 properties statewide. Each site posts regulations and permitted activities on onsite bulletin boards for visitors.
“MRAP is supported by a grant from the USDA Farm Bill called the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program,” said Lisa Potter, MDC Private Lands Program Supervisor. “We’ve recently had some properties leave the program because of the lack of available federal grant funding.”
Several MRAP properties have recently withdrawn and are no longer open to public use. These include SF Tract in Gentry County (closing Nov. 1), Twin Chimneys Tract in Howell County, Uncle Doolittle Farm Tract in Reynolds County, Highway E. North and South Tracts in Iron County, Arcadia Woods Tract in Iron County, Little Creek Tract in Bollinger County, and Hieber Woods Tract in Cape Girardeau County. Additional properties may also exit the program.
MDC encourages hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to check the MRAP listing map at mdc.mo.gov/mrap before planning visits. Visitors can also explore MDC’s “Places to Go” feature at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places to find conservation areas open for a variety of outdoor activities.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imagixian
Categories: Missouri, Rural Lifestyle