Ha Ha Tonka, Truman State Parks To Close This Weekend Due To Managed Deer Hunt

Some state parks in the Lake Area will be partially or completely closed this weekend while a managed deer hunt takes place.

And that includes Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

Ken McCarty with Missouri State Parks tells KRMS News that in the Lake Area, both Truman State Park and Bennett Spring State Park, along with several others around the state will be completely closed over the weekend.

McCarty says the purpose of the hunt is to reduce the deer population to desired levels, which are around 25 deer per square mile.

He says that includes several aspects of nature, like wildflowers, plants and the reproductive cycle of trees.

Nine Missouri state parks to temporarily close for managed deer hunts

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, DEC. 7, 2020 – To safely and effectively manage the deer population in some state parks, managed deer hunts are held in a coordinated effort between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The following parks may be temporarily closed on the specified dates listed below.

• Bennett Spring State Park – Dec. 8-9, 2020
• Mark Twain State Park – Dec. 12-13, 2020
• Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park – Dec. 12-13, 2020
• Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site – Dec. 12-13, 2020
• Ha Ha Tonka State Park – Dec. 12-13, 2020
• Knob Noster State Park – Dec. 12-13, 2020
• Pomme de Terre (Hermitage Only) – Dec. 12-13, 2020
• St. Joe State Park – Dec. 12-13, 2020
• Truman State Park – Dec. 12-13, 2020

Before heading to a Missouri state park, check the Park and Site Status Map at mostateparks.com for any temporary closures that may impact your visit.

The public is strongly encouraged to follow social-distancing guidelines and be proactive in protecting themselves and others amid ongoing public health concerns. Come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, avoid large and congested crowds, and please stay home if sick. Face coverings are encouraged.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.