Rock Bridge Memorial State Park to temporarily close for managed deer hunt

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and the Gans Creek Wild Area will close for two days next month for a managed deer hunt, according to a Friday press release from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The closure will occur Nov. 3-4. Hunters for the event have already been selected and will use only muzzleloaders, the release says.

The release says studies at the park have determined the number of deer per acre indicates overpopulation and the hunt is designed to help other wildlife and the ecosystem.

“Missouri state parks are usually wildlife refuges where hunting is not permitted. However, when an overpopulation of deer develops, the Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation hold special managed hunts to prevent harm to the ecosystem,” the release says.