[title size=”2″]Hunting turkey at Bois D’Arc conservation area[/title]

The Bois D’Arc Conservation Area is in Greene County, Missouri south of the town of Bois D’Arc, and spans over 3000 acres. The area is located southwest of Willard, off Route UU at the junction of Farm Roads 94 and 59. Bois D’Arc is known for its numerous hunting opportunities that include deer, dove, quail, rabbit, squirrel, and turkey. In the fall and winter, visitors can try their hand at archery hunting of turkey from September 15 through January 15. Turkey can be hunted with firearms (restricted to shotguns) only during restricted seasons: during the month of October in the fall, and for a short period in the spring. These exact dates vary from year to year though the seasons are the same. The conservation area is open to the public from 4 am to 10 pm year-round and hunters must obtain a hunting license.

The area is named for the Bois D’Arc tree that was named in honor of the Osage Indians’ use of the tree for creating their bows. The name means “arc of wood.” The area consists of cropland, fields, grassland, forest, and wetlands. The area has a diverse population of wildlife. Numerous birds call this area home, including quail, doves, marsh hawk, and songbirds. The area’s ponds contain fish, salamanders, turtles, and frogs. In addition to hunting wild turkeys and other birds, the hunting of rabbits, squirrels, and deer is also permitted within the conservation area. Finally, make sure to visit the Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center (4897 N. Farm Road 61 in Ash Grove, Missouri).