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Hunting/Fishing Regulations in Parks and City-Owned Property

Hunting Questions

Fishing Questions

Brochures/Information

Image of a deerCan I hunt on City property? 

The only hunting allowed on City property is through the deer bow hunting program on portions of select properties by qualified hunters that have registered with the City. (See also Park Rules and Regulations regarding hunting.).

This program is used to manage the increasing urban deer population and is limited to qualified hunters that meet all of the City's requirements.

What do I need to qualify to bow hunt on City property?

  1. Must at least 15 years of age to hunt without direct supervision of an adult.
  2. Register AND attend a registration class.
  3. Fulfill the hunting requirements of the Department of Conservation, including obtaining the appropriate hunting license.

How do I register and when and where will bow hunting registration classes be held?

Classes were conducted in August 2010, and registration for the 2010/2011 season is now closed. Check back in early August 2011 for the schedule of classes to be conducted for the 2011/2012 season.

Where can I view the slides that were presented at the registration class?

Click here to view the 2010-2011 deer hunting registration class slide show. (PDF -1.7 mg)

What is the cost to register to bow hunt on City property?

Registration and classes are free of charge.

 

How often do I have to register to bow hunt on City property?

Annually. Registration to hunt on City property is good for one season only.

 

When can I bow hunt on City property?

Qualified bow hunters can hunt on City property...

  • During the following two seasons (with appropriate hunting license and in accord with Dept. of Conservation guidelines):
    • Sept. 15 – Nov. 12, 2010
    • Nov. 24, 2010 – Jan. 15, 2011
  • Beginning 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset
 Bow hunter

Where are the select City bow hunting properties?

Bow hunting by qualified hunters is allowed on portions of the properties below. Properties #8-#10 have been added and approved by the City Council for the 2009-2010 season.

1. Norma Sutherland Smith Park, Brown Station Road Map
2. Grindstone Nature Area, 2011 Old 63 S Map
3. Twin Lakes Recreation Area, 2500 Chapel Hill Rd. Map
4. Strawn Road Property, 801 N. Strawn Rd. Map
5. SC Fields Sewer Utility, Coats Lane, S of Gillespie Bridge Rd. Map
6. Sanitary Landfill, access from Hinkson Creek Rd. and Wyatt Ln. Map
7. MKT Nature Area, Scott Blvd. Access and MKT Jay Dix Station Access Map
8. Gans Creek Recreation Area, Gans Road Map
9. Oakland Church Road Property Map

Click on the map below to view a
printable (PDF) larger map of the bow hunting locations.

Link to Map of City Bow Hunting Locations

Where do I report the number of deer killed on City property?

All registered bow hunters are to report the number of deer killed on City property either on line or by calling 882-8388, ext.225.

What do I do if I hit a deer and it runs and falls outside of the bow hunting boundary?

Private Property

If it falls on private property, you should contact the property owner and request permission to retrieve the deer.

City Property

Please be advised that you are not allowed to re-shoot a deer on any City property that is not within the designated bow hunting boundaries. However, if a deer falls outside the bow hunting boundary, but still on park property (Grindstone Nature Area, Twin Lakes Recreation Area, MKT Nature Area and Gans Creek Recreation Area - #2, #3, #8 and #9 above), hunters may retrieve the deer. While doing so, it is the hunter's responsibility to fully demonstrate to everyone that they are not actively hunting outside the hunting boundaries. All of the Smith Park, Strawn Road, and Oakland Church Road properties (#1, #4 and #10 above) are in the hunting program and are surrounded by private property. You should contact the property owner and request permission to retrieve the deer if it falls on private property. For the sanitary landfill and utility sites, please call the phone numbers below to request permission to retrieve a deer outside of the hunting boundary:

What other bow hunting rules and regulations do I need to follow?

  1. No hunting or field dressing shall be allowed within one hundred feet of private property.
  2. No hunting or field dressing shall be allowed within one hundred feet of a city trail.
  3. No four wheelers or other motorized vehicles shall be used in connection with hunting on city property.
  4. Tree stands shall be allowed subject to the following restrictions: Only portable tree stands may be used. The stands may be in place only for the period beginning 15 days before archery deer season and ending 15 days after archery deer season. Stands must be identified with the full name and address of the owner. Nails, screw-in steps and any other material that would damage the tree shall not be used. Minimal tree trimming in connection with tree stands shall be allowed only as expressly permitted by the department head in charge of the property or the department head's designee.
  5. Hunters must have attended a pre-hunt meeting to obtain permission to hunt on designated city property. Each hunter who is allowed to hunt on city property shall be given a card to be displayed in the hunter's vehicle and one to be carried by the hunter to show the hunter has permission to hunt on city property. A handout showing hunting areas, designated parking spaces and restricted areas on each site will be provided to each hunter.
  6. Each hunter allowed to hunt on city property shall be required to follow all Department of Conservation regulations, including obtaining the appropriate hunting license.
  7. Must be at least 15 year of age to hunt without direct supervision of an adult.
  8. Albino deer are off limits. Hunters caught with an albino deer shall be banned from the deer management program and possibly, issued a trespass warning. (See rare footage of albino deer on YouTube.)

Where can I go fishing?

The nine lakes/ponds listed below are available for fishing in Columbia's parks, seven of which are stocked with fish by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Stocked lakes are indicated by an asterisk (*) following the lake name. Fishing is not allowed in park lakes not listed below.

 

Columbia Area CAP Lakes Brochure (w/map)

Photo of fishing at Stephens Lake Park
Lake/Pond Park Address
Cosmo-Bethel* Cosmo-Bethel Park

4500 Bethel Street
Twin Lakes* Twin Lakes Rec Area

2500 Chapel Hill Rd.
(W of swimming lake)

Lake of the Woods* Lake of the Woods Rec Area

6700 St. Charles Rd.
(NW of clubhouse)

Antimi* Cosmo Park 1615 Bus. Loop 70 W
(N of Antimi Complex)
Stephens*
(E side of boardwalk)		 Stephens Lake Park 2001 E. Broadway
Philips Lake* Philips Park 5050 Bristol Lake Parkway
Nickell L. A. Nickell Golf Course 1800 Parkside Dr.
(N of clubhouse)
Nifong*
Closed for fishing until spring 2012 to restock and re-establish fish population 		Nifong Park 2900 E Nifong Blvd.
American Legion American Legion Park 602 South Legion Lane

Where are the best areas for ADA fishing?

Stephens Lake Park - 100 Old 63 N (beach address)

Located in central Columbia, Stephens Lake Park has an 11-acre lake stocked with fish by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fishing is allowed in the lake on the east side of the boardwalk. The boardwalk at Stephens Lake Park has ADA railings for fishers, both in covered and uncovered areas.

Photo of ADA fishing rail on boardwalk at Stephens Lake Park
Photo of ADA fishing rail on boardwalk at Stephens Lake Park


There are two spots constructed especially for shoreline fishing located on the northeast and southeast portion of the lake, spurring off of the lake trail on either end of the dam.

Fishing bulbout spot on NE end of dam
Photo of fishing bulbout on NE end of dam

 

Twin Lakes Recreation Area- 2500 Chapel Hill Road

Located in the south of Columbia, Twin Lakes Recreation Area has a large fishing lake stocked with fish by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The dock has ADA access and offers shade while fishing.

Photo of fishing dock at Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Photo of view of lake from fishing dock at Twin Lakes Recreation Area

 

When and how are the lakes stocked with fish?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) stocks the seven lakes (indicated above) with fish. They usually do not let anyone know when they stock the lakes. MDC will survey the number and type of fish located in each lake. Stocking is then based on this survey. Generally, the lakes are stocked with channel catfish, crappie and black bass.  The department no longer stocks the Cosmo-Bethel Lake with trout as that program has been eliminated from the budget.

Fishers at Twin Lakes

Do I need a fishing license?

Yes, if you are between the ages of 15 and 64. A Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) fishing license is not required for those who are 65 years and older and have a drivers license. Licenses may be purchased at any sporting goods store, including discount stores, such as Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Complete hunting and fishing regulations are also available at these locations. Licenses can also be purchased online from MDC.


Photo of a fisher

When can I go fishing?

Fishing is open all year during regular park hours. Unless otherwise posted, park hours are 6 A.M. to 11 P.M. Cosmo Park is open 6 A.M. to 12 midnight.

What methods can I use to fish?

Pole and line fishing only, with not more than 3 poles per person. Bullfrogs and green frogs may be taken according to statewide seasons and limits, but only by pole and line, hand, hand net or gig. No live bait may be taken from the lakes.

 

 Image of a frog

What are the daily limits and other regulations I need to follow?

The following rules and regulations are highlights only. Complete fishing regulations may be obtained from the Missouri Department of Conservation by calling 573-882-9880.

Regulations for Antimi, Cosmo-Bethel, Lake of the Woods, and Philips Lakes

No wading or swimming allowed. Boats are prohibited at Antimi, Cosmo-Bethel, and Lake of the Woods. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric/battery trolling motors are allowed at Philips Lake. All bass measuring between 12" and 15" must be released unharmed immediately after being caught. Bass smaller than 12" may be kept. (See also - Cosmo-Bethel Winter Trout Program)

 

Fish Daily Limit Length Limit
Black Bass 6 < 12" & >15"
(12"-15" protected)
Channel Catfish 4 None
Crappie 30 None
All other fish combined 20 None
Boats are prohibited at Antimi, Cosmo-Bethel, and Lake of the Woods. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric/battery trolling motors are allowed at Philips Lake.

Twin Lakes Regulations:

Fishing is allowed in the large (non-swimming) lake. Only non-motorized boats allowed. No wading or swimming permitted. All bass measuring less than 18" must be released unharmed immediately after being caught.

 

Fish Daily Limit Length Limit
Black Bass 2 18" minimum
Channel Catfish 4 None
Crappie 30 None
*All other fish combined 20 None
Non-motorized boats permitted.

Stephens Lake Regulations:

Fishing is allowed on the east side of the boardwalk. Only non-motorized boats allowed. No wading or swimming permitted in the fishing area - east side of the boardwalk. All bass measuring less than 15" and bluegill measuring less than 8" must be released unharmed immediately after being caught.

 

Fish Daily Limit Length Limit
Black Bass 2 15" minimum
Bluegill 10 8" minimum
Channel Catfish 4 None
Crappie 30 None
*All other fish combined 20 None
Non-motorized boats permitted.

Poaching Number is 1-800-392-1111. Please call if violations are noticed, 24 hours per day.

GoFish

 
 
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