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Hunting/Fishing Regulations
in Columbia Parks

All classes for the 2007-2008 bow hunting season have been completed. With approximately 300 registered bow hunters, no new classes will be offered. Please check back in July 2008 for information on the 2008-2009 deer management program.

Hunting Questions

Fishing Questions

Brochures/Booklets/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. Register annually to bow hunt with the City of Columbia by attending a registration class.
  2. Fulfill the hunting requirements of the Department of Conservation, including obtaining a hunting license.

When and where will bow hunting registration classes be held?

All classes for the 2007-2008 bow hunting season have been completed. With approximately 300 registered bow hunters, no new classes will be offered. Please check back in July 2008 for information on the 2008-2009 deer management program.

 

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

Click here to view the deer hunting registration class slide show. (PDF - 3.6 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...

  • September 15 - November 9 and November 21 - January 15 (in accord with Dept. of Conservation guidelines)
  • 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 seven properties on the map below. See individual maps for boundaries of the bow hunting areas.

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

1. Smith Property, Brown Station Road Map
2. Grindstone Nature Area, 2011 Old 63 S Map
3. Twin Lakes Recreation Area, 2500 Chapel Hill Rd. Map
4. Sewer Utility along Perche Creek at Strawn Rd. Map
5. Merideth Sewer Utility, park on Bainbridge Drive Map
6. SC Fields Sewer Utility, Coats Lane, S of Gillespie Bridge Rd. Map
7. Sanitary Landfill, access from Hinkson Creek Rd. and Wyatt Ln. Map

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 on park property (Grindstone Nature Area, and Twin Lakes Recreation Area - #2 & #3 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 property (#1 above) is located in the hunting program and is surrounded by 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.

Where can I go fishing?

The 8 lakes/ponds listed below are available for fishing in Columbia's parks, 5 of which are stocked with fish by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Stocked lakes are indicated by an asterick (*) following the lake name. Fishing is not allowed in park lakes not listed below.

 

Columbia Area CAP Lakes Brochure (w/map)

fish
Lake/Pond Park Address
Cosmo-Bethel* Cosmo-Bethel Park
Winter Trout Program

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* Stephens Lake Park 2001 E. Broadway
(E side of boardwalk)
Nickell L. A. Nickell Golf Course 1800 Parkside Dr.
(N of clubhouse)
Nifong Nifong Park 2900 E Nifong Blvd.
American Legion American Legion Park 602 South Legion Lane

Note: Philips Lake (also known as Bristol Lake) is not yet available for public fishing. A press release will be issued when it is open to the public.

When and how are the lakes stocked with fish?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) stocks the five lakes (indicated above) with fish. They usually does 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.  (See also Cosmo-Bethel Winter Trout Fishing Program.)

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 7 A.M. to 11 P.M. Cosmo Park is open 6 A.M. to 12 midnight. Stephens Lake Park is open from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M.

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, and Lake of the Woods Lakes

No boats, wading, or swimming allowed. 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.

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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