Hunting/Fishing Rules and Regulations - Columbia Parks and Recreation, City of Columbia, MO

Parks & Recreation
Creating Community through People, Parks and Programs

Hunting/Fishing Regulations in Parks and City-Owned Property

Hunting Questions

Can I hunt on City property?
What do I need to qualify to bow hunt on City property?
How do I register and when and where will bow hunting registration classes held?
Where can I view the slides presented at the registration class?
What is the cost to register to bow hunt on City property?
How often do I have to register to bow hunt on City property?
Are there any changes to the archery program for 2011?
May I use a crossbow for hunting on City property?
When can I bow hunt on City property?
Where are the select City bow hunting properties?
Where do I report the number of deer harvested on City property?
What do I do if I hit a deer and it runs and falls outside of the bow hunting boundary?
What other bow hunting rules and regulations do I need to follow?
How many vehicle accidents involving deer are there in Columbia?

For MDC deer hunting regulations or questions, contact:
Sean Ernst, (573) 280-7894

Fishing Questions

Where can I go fishing?
Where are the best areas for ADA fishing?
When and how are the lakes stocked with fish?
Do I need a fishing license?
When can I go fishing?
What methods can I use to fish?
What are the daily limits and other regulations I need to follow?
Where can I get information on the Winter Trout Fishing Program at Cosmo-Bethel Park?
Where can I go ice fishing?

Brochures/Information

Can 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?

Must at least 15 years of age to hunt without direct supervision of an adult.
Register AND attend a registration class.
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?

Registration the 2011-12 archery season is closed. If you registered at one of the three available classes, your permit will be mailed to you. Everyone who pre-registered online was given their permit after the orientation class. Unfortunately, if you pre-registered and missed one of the three available classes, your registration is now invalid and you will not be permited to hunt during the 2011-12 season. No other classes will be scheduled.

Check back in early August 2012 for online registration and hunter orientation dates for the 2012-2013 class.

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

Click here for slides from the 2011-12 class.

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?

Starting August 2010, all permits to hunt on City property are good for two years. Those that participated in the 2010 classes have permits that are good for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 seasons.

Are there any changes to the Archery program for 2011?

Yes, there are two changes for 2011. The Twin Lakes property has been removed from the eligible to hunt list. The construction of the County House Trail places this area within the 100 foot boundary.

The second change is the Sanitary Landfill has opened up a new hunting area off of Peabody Road. See the landfill map for specific parking and hunting locations.

May I use a crossbow for hunting on City property?

No. Crossbows are a legal method during the firearms seasons, but they are not legal during archery season unless you have a medical exemption signed by the MDC Director. Since the City program is archery based, crossbows are not allowed regardless of a medical exemption.

When can I bow hunt on City property?

Qualified bow hunters can hunt on City property...

Sept. 15, 2011 – Jan. 15, 2012 (with appropriate hunting license and in accord with Dept. of Conservation guidelines):
Beginning 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset

Where are the select City bow hunting properties?

Bow hunting by qualified hunters is allowed on portions of the properties below.

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

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

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

All registered bow hunters are to report the number of deer harvested 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, MKT Nature Area and Gans Creek Recreation Area - #2, #6 and #7 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, #3 and #8 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:

Sewer Utility sites - 573-445-9426, (#4 above)

Sanitary Landfill site - 573-474-9145, (#5 above)

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

No hunting or field dressing shall be allowed within one hundred feet of private property.
No hunting or field dressing shall be allowed within one hundred feet of a city trail.
No four wheelers or other motorized vehicles shall be used in connection with hunting on city property.
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.
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.
Each hunter allowed to hunt on city property shall be required to follow all Department of Conservation regulations, including obtaining the appropriate hunting license.
Must be at least 15 year of age to hunt without direct supervision of an adult.
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.)

How many vehicle accidents involving deer are there in Columbia?

Concern over the number of vehicle accidents involving deer was one of the issues that spurred the initiation of City of Columbia's Bow Hunting Program. The program would not only provide a venue for the archery hunting sport, but would also help reduce the urban deer population. Columbia's program was instituted in 2004. Below is a chart showing the number of vehicle accidents involving deer in Columbia, Missouri according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Analysis of Deer Involvement in Missouri Traffic Crashes.

Chart of deer-related vehicle accidents in Columbia, Missouri

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)

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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