Missouri Whitetails.com

Photo courtesy Clyde Bowman

US Corp of Engineers

Truman Lake Managed Hunt

13th Annual Truman Managed Deer Hunt for Individuals with 
Physical Disabilities a Huge Success

By Larry D. Smith
Photos by Clyde Bowman

The Warsaw Sunrise Optimist Club, Masonic Lodge #653, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sponsored the 13th Annual Truman Managed Deer Hunt for individuals with physical disabilities on November 8th and 9th. The hunt was held in Shawnee Bend and Berry Bend recreation areas on Truman Lake. The combined resources and partnership of these local non-profit organizations and the Corps allow the managed deer hunt to take place. Many local sponsors, guides, and volunteers worked long hours to make this an eventful managed deer hunt.

The weather was much more cooperative this year with cooler temperatures, which helped the hunters see more deer. The hunters and many volunteers were up at 4:30 both mornings to enjoy a hardy breakfast before heading to the woods. Drew Allen and his crew were up well before everyone else preparing food for breakfast and lunch. The early morning start allows participants time to eat, go over safety rules, draw for deer blinds, and match up hunters with guides. Deer guides assist the hunters with everything from getting into their deer blinds to transporting their deer. Some of the guides and hunters form long lasting relationships.

 
Twenty-two hunters participated in this year’s hunt harvesting twenty-five deer. Each hunter is allowed to take two deer with one being any deer and the other a doe only. Everyone had a great attitude about the event and the hunters and volunteers alike enjoyed the opportunity to get outdoors. The managed deer hunt allows individuals with permanent physical disabilities to experience a hunting opportunity they might not have on their own and also aids in keeping the park’s ever increasing deer population under control.

 
Because shooting accuracy is of the utmost importance for the safety of everyone involved and to assure a clean kill, the hunters were given an opportunity to sight in their rifles the day before the hunt at the Golden Valley Shooting Range near Clinton. Hunters were allowed to target practice without interruption under a special use permit issued by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

 
A random drawing for several door prizes also added fun to the event. Many of the hunters and guides were provided items donated by sponsors throughout the Truman Lake area. Local businesses donate the door prizes, refrigerated cooler, and food for breakfast and lunch. Thanks to all the local businesses in the Warsaw, Clinton, Sedalia, and surrounding communities for their continued support. This annual event continues to grow in enthusiasm and support. As its popularity increases, the hunt is drawing the interest of hunters, guides, and sponsors from all over the state of Missouri.

 
The continued support and enthusiasm among everyone involved is what makes this a special event. Without the support of each volunteer and sponsor, this hunt would not be possible. We would like to give special recognition to Jr. Young, Jack Williams, Drew Allen, George Fischer, and Dick Lewis for their long hours of service in assuring the safety of the hunters, coordinating the deer guides, and providing the meals. A special thanks goes to the City of Warsaw for the use of the Shawnee Bend Golf Course and Clubhouse. The Warsaw Sunrise Optimist Club, Masonic Lodge #653, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would like to thank every volunteer and sponsor for their invaluable assistance in making this another tremendous hunt.