This week, a local father and son took a walk in the
woods in Joplin and stumbled upon something unsettling: a group of men
constructing a deer hunting stand on land they didn’t own. When asked if they
had written permission or a city permit, the men admitted they did not. The
father picked up his phone and said he was calling the police. The men quickly
backed off, saying they “didn’t want any trouble,” and left. The father and son
then dismantled the stand and scattered the wood to prevent its reuse.
No police report was filed. No photos or recordings
were taken. But the story, shared on Facebook, is a stark reminder of what
happens when ordinances are passed without clear enforcement plans.
Joplin’s
Urban Hunting Ordinance
In June 2025, Joplin approved Ordinance 2025-083 allowing bow hunting of deer within
city limits. Hunters must:
- Hunt only on private land of at least one acre
- Use a recurve bow
- Carry written permission from the landowner
- Register with the Joplin Police Department
- Follow all Missouri Department of Conservation rules
- Shoot from a stand at least 10 feet off the ground
- Be at least 16 years old (with adult supervision if under 18)
The ordinance was designed to reduce deer-related
traffic accidents and property damage. But without active monitoring, it risks
attracting the wrong kind of hunter those who bypass permits, ignore property
boundaries, and operate under the assumption that no one’s watching.
Why This
Matters
The men encountered in the woods weren’t just violating city code they were
trespassing, constructing an illegal hunting structure, and potentially
endangering nearby residents. If they’d returned to hunt illegally the
consequences could have been far worse. And yet, without documentation or a
formal report, this incident becomes just another anecdote easy to dismiss,
hard to track.
What We Need
1. Active patrols in wooded areas during hunting season
2. Clear signage on private land boundaries
3. A public reporting system for ordinance violations
4. Education campaigns to help residents understand their rights
5. Accountability from city officials to monitor and respond
This article is about protecting our community from
poachers, trespassers, and those who exploit loopholes. If Joplin wants to
manage its deer population ethically, it must also manage the risks that come
with opening the door to urban hunting.
Disclaimer:
This post is based on a publicly shared account from a local resident and is
intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. The incident described has
not been independently verified, and no formal report was filed with law
enforcement. Readers are encouraged to consult official city resources and
ordinances for the most accurate and up-to-date information. For details on
Joplin’s urban hunting regulations, visit the City of Joplin’s Urban Hunting Registration page.
Other Joplin MO articles by author
Urban Deer in Joplin: What’s Really Driving the City Bow
Hunting Ordinance
Joplin’s Urban Deer Hunting Ordinance Will Change Autumn2025 Forever: What Residents Need to Know
Autumn in Joplin when Sanctuary Faces New Risks
Joplin’s Split Scene: Nature Trails & Civic Voices (Aug 30, 2025)
