This fall, as the leaves shift from green to gold and
cooler weather invites families outdoors, some residents may encounter more
than autumn’s beauty. In certain neighborhoods, field-dressed deer legally left
behind may appear just steps from residential homes.
This article examines Joplin’s urban bowhunting
ordinance and its implications for field dressing within city limits: what’s
permitted, what’s omitted, and what’s left for neighbors to witness and dispose
of.
What the Ordinance
Allows
In June 2025, the City of Joplin passed Ordinance 2025-083, legalizing urban bowhunting
of deer on private properties of at least one acre. Requirements include:
Written permission from the landowner
Only one residence per acre
Hunting from a stand at least 10 feet
off the ground
Compliance with Missouri’s archery
season (September 15–January 15)
But what happens after the shot?
The ordinance permits field dressing within city
limits, requiring only that it occur 100 feet from any property line. It does not
mandate: Removal of Carcass disposal Sanitation protocols
In wooded neighborhoods especially those bordering
greenbelts or undeveloped land this means harvest remnants may legally
be left behind, visible from nearby homes and sidewalks.
Location Matters: Joplin Is in a CWD
Management Zone
Joplin is located in Jasper County, which is
officially designated as part of Missouri’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Management Zone by
the Missouri Department of Conservation. This designation means: The area is
either within 10 miles of a confirmed CWD case or has had one directly. Special
regulations apply, including carcass disposal protocols and restrictions on
feeding deer. Hunters are expected to follow stricter containment and
sanitation practices to prevent disease spread
Yet despite this designation, Ordinance 2025-083
does not include any language about CWD testing, containment, or carcass
disposal. Field dressing is allowed within city limits, and harvest
remnants may legally be left behind just 100 feet from property lines, even in
residential neighborhoods.
This disconnect between state-level disease
management and local ordinance enforcement raises serious concerns
for public health, wildlife safety, and neighborhood well-being.
What the Ordinance Says
“The purpose of this ordinance is to: Minimize
deer/vehicle collisions.
Reduce damage to property caused by deer. Reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting
Disease among the local deer population within City limits.”
While CWD is cited as a justification, the ordinance
includes no provisions for testing, containment, or disposal of potentially
infected deer. This omission leaves a critical gap in disease prevention and
neighborhood protection.
Why This Matters
- Scavenger Attraction: Coyotes,
raccoons, and vultures are drawn to exposed harvest remnants, increasing wildlife activity near homes.
- CWD Risk: According to the CDC: “If your animal tests positive for CWD,
do not eat meat from that animal.”
The CDC also advises avoiding contact with brain and spinal tissue and disposing of remains in sealed landfill bags or designated dumpsters. - Emotional and Visual Impact: Residents may
witness the aftermath of a harvest including visible harvest remnants without
warning or recourse, especially in areas where hunting permission has been
granted by neighbors.
This isn’t a critique of responsible hunting. It’s a
call for clarity, containment, and community awareness.
A Better Path: Managed Deer Hunts
The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Managed Deer Hunt
Program offers a safer, more ethical alternative. These hunts: Take
place in designated conservation areas Are overseen by trained officials Include
carcass removal and disease monitoring Prioritize safety, containment, and
community trust
Disclaimer
This article supports responsible wildlife management.
A controlled harvest conducted in designated wooded areas and overseen by
Missouri Department of Conservation officials and local animal control would
offer a far safer and more ethical alternative.
Joplin’s current ordinance, however, allows decentralized
residential bowhunting with minimal oversight, creating what some describe
as an unstructured approach to urban harvest. Without clear disposal
requirements or enforcement protocols, the policy risks exposing neighborhoods
to scavenger activity, emotional distress, and potential biohazards.
A citywide review of this ordinance with input from
conservation experts, public health officials, and community members could help
restore balance between wildlife management and residential safety.
Other articles by author
No Signs, No Safety: What Deer Collisions Reveal About
Joplin’s Wildlife Crisis
Urban Deer in Joplin: What’s Really Driving the City Bow Hunting Ordinance
The Myth of High-Pressure Deer Zones in Joplin
Fear Over Facts: Why Joplin’s Deer Ordinance Misrepresents Lyme Disease
