Autumn in Joplin is usually a season of quiet beauty crimson
leaves drifting through cooler air, deer moving gently through the woods. But
this year, that peace feels more fragile. A newly amended city ordinance now
allows bowhunting on private land as small as one acre, and it’s already
changing the tone of the season. What was once a time for reflection and
coexistence may now invite conflict and unintended consequences.
From my bedroom window, I’ve watched generations of
deer grow up in my wildflower garden fawns curled in clover, does grazing
beneath the oak canopy. This land has long been a sanctuary, not just for
wildlife, but for those of us who choose to live beside it with care. But under
Joplin’s revised urban hunting ordinance, that sanctuary is now vulnerable.
 |
| Late season (end of July) Fawn and Doe |
Understanding the
Ordinance
The ordinance permits bowhunting on private property of
at least one acre, with two key safety requirements:
- 60-foot buffer: No discharge of a bow within 60
feet of any dwelling, building, street, highway, park, or property line.
- Elevated shots: All shots must be taken from a
stand at least 10 feet off the ground.
In practice, this means a neighbor just 60 feet away
could legally hunt from a tree stand overlooking shared woods. From my dining
room, I might witness the loss of deer who’ve trusted this land for decades of
deer born in my garden, raised in peace. (or so this is what my neighbor
believes is the new ordinance on bow hunting)
Are the Deer a Nuisance?
No. What remains of the herd are four does, two young
bucks, and four fawns gentle survivors who still move through the 29-acre woods
beside my home. The older bucks didn’t return this spring. Their absence is
felt deeply, and while the cause remains unclear, it’s part of a troubling
pattern.
These deer are not pests. They are part of the
ecosystem and the rhythm of this place. They deserve respect. Yet too often,
they’re seen as sport or nuisance an attitude that undermines the spirit of
coexistence we’ve worked hard to protect.
One local resident recently shared online that deer had
damaged her rose garden. She hadn’t considered a simple fence. She didn’t want
hunting just her flowers protected. This is the kind of peaceful solution the
ordinance overlooks.
Unintended
Consequences
While the ordinance claims to prioritize safety and
population control, it may unintentionally encourage unsafe behavior. Online
groups have begun identifying wooded zones near city limits, discussing hunting
access in ways that raise concern. These aren’t vague rumors they reflect a
growing pattern of interest in exploiting loosely enforced boundaries.
Our community has dealt with similar issues for years.
We’ve reported unsafe activity, documented property damage, and advocated for
stronger enforcement. But responses have often been delayed or dismissed,
leaving residents feeling unheard.
Safety Concerns
This community has already endured incidents that
highlight the risks of poorly regulated hunting:
- A family pet was injured due to a misdirected projectile.
- Property damage occurred from discharged projectile.
- Residents near wooded areas now worry about increased traffic and
activity from outside hunters.
Allowing bow hunting within city limits may open the
door to further complications especially if enforcement remains inconsistent.
 |
| Brother bucks showing off first season antlers |
A Better Path
Forward
Population control doesn’t require widespread hunting.
It requires thoughtful management and community-based solutions:
- Install fencing to protect gardens and landscaping.
- Enforce speed limits on roads like Schifferdecker, where deer
frequently cross.
- Add signage in high-crossing zones to alert drivers.
- If necessary, consider a controlled wildlife management program led
by professionals with strict oversight and public transparency.
What We Stand to
Lose
From September to January, residents who cherish
wildlife may witness the decline of deer populations they’ve enjoyed for
years. We’ll hear unfamiliar sounds in the night and feel the loss of trust between
humans and animals, between neighbors and nature.
 |
| late season (August) deer and fawn photo taken from dining room window |
Read first article on this topic here
Author's Note / Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and advocacy purposes only. It reflects the author's personal perspective on urban wildlife management and public safety. No part of this content promotes illegal activity, violence, or harm toward animals or individuals. All references to local ordinances, safety concerns, and wildlife behavior are based on publicly available information and lived experience. Readers are encouraged to consult official city resources and conservation experts for guidance.
All writing and photographs in this article are original works by
the author. Please respect creative ownership and do not reproduce without
permission.
