With healthy populations of white tail deer and turkey, Ozark County is a hunter's paradise. Both archery and firearm methods are popular with county residents and those visiting during hunting seasons. The Mark Twain National Forest features over 38,000 acres and Caney Mountain Conservation Area includes another 6,500 acres of land managed to support the local wildlife and game populations in the area.
Deer season kicks off with an archery portion that runs from mid-September 15 through early November. The main firearms season opens from mid- to late-November, and archery season picks back up late-November through mid-January. Youth hunters ages 6-15 can participate in two youth-specific deer seasons, usually held in late October and again in late November. An "alternative weapons" season in late December through January provides hunters with the opportunity to use muzzleloaders, pistols, crossbows and even an atlatl, a primitive spear-throwing weapon.