Profile: Big Creek Conservation Area

Most of the information found in this profile is gleaned from the MDC.  The value, I hope, in doing these profiles is that I am giving the reader a synopsis of all major activities at the property.  The reader can then go to the MDC Atlas, or to do research for hunting purposes, we suggest our sister site's Missouri Public Hunting Page.

Big Creek Conservation Area is adjacent to the west side of the City of Kirksville, accessible via Royal Oaks Drive, Rainbow Basin Trail or West Michigan St.  This area is adjacent to Thousand Hills State Park and is the jumping off point for trails in the area.  The conservation area is 1064 acres and is adjoined with Thousand Hills State park for a total of just over 4,000 acres. 

Fishing

There are three ponds listed as "fair" for bass, catfish, and sunfish.  Catfish are apparently found only in Pond 6.  Bass and sunfish are found in Ponds 5,6, and 7. There are special regulations for fishing in effect for this area.

Hunting
There reportedly good populations for deer as well as squirrels, while turkey and rabbits are reportedly present in fair numbers.  At the time of this writing, regulations allowed for muzzle loader and archery deer hunting under special regulations.  There were also special regulations for other species in place as well. Portable tree stands were allowed, with the caveat that if left in place during the season they must be plainly labelled "with the full name and address or Conservation number of the owner and be removed from the area by February 1st." 

Camping
Camping is allowed in Big Creek Conservation Area.  Camping allowed on or adjacent to area parking lots. No camping along roadways. No amenities provided.

Contact Information
Big Creek Conservation Area
660-785-2420
Map
Brochure

*For comprehensive research on hunting areas on Missouri public land, visit Missouri Public Hunting.  Here you will find links to pages with Missouri Conservation Areas divided by county.  These pages also list game populations present on the property.  They were designed to assist hunters to hone in on an area to hunt.  Additionally, you will find a Mark Twain National Forest Hunting page

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