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MACON, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently finished improvements that will help hunters and anglers with impaired mobility enjoy the Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area (CA) and the Atlanta Conservation Area (CA).
At Thomas Hill Reservoir CA, the fishing jetty near the Highway-T boat ramp has been upgraded with a concrete surface, parking pad and walkway. These changes make the fishing jetty accessible to all anglers including those confined to wheelchairs or who have other mobility limitations.
“These improvements allow angler access that previously wasn’t available at Thomas Hill Lake,” said MDC Wildlife Management Biologist Chad Smith. “We plan to add some additional fish attracting structures around the fishing jetty this winter and hope all anglers get outdoors and enjoy this improved opportunity.”
The new fishing jetty is open year round and does not require a special permit to use. However, if you are going to cast a line, be sure you have a proper fishing license.
The Thomas Hill Reservoir CA main entrance is 5.25 miles west of Macon on Highway 36, then 10 miles south on Route C to College Mound, and 2.4 miles west on Route T.
For those wanting to get outdoors and try their luck at deer hunting, three hunter access points were added this fall at the Atlanta CA. These access points allow hunters with mobility challenges to drive to a designated spot where they can hunt from their vehicles. A special use permit, along with an exemption to hunt from your vehicle, is required to use these designated spots. To obtain the permit, contact Smith at 660-385-4920 or chad.smith@mdc.mo.gov.
“This is a great opportunity for hunters who have mobility impairments to enjoy the conservation area and harvest a deer” said Smith. “MDC staff work hard on food plots and habitat management surrounding these access points to try and attract deer to the sites to increase the potential for a successful hunt.”
The Atlanta CA is located five miles north of Macon on Highway 63, and two miles west on Route AX, then 2.5 miles north on Jupiter Avenue.
MDC is committed to making its programs, services and outdoor resources available for all Missourian’s to enjoy and to discover nature. For more information about these areas, visit MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov and search “conservation area atlas.”
