Poplar Bluff Conservation Area

Poplar Bluff CA
Poplar Bluff and Stephen J. Sun conservation areas are located in Butler County, two miles east of Poplar Bluff on U.S. Business 60, then 3.50 miles north on Route NN. Turn left on County Road 544 and follow it one mile west to the area parking lot. These two conservation areas comprise 1,637 acres in five tracts and include six-acre Carpenter Lake and the 80-acre Poplar Bluff Forest Natural Area. The University of Missouri acquired what is now Poplar Bluff Conservation Area under the Agriculture College Act of 1862. The Conservation Department purchased this 912-acre tract from the University in 1965. An additional 240 acres was purchased in 1995.
Stephen J. Sun Conservation Area consists of 485 acres. The Department acquired parts of this conservation area in 1988, thanks to a donation by the Sun family. Department funds were used to purchase the remainder of the lands.
These two conservation areas represent a unique contact zone of two major ecosystems- the Ozark highland and the coastal plain wetland. The hills of Poplar Bluff Conservation Area have soils of primarily Clarksville or Loring silt loams. The soils covering the fields of Stephen J. Sun Conservation Area are mainly Elk, Adler, and Calhoun silt loams. Upland tree species include hickory and black, white, and scarlet oak. Cherrybark oak, sweetgum, red maple, and sugarberry are the primary bottomland species.
Several endangered species and unusual plants inhabit both areas. On Stephen J. Sun Conservation Area both river otter and swamp rabbits have been observed. The Poplar Bluff Forest Natural Area provides an opportunity to experience a high quality bottomland forest with many large trees.
Carpenter Lake is an old oxbow lake, located at the contact zone between the Ozarks and the Mississippi lowlands.
Area Map506.84 KB
Area Brochure161.54 KB
Quick Facts
Total Acres
1106.7
Area Hours
  • Sunday, 04:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 04:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Directions
From Poplar Bluff, take US 60 east 5 miles, then Route T north 2 miles, then left on Butler CR 553 0.5 miles to the area.
For more information call
(573) 290-5730
Title
Map Info
Title
Resources

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 105 Title; Authority

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
105 Title; Authority
Rules

Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code applies to this area. The information provided reflects regulations for most activities on this conservation area but does not contain regulations for all possible uses. For more information on area regulations consult the Wildlife Code or call the phone number listed for the area in the area details section.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 110 General Provisions

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
110 General Provisions
Rules

Department areas designated as open to the public may be accessed and used for hiking; sightseeing; nature observation; entering or remaining on designated portions of department areas; possession of pets and hunting dogs; field trials; use of vehicles, bicycles, horses, and horseback riding;  collecting of nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens, and mushrooms; camping; tree stands; target shooting and use of shooting ranges; decoys and blinds; use of boats and motors; taking bullfrogs and green frogs; hunting; trapping; and fishing. The locations and times when department areas may be entered, remained on, or used for these activities may be further restricted by Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code, signs, this conservation atlas, or area maps. In addition to the rules of the Wildlife Code, federal, state and local laws apply on department lands.

 The following activities are prohibited on department areas and may not be authorized by a special use permit:

1. Destruction, defacing, or removal of department property

2. Digging or excavating

3. Guiding for pay

4. Military or law enforcement training by nongovernment entities

5. Placing of grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products on land

6. Placing or using trail or game cameras or other similar devices

7. Use of paint ball, airsoft, or similar projectile weapons not specifically authorized by this Code

8. Placement of honey bee apiaries

9. Parking or storage of watercraft and commercial vehicles during closed hours

10. Use of fireworks

11. Use of remote-controlled boats or land vehicles

12. Prospecting, exploring, mining, or extracting minerals, metals, oil, natural gas, or other nonrenewable resources, except as specifically approved by the commission

13. Commercial or political advertising, except for commercial advertising by authorized concessionaires or by vendors participating in department events

Other activities not listed above, including commercial use and vending, may be authorized by a special use permit when the activity is compatible with other authorized activities. Special use permits may be issued only by the area manager or their designee. Issuance of a special use permit is at the discretion of the department. Application for a special use permit does not guarantee that one will be issued.

Signs, posted regulations, or area maps may further restrict activities, including designating portions of department areas as open or closed to public use. Department areas or designated portions of department areas may be closed, or regulations may be changed, through posting to protect the public from hazardous conditions and threats to public safety, to protect fish and wildlife resources, and for special events or resource management activities where public use conflicts are likely to occur. All persons entering, remaining on, or using a department area shall abide by signs, posted regulations, and area maps.

 

Waste containers located on department areas may be used only for disposal of garbage, trash, refuse, or rubbish generated on the department area. NOTE: Waste containers are not provided on all department areas.

 

Collecting wild animals (including invertebrates) and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Wildlife Collector’s Permit, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code. 

Collecting or possessing wild plants and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except by a Letter of Authorization for Plant Collecting, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.

 

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 115 Closings

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
115 Closings
Rules

This department area is open for public use from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily; however, hunting fishing, trapping, dog training, camping, launching and landing boats is allowed 24 hours a day on areas where these activities are permitted. Parking or storing watercraft or commercial vehicles is prohibited on department areas during closed hours. 

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 135 Wild Plants, Plant Products, and Mushrooms

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
135 Wild Plants, Plant Products, and Mushrooms
Rules
Vegetation, including trees, may not be cut or destroyed. The only exception is that willows (Salicaceae spp.) may be cut for use in constructing on-site blinds.
Collecting or possessing wild plants and their unprocessed parts is prohibited except under the provisions of a valid Letter of Authorization for Plant Collecting, or as otherwise authorized in the Wildlife Code.

Nuts, berries, fruits, edible wild greens and mushrooms may be taken only for personal consumption; EXCEPT on locations designated as Missouri Natural Areas, taking edible wild greens is prohibited. Vegetation, including trees, may not be cut or destroyed. 

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 130 Vehicles, Bicycles, Horses, and Horseback Riding

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
130 Vehicles, Bicycles, Horses, and Horseback Riding
Rules

 

State laws regarding the operation, registration and required equipment apply to the operation of motor vehicles on locations open to vehicular traffic on department areas. Vehicle use is restricted to graveled and paved roads and established parking areas, unless otherwise posted.

 

Except as otherwise posted, the speed limit on department areas is 45 miles per hour.

 

Unless otherwise posted, bicycles, including electric bicycles as defined in the Missouri Wildlife Code (Chapter 20- Definitions), are allowed on roads open to vehicular traffic and service roads (designated in the online conservation atlas). Bicycles must stay on roads open to vehicular traffic or service roads, or on multi-use trails posted as open to bicycles.   Bicycle use is not allowed on service roads passing through designated natural areas (designated in the online conservation atlas). Groups of 10 or more people using bicycles on a department area must obtain a special use permit. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

 

Equestrian use is allowed on roads open to vehicular traffic. Horses must stay on roads open to vehicular traffic or on multi-use trails posted as open to horses. Groups of 10 or more people using horses on a department area must obtain a special use permit. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 140 Camping

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
140 Camping
Rules
Camping is allowed only as designated in the "Things To Do When You Visit" section for this department area. If camping is not listed as an activity in this section, camping is prohibited on the area. Designated camping areas may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply to all camping on department areas.

On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m.
On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
150 Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges
Rules
An unstaffed range is located on this department area. Target shooting is not allowed anywhere on this area except for designated shooting range(s).
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Ranges may be closed to public use at any time for maintenance or department sponsored events or programs.
Possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on all ranges and associated parking lots.
Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to using the range. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section.
Use of the range shall be in accordance with posted rules or as authorized by special use permit. All range users must allow an agent of the Department or other certified law enforcement officer to inspect their permits, firearms and ammunition.
A static archery range is located on this department area. Only archery equipment may be used on locations designated as an archery range. The use of arrows, bolts or darts containing any type of explosive or incendiary material is prohibited. Other special regulations may apply to the use of targets on archery ranges.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 120 Pets and Hunting Dogs

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
120 Pets and Hunting Dogs
Rules
Pets and hunting dogs are permitted but must be on a leash or confined at all time. Hunting dogs may be used off the leash and unconfined for hunting and training for the purposes of chasing, locating, tracking or retrieving game on portions of conservation areas designated as open to hunting and dog training. Locations and times where pets and hunting dogs are permitted may be further restricted by area brochures or signs. A valid small game hunting permit is required to train dogs in pursuit of wildlife.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 180 Hunting, General Provisions and Seasons

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
180 Hunting, General Provisions and Seasons
Rules

Hunting is prohibited on some conservation areas, but allowed on others. Special regulations may apply to hunting. To determine the hunting regulations for this conservation area, consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code at the Missouri Code of State Regulations website. 

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 145 Tree Stands

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
145 Tree Stands
Rules
Only portable tree stands are allowed on department areas from Sept. 1 through Jan. 31. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or Conservation Number, of the owner and be removed from the area before Feb. 1. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 155 Decoys and Blinds

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
155 Decoys and Blinds
Rules
Decoys and Blinds are permitted on this department area, but must be disassembled and removed daily. Blinds constructed on-site may only be constructed from willows (Salicaceae spp.).

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 125 Field Trials

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
125 Field Trials
Rules
Field trials are prohibited on this department area.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 200 Fishing, General Provisions and Seasons

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
200 Fishing, General Provisions and Seasons
Rules

Fishing is allowed on most conservation areas, but prohibited on some. To determine if fishing is an activity that is allowed on this conservation area, and any special regulations that may apply, please consult the Missouri Code of State Regulations in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 160 Use of Boats and Motors

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
160 Use of Boats and Motors
Rules

Boats (including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats) may be used on waters located on department areas. On lakes and ponds, boats may be used only on waters designated as open to boats. State laws regarding the operation, registration, and required safety equipment apply to watercraft being operated on waters under the control of the department. Boats may not be left unattended overnight.

Only electric motors are permitted on lakes and ponds of less than 70 acres.
Electric motors and outboard motors are permitted on lakes of 70 or more acres. Outboard motors of any size may be used, but outboard motors in excess of 10 horsepower must be operated at slow, no-wake speed.

The use of houseboats, airboats, and personal watercraft are prohibited.

Float tubes may only be used for authorized fishing or hunting activities.

6529 - 3CSR 10-11 - 187 Trapping

Chapter
3CSR 10-11
Rule Number
187 Trapping
Rules

Trapping in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Wildlife Code is allowed only with a special use permit. Special use permits should be requested at least 30 days in advance at: SpecialUsePermit.

Range Name: Shooting range - Poplar Bluff
Range ID: 25637
Maintenance Days:
Closed Tuesday
Business Hours:
1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, unless otherwise posted
Range Type:
Archery Static Target
Target Distance:
10,20,30,40
Disabled Access: No

Fall Deer and Turkey Season - Archery and Firearms

Dates
Deer - Late Archery
to
Archery Turkey - Late Portion
to
Firearms Deer - Late Antlerless Portion
to
Firearms Deer - Alternative Methods Portion
to
Public Text

Deer hunting is allowed only on Conservation Department Areas that are listed in the current Fall Deer and Turkey Pamphlet. Please reference pages 45-59 for regulations about this specific area. If an area that is owned or managed by the department is not listed in the booklet, then deer hunting is not allowed. 

Archery hunting permits are not valid during the November Portion of the Firearms Deer Hunting Season. Hunters using archery methods during this portion must possess a valid firearms deer hunting permit. 

Deer may not be hunted, pursued, taken, or killed: While in a stream or other body of water; from a boat with a motor attached; with the aid of a motor-driven land conveyance or aircraft; with the aid of dogs, in use or possession; with the aid of artificial light or night vision equipment; within any area enclosed by a fence greater than seven feet in height that could contain or restrict the free range of deer; and with the aid of bait.

Fall firearms turkey hunting is allowed only on Conservation Areas listed on pages 45-59 in the current Fall Deer and Turkey Pamphlet. Fall firearms turkey season regulations can be found on page 28 of the pamphlet

Hours

One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

Limits

Deer may be taken in accordance with permits held. Hunters may take only two antlered deer during the firearms and archery deer hunting seasons combined. The following restrictions also apply:

Only one antlered deer may be taken during all portions of the firearms deer hunting seasons (This includes landowners in possession of both landowner any-deer hunting permits and regular any-deer hunting permits).

Limits apply to the number of antlerless deer hunting permits a hunter may fill in each county. Exceptions to this limit may apply to qualifying resident landowners and lessees. Consult the current Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information Pamphlet.

Antler point restrictions apply in some counties. In these counties, only antlered deer with at least one antler having at least four antler points may be taken (The antler point restriction does not apply to youth hunters hunting on a firearms permit during the youth portions of the firearms season). Consult the current Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information Pamphlet.

Only one antlered deer may be taken prior to the November portion of the firearms deer hunting season. Except, youth hunters who harvest an antlered deer on an archery permit prior to the November portion, may harvest their second antlered deer during the Early Youth Portion of the firearms deer hunting season.

Methods

Deer may be hunted on department areas as authorized in the current Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet. Please reference pages 45-59 in the booklet for information on METHODS and PERMITS allowed on specific conservation areas. Click here: Fall Deer and Turkey Pamphlet, to view the regulation booklet. 

Deer hunting is only allowed on conservation areas that are listed in the regulation booklet. 

  • Shooting Range

    • Archery
  • Bird Watching

  • Camping

    • Open Camping - Walk-in/Float-in/Backpack
  • Fishing

    • White Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    • Black Bass
  • Hunting

    • Deer
      • Archery and Firearms
      • Archery Antlerless Permits Only
    • Bear
      • Archery and Firearms
    • Turkey
      • Archery and Firearms
    • Rabbit
    • Squirrel
    • Dove
    • Quail
  • Trapping

    • Special Use Permit
Title
Media Gallery
Title
What to look for