Intro
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26-34
TO: MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE
CLERK OF THE LEGISLATURE
FROM: PHIL LEVOTA
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
DATE: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026
RE: PUBLICIZING AUTHORIZED DEER MANAGEMENT HUNT AREAS WITHIN JACKSON COUNTY PARKS AND ENCOURAGING PUBLIC HUNTER PARTICIPATION
Title
WHEREAS, the County Legislature of Jackson County, by Resolution No. 10311, adopted May 10, 1994, encouraged and supported the Director of the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department in implementing a deer management plan for Jackson County Parks, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Conservation (“MDC”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to that authority, Jackson County has operated managed deer hunts in county parks continuously for 33 years, resulting in the harvest of more than 10,000 deer, making it the longest continuously operating managed deer hunt program in the State of Missouri; and
WHEREAS, deer overpopulation continues to pose risks to public safety, including vehicle collisions on county roadways, property and landscape damage, and increased prevalence of Lyme disease and other deer-borne health risks to residents; and
WHEREAS, the managed hunts authorized under this program are conducted in partnership with, and under the guidance of, MDC wildlife biologists, and represent a safe, humane, and cost-free method of deer population management; and
WHEREAS, meat harvested through these managed hunts is made available to hunters and, where donated, supports local food pantries and families in need; and
WHEREAS, continued and expanded public participation in these managed hunts is essential to maintaining a healthy deer population and protecting the public;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Phil LeVota, County Executive of Jackson County, Missouri, by the authority vested in me, do hereby ORDER as follows:
Section 1. The Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with MDC, shall continue to administer managed deer hunts at the following authorized locations, comprising the complete current list of Jackson County Park deer management areas:
● Blue and Gray County Park
● Blue River Parkway County Park, Zone 1
● Blue River Parkway County Park, Zone 2
● Blue River Parkway County Park, Zone 3
● Blue River Parkway County Park, Zone 4
● Blue Springs Lake County Park
Section 2. All interested parties and prospective hunters are encouraged to contact and work directly with the Missouri Department of Conservation for information regarding application procedures, hunt dates, eligibility requirements, and all other matters relating to participation in these managed hunts.
Section 3. Residents are encouraged to note that additional public hunting opportunities exist within Jackson County at MDC-managed Conservation Areas, including James A. Reed Conservation Area, Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, and Lone Jack Conservation Area, and are encouraged to consult MDC directly for hunting regulations at those state-managed properties.
Section 4. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon signature.
Drafter
________________ _____________________
Date Phil LeVota
County Executive