Locust Creek Conservation Area, a hunter guide

Locust Creek Conservation Area basics

At 3,717 acres, Locust Creek Conservation Area is part of the public ground of Sullivan County. Among the 3 conservation areas of Sullivan County, it sits 2nd for acres. The Green Hills district (MDC Northeast Region) handles habitat work on Locust Creek Conservation Area.

The atlas entry for Locust Creek Conservation Area also shows camping (open camping-walk/float/backpack(no deer/turkey), designated camping sites), dog training and fishing (sunfish, catfish, black bass).

MDC describes the area this way: This 3,451 acre area is approximately one-third bottomland and upland forest and woodland. The remainder is comprised of cropland, grassland, wetland and old field type habitats. Locust Creek, recognized by the National Park Service as one of the last, largely unchannelized stretches of a typical prairie stream, flows along and through the area for 5.7 miles. Locust Creek Conservation Area was acquired in part through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Conservation Department manages the forest, fish, and wildlife resources of this area to provide for public recreation and to protect soil and water quality. Cropping, timber management, and prescribed burning are used to improve wildlife habitat. Small wetland units provide fall and spring habitat for wetland wildlife.

Hunted here: Deer, Turkey, Rabbit, Squirrel, Dove, Quail, Waterfowl.

• White-tailed Deer
• Wild Turkey
• Eastern Cottontail
• Gray Squirrel
• Fox Squirrel
• Mourning Dove
• Northern Bobwhite Quail
• Ducks

From the agency record (Missouri Department of Conservation); checked October 29, 2026.

County deer rules for Locust Creek Conservation Area

There are no deer units in Missouri; Sullivan County is the unit for Locust Creek Conservation Area, with a firearms antlerless limit of 4. The early (Oct. 9-11) and late (Dec. 5-13) antlerless portions are open in Sullivan County. No grain, salt or mineral sites in Sullivan County: the ban runs all year. The CWD portion, the CWD Management Zone and the antler-point restriction were removed for 2026.

2026 Fall Deer and Turkey booklet county rules, MDC CWD rules and 2026 bear digest; checked October 29, 2026.

Who is nearby at Locust Creek Conservation Area

The short run for gas and food is Milan, 3.6 mi out. 5,588 people live in Trenton, the largest town within reach. Driving route: Western Portions – From Milan, take Highway 5/6 south 0.10 mile, then take River Road west 2.50 miles. Eastern Portions -From Milan take Highway 5/6 south 1.20 miles, then take Ribbon Road west 1.25 miles. MDC permits and advice: Lake Paho Conservation Area Field Office, Princeton, 31 mi away.

Towns from places.json (Census 2024); offices and businesses from services.json (MDC offices and business listings, chain stores and permit vendors left out); straight-line miles. Checked October 29, 2026.

A visual feel for Locust Creek Conservation Area

Locust Creek Conservation Area: confirm these first

Area rules, closures and managed hunt notices on Locust Creek Conservation Area can change; posted signs and the agency page have the final word.

Sources: source · source · source · source · source · source; regulations from the 2026 Fall Deer and Turkey booklet. Checked October 29, 2026.