at Mark Twain State Park
11/7/2025 to 11/9/2025
Event Details
Missouri State Parks is partnering with the Missouri Veterans Commission to provide 20 Missouri veterans an all-inclusive managed deer hunt at Mark Twain State Park. The 2025 Hero Hunt starts on Friday, Nov. 7, and ends on Sunday, Nov. 9.
This hunt provides everything you need once you arrive: lodging, food, deer tags, a hunting guide – we even process the deer you harvest. Hunters will stay at Si Colborn Group Camp at Mark Twain State Park.
This is the eighth year of Mark Twain's Hero Hunt. Partnering with the Missouri Veterans Commission allows park staff to provide an excellent recreational opportunity for veterans while also managing the deer population.
Application and Eligibility
Applications are due at your local Veterans Service Office by 1200 hours on Sept. 5, 2025. Twenty veterans will be randomly selected from the pool of applicants. Selected applicants will be notified beginning Sept. 15. You will not be notified if you are not selected.
If you have already participated in a Hero Hunt at Mark Twain, you are not eligible to participate again. This gives your fellow veterans a better chance of being selected.
More Information
If you are interested in participating but have a question about a specific accommodation or mobility issue, please call the Mark Twain State Park office at 573-248-9985.
To find additional opportunities for veterans at Missouri State Parks, please visit our Military Benefits and Services page.
 |
|
| The 2024 Hero Hunt participants pose for a photo. | |
 |
 |
| The recipient of the 2024 Biggest Buck Award displays his trophy. | A veteran tries out the track chair during the 2023 hunt. This chair is designed for people with limited mobility and allows users to hunt from the ADA-accessible deer blind. |
 |
|
| Veterans, staff members and volunteers enjoy a meal together. | |