Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area: hunting and access
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is 2,693 acres of MDC land in Christian County, next to Spokane. MDC lists deer hunting here (muzzleloader and archery, antlerless permits allowed). Hunters checked 2,458 deer in Christian County in 2025.
Data updated October 2026. Area facts: MDC's conservation area data, read 2026-10. Harvest: MDC deer harvest summaries, 2021 to 2025.
MDC conservation areasNational forestBusiek State Forest and Wildlife AreaCounty lineHighway
| Size | 2,693 acres |
|---|---|
| County | Christian County |
| Deer harvest unit | Christian County |
| MDC lists for hunting | Deer, Bear, Turkey and Squirrel |
| MDC area number | 8109 |
| MDC region | Southwest |
| Camping (MDC) | individual campsites and special use permit required |
| Shooting range (MDC) | rifle or pistol |
| Nearest towns | Spokane (next to it), Saddlebrooke (2 mi) and Highlandville (4 mi) |
What is Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area like?
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area is named in honor of Dr. Urban and Erma Marie Busiek. The original 740 acres was purchased from their son, Dr. Paul Busiek, in 1981. Approximately one-quarter of the purchase price was donated back to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Additional land was purchased by the Department over the next several years that increased the area to its current size.
The area provides multiple recreational opportunities. Hunting is allowed in accordance with the proper seasons. Also, a well marked trail system provides approximately 18 miles of trails for use by hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Visitors will find eight primitive, walk-in tent campsites. Camping is permitted ONLY with a permit; available through the Southwest Regional Office (417-895-6880). An unstaffed firearms shooting range is located on the area. The range is closed on Monday's for maintenance.
In MDC's words, from the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area page.
What can you hunt on Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
MDC's page for Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area lists: Deer: muzzleloader and archery, antlerless permits allowed; Bear: archery and firearms; Turkey: archery and firearms; Squirrel.
What are the rules on Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
Target Shooting and Shooting Ranges: 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...
Every conservation area also follows MDC's standard rules in Chapter 11 of the Wildlife Code; the area's full rules are on MDC's site.
How many deer are taken around Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area lies in Christian County. Hunters checked 2,458 deer in Christian County in 2025, against 2,114 in 2024.
| County | Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area acres in it | Deer, 2025 | Deer, 2024 | Deer, 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian County | 2,693 | 2,458 | 2,114 | 2,695 |
Harvest for the whole county, not the conservation area alone: MDC deer harvest summaries (2021 to 2025 seasons).
How do you get to Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
MDC's directions: From Springfield, take Highway 65 south 18 miles.
Nearest towns: Spokane (next to it), Saddlebrooke (2 miles), Highlandville (4 miles) and Merriam Woods (9 miles). Highways within 5 miles: US 65, MO 13, US 160 and MO 176.
What other public land is near Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
MDC lands within 10 miles:
- Holland State Forest: 158 acres, 5 miles away
- The Lewis Family, Dean, Anna Mae and David D. Lewis Memorial Conservation Area: 356 acres, 8.8 miles away
- Hayes Spring Conservation Area: 97 acres, 9.5 miles away
- Shelvin Rock Access: 20 acres, 9.5 miles away
- H. L. Kerr Access: 50 acres, 9.9 miles away
- Bull Shoals Lake Management Lands: 35,896 acres, 10 miles away
Public land within 3 miles of Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
Counting Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area itself, 6,288 of the 42,542 acres within 3 miles of its boundary are public land open to the public (14.8%), by USGS PAD-US 4.1 and MDC conservation area boundaries.
| Manager | Acres within 3 miles |
|---|---|
| National forest | 3,595 |
| MDC conservation areas | 2,693 |
Questions hunters ask
Where is Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
In Christian County, next to Spokane.
Can you deer hunt on Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
Yes, by MDC's page: muzzleloader and archery, antlerless permits allowed.
How much public land is around Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area?
6,288 acres within 3 miles of its boundary, Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area included, by USGS PAD-US 4.1 and MDC conservation area boundaries. The closest other MDC area is Holland State Forest (5 miles).
Get a Missouri hunt plan when they open
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Until then, the free FilledTag app for iPhone has a map that works in every state, Missouri included.
Where these facts come from
- Area description, species, rules and directions: MDC, Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area; MDC conservation area boundaries.
- Boundary and acres: MDC's map layer above. Surrounding public land: USGS PAD-US 4.1 (fee land open to the public) and MDC conservation area boundaries.
- Deer harvest: MDC deer harvest summaries (2021 to 2025 seasons).
FilledTag is not part of the Missouri Department of Conservation. Check MDC's rules and posted signs before you go.