The Susang6 SW Missouri Report

In Silvercreek, a wooded residential community just south of the City of Joplin, homes sit on acre lots or more, surrounded by mature trees, quiet trails, and seasonal wildlife. It’s not unusual to see a few deer grazing at dusk but when  24 deer were spotted on a single lawn , it raised more than eyebrows. It raised questions. Was this a case of overpopulation? Or was it learned behavior, shaped by human feeding patterns? Even if the current landowner didn’t intentionally feed the deer, it’s entirely possible that a previous resident used  corn, salt licks, or garden attractants , and the deer simply added the lawn to their migration circuit. Deer are creatures of habit. Once a location becomes a reliable food source, they return. Again and again. This sighting doesn’t confirm a biological crisis. It doesn’t prove that Joplin’s deer population is out of control. What it does suggest is something quieter, but just as urgent: The need for stricter and enforceable laws o...

    When Joplin’s city council approved its urban bow hunting ordinance in June 2025, one of the stated goals was to “reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)” among the local deer population. Council members cited similar programs in Branson, Columbia, and Springfield as successful models. But the science and the field evidence tell a different story.   Watercolor image created by Susang6 using AI technology  What Is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal neurological illness affecting deer, elk, and moose. It’s caused by misfolded proteins called prions , which slowly degrade the brain and body. Symptoms include weight loss, confusion, drooling, and eventual death. There is no cure , and prions can persist in soil and water for years. What Joplin’s Ordinance Claims The city’s urban hunting page states that the ordinance aims to: Minimize deer-vehicle collisions Reduce property damage Reduce the spread of CWD Councilman Mark Farnha...

  “Joplin’s urban deer harvest raises serious concerns about youth hunter safety, ethics, and ordinance clarity. Here’s why exclusion matters.” Joplin’s urban bowhunting ordinance was designed to reduce deer-related damage and restore ecological balance. But in its effort to expand access, the city risks inviting unintended harm especially by allowing youth hunters to participate in a program that demands precision, restraint, and anatomical understanding. Urban harvests are not training grounds. They’re high-stakes environments where one poorly placed shot can result in prolonged suffering, neighborhood disruption, or enforcement complications. Draw Weight vs. Ethical Harvest: What the Data Shows Youth hunters often use bows with lower draw weights typically 30–40 lbs. While this may be sufficient for small game, it’s often inadequate for consistent penetration on adult deer. Ethical guidelines recommend a verified draw weight of 45–60 lbs for youth hunters targeting mature dee...