Why Joplin Must Fix Its Hunting Sign Zones Before Next Season
Hunting season may be over in Joplin, but the safety concerns it exposed
are not.
This year revealed serious gaps in communication, signage, and public awareness
issues that put residents, pets, and
even hunters at risk. Now is the time for the City of Joplin to acknowledge
what went wrong and correct these mistakes before next year’s season begins.
Across the country, other communities are facing the same problem. In
Worthington, Ohio, a resident even filed a lawsuit after discovering that
lethal wildlife operations were happening near his home without posted signs
or clear public notice. His case highlights a national pattern: cities
allowing hunting activity near neighborhoods while failing to warn the people
who live there.
Joplin is not alone but that doesn’t mean we should accept unsafe practices.
A safety sign / warning to all
The Problem: Hunting in Urban Areas
With No Posted Signs
This season, Freeman Grove and surrounding areas saw:
- Active hunting with no signage
- Residents unknowingly walking
into hunting zones
- A Yorkie nearly shot in its own
yard
- Confirmed poaching activity
- No visible boundaries or warnings
for families, walkers, or pet owners
When a city allows hunting but refuses to post signs, it creates a
dangerous situation where residents cannot make informed decisions about their
own safety. This isn’t an inconvenience it’s a public safety failure.
no hunting sign is a liability
A National Example: The Worthington,
Ohio Lawsuit
In Worthington, a man named Kevin Callinan filed a lawsuit after
learning that deer‑killing operations were planned near his home without any
posted warnings. A judge issued a temporary restraining order,
acknowledging the seriousness of the safety concerns.
Even though the case was later dismissed, it established something
important:
Lack of signage is a legitimate safety issue and residents have the right
to challenge it.
This case mirrors what Joplin residents experienced this year. It also
shows that cities can be held accountable when they fail to communicate clearly
about hunting activity near neighborhoods.
Why Joplin Must Act Now — Not Next
Fall
Hunting season may be over, but the window for fixing these problems is
open right now. Waiting until next year guarantees another season of confusion,
risk, and preventable close calls.
Key safety improvements Joplin must
implement:
- Mandatory signage at all hunting access points
- Clear boundary maps available online and at
trailheads
- Seasonal alerts to notify residents when hunting
is active
- Enforcement against poaching in unmarked or sensitive areas
- Transparent communication from the city and landowners
These are basic safety measures used in responsible municipalities across
the country. Joplin deserves the same level of protection.
Urban Hunting Requires Urban‑Level
Responsibility
Hunting in rural areas is one thing. Hunting inside or near a city is
another. Urban environments have:
- Higher population density
- More foot traffic
- Pets and children in close
proximity
- Mixed‑use land with unclear
boundaries
- Residents who may not expect
hunting activity at all
When weapons are being discharged near homes, signage is not optional.
It is the bare minimum.
A Chance for Joplin to Lead — Not Lag
Behind
The Worthington lawsuit shows that residents across the country are
demanding safer, more transparent hunting policies. Joplin has an opportunity
to learn from this and take proactive steps before next season begins.
By acknowledging the mistakes made this year and correcting them now the
city can protect:
- Families
- Pets
- Hunters
- Wildlife
- And the integrity of our shared
public spaces
Safety shouldn’t depend on luck. It should depend on clear communication
and responsible policy.
Final Thought
Hunting season may be over, but the conversation about safety is just
beginning. Joplin can choose to ignore the warning signs or it can choose to
post them.
Now is the time to fix what went wrong.
Next year is too late.