Ozan Wildlife Management Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ozan Wildlife Management Area is a 4,273-acre protected area located in the southwestern corner of Missouri.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, bird watchers and hunters.

The area is characterized by undulating terrain, rocky bluffs, and wooded valleys. It is home to a variety of wildlife species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, quail, and numerous songbirds. There are several designated trails for hikers and the area is open to hunting during designated seasons.

One of the main points of interest in Ozan Wildlife Management Area is the unique Ozark glade ecosystem, home to rare and endangered plant species. The area also features several natural springs and streams, which provide habitat for aquatic species.

The best time to visit Ozan Wildlife Management Area depends on the activity you are interested in. Spring is a great time for bird watching and wildflower viewing, while fall is popular for hunting and enjoying the beautiful autumn colors.

In summary, the Ozan Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful natural area with diverse wildlife, unique ecosystems, and plenty of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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