Summary
The area is open for public use and offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
One of the main reasons to visit Pershing Wildlife Area is to experience the natural beauty of the area. The conservation area is home to a diverse range of wildlife including deer, turkey, quail, and waterfowl. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat while hiking or birdwatching.
There are several points of interest to see in Pershing Wildlife Area. One of the most popular attractions is the Pershing Memorial Wildlife Conservation Area Shooting Range, which is open to the public and offers a safe and controlled environment for shooting enthusiasts. Other points of interest include the wetlands area, the fishing ponds, and the forested areas.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former military training ground during World War I. The area was named after General John Pershing, who led American troops in Europe during the war. The conservation area was established in 1946 to protect wildlife populations and provide recreational opportunities to the public.
The best time of year to visit Pershing Wildlife Area depends on the activity you are interested in. Hunting season typically runs from September to January, while fishing is best in the spring and fall. The area is open year-round for hiking and wildlife viewing, but visitors should be aware of weather conditions during the winter months.
Overall, Pershing Wildlife Area is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Missouri.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Chippewa Campground Loop
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Chippewa Recreation Area
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Kathryn Lake
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Otter Lake Campground
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