Mark Twain Lake - Blackjack Marina will utilize two of the four lanes of the Ray Behrens Boat Ramp, beginning on May 1, 2017, to launch sections of additional slips for the marina. The sections of slips will be transported from the boat ramp to the marina, where they will be assembled. Work will occur Monday through Friday for approximately two weeks. During this time, the boat ramp will remain open for public use. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and Blackjack Marina requests everyone to use caution when in the area, launching and loading your boat, and while boating on the lake between the Ray Behrens Boat Ramp and Blackjack Marina.

Mark Twain Lake -The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Mark Twain Lake, in partnership with the Mark Twain Lake FOREST Council, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation will host an Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunt Special Event at Mark Twain Lake on May 6 and 7, 2017.  In an effort to introduce new hunters to the adventures of spring turkey hunting and promote the value of public land experiences, the Corps of Engineers will provide ten participants the opportunity to hunt 4,000 acres of lands traditionally not available for public hunting.  In addition, an opportunity will be available to learn about hunter safety, turkey hunting strategies, and turkey management in Missouri.

The Mark Twain Lake Apprentice Turkey Hunt is designed for adults, 18 years of age or older, that have little to no experience turkey hunting.  Hunters will be accompanied by an experienced mentor hunter that is provided during the event.  Participants may also provide their own mentor hunter, so long as they comply with the requirements of the Missouri Department of Conservation hunting regulations.

All hunters must comply with the 2017 Missouri Department of Conservation hunting regulations.  They must either possess a valid hunter education certification, or an Apprentice Hunter Authorization.  All hunters must possess a valid Missouri spring turkey hunting permit.  To insure a safe hunting experience, special event rules will be in effect throughout the two day hunt, and will be outlined for participants prior to the hunt.  Weapons are restricted to 20-gauge or larger shotguns.

Event application is available on-line at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlLyMj6noamYYzJVESnitoam2mGKGa8GB5Ou6cQukhpa_TEw/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link>

​Applications must be received on or before April 21, 2017 to qualify for the hunt. A random drawing will be held to determine the ten participants.   Successful applicants must attend a hunt coordination meeting on the evening of May 5, 2017 at the M.W. Boudreaux Visitor Center. For further information, please contact the Mark Twain Lake Project Office, 20642 Highway J, Monroe City, Missouri, 63456, or phone (573) 735-4097.