In 1958, Red Wade, head football coach at then Kirksville State Teacher’s College, purchased 400 acres of land adjacent to Thousand Hills State Park. The Missouri Hall of Famer and star running back for the University of Missouri was an avid deer and turkey hunter. The 400 acres share 2 ½ miles of fence line with the non-hunted 3100 acres of the state park. Today that land has expanded to include an additional 230 acres and 3 hunting lodges

Prior to 2006 the land was only hunted by 3 individuals who enjoyed great success. The 4 archery hunters who purchased a package in 2006 are returning due to their success.