Driving DirectionsFrom Frankford, take Highway 61 south 3 miles, then Route RA west. HighlightsMostly forest with a mix of cropland, grassland, and old fields.Peno Creek runs through the area and is one of the higher quality streams in North Missouri.The shooting range has 25, 50, and 100 yard targets. About This AreaThe area is characterized by narrow valleys with numerous rock overhangs and consists of 1,447 acres of timber, 151 acres of agricultural lands and 233 acres of grasslands and old fields. Peno Creek traverses the northern portion of the area, providing over a mile of stream frontage.The Conservation Department purchased the original 716 acres in 1967 from Roy Ranacker, a local businessman. Additional purchases, partially financed by the Pittman-Robertson excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition have increased the area to its present 1,831 acres.In 1799, Benjamin Spencer established a salt business a few miles west of Frankford. Sauk and Fox Indians threatened Spencer's safety, and his salt processing works were abandoned after a short period. The salt springs later became known as Spencer Lick.Permanent Euro-American settlements occured in the vicinity as early as 1816. The remnants of a Short Line railroad track, constructed in 1872 and abandoned in 1944, can still be seen on the area.Ranacker Conservation Area marks a point where river hills break away from the prairie. In pre-settlement times, the area probably consisted exclusively of woodlands and small prairies. It is now home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and bobwhite quail.Management of the area focuses on providing wildlife habitat by maintaining timber edges and old fields, prescribed timber harvest and rotating agricultural crops.