The ability of humans to communicate is not unique among animal species. We may be the most advanced at the trick, but in some instances, we could be the worst at it. When I hear song birds singing, crickets chirping, tree frogs trilling, or bull elk bugling, I feel confident that others of their kind are paying attention.
People, on the other hand, sometimes seem more interested in hearing themselves talk rather than actually listening to others. For residents looking for answers about white-tailed deer management in Missouri, the state Department of Conservation is hosting open house sessions throughout the state to hear from people with questions.
Among the 10 scheduled events is a meeting from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, at the Eureka Community Center, 333 Bald Hill Road. In addition to the in-person opportunities, comments about deer management are being accepted online until October 17 at short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd.
“For generations, Missourians have worked together to protect deer and deer hunting,” said Jason Sumners, conservation department director. “Fueled by a shared passion for white-tailed deer, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts inside and outside MDC have built a healthy, abundant herd. These open houses offer a chance to build on that foundation.”
Conservation department staff will offer presentations on deer management, regulations, chronic wasting disease, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, managing private land, and how the state works with hunters, land owners, and other partners to keep deer healthy.
Visitors are welcome to come and go anytime between 4 and 8 p.m.. and advanced registration is not required. Other locations for meetings in the state include, St. Joseph, Macon, Poplar Bluff and West Plains.
Go and ask questions, but be sure to listen to the answers.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.
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