Author Archives: John J. Winkelman

One of my favorite perks about this outdoor writer gig is the opportunity to review new books before they are available to the public. When I was given the chance to see an advanced copy of All About Birds Midwest, I jumped at the opportunity. At first look, it reminded me of the Peterson FieldContinue reading “New book establishes authority as standard for bird identification”

I didn’t get a chance to see Mason Gagnon run the St. Francis River in the Missouri Whitewater Championships, but I did make it to Millstream Gardens in time to see my college fraternity brother Scott Swafford navigate the slalom gates in his open canoe. The races appear to be quite a workout for theContinue reading “Whitewater racing returns to the St. Francis River”

The Meramec River draws most attention in the Jefferson County area when it escapes its banks, but a big event later this month is planned to provide assistance to the natural resources along the stream. In addition to clean-up activities on the river, simultaneous events will take place at other public places along the watershed.Continue reading “Clean up and festival planned for Meramec River and area parks”

While fishermen are famous for fudging measurement estimates, deer hunters are not immune from stretching the story and size proportions of the bucks they bring home. I have a few sets of antlers that I measured myself and rounded up a little bit as I described them. That was until I took them to theContinue reading “Antler scoring event takes guess work out of hunters’ deer tales”

The proposed horsepower restrictions for the Current and Jacks Fork rivers in the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways seem to be a reasonable compromise, which is evidenced by the fact that extremists on both sides are screaming the loudest. Fortunately the middle ground has the opportunity to be heard. Public comments are being accepted until MarchContinue reading “Comments sought until March 7 for compromise on scenic rivers motorboat restrictions”

Guys like to play with fire. I know this from years of observation and plenty of personal experience. I have helped to build brush piles nearly as big as a barn, and on at least one other occasion, burned an old barn that more closely resembled a brush pile than a building. The desire toContinue reading “Workshop offers certification for using prescribed fire as management tool”

Only when the squirrels manage to outsmart my arsenal of prevention devices does monitoring the birds in my backyard cause me any angst at all. I love to stare out the window watching them fly, flit and fight over free seeds. Obviously the food is free for them and not for me, but I canContinue reading “Backyard bird feeder brightens bleak winter background”

Anyone who has been around a while has seen his share of advancements. From the guy who was using stone tools when metal made its appearance, or the horse and buggy driver who lived long enough to own trucks and cars, or the bow and arrow native Americans who found firearms as an option, theContinue reading “Changes in camera technology add to hunting adventures”

With a little luck and a bit more ambition, I may have added to Jefferson County’s archery deer harvest tally. For the tenth consecutive year, Jefferson County maintained its reign as the top county in the state with 1,563 reported to the state’s Telecheck system. The total is below the record setting 1,645 from lastContinue reading “Ten-year streak: Jefferson County holds top archery status”

Maybe it is for the best, because I have had mixed success trying to grow the trees I have ordered from the George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking, Missouri. When I went to the website this winter to place an order, I found that nearly 75% of their trees were sold out. IContinue reading “Most species of seedlings sold out at state nursery for 2022”