Most of the chatter following last year’s firearms deer hunting season was about the reduced harvest totals. Rationale such as weather, acorns, moon phases and timing didn’t appease the skeptics, but when reviewed over time, things certainly were not that bad. The overall harvest total was down 15% from the record set the previous yearContinue reading “Annual antler measurement event Saturday at Henges Range”
Author Archives: John J. Winkelman
Montauk recovers in time for trout season opening day
When opening day of trout fishing season comes this weekend there will be plenty of reasons for celebration at Montauk State Park and big crowds of people at all four of the state’s trout fishing parks. Montauk was devastated by historic flooding in November and remained closed throughout the winter catch-and-release season, but contractors, stateContinue reading “Montauk recovers in time for trout season opening day”
Sounds and smells offer first glimpse of coming spring
The middle of February may be too soon to start looking for the signs of spring in our area, but if you rely on a few other senses you can get the sense that times are beginning to change. Early last week I was surprised to hear the familiar sound of honking geese flying overhead.Continue reading “Sounds and smells offer first glimpse of coming spring”
Efforts must be improved to keep cats from killing birds
Fifteen years ago I became a cat owner for the first time. Actually, I’m more of a co-owner, and in all reality, we are the ones who are owned. We have had a few barn cats in the past, but that was more akin to co-habitating on the same property than ownership. Our now 15-year-oldContinue reading “Efforts must be improved to keep cats from killing birds”
Wild areas continue to expand in Missouri at 60th anniversary
While many people look for more ways to exploit the earth and its resources, it is heartening to known that places still exist that are dedicated to preservation of our planet in its almost natural state. On Dec. 31, 2024, in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Missouri StateContinue reading “Wild areas continue to expand in Missouri at 60th anniversary”
Learn to burn: New local organization helps landowners with prescribed fire; Open meeting Feb. 8 in Festus
Mired in a month of actual winter this January, the idea of a meeting about fire and its benefits might attract a crowd just for the warm thoughts. The newly formed Mid Mississippi Prescribed Burn Association of Missouri is more than just a hot idea; the group helps landowners work together to manage their propertiesContinue reading “Learn to burn: New local organization helps landowners with prescribed fire; Open meeting Feb. 8 in Festus”
Roadside cedars prove their power after recent winter storms
Driving on Interstate 55 north of the construction zone earlier this month I earned a new bit of respect for the eastern red cedar tree. While I still harbor some ill feelings, seeing several small soldiers poking through the piles of plowed snow, sleet, slush and slop in the chunk rock median proves the tree’sContinue reading “Roadside cedars prove their power after recent winter storms”
Birds of prey will be back at Powder Valley for program
Bird watching in the winter has its perks even if it isn’t prime time for following our feathered friends. While most of our spring and summertime regulars have fled for warmer weather, we do get the opportunity to see a few who find our cold clime just fine. The biggest advantages are the lack ofContinue reading “Birds of prey will be back at Powder Valley for program”
CWD meeting at Festus VFW canceled
Due to the inclement weather and unsafe travel conditions, the chronic wasting disease meeting scheduled for this evening at 6 p.m. at the Festus VFW has been canceled. The state Department of Conservation encourages interested parties to attend similar meetings Thursday, Jan. 9 in Perry County at 6 p.m. at the Perry County Center, andContinue reading “CWD meeting at Festus VFW canceled”
If winter weather doesn’t wipe it out, meeting will provide CWD answers for public at Festus VFW
Maybe I’m obsessed with chronic wasting disease. This column marks the fourth time I’ve written about it in the past four months, but on the other hand, it is the first time this year. While there are people who are quick with theories attempting to discount the deadly deer disease, I am more aligned withContinue reading “If winter weather doesn’t wipe it out, meeting will provide CWD answers for public at Festus VFW”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 