The number of deer that test positive for chronic wasting disease in Missouri continues to climb at a slow and steady pace. That bad news is positive from the perspective that it could be worse. Eleven new cases have been documented this fall in the same small area of Jefferson County where the disease hasContinue reading “CWD surveillance statistics show slow continuous expansion”
Author Archives: John J. Winkelman
Deer harvest totals down due to several accumulating factors
There are nearly as many theories on the significant drop in deer harvest numbers this fall as there are hunters who tagged deer. And most of that speculation probably comes from guys like me who didn’t have success in the November portion of firearms season. Without including the conspiracy stories, there are plenty of logicalContinue reading “Deer harvest totals down due to several accumulating factors”
Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition
The Thanksgiving Day celebrations are barely behind us, and we are already full speed ahead toward Christmas. One holiday tradition celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and it continues to grow and add new participants each year. The Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was initiated in 1900 by a bird fan who suggestedContinue reading “Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition”
Different traditional Thanksgiving feast comes a week early
As people who enjoy the outdoors, we have much to be thankful for. The beauty and bounty of nature can sustain us physically and spiritually. Spending time in the fresh air is restorative, and the nutritional value of wild game exceeds almost anything you can buy in the store. It also can be really tasty.Continue reading “Different traditional Thanksgiving feast comes a week early”
Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers
A cool autumn afternoon with the forest of trees near their peak for fall colors may have been the best possible day to explore the Joachim Loop Trail at William C. Haggard Park in Herculaneum. But multiple times on the walk, I thought the path could be nearly perfect any time of the year. ForContinue reading “Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers”
Public input sought on development of Jay Nixon State Park
A couple of weeks ago I wrote in the Jefferson County Leader about upcoming meetings at Taum Sauk State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry. Due to recent flooding in the area, guided hikes scheduled for the two areas have been postponed until Dec. 7. Below is that column with the new dates. Many moons agoContinue reading “Public input sought on development of Jay Nixon State Park”
Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley
When I noticed that Doug Tallamy was the guest speaker for an upcoming program at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, his name sounded familiar. I quickly recognized that he was the author of a great book I read recently that offered a simple plan for conservation. My excitement was tempered when I realized he wasn’tContinue reading “Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley”
Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors
Everyone likes talking about the weather. It’s nice to have topics most of us can agree about, and these days those things can seem rare. Any time of the year, the fallibility of the professional meteorologists can provide common ground, but for all their other idiosyncrasies, their accuracy is actually pretty good. Despite the earnedContinue reading “Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors”
Early antlerless-deer hunting opens firearms seasons this weekend in Missouri
The first of Missouri’s firearms deer hunting seasons opens this weekend, so don’t be surprised to see more than the standard amount of blaze orange attire and to hear gunshots over the next few days in Jefferson County. Obviously, camouflage and Day-Glo are appropriate throughout the year in our community’s fashion calendar, and the repeatContinue reading “Early antlerless-deer hunting opens firearms seasons this weekend in Missouri”
Several county routes will show fantastic fall colors this month
For all of its reputations and stereotypes, Jefferson County probably does not get enough credit for its glories. Back roads and byways throughout the area offer some outstanding fall color displays this time of year. A few weeks ago I wrote about the parks and places where you can sample spectacular views while on foot,Continue reading “Several county routes will show fantastic fall colors this month”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 