John J. Winkelman

Antler scoring event returns to Henges Center near Eureka

Unfortunately I do not have a good reason to visit one of my favorite winter events this weekend near Eureka, but because hunters in Missouri set a new all-time record for deer harvest in the 2023-24 season, the annual Deer Antler Scoring Open House could be busy. From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb.Continue reading “Antler scoring event returns to Henges Center near Eureka”

Unplugged organization continues its work to get kids outdoors

For nearly a decade Missouri Kids Unplugged has been helping young people disconnect by inviting them to explore the outdoors at the organization’s facility near Dittmer and at special events throughout the St. Louis region. Sunfish are better than screen time; catching crappie kicks computer games; a lake shoreline is superior to social media. TonyContinue reading “Unplugged organization continues its work to get kids outdoors”

State plans classes for beginners to learn about hunting and fishing

Fishing is easy; it’s the catching part that can be trickier.

Turkey hunting hours extended to sunset on private land

Although it doesn’t feel like spring outside, maybe it would help to at least talk about warmer weather activities. For the first time in years, Missouri is making a significant change in its turkey hunting regulations, including confirmed adjustments in April and proposed modifications for the fall. To allow hunters to hear about the changesContinue reading “Turkey hunting hours extended to sunset on private land”

Festus hunter fills one of five elk hunting tags issued in state

While everyone was cheering in the new year, no one would blame Kelly Reeves for watching the Times Square ball drop with a little bit of melancholy. His 2023 is going to be hard to beat. Just before Valentine’s Day, he and Emily found out they would be parents for the first time. On MemorialContinue reading “Festus hunter fills one of five elk hunting tags issued in state”

Experience is the best teacher for deer hunting

A few weeks ago the state Department of Conservation planned a beginner’s seminar for deer hunting, and while I don’t qualify as a novice, I am not an expert by any means. Still, my first reaction was, “could I teach a class on the subject?” I’m not volunteering and do not have the credentials, butContinue reading “Experience is the best teacher for deer hunting”

Expanded firearms deer hunting opportunities chill archery anticipation

There was a time when I would count down the days to the opening of archery deer hunting season. Like a kid clicking through an Advent calendar, I was checking equipment, getting regular shooting practice and making final preparations in anticipation of the big day. So here we are on the eve of opening day,Continue reading “Expanded firearms deer hunting opportunities chill archery anticipation”

Defacing property is always criminal and sometimes it really hurts

Ruben Perez is an idiot, and the bad part is that he is not unique. I have been wanting to write about Ruben since I took a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park last year, but I’ve been sticking to more local issues. I have never met the man who has offended me so significantly,Continue reading “Defacing property is always criminal and sometimes it really hurts”

Celebrate National Trails Day at Shaw Nature Reserve today

There are a few places just beyond the Jefferson County borders that are close enough to claim or cool enough to covet, so that when someone mentions how close they are to our home, I wouldn’t dare correct them. Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area is just downstream on the Mississippi River in Ste. Genevieve County, andContinue reading “Celebrate National Trails Day at Shaw Nature Reserve today”

Finding flowers on a float trip and everywhere else this spring

My cousin AJ and I were floating down the Meramec River earlier this spring when I mentioned the pretty purple flowers along the bank. “Sweet Williams, I think,” he responded with a degree of confidence. “That’s impressive,” I replied. I was feeling pretty good about just noticing the flowers and acknowledging something besides the waterContinue reading “Finding flowers on a float trip and everywhere else this spring”