Category Archives: Uncategorized

The 292 positive chronic wasting disease cases documented in Missouri seem like a statistical blip among the 210,000 tissue samples tested since the disease was first discovered in the state in 2011. It’s even less dramatic compared to the more than 2 million deer that have been harvested by hunters over those same years. ButContinue reading “Local meetings planned to provide updates about CWD control efforts”

Having fun in the great outdoors is easy, but making sure you stay safe while doing it takes a little bit more attention. Not too many years ago, relatively speaking, I would take on summer fun with more reckless abandon, but over time I’ve learned from a few mistakes and managed to survive a fewContinue reading “Consider safety when enjoying time in the great outdoors”

For 30 years the American Hiking Society has invited people to enjoy the outdoors on National Hiking Day on the first Saturday in June. Several of Missouri’s state parks are planning special events to mark the day, but finding a place to escape into the woods doesn’t require an itinerary or agenda. Still, the plannedContinue reading “Area offers ample opportunities for National Hiking Day”

When the deer I shot last fall tested positive for chronic wasting disease, I was sad but not totally shocked. At the time it just seemed unlucky that of all the deer sampled in Jefferson County, mine was one of only three with a positive/negative result. With additional testing and post-season targeted culling, the numberContinue reading “Dirty dozen: CWD cases spike in Jefferson County deer”

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”