A friend of ours asked for recommendations for local places to take her children during their summer vacation. She planned to visit one new location each week for the kids to explore and learn. I thought it was a great idea, so I assembled my ten best suggestions. She did not put any restrictions onContinue reading “Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Scenic course experience exposes popularity of disc golf
While it might not come to mind as a traditional outdoors sport, it would be difficult to play disc golf anywhere except outside. Jefferson County has several locations, so I have had many opportunities over the years to give the game a shot. Many decades ago when I was in college, we played what weContinue reading “Scenic course experience exposes popularity of disc golf”
High school fishing teams open the sport to all students
As most schools are putting the wraps on sports for the spring, students on area fishing teams are entering the best time of year for serious practice. Summer vacation offers many perks, and the long days of the season provide adequate opportunity for making as many casts as possible. “Kids are so busy with activitiesContinue reading “High school fishing teams open the sport to all students”
State plans permit price increases for third consecutive year
Just ahead of free fishing weekend, the state Department of Conservation is proposing increases in the cost of permits for the third year in a row. Based on the input it collected from hunters and residents in a survey this spring, the biggest boost will be on the backs of nonresident deer and turkey hunters.Continue reading “State plans permit price increases for third consecutive year”
County records 17 new positive CWD tests in 2024-25 season
Jefferson County and its neighbors continue to rack up substantial increases in cases of chronic wasting disease discovered in deer harvested by hunters. After increasing its total by more that 50% last year, Jefferson recorded an increased number of cases again this year, according to an annual report issued by the state Department of Conservation.Continue reading “County records 17 new positive CWD tests in 2024-25 season”
County schools dominate state archery tournament
The podium was a popular place for Jefferson County archers at the National Archery in Schools Program state tournament on March 19 through 22 in Branson, Missouri. Twenty-three area schools participated in the bullseye tournament and proved the point that these kids are good. Wade Conner, a sophomore at Hillsboro High School, shot a scoreContinue reading “County schools dominate state archery tournament”
Annual buyback program incentivizes invasive pear tree removal
The city of Herculaneum and a few other online sources have recently posted helpful tips for pruning Bradford pear trees. The once-revered ornamental landscaping plants are now recognized as invasive, and they have a particular trait of breaking branches easily in wind and ice storms. Recent spring storms may have brought the need for treeContinue reading “Annual buyback program incentivizes invasive pear tree removal”
State surveys hunters on possible non-resident restrictions
To participate in the survey go to mdc.mo.gov/MDChuntersurvey. The deadline to complete the survey is March 24. One of the most contentious but least consequential issues that hunters argue about involves non-residents who come to our state to hunt for deer, turkey and waterfowl. The state Department of Conservation is asking hunters and the publicContinue reading “State surveys hunters on possible non-resident restrictions”
Annual antler measurement event Saturday at Henges Range
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”
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”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 