August 2024 marks the 80th birthday of the U.S. Forest Service icon Smokey Bear. (Please note.) “The” is not Smokey’s middle name. While the blue jean clad, hat-wearing, bare chested bear does not have a real identity crisis, almost everyone (myself included occasionally) wants to add the extra syllable. Mickey the Mouse, Donald the DuckContinue reading “Smokey Bear celebrates 80 years of prevention messaging”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Organization works to gain access for disabled hunters and youth; Fundraiser Aug. 17
Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the excitement and challenges that hunting and fishing have to offer. The Missouri Disabled Sportsmen group works to reduce barriers for people who want to enjoy the woods and waters. Founded in 2008, the statewide organization relies on volunteers and donors for 100 percent of the experiences itContinue reading “Organization works to gain access for disabled hunters and youth; Fundraiser Aug. 17”
Upcoming webinar to discuss invasive plants and deer management
A program that combines deer hunting and invasive species appears almost tailor-made for me by featuring two of my top topics for outdoor news. The free Invasive Plant Control for Deer Management webinar begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30. Use this link to access the Zoom call at meeting time: short.mdc.mo.gov/4XS. The programContinue reading “Upcoming webinar to discuss invasive plants and deer management”
Managed hunt application process in July marks the start for deer season dreams
Deer season unofficially begins in July when hunters who want to participate in the managed hunts offered throughout the state must apply for the opportunity. Other hunters would do well to get a copy of the annual regulations booklet, which is now available online and wherever permits are sold. The managed hunt application process isContinue reading “Managed hunt application process in July marks the start for deer season dreams”
Comment period open for proposed permit price increases
The state Department of Conservation is proposing rate increases for hunting and fishing permits for 2025. If that news sounds familiar, it’s because the state raised the rates for most licenses this year, after nearly two decades years without a change. More regular increases to keep pace with inflation and rising costs is probably theContinue reading “Comment period open for proposed permit price increases”
Research begins to study impact of black vultures on livestock
Like a parent who would not select a favorite kid, I have trouble isolating one bird as the best of the bunch. I’m frequently wowed by the woodpeckers that flock to my suet feeders in the winter. I’m captivated by the brilliant colors of the cardinals, blue jays and goldfinches. Obviously, eagles and other bigContinue reading “Research begins to study impact of black vultures on livestock”
Find a new spot to take advantage of Free Fishing Days
Annual Free Fishing Days in Missouri– and most other states — provide novice anglers the opportunity to try the sport without having to purchase the required permits. The hope of course is that they will get hooked on the idea and plan more trips in the future. On June 8 and 9 anyone may fishContinue reading “Find a new spot to take advantage of Free Fishing Days”
Jefferson County’s annual bear visit could be early this spring
Because it seems like it’s been spring since the end of February, it’s not a surprise that it feels like summer already, and occurrences you wouldn’t expect until Memorial Day are already on the radar.Jefferson County conservation agent Cpl. Lexis Wilson said she received a call last week from someone curious about the potential forContinue reading “Jefferson County’s annual bear visit could be early this spring”
Misinformation about snakes adds to plethora of questionable “facts”
While I realize that I do not have the qualifications or inclination to dispute all or even most of the misinformation that is widely shared these days, I am willing to try occasionally to be a voice of reason. And there is some significantly unreasonable news circulating these days. Multiple times this spring I haveContinue reading “Misinformation about snakes adds to plethora of questionable “facts””
Conservation Club lake will host teacher education workshop May 2
The state Department of Conservation program that teaches teachers how to teach fishing is coming to Festus. The three-hour workshop is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at the Festus/Crystal City Conservation Club near the intersection of Highway 61 and Interstate 55. Discover Nature Fishing consists of four progressive lessons thatContinue reading “Conservation Club lake will host teacher education workshop May 2”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 