Managed deer hunt applications available online in July

The 2025 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet is now available online and at permit vendors. It includes details on this year’s managed hunts.

Last year nearly 25,000 hunters applied for almost 6,000 permits to hunt for deer in 143 managed locations in Missouri. The annual application period is open from July 1 through July 31, so now is the time to study the results from previous seasons to determine when and where works best for you.

The Managed Hunts page at mdc.mo.gov includes links to data from previous years, so hunters can review statistics to gauge their opportunities for being selected and for harvesting deer at most locations.

The primary factor in completing an application is that hunters may only choose one hunt. The drawing is conducted through the state Department of Conservation website and accumulates preferences points for those who were not selected in previous years to earn extra chances.

If simply getting picked to participate is success enough, be aware that everyone who applied last year had their names drawn for two archery hunts in Cape Girardeau, one at Caney Mountain Conservation Area, and one at Marais Temps Clair. Applicants also had 100% draw rates for a muzzleloader hunt at Forest 44 Conservation Area and a firearms hunt at Weldon Springs.

Those six events were obvious exceptions among the 143 hunts last year. The most popular opportunities in 2024 were an archery hunt at Jefferson Barracks Park in St. Louis County with 942 applicants for 30 permits, 1,115 people who applied for 75 chances to hunt at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area, and 1,207 hunters who wanted one of 100 spots at Cuivre River State Park.

While earning the chance to hunt is nice, the statistic that may matter most is the success rate for those who participate. Outstanding in last year’s data was the work of five hunters who were selected from among 40 applicants for the archery hunt at McDonnell County Park in St. Louis County. The took home 12 deer in the effort to reduce the population at that small park.

Everyone knows the reputation the park at Jefferson Barracks has for deer density. That is why so many people apply for the 20 permits available just north of the Jefferson County line. Sixteen of the 20 hunters last year harvested 29 deer from the park.

Places like the St. Louis County Parks and Missouri State Parks are included in the conservation department’s managed hunt program to assist with population control. Those options are usually good places to consider for hunters who are interested in putting meat in their freezers. Proximity is also a key consideration.

In addition to the St. Louis County Parks archery hunts, Jefferson County hunters would want to consider regional locations like the August A. Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles County and the Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers in north St. Louis County.

Other nearby hunts include the Fabick Nature Preserve near Fenton, Forest 44 Conservation Area near Valley Park, Rockwoods Range and Rockwoods Reservation near Eureka, Dr. Edmund Babler and Castlewood State Parks in west St. Louis County, Robertsville State Park in Franklin County, and St. Joe State Park in St. Francois County. Last year 22 hunters at St. Joe harvested 51 deer.

The managed deer hunt program also has special events exclusively for youth, disabled hunters, and for women. A beginner category added recently provides hunts for anyone who has never taken a deer in the past to hunt with a mentor. Most hunts have pre-event meetings with mandatory attendance required to participate.

The application is available through July 31 at mdc.mo.gov. Hunters need to review all of their options and hope for the best of luck in finding an opportunity that fits their circumstances. Results are posted online in August.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

Hummingbirds spread out during summer months

While hummingbirds are nesting through the summer months, they are less likely to be seen at feeders, a state ornithologist says. Missouri Department of Conservation photo

After hearing from several readers about their observations of what seemed like fewer hummingbirds this spring, I checked in with state Department of Conservation ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre to learn if there was an issue with the little bird’s numbers.

While other migratory bird populations have plummeted, she said the hummers are actually in an opposite situation.

Referencing the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Heath-Acre said, “eBird trend maps show ruby-throated hummingbirds are increasing or maintaining populations in Missouri in the past 10 years.”

I also thought I had seen fewer birds this spring at my feeders, and now that the season has changed to summer, my nectar offering seems more likely to attract downy woodpeckers and an occasional finch to its red flowers rather than my hummingbird targets.

“As the weeks pass in the summer, the birds pair up and spread out across the landscape over territories that the male defends for the female to build a nest and raise their young,” Heath-Acre said. “As hummingbirds spread out to breeding territories, they are naturally not as concentrated in flocks that we see at feeders initially in the spring.”

While that explains the dog days dilemma, why were their fewer in some places this spring? My neighbor Steve reported that his usual entourage (more like a swarm) was here earlier, and others I’ve heard from told similar stories, but what about those other observations?

“Regrettably, we have no way of knowing why they don’t always return to feeders they’ve previously visited,” Heath-Acre said. “It’s possible they could’ve found a better place to migrate through or perhaps they stopped to fill up their tanks at another property. These situations are tough because folks watch hummingbirds yearly for many years, and it’s no fun when they don’t refuel there or stop coming. We’re just not sure.”

Weather events, storms, habitat destruction, mortality events, or any number of things can affect the timing and locations of bird migration annually, she said.

“Those threats vary across the different parts of a migratory bird’s range, from the breeding range up here to stop-over sites during migration and on the wintering grounds,” Heath-Acre said.

The silver lining remains that the ruby-throated hummingbird is faring well, but comprehensive studies analyzed by the Cornell Lab show North American bird populations are down by nearly 3 billion (that’s a B) birds since 1970.

Common birds – the species that many people see every day – have suffered the greatest losses, according to birds.cornell.edu. More than 90% of the decline comes from just a dozen bird families including the sparrows, blackbirds, warblers, and finches.

The losses include favorite species seen at bird feeders, such as dark-eyed juncos, aka snowbirds, down by 168 million, and white-throated sparrows down by 93 million. Eastern and western meadowlarks have lost a combined 139 million individuals in the past half century.

“We want to keep common birds common, and we’re not even doing that,” said Pete Marra, a study coauthor who formerly directed the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and now directs the Georgetown Environment Initiative.

We will get to see the hummingbirds again – with the bonus that their successful nesting means there will be babies too – getting fueled for their long flights in the fall.

“You’ll often see them in concentrated groups again in the fall when they all flock up and start heading south,” Heath-Acre said. “Most of Missouri’s hummingbirds are gone by early October, so it’s okay to bring the feeders back indoors around then.”

For those who want to do more to protect hummingbirds and other species, she suggests not overusing bug killers.

“I encourage people to avoid spraying insecticides, if possible. Birds, and particularly their young, are often insectivores,” she said.

For more information on ruby-throated hummingbirds visit the conservation department’s field guide at mdc.mo.gov.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning

Mastodon State Historic Site brings fun and learning together in a easily accessed package for Jefferson County residents.

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 on the list, but I tried to limit it to locations within an hour or so of Jefferson County, and I excluded the obvious superstar spots in St. Louis including the Gateway Arch, St. Louis Zoo, and Science Center. Their greatness goes without saying, and you probably could assemble a list of 10 cool places to visit that are inside the big city’s limits.

I always recommend Mastodon State Historic Site when people ask me what Jefferson County has to offer. The museum documents our area’s natural history with prehistoric evidence. The playground equipment and picnic area provide great day activities for a family. The three hiking trails range from easy and accessible to a challenging workout.

My other Jefferson County suggestion is the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge. While it doesn’t have an abundance of attractions, the uniqueness of its namesake structure is something you can put your hands (and feet) on to cross the creek the way area residents did more than a century ago. There are only four covered bridges remaining in Missouri.

A herd of American bison roam freely at Lone Elk Park in St. Louis County for a unique drive-through experience.

St. Louis County has several locations for learning and exploring that are not as world-renown as the Arch and its expansion memorial. Combining locations is also a possibility. For example, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center pairs well with Lone Elk County Park. One is an educational mecca, and the other is a drive-through, wildlife viewing opportunity. Grant’s Farm fits that bill too. A quick caveat: Lone Elk is better in the winter when you can see deeper into the woods.

One more St. Louis County location offers a cool immersive experience. The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House puts visitors among dozens of butterfly species and about 150 tropical plants. Admission is $8, but it’s free for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit is also a Botanical Garden property, and it provides options to see native plants in their natural settings.

The underground world of Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Missouri, offers a 60-degree environment on even the hottest summer day.

Venturing further from the metropolitan area, Elephant Rocks State Park is more than a bunch of super-sized stones. It is natural history on display as a huge playground. Since you are already in the Arcadia/Ironton area, additional outdoor adventures can be found at Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Taum Sauk Mountain. Collectively the two state parks offer a unique chance to get your feet wet and view of the horizon from the highest peak in the state.

The highest spot in the state maybe be more than an hour from most of Jefferson County, and so is one of Missouri’s lowest. Meramec Caverns puts a whole different world on display with guided tours along lighted walkways. The year-round, 60-degree temperatures are certainly appealing on a hot summer afternoon.

I feel compelled to mention couple of other locations beyond the one-hour driving range. The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City puts history on display and can provide and a civics lesson or two. A visit to Central Dairy for ice cream is a worthy reward for a long car ride.

Last year we went to Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site near Independence, Missouri. It is not a day-trip by any measure, but if spending the night can be worked into the plan, a glimpse at the past about how fabric was made in the 19th Century is on display along with a historic house and farm.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

Scenic course experience exposes popularity of disc golf

Disc Golf Monkey owner Russel Burns launches his drive from the No. 10 tee box at Hanna Hills Disc Golf Course in Laquey, Mo.

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 we called Frisbee golf, picking locations around the quadrangle and throughout campus at Truman State to toss our discs toward. This past weekend I finally took the chance to join the legions of enthusiasts who recognize the game’s popularity.

Hanna Hills Disc Golf Course near Fort Leonard Wood in southwest Missouri is no place for a beginner. Fortunately, I made the loop with a couple of top-notch players, so I could pretend I fit in at the place that is rated among the 100 best courses in the world, in the top three in Missouri, and the state’s No. 1 most scenic course, according to udisc.com, the online authority for the sport.

After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Vic Bentele developed his property in Pulaski County to create a play space for his family and his soldier friends from nearby Fort Wood. He and his wife Diana cleared fairways through the woods and up and down the Ozarks hills.

With more than 300 feet of elevation change and spectacular views of the Roubidoux Creek valley, I did not have time to contemplate what happened to my college days’ disc skills. I just admired the scenery, along with the precision and distance displays put on by Vic and Diana’s son Michael Bentele, and disc golf equipment manufacturer Russ Burns.

Vic Bentele said the course does not charge players to try their luck at the course, but they do accept donations and require all players to complete a registration certificate before attempting their first toss across a small pond from the elevated No. 1 tee box.

The Jefferson County region offers more than a dozen disc golf courses. They are among 339 in the state, 10,644 in the United States, and 16,267 around the world, according to data from udisc.com. Across the state about half of the courses offer 18 holes or more, and the remainder are nine-hole courses.

Arnold, Festus and Hillsboro all have disc golf options in city parks. They are among the 89 percent of courses that are free to play. The 20 holes at Larry G. Crites Park in Festus include long open holes and wooded areas. The website says, it’s “not very beginner friendly.”

For the newbie in town, the nine-hole course at Jokerst Park in Festus gets a positive review from udisc.com. “Fun park-style course that is easy enough to bring a new person and still has enough to be fun for the seasoned player.”

The nine-hole course at Arnold City Park is rated as beginner friendly, and the same is said about the Hillsboro nine with the caveat that its “mostly shorter, but very technical holes feature wooded shots with terrain.”

The 18-hole course at Pacific Community Park opened in March 2024. Udisc.com says, “beautiful area with open and wooded holes with lots of shade. Great mix of regular and technical shots. Generally flat terrain.”

Other area courses in and around Jefferson County include the new 18-hole Knight’s Flight Disc Golf Club and Grace Way nine-hole course in DeSoto, an 18-hole course at Jefferson Barracks Park, Sunset Lakes former ball golf course in Fenton, and nine-hole courses at Kircker Park in Eureka and at Oakville Middle School, which is only open to the public when school is not in session.

Visit udisc.com/courses to find places to play near you.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

High school fishing teams open the sport to all students

The 2025 Seckman Jaguar Fishing Team included 40 anglers from grades fourth through 12th.

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 activities these days, it’s hard for them to fit another activity in their schedules,” said Festus High School fishing team head coach Jay Beffa.

Organized practices are scheduled once a month, he said, but that doesn’t mean the anglers can’t find their way to some water to work on the tricks and techniques that could pay off for them in the tournament season.

The Festus team includes 62 boys and girls fishing in the high school and junior divisions. The teams include students in fourth through 12th grade. Coach Gary Hollern said his Seckman High School fishing team is up to 40 anglers for the upcoming season. Both programs started in 2021.

“The school recognizes us as a club sport, which means we get to use the school’s name and cafeteria for practices,” Hollern said. “The seeds were originally planted by Zach Hobbs and Sam Cox when they were in the 11th grade. Both of these young men are excellent anglers who helped to lay the ground work for the team to grow.”

Two Seckman High School anglers show off their catch at a NYFA tournament weigh-in.

Both Seckman and Festus participate in the National Youth Fishing Association tournaments. The teams competed in qualifying events this spring at Bull Shoals, Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake. The state championship is June 7 at Stockton Lake, northwest of Springfield.

“This is a team tournament format consisting of two anglers, and a boat captain,” Hollern said. “The boat captain drives the boat and can coach the anglers but is not allowed to cast or fish in any manner. The goal is to weigh in the heaviest five bass.”

Finding boats and boat captains presents the biggest challenge for the teams, both coaches agreed. While many captains are family members, other area residents have made commitments to help kids get on the water for tournaments.

“This season we had two boats (not affiliated with the angler) that were able to be used to ensure we did not leave any kids on the dock,” Hollern said. “Boat captains give up their weekends to help get these anglers out into God’s great outdoors. We have had parents without boats, who see how much their kids are off the Xbox and enjoying the sport, go out an buy a boat.”

Members of the Festus High School Fishing Team volunteered at a recent veteran fishing event at the Elks Lodge Lake in Crystal City.

The fishing teams also rely on sponsors to help with funding and providing equipment.

“Being a 501(c)3 we been extremely fortunate to have several returning sponsors,” Beffa said. “We have several title sponsors that sponsor each individual tournament. We’ve been extremely blessed to be able to partner with area businesses to develop our own scholarship program above and beyond what the anglers could earn from competing in the tournaments.”

Because the programs are club teams, student anglers don’t have to be residents of the specific school districts to participate.

“If you have a young angler who is hooked on fishing. It does not matter what school they go to, you are invited to be on this team,” Hollern said. “The fish doesn’t know if the angler is young, old, boy, or girl. Anyone can win on any given day. It doesn’t matter how fast you can run or how strong you are. It’s not you against another person, it’s you against the fish.”

The Seckman coach also shared a favorite fishing quote of his from 20th century novelist John Buchan: “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.”

Anyone hoping for more information about the Seckman team can call Hollern at 314-562-2001. To reach Coach Beffa call 573-963-6290.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

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.

The state Conservation Commission approved the proposed price increases at its May 16 meeting in Jefferson City. The changes require a public comment period, which will be available in July, and then final approval again by the commission in September before taking effect for 2026.

Deer hunters from outside of Missouri will see their permits increase by $72, and nonresident spring turkey hunters will pay $61 more. According to conservation department data, about 43,000 nonresidents hunt deer in Missouri and 10,000 purchase turkey hunting permits in the spring. About 400,000 residents hunt deer or turkeys each year.

While the proportion of nonresident hunters and anglers is low compared to residents, a department press release stated that the opinion survey and public feedback showed Missourians generally supported raising nonresident hunting permits to bring them more in line with surrounding states.

“Across deer, turkey, and waterfowl, one potential change supported by residents is adjusting permit prices to be more in alignment with surrounding states,” said conservation department director Jason Sumners.

If the proposal gets final approval, the price of nonresident firearms and archery deer hunting permits will increase from $288 to $360. The average price of nonresident permits in the states surrounding Missouri is $443.13 for firearms hunting and $456.88 for archery. Nonresident spring turkey hunting permits will rise from $243.50 to $304.50, compared to a surrounding state average of $255.22.

Resident permit prices are also going up with the proposed changes. Firearms and archery hunters will pay $1.50 more in 2026 than in 2025. Firearms deer and spring turkey hunting permits are changing from $18 to $19.50, and archery permits will be $22, up from $20.50.

Fishing permits are also increasing under the proposal. Residents will pay $14 instead of $13, and nonresidents will see a hike from $53.50 to $57 for annual fishing licenses.

(To see all proposed permit increases see the conservation department press release.)

The price adjustments are based on the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI) related to cost-of-living increases from 2008 to 2024, the department press release stated. After nearly 20 years without an increase in permit costs, the state plans to recommend gradual price increases over 10 years at 50% of CPI growth for resident permits and an accelerated price increase for nonresident deer and turkey hunting permits to bring these permit prices more in alignment with other states.

The public comment period on the proposed permit price adjustments will be open from July 2 to July 31. For more information and to submit comments visit mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/public-commenting-opportunities.

According to conservation department data, permit sales account for about 17 percent of the department’s budget. The Conservation Sales Tax provides about 62 percent, and federal taxes and reimbursements make up about 15 percent. Sales and rentals, interest, and other sources result in the remaining 6 percent. On average, Missouri residents pay $24 annually for conservation through the one-eighth of one cent sales tax.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

County records 17 new positive CWD tests in 2024-25 season

An online map shows the proximity of all positive tests for chronic wasting disease in Jefferson County. The gray boxes represent cases from previous years, the colored boxes are from 2024-25.

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.

The 17 new positive tests from the 2024-25 season in Jefferson County tops the 2023-24 total of 15, and moves the county’s overall total to 60 since the first case was discovered near the Meert Tree Farm south of Festus in 2016. Fifty-nine of those confirmed positive tests have been from property within a five-mile radius of the original site.

Since 2016, hunters throughout Jefferson County have been required to get the deer they kill on opening weekend tested for CWD. Only one positive test has been found beyond the triangle formed by Interstate 55, Highway 67 and the Ste. Genevieve County line. Hundreds of deer have been tested from outside of that concentrated area, and the only outlier is a positive test from near Ware in west central Jefferson County in 2023.

While the disease does not appear to have spread its tentacles across the county, it continues to rapidly expand its range statewide. Seven counties had their first cases discovered this year including some heavy hitters in annual harvest totals. Texas County in south central Missouri is routinely in the top 10, and Callaway County between St. Louis and Columbia posts big numbers for archery and firearms harvests.

The state reported 243 new positive tests for chronic wasting disease in the 2024-25 hunting season.

In 2011 CWD was discovered in wild deer in Macon County, Missouri, near its border with Linn County. Those two counties combine for 156 of the 815 positive cases statewide. With 34 new positives this year, Ste. Geneveive County has the highest individual county total in the state with 136 cases. Franklin County added 24 new cases this year to reach 99 since the disease was first discovered there in 2015.

The annual information release reported 243 positive tests gleaned from more than 36,000 samples taken from 276,000 deer killed in fall firearms and archery seasons, and from post-season targeted removal on properties where the disease has been found in the past. Seventy of the positive tests were from 4,768 deer harvested statewide in post-season effort.

“The goal of targeted removal is to remove CWD-positive deer and reduce deer density in these localized areas to slow the spread of CWD and protect Missouri’s deer herd,” said Deb Hudman, state wildlife health program supervisor. “Targeted removal is a proven method to slow the spread of CWD, and Missouri is one of several states that uses it to manage the disease.”

A positive test rate of less than one percent is good news and a sign that the program to limit the spread is working.

Texas, Callaway, Marion, Miller and Morgan counties, which found their first positive test results in 2024-25 will be included in CWD-management zones when the Conservation Commission meets this month to establish regulations for the upcoming fall seasons. Because of the location of the positive test in Marion County, Ralls County is likely to be added for management zone regulations as well.

Hunters in those counties should expect to be required to get any deer they kill during opening weekend tested for the disease, and hunters will be permitted to hunt through the extended CWD season, which follows the November portion through Thanksgiving weekend. Providing grain, salt, minerals or other consumables for deer will be prohibited year-round in those areas.

Full details on the fall hunting season will be released in July with the publication of the annual Fall Deer and Turkey Huntoing Regulations booklet. To see full information on chronic wasting disease in Missouri visit www.mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

County schools dominate state archery tournament

Students from George Guffey Elementary School brought home another first place trophy from the state tournament.
Photos Courtesy Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.

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 score of 296 out of 300 and took individual first place honors in the bullseye competition, and with his teammates posted the highest team score among the 51 high school teams.

Once again, George Guffey Elementary was the best among fourth and fifth grade students, and they were joined by top performances from other Fox C-6 District schools Lonedell, second place, Simpson, third place, and Meramec Heights seventh place. Windsor Intermediate Center finished in ninth place out of 22 elementary schools.

The Fox District also had the top performers in the middle school category for sixth through eighth grades. Ridgewood placed first, and Seckman finished fourth. Hillsboro Junior High recorded the fifth best score of 64 schools in the division.

Students who finished in the top 100 for their classes at Guffey include Allison Sullivan, 273, Zeralyn Smith, 270, Briella McCabe, 267, Tathoi Das, 267, Aylin Madzhitova, 265, Charlie Bullington, 264, Nora Burger, 263, Lena Cook, 263, Mani Jackson, 261, Jaxson Nanney, 260, Remy Bailey, 258, Julia Kovack, 253, Madeline Hazer, 252, Beckett Downey, 251, Mason Georger, 249, Oliver Rongey, 246, Lincoln Hoffman, 243, Ariel Garrison, 243, Kellie Zoellner, 234, Julianna Throop, 226, and Myles Dugan, 222.

Jack Ferrario paced his Lonedell Elementary team with a score of 279 out of 300.

Top 100 shooters at Lonedell were Jack Ferrario, 279, Stanley DeFrate, 262, Ian Iverson, 256, Lincoln Greiner, 253, Tristan Harralston, 252, Paulina Pullen, 251, Sophia Smith, 246, Rilynne DeLarber, 246, Bree McDonald, 245, Malcolm Harris, 245, Luke Duffe, 242, Sylvia Baechle, 234, Lillianna Littrell, 230, Conner Lanfer, 226, Lila Salazar, 204, and Alice Forbes, 188.

Simpson high scorers were Kynslee Beutel, 272, Joslyn Burgess, 264, Ariana Giljum, 263, Tessa Burgess, 260, Erik Whelan Bourne, 255, Angelina Smick, 249, David Parrish, 246, Edah Jusic, 241, Majda Aliji, 239, Maryam Aliji, 231, James Rose, 212, and Emma Schaefer, 209.

The best at Meramec Heights were Carter Kennon, 261, Jackson Olds, 259, Jaxon Arnold, 253, Bobby Renfro, 250, Maddie Hill, 248, Paisley Williams, 246, Kaitlyn Steinman, 246, Gabriella Romano, 234, Lanie Matthews, 231, Joe Gabler, 210, and BreLea Rees, 207.

Windsor Intermediate shooters scores included Rosie Hartman, 248, Lorelei Slate, 247, Addy McNabb, 246, Grace Kezirian, 245, Blaynee Buenniger, 243, Mia Stockwell, 231, Elizabeth Erb, 229, Colt Hodges, 229, Jaxon Bollinger, 221, TJ Sinclair, 215, and Caleb Welch, 207.

Seckman Elementary top shooters were Emily Buss, 263, Blake Slivkov, 255, and Daniel Barnby, 248, and Athena Elementary was led by Kolton Conner, 249.

Ridgewood shooters in the top 100 for their classes were Judah Martinez, 284, Elise Watkins, 284, Jasmine Collier, 280, Leo Pagan, 279, Armin Mujic, 278, Tripp Reinken, 277, Olivia Joggerst, 274, Bailey Eskew, 272, Truman Moore, 271, Logan Bloodworth, 270, Kaylee Storey, 270, Sydney Wolff, 268, Austin Kennon, 266, Gracie Jo Watkins, 262, Madeline Lenau, 261, and Logan Stevens, 255.

Seckman Middle top scorers were Danielle Crinnion, 285, Ethan Miles, 285, Luke Giger, 278, Lena Anderson, 276, Caden Schulte, 274, Paige Steinhoff, 270, Zoey Hatley, 269, Austin Bell, 269, Ethan McGee, 268, Ryleigh Peppers, 267, Elliette Howard, 267, Caroline Belcher, 266, Zoey Suntrup, 263, and Ella Anderson, 252.

The best at Hillsboro Junior High were Ava Luttrell, 284, Alaina Priscu, 281, Tommy Kuczynski, 281, Paxton Schnable, 277, Addy Goforth, 273, Jacki Kohler, 273, Bentley Beavers, 272, Kylee Olson, 271, Gavin Bishop, 270, Zayne Nichols, 264, Morgan Crosby, 262, and Talia Gross, 262.

Windsor Middle had seven shooters in the top 100 for their classes including Shelby Hodges, 274, Ty Riggs, 265, Alexa Zehr, 263, Jennalee Dews, 263, Shelby Schenk, 262, August Prehm, 257, and Haley Hayes, 255.

Jefferson Middle’s Macartney Grider shot a 260 for 49th place of 210 sixth grade girls.

Hillsboro High School archers finished in first place at the state tournament.

The first place team from Hillsboro High School was led by Wade Conner, 296, James Kimbrell-Cave, 293, Austin Morgan, 289, Gavin Formann, 286, Olivia Heine, 286, Trenton Weber, 285, Briley Vontalge, 285, Adelynn Jaeschke, 284, Colton Olson, 282, Natalie Jeaschke, 281, Kaleb Greiwe, 281, Bryce Ludwig, 280, Samuel Pierce, 279, Jackson Betzold, 278, Thomas Kuczynski, 278, Avery Oshia, 275, Gavin Gross, 274, Rylan Luttrell, 274, Lucas Burle, 273, Christian Ahlheim, 273, Cole Huskey, 272, Reece Churchill, 267, and Jaxi Vontalge, 261.

Seckman High finished in 13th place among 51 high schools thanks to scores from Abbi Hartigan, 290, Alexa Formby, 284, Landon Marlett, 280, Cassidy Jablonski, 279, Ian Slaven, 277, Jackson Phillips, 276, Brayden Woolsey, 274, Collin Davis, 273, Maddie McConochie, 272, Jacob Boden, 272, Cameron Crinnon, 267, Logan Wampler, 267, Josie Lenzen, 264, Sara Balding, 263, Madeline White, 259, Sara Kitson, 257, Kaitlyn Richardson, 255, and Taylor Gallagher, 254.

Windsor High School top archers were Will Deters, 285, Joseph Stephens, 284, Owen Saeger, 278, Noah Poirrier, 276, Andrew Renner, 275, A’nyah Hutchinson, 270, Dakota Dedert, 269, Ella Schaumann, 269, Nick Guebert, 268, Ella Cate, 267, and Billy Belosi, 261.

Fox’s top shooters were Mason Cook, 280, Tanner Klotz, 279, Semir Mujic, 271, Braelyn Haynes, 261, Myra Burger, 259. The best from Festus were Natalie Yates, 290, Kylie Tucker, 276, and Olivia Lucas, 274.

Grandview was led by Ellie Kutrip, 283, Ethan McKinney, 271, John Roberts, 265, and Samantha Corio, 263. Top scoring Jefferson High archers were Carleigh Cook, 271, Ethan Vandiver, 270, Brooklynn Rapp, 268, Ben Vandiver, 268, Cameron Wideman, 267, and Olivia Kentch, 262. The best from De Soto High were Bailee Sickmeier, 268, and Jayda Kirkpatrick.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

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 tree trimming to light. The suggested solution requires a chainsaw and the requisite safety precautions, but beyond that, the procedure is simple. One cut across the stump as close to the ground as possible is recommended to eliminate future troubles.

A bonus currently available provides Missouri residents a free replacement tree on Earth Day for removing a Bradford pear. The annual Callery Pear Buyback Program from the Missouri Invasive Plant Council returns thanks to co-sponsors including the state Department of Conservation, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, and the Forrest Keeling Nursery.

This Missouri Department of Conservation photo shows residents picking up their replacement trees.

I was able to participate for the first time this year with the April 22 pickup date matching my schedule, and the discovery of a rogue pear tree in in my woods last summer. I marked the menace and returned this spring to make the fatal cut.

State residents who remove a Callery pear tree from their property can receive a free native tree from one of more than dozen locations. Participants must register before April 17 and provide a photo of the tree they eliminated. For more information and registration, visit moinvasives.org.

The expanded list of pickup locations includes Park Hills this year, where I will be getting my new green hawthorn. The 3-gallon nursery stock won’t immediately stack up to the 20-foot tree it replaced, but it will be the right size and time of year for replanting.

As the old proverb proclaims, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” Anytime in April is actually very good. It’s the reason the month hosts Arbor Day and Earth Day.

I certainly won’t miss the wild-in-the-woods tree I’m trading in, so I know it would be much more difficult for those who have big flowering beauties in their yards. But the trouble they cause can not be understated.

Bradford pear trees and their relatives proliferate rapidly through seed dispersal and vegetative means. They quickly form dense thickets and choke out native trees and plants, according to the conservation department. Because they produce their buds and leaves earlier than other plants each spring their growth shades out opportunities for wildflowers and other species.

Among the replacement trees suggested by the department are American plum, flowering dogwood, eastern redbud, hawthorn and service berry, which are all spring bloomers and native species.

The hawthorn and dogwood were listed as available at Park Hills when I registered for my tree, but now are both marked sold out. Other options at the St. Francois County location include black gum, cherry bark oak, elderberry and white oak trees.

The buyback program began in St. Louis and Columbia in 2019 and has expanded to include 17 locations this year. In 2024, 630 donated trees were distributed around the state in return for the elimination of Callery pear trees.

There is no argument that the abundant white flowers are pretty, and as a sign of spring they give hope to a near future of warmer weather, but the beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. They are stinky, their falling fruit stains sidewalks, and as mentioned earlier, they do not hold up well against the weather.

With its clusters of strap-shaped, bright white petals, the early blooming, native serviceberry flower is much prettier than a Bradford pear tree.

And there are much better options. On a recent hike south of Festus, I spotted a few serviceberry trees with clusters of bright white flowers. The puffy balls of white stood out in the gray wood landscape. As a native species they were much more appealing than the annual roadside clutter of the rogue Bradford pears.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.

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 public for their opinions about the subject.

An email was sent to 56,000 state residents and 1,800 non-residents who purchased permits over the past two years, according to a press release from the conservation department. Those survey recipients were selected from a pool of 542,532 permits buyers, so about 10 percent of permit buyers should find a link in their inboxes.

The email was sent on March 10, said Joe Jerek, news services coordinator for the department. Others who want to weigh-in on the issue are welcome to complete an online survey that asks them to consider how strongly they agree or disagree with proposals affecting out-of-state hunters.

The data is collected anonymously, identifying participants only by their zip code. To participate in the survey go to mdc.mo.gov/MDChuntersurvey. The deadline to complete the survey is March 24.

I was not among the lucky ones to receive the survey email, but I did complete the questionnaire using the provided link. Introductory queries asked about hunting interest and experience, but then it got down to the nitty gritty.

The state is considering regulations targeting non-resident hunters. Respondents were asked their preferences on ideas like limiting the days or portions of the deer, turkey, and waterfowl seasons that non-residents would be allowed to hunt, changing the price of non-resident hunting permits, and/or limiting access to public lands for non-residents.

In addition to the multiple choice questions, the survey allowed fill-in-the-blank comments. I felt most comfortable commenting about deer hunting because that is the sport I am most familiar with, but overall my opinion is that we should find ways to encourage hunting in Missouri rather than creating additional restrictions.

Taking on the topics individually, and again, speaking mostly about deer hunting, I don’t see how any of the ideas are beneficial. It wouldn’t make sense to restrict any portion other than opening weekend, and that’s when I expect that most non-resident hunters are former Missourians who have moved away or family members who come from out of state to carry on traditions.

The survey question about the costs of non-resident permits asked if the price to play should match the rates charged by surrounding states. Iowa, Illinois and the others typically charge us more to go there than we ask for reciprocal privileges. It makes sense to have higher prices for non-resident permits, because they don’t pay the sales tax we do all year, but to use pricing as a weapon to limit access is not very neighborly.

While it may be more significant for waterfowl hunters to be restricted from state-owned conservation areas and other properties, it does not seem like limiting public-land deer hunting could possibly impact harvest totals or opportunities for residents.

Out-of-staters are not killing all the game or even a significant proportion. Their number of participants is fractional compared to resident hunters. Yes, there are many “professional” hunters who come in and leave with trophies, but they also leave a lot of their money behind. The state highlights the economic impact of hunting, especially in rural areas, and it is an added bonus that some of the money comes from beyond our borders.

It’s OK to sit around the campfire or on a barstool to discuss department rules you don’t like, but if you want to add your opinion where it matters, you have a few more days on this topic.

John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine.