The chances for a bear encounter in Jefferson County for this year diminishes as summer fully sets in and the wandering young bruins of spring are settling into the more comfortable environs in the rural areas of the southern Missouri Ozarks. Even if we have already missed the opportunity have a black bear close toContinue reading “State offers free online session about black bears in Missouri”
Tag Archives: animals
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”
Sounds and smells offer first glimpse of coming spring
The middle of February may be too soon to start looking for the signs of spring in our area, but if you rely on a few other senses you can get the sense that times are beginning to change. Early last week I was surprised to hear the familiar sound of honking geese flying overhead.Continue reading “Sounds and smells offer first glimpse of coming spring”
Efforts must be improved to keep cats from killing birds
Fifteen years ago I became a cat owner for the first time. Actually, I’m more of a co-owner, and in all reality, we are the ones who are owned. We have had a few barn cats in the past, but that was more akin to co-habitating on the same property than ownership. Our now 15-year-oldContinue reading “Efforts must be improved to keep cats from killing birds”
CWD surveillance statistics show slow continuous expansion
The number of deer that test positive for chronic wasting disease in Missouri continues to climb at a slow and steady pace. That bad news is positive from the perspective that it could be worse. Eleven new cases have been documented this fall in the same small area of Jefferson County where the disease hasContinue reading “CWD surveillance statistics show slow continuous expansion”
Voluntary CWD testing in Jefferson County gets additional locations
John’s Butcher Shoppe in Festus joins the list of six places in Jefferson County where deer hunters can voluntarily have the deer they harvest tested for chronic wasting disease. With so many options hunters here have no reasonable reasons for not getting their game checked. Testing is provided at no charge to the hunter, andContinue reading “Voluntary CWD testing in Jefferson County gets additional locations”
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”
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”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 