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”
Tag Archives: deer
CWD meeting at Festus VFW canceled
Due to the inclement weather and unsafe travel conditions, the chronic wasting disease meeting scheduled for this evening at 6 p.m. at the Festus VFW has been canceled. The state Department of Conservation encourages interested parties to attend similar meetings Thursday, Jan. 9 in Perry County at 6 p.m. at the Perry County Center, andContinue reading “CWD meeting at Festus VFW canceled”
If winter weather doesn’t wipe it out, meeting will provide CWD answers for public at Festus VFW
Maybe I’m obsessed with chronic wasting disease. This column marks the fourth time I’ve written about it in the past four months, but on the other hand, it is the first time this year. While there are people who are quick with theories attempting to discount the deadly deer disease, I am more aligned withContinue reading “If winter weather doesn’t wipe it out, meeting will provide CWD answers for public at Festus VFW”
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”
Deer harvest totals down due to several accumulating factors
There are nearly as many theories on the significant drop in deer harvest numbers this fall as there are hunters who tagged deer. And most of that speculation probably comes from guys like me who didn’t have success in the November portion of firearms season. Without including the conspiracy stories, there are plenty of logicalContinue reading “Deer harvest totals down due to several accumulating factors”
Different traditional Thanksgiving feast comes a week early
As people who enjoy the outdoors, we have much to be thankful for. The beauty and bounty of nature can sustain us physically and spiritually. Spending time in the fresh air is restorative, and the nutritional value of wild game exceeds almost anything you can buy in the store. It also can be really tasty.Continue reading “Different traditional Thanksgiving feast comes a week early”
Early antlerless-deer hunting opens firearms seasons this weekend in Missouri
The first of Missouri’s firearms deer hunting seasons opens this weekend, so don’t be surprised to see more than the standard amount of blaze orange attire and to hear gunshots over the next few days in Jefferson County. Obviously, camouflage and Day-Glo are appropriate throughout the year in our community’s fashion calendar, and the repeatContinue reading “Early antlerless-deer hunting opens firearms seasons this weekend in Missouri”
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”
County archers look to continue 12-year deer harvest streak
Archery hunting season opens on Sunday in Missouri and while it may not carry the fanfare of other openers on the statewide outdoors calendar, it certainly will get the attention of quite a few Jefferson County residents. For 12 consecutive years Jefferson has been the top archery harvest county in the Show-Me State. Over theContinue reading “County archers look to continue 12-year deer harvest streak”
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”
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