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”

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”

Learn to burn: New local organization helps landowners with prescribed fire; Open meeting Feb. 8 in Festus

Mired in a month of actual winter this January, the idea of a meeting about fire and its benefits might attract a crowd just for the warm thoughts. The newly formed Mid Mississippi Prescribed Burn Association of Missouri is more than just a hot idea; the group helps landowners work together to manage their propertiesContinue reading “Learn to burn: New local organization helps landowners with prescribed fire; Open meeting Feb. 8 in Festus”

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”

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”

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”

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”

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”

Festus fisherman lands new world record bighead carp

“The good Lord is looking down on me.” George Chance was not talking about the world record fish he caught, but all the glories of his 78-plus years on earth. The retiree said he goes fishing at least three days a week at one of the several spots he has permission to fish near hisContinue reading “Festus fisherman lands new world record bighead carp”