Fall deer hunting seasons open on Monday, Sept. 15, in Missouri with dark cloud hanging over the proceedings. The presence of chronic wasting disease is not the cause for the overwhelming concern. It is a virulent misinformation campaign that is dividing hunters, friends and families. I hold out some hope that I am too closeContinue reading “Dark cloud of disinformation hovers over deer season”
Tag Archives: hunting
Mandatory CWD sampling moves out of Jefferson County for this year
For the first time in a decade, deer hunters in Jefferson County will not be required to take their harvests to a chronic wasting disease sampling station on opening weekend this year. Since the disease was first discovered in Franklin County in 2015, the state Department of Conservation has mandated testing in Jefferson on theContinue reading “Mandatory CWD sampling moves out of Jefferson County for this year”
Managed deer hunt applications available online in July
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 ManagedContinue reading “Managed deer hunt applications available online in July”
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”
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”
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 publicContinue reading “State surveys hunters on possible non-resident restrictions”
Annual antler measurement event Saturday at Henges Range
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”
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”
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”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 