Jefferson County residents hoping to participate in the state’s managed deer hunting program this fall have many things to think about before applying for their best opportunity. The most important consideration is timing. The online application process is only available this month. Every year the state Department of Conservation program offers hunts on public landsContinue reading “Managed deer hunt application period now open”
Tag Archives: nature
Funding for state parks on crowded August ballot
The August primary election is more than a month away, and I am already sick and tired of the television advertising. The ballot includes multiple issues, and big spenders are flooding the airwaves with relentless mischaracterizations for and against the proposals. At the very least, the deluge could discourage voter participation. Who wants to beContinue reading “Funding for state parks on crowded August ballot”
First visit found much to like about Montauk
When I interviewed new Jefferson County conservation agent Dominick Montileone III earlier this month, I was not surprised to learn that one of the places he identified as part of his indoctrination to the outdoors was in the woods and water at Montauk State Park. Our new agent, who begins his assignment on July 1,Continue reading “First visit found much to like about Montauk”
Rarely orphaned, wild babies don’t need human help
Every spring the state Department of Conservation sends a reminder to “leave wildlife wild” because the advice is so important for the newborns and hatchlings that sometimes end up a little too close to home. I had two encounters last week. A baby robin found its way into the garage, then couldn’t find its wayContinue reading “Rarely orphaned, wild babies don’t need human help”
Conservation agent returns home with new assignment
Most people associate homecoming with the fall season, but a 2018 Northwest High School graduate returns to his alma mater on July 1. Conservation agent Dominick Montileone III starts his new assignment in service to Jefferson County next month. Following graduation from the state Department of Conservation Agent Training Academy last September, Montileone was assignedContinue reading “Conservation agent returns home with new assignment”
Blue moon and big bluegill join forces this month
Deep in the recesses of my aging mind, I have the lyrics for hundreds of old country songs bouncing around. Occasionally, one of them worms its way to my consciousness. Today that song is a 1980s tune by Earl Thomas Conley: “Every once in a blue moon, I do something right.” Early in the morningContinue reading “Blue moon and big bluegill join forces this month”
Conservation agent reminds residents to be ready for possible bear visits
For more than a decade Cpl. Lexis Wilson has patrolled Jefferson County with the goal of protecting our natural resources and investigating game law violations, but the role of conservation agent goes way beyond those familiar tasks. Maybe most importantly, agents educate the public about the wild world around us. One subject that has beenContinue reading “Conservation agent reminds residents to be ready for possible bear visits”
Turtles on the road again with spring weather
The deluge of overnight rain certainly played a part, but I was surprised to see so many box turtles crossing the road during a recent morning trip through central Missouri. This is the time of year when they are most active, and the good news was that most of them I saw along the countyContinue reading “Turtles on the road again with spring weather”
“Prospects” report outlines Mississippi River fishing opportunities
“Raised by a river: I suppose both meanings are true – you can hardly have one without the other.” I love that line from Braiding Sweetgrass, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. I feel like it strikes close to home for me. My childhood included five-minute bike rides to the Mississippi River, weekends and summer vacations swimmingContinue reading ““Prospects” report outlines Mississippi River fishing opportunities”
Rail-to-trails organization celebrates 40 years of success today
All conversations about rails-to-trails conversions in our state begin with the story of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor. The MKT rail line property is now the 240-mile Katy Trail State Park from near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers to Clinton, southeast of Kansas City. Acknowledged since 2008 by the national Rails To TrailsContinue reading “Rail-to-trails organization celebrates 40 years of success today”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 