Managed deer hunt application period now open

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”

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”

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”

Free First Day Hikes require advanced registration in Missouri State Parks

Thanks to alert Leader reader Karen Wenzel, I can correct this information for “Don’t Call Me Outdoor John.” My photo is tagged in my computer file as “created on Jan. 1. 2004,” but when Karen saw the picture in the paper, she new it was 2014 when I made my first, First Day Hike atContinue reading “Free First Day Hikes require advanced registration in Missouri State Parks”

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”

Wild areas continue to expand in Missouri at 60th anniversary

While many people look for more ways to exploit the earth and its resources, it is heartening to known that places still exist that are dedicated to preservation of our planet in its almost natural state. On Dec. 31, 2024, in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964, the Missouri StateContinue reading “Wild areas continue to expand in Missouri at 60th anniversary”