Archery hunters required to purchase separate turkey permit

Fall turkey hunters this year will experience the biggest regulation change as the seasons open this autumn. Already affected are those who have enjoyed a combined deer and turkey archery hunting opportunity. For the first time in decades bow and arrow hunters are not being issued two permits for deer and two for turkeys. RatherContinue reading “Archery hunters required to purchase separate turkey permit”

Dark cloud of disinformation hovers over deer season

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”

Operation Clean Stream continues its work this weekend

For nearly six decades the Open Space Council has been taking to the rivers and creeks around St. Louis to fight the effects of flooding, illegal dumping and careless littering with an army of thousands of dedicated volunteers. More are always welcome. On Saturday, Aug. 23, participants in the 58th annual Operation Clean Stream willContinue reading “Operation Clean Stream continues its work this weekend”

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”

Two streams for one float trip provide varied fishing opportunities

Most anglers are unwilling to divulge information about their favorite fishing holes. Because the spot I’m happy to share is nearly seven miles long and has strict fishing regulations that protect my favorite targets, I welcome fishermen and anyone looking for fun on the water. Several times over the past few years we have usedContinue reading “Two streams for one float trip provide varied fishing opportunities”

Archived article brings back memories of fishing with Uncle Richard

On more than one occasion I have advocated for state residents to subscribe to the free Missouri Conservationist magazine. Its spectacular photography and stories about the outdoors and wildlife are a true treasure. I know that I have been a fan of the magazine for as long as I can remember, and even longer thanContinue reading “Archived article brings back memories of fishing with Uncle Richard”

State offers free online session about black bears in Missouri

The chances for a bear encounter in Jefferson County for this year diminishes as summer fully sets in and the wandering young bruins of spring are settling into the more comfortable environs in the rural areas of the southern Missouri Ozarks. Even if we have already missed the opportunity have a black bear close toContinue reading “State offers free online session about black bears in Missouri”

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”

Hummingbirds spread out during summer months

After hearing from several readers about their observations of what seemed like fewer hummingbirds this spring, I checked in with state Department of Conservation ornithologist Kristen Heath-Acre to learn if there was an issue with the little bird’s numbers. While other migratory bird populations have plummeted, she said the hummers are actually in an oppositeContinue reading “Hummingbirds spread out during summer months”

Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning

A friend of ours asked for recommendations for local places to take her children during their summer vacation. She planned to visit one new location each week for the kids to explore and learn. I thought it was a great idea, so I assembled my ten best suggestions. She did not put any restrictions onContinue reading “Ten (or so) places to take the kids for summer adventures and learning”