There are nearly as many theories on the significant drop in deer harvest numbers this fall as there are hunters who tagged deer. And most of that speculation probably comes from guys like me who didn’t have success in the November portion of firearms season. Without including the conspiracy stories, there are plenty of logicalContinue reading “Deer harvest totals down due to several accumulating factors”
Tag Archives: wildlife
Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition
The Thanksgiving Day celebrations are barely behind us, and we are already full speed ahead toward Christmas. One holiday tradition celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and it continues to grow and add new participants each year. The Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) was initiated in 1900 by a bird fan who suggestedContinue reading “Christmas Bird Count seeks volunteers to carry on 125-year tradition”
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”
Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers
A cool autumn afternoon with the forest of trees near their peak for fall colors may have been the best possible day to explore the Joachim Loop Trail at William C. Haggard Park in Herculaneum. But multiple times on the walk, I thought the path could be nearly perfect any time of the year. ForContinue reading “Joachim Loop Trail in Herculaneum welcomes all walkers”
Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley
When I noticed that Doug Tallamy was the guest speaker for an upcoming program at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, his name sounded familiar. I quickly recognized that he was the author of a great book I read recently that offered a simple plan for conservation. My excitement was tempered when I realized he wasn’tContinue reading “Support for native plants and species comes to Powder Valley”
Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors
Everyone likes talking about the weather. It’s nice to have topics most of us can agree about, and these days those things can seem rare. Any time of the year, the fallibility of the professional meteorologists can provide common ground, but for all their other idiosyncrasies, their accuracy is actually pretty good. Despite the earnedContinue reading “Woolly worms and persimmons are not good weather predictors”
Voluntary CWD testing in Jefferson County gets additional locations
John’s Butcher Shoppe in Festus joins the list of six places in Jefferson County where deer hunters can voluntarily have the deer they harvest tested for chronic wasting disease. With so many options hunters here have no reasonable reasons for not getting their game checked. Testing is provided at no charge to the hunter, andContinue reading “Voluntary CWD testing in Jefferson County gets additional locations”
Smokey Bear celebrates 80 years of prevention messaging
August 2024 marks the 80th birthday of the U.S. Forest Service icon Smokey Bear. (Please note.) “The” is not Smokey’s middle name. While the blue jean clad, hat-wearing, bare chested bear does not have a real identity crisis, almost everyone (myself included occasionally) wants to add the extra syllable. Mickey the Mouse, Donald the DuckContinue reading “Smokey Bear celebrates 80 years of prevention messaging”
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”
Upcoming webinar to discuss invasive plants and deer management
A program that combines deer hunting and invasive species appears almost tailor-made for me by featuring two of my top topics for outdoor news. The free Invasive Plant Control for Deer Management webinar begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30. Use this link to access the Zoom call at meeting time: short.mdc.mo.gov/4XS. The programContinue reading “Upcoming webinar to discuss invasive plants and deer management”
Don't Call Me Outdoor John 