Missouri Conservationist April 2012

2012·5.6 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri
C
onservationist
VOLUME 73, ISSUE 4, APRIL 2012 •SERVING NATURE & YOU
[ ]
NOTE TO OUR READERS
Landowners Make it Possible
I

vividly recall the first time I saw a mature bald eagle. It was 1972, early
morning, in the middle of a cold and snowy northern Illinois winter, as I
was driving along the Illinois River. The eagle was sitting in a large
sycamore tree eyeing an open water and wildlife resources.”
spot in the river, waiting for How true! Growing up, I had
its next meal of crippled wa- the good fortune to live in ru-
terfowl or fish. ral northern Illinois. Farmers
I was just as awed a few were some of my first em-
weeks ago, driving through St. ployers and friends. Cleaning
Martins with my wife, when barns, walking beans, baling
an eagle swooped in, grabbed hay and helping with harvest
a gray squirrel with one tal- gave me a real appreciation
on and disappeared into the for people connected to the
darkening sky, all in a matter land. I have also had the good
of a few seconds. fortune in my -year career
Today, sightings of bald of natural resource conserva-
eagles occur throughout the tion to work with many land-
year in central Missouri and owners in several states.
nesting pairs are not uncom- I have traveled to the four
mon along the Missouri River corners of our state and in be-
and in other parts of our state. tween. I am always amazed
In Missouri, wildlife at the diversity of landscapes.
restoration has been no ac- In Missouri  percent of
cident. Our natural resource the land is in private owner-
recovery and conservation ship and much of that is in
has evolved through a unique production agriculture. Each
Bald eagle nest
partnership. This partner- day, dedicated agriculture
ship includes the collective professionals have to adapt
wisdom of landowners, outdoor enthusiasts and government to the vagaries of the weather and understand the complexity
agencies. Missourians, in their efforts to restore and conserve of our economic times while ensuring that the soil, water, for-
Missouri’s natural treasures, have demonstrated how to “get est, fish and wildlife resources are intact for future generations.
conservation right.” We have moved beyond the challenges Strengthening the partnership between farmers, sportsmen
of the early years of restoring the state’s forest, fish and wild- and conservation agencies has never been more important if we
life resources. are not only going to sustain soil, water and natural resources,
While it is good to reflect as Missouri citizens’ Conser- but ourselves, as well.
vation Department celebrates its t anniversary this year, it Early spring is upon us. As you listen to the turkeys gob-
behooves us all not to get complacent. Conservation is as im- ble, hunt for morel mushrooms, head out to fish or watch ag-
portant today as it has been the past  years. Our planet sup- riculture land come alive with the food that sustains us, think
ports  billion people exerting more demand on our natural about the landowners who make it possible. If you know a land-
resources than at any time in history. It is my belief that our owner or have access to private land for your outdoor adven-
relationship with landowners is even more critical today than tures, thank them for their commitment to the future.
it has been in the past.
John F. Kennedy said, “There is too little recognition of
how much we all depend upon farmers as stewards of our soil, Tom Draper, deputy director
[CONTENTS]

April 2012, Volume 73, Issue 4
FEATURES
Cover: Big Spring in Van Buren
by Noppadol Paothong
8 Bringing Back Wildlife Above: Sunrise at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
by Brett Dufur after a blizzard by Noppadol Paothong.
MDC is celebrating the th anniversary of putting the state’s citizen-led
conservation efforts into action. In this issue, we highlight the restoration
and conservation of Missouri’s wildlife. MISCELLANY
2 Letters
16 Bad-Weather Photography 4 News & Events
by Noppadol Paothong 5 Ombudsman
Rain, snow and clouds add natural drama to your photos. 28 Plants and Animals
30 Places To Go
22 Living With Large Carnivores 32 Hunting and Fishing Calendar
by Jeff Beringer 32 Contributors
Bear and mountain lion sightings have increased in the Show-Me State.
April 2012 Missouri Conservationist 1
[LETTERS]
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.
All about angling
Editors’ note: You can search your phone’s MDC: That is quite possible because
In this month’s Conservationist (March), World app store for Find MO Fish, or visit spawning is triggered by water tem-
Class Fishing [Note to Our Readers] and The Lure mdc.mo.gov/node/ to learn more. peratures. Largemouth bass respond to
of Fishing [Page ] were a pleasure to read and surface water temperatures around 
made me proud to be a Missouri fisherman. Many thanks for the beautiful Conservationist degrees, and crappie begin spawning
Fishing the cool, clean Ozark streams here in with the lovely redbud blossoms on the cover at around  to  degrees. When we
Missouri is one of my passions. I feel I am truly [March] and the precious photo of Johnny Morris begin our weekly fishing reports in
blessed to have a Conservation Department and daughter on the back. I thoroughly enjoyed April, surface water temperatures are
so dedicated to the state of Missouri and its Larry R. Beckett’s Big Game Fishing; I almost felt part of the data that will be included.
outdoor resources and activities. as if I were in the boat with them.
Brian Curran, via Internet Doris McCann, St. Louis I found some false/red morels today. Does that
mean the edibles are close to popping?
Facebook questions
I am unable to find the free fishing application Reece Strawn
for my phone that was mentioned in your maga- Do you think the winter we had, or lack-there-
zine [The Lure of Fishing; Page ]. Can you tell me of, will put the bass and crappie into an earlier MDC: It is a bit early because morels
the name of it, please, so I can download it? spawn? usually begin appearing in early April.
Adam Blanch, via Internet Brian Hardwick Our mild winter may prompt a bit
of an early showing. Here is a link to
interesting info on Munchable Morels,
including when and where you can
find them: mdc.mo.gov/node/.
I apparently managed to misplace my heritage
card. Anyone know how I can get it replaced?
Paul Boxdorfer
MDC: You can order a replacement
Heritage Card from any vendor where
fishing and hunting permits are
sold. They will collect a $ replace-
ment fee and enter the request for the
replacement card. You will receive the
replacement card in the mail. Allow 
to  weeks for delivery. You can also
order the replacement card by calling
--- or visiting mdc.mo.gov/
node/. There is an additional $ fee
for telephone or $ fee for Internet orders.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Reader Photo Correction
Dakota Lynch of Barnhart captured this image of an eastern tent caterpillar In the March issue, Page , Did You Know?
at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. “I took this photo during a camping trip segment included incorrect dates under “Trout
that was nearly rained out altogether,” says Lynch. “On the last day of our Parks.” It should have read: “Mark your calendar
trip there was finally a break in the clouds that lasted just long enough for to be at Roaring River’s events on Saturday, May
me to head out and get a few decent shots.” Many consider the eastern tent , and Saturday, Aug. . Montauk’s events are
caterpillar a pest, because the caterpillars can significantly defoliate a tree in scheduled for Saturday, May , and Saturday,
large numbers, but the tree usually recovers. “I’ve always been an avid deer Aug. . Bennett Springs’ event is scheduled for
and turkey hunter, but when I’m not looking for a trophy buck I’m looking for Saturday, May , and Maramec Spring’s event is
that once-in-a-lifetime photo,” says Lynch. scheduled for May .”
2 Missouri Conservationist April 2012
Missouri
Northeast SUBSCRIPTIONS
C
onservationist
Northwest Phone: [phone], ext. 3856 or 3249
Address: Circulation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180
E-mail: [email protected]
Conservationist online services: Subscribe to the
Kansas Central St. GOVERNOR Jeremiah W. “Jay” Nixon
City Louis magazine, update your mailing address, or sign up to
receive an e-mail when the latest issue is available THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
online at mdc.mo.gov/node/9087 Don C. Bedell
Southwest Southeast Cost of subscriptions: Free to Missouri households JDaomne Rs T. J. oBhlnaisro, nI V
Out of State $7 per year
Ozark Becky L. Plattner
Out of Country $10 per year
Please allow 6—8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. Director Robert L. Ziehmer
Deputy Director Thomas A. Draper
OMBUDSMAN QUESTIONS Deputy Director Tim D. Ripperger
Phone: [phone], ext. 3848 General Counsel Tracy E. McGinnis
Internal Auditor Nancy R. Dubbert
Address: Ombudsman, PO Box 180,
DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS
Jefferson City 65102-0180 DIVISION CHIEFS
Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected] Administrative Services Carter Campbell
Address: PO Box 180, Design and Development Jacob Careaga
Jefferson City 65102-0180 EDITORIAL COMMENTS Fisheries Chris Vitello
Phone: [phone], ext. 3847 or 3245 Forestry Lisa G. Allen
REGIONAL OFFICES Address: Magazine Editor, PO Box 180, Human Resources Thomas Neubauer
Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730 Outreach & Education Mike Huffman
Jefferson City 65102-0180
Central/Columbia: 573-884-6861 Private Land Services Mike Hubbard
E-mail: [email protected]
Kansas City: 816-622-0900 Protection Larry D. Yamnitz
Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420 READER PHOTO SUBMISSIONS Resource Science Mike Kruse
Wildlife DeeCee Darrow
Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880 Flickr: flickr.com/groups/readerphotos
Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100 E-mail: [email protected] CONSERVATIONIST STAFF
St. Louis: 636-441-4554 Address: Missouri Conservationist, Reader Photo, Editor In Chief Ara Clark
Managing Editor Nichole LeClair Terrill
Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161 PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180
Art Director Cliff White
Staff Writer Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer Jim Low
MDC Online Discover more about nature and the outdoors through these sites. Photographer Noppadol Paothong
Photographer David Stonner
Designer Stephanie Thurber
Blog: mdc.mo.gov/node/109 Missouri Department of Conservation: mdc.mo.gov Artist Mark Raithel
Facebook: facebook.com/MDConline Nature Shop: mdcNatureShop.com Circulation Laura Scheuler
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/mdc_online Twitter: twitter.com/MDC_Online The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the of-
Kids’ site: XplorMo.org twitter.com/Nature_Videos ficial monthly publication of the Missouri Department
Missouri Conservationist: mdc.mo.gov/node/83 YouTube: youtube.com/user/moconservation of Conservation, 2901 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson
City, MO (Mailing address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO
65102.) Subscription free to adult Missouri residents; out
of state $7 per year; out of country $10 per year. Notifi-
cation of address change must include both old and new
address (send mailing label with the subscriber number
on it) with 60-day notice. Preferred periodical postage
paid at Jefferson City, Mo., and at additional entry offices.
Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box
180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: [phone],
Six times a year we’ll bring you eye-popping art,
ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2012 by the Conservation
photos and stories about Missouri’s coolest critters, Commission of the State of Missouri.
niftiest natural places, liveliest outdoor activities
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from
and people who’ve made a living in the wild. programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation
Come outside with us and XPLOR! is available to all individuals without regard to their race,
color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Questions
Ages: 7–12 should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO
Missouri residents: FREE (one subscription per household) Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice)
Out of state: $5 per year; Out of country: $8 per year or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
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A guardian’s name and address is required with the subscription.
Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.
Please allow 6—8 weeks for delivery of your first issue.
Printed with soy ink
xplormo.org | 573-55522222222-4444111111555, exttt. 33388885556666 or 3333322244499
April2012 Missouri Conservationist 3
[ ]
NEWS & EVENTS
by Jim Low
Anglers can meet this requirement several
ways. One is to put only three lures on the rig.
Another is to put more than three lures on the rig
but clip the hooks off all but three. This preserves
the illusion of a school of fish without exceeding
the legal number of hooks. Anglers also may at-
tach spinner blades, marabou streamers or other
hookless attractors to add flash and action.
Questions frequently arise concerning how
to count treble hooks or lures such as crankbaits,
with more than one hook. Under the Wildlife
Code, treble and double hooks are the same as
single hooks. Furthermore, any lure, such as a
crankbait, is considered a single, hooked lure. So
it is legal to put three crankbaits, each carrying
three treble hooks, on an Alabama rig.
Women’s Workshop, Sign Up Now!
Conservation helps women discover nature.
Women can get hands-on outdoor skills train-
Buying a a fishing permit is easy using our e-Permits system at mdc.mo.gov/node/. ing at the Discover Nature Women Summer
Workshop, June –, at the Windermere Confer-
Buy Fishing Permits Online ence Center in Roach on the Lake of the Ozarks.
Courses include:
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Missouri is a great place to hunt and fish. If you You can print a replacement copy of a permit. (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:35)(cid:66)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:1)(cid:73)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)
are planning a fishing or turkey-hunting trip this Permits may not be shared and additional copies of (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:80)(cid:70)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)
spring, remember that you can buy permits online, a permit do not provide additional valid permits for (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:48)(cid:86)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)
using the e-Permits system at mdc.mo.gov/ the buyer or others to use. Find more information (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:42)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:1)(cid:109)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:78)(cid:84)
node/. The system allows you to buy per- about e-Permits at mdc.mo.gov/node/. (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:66)(cid:78)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)
mits on any computer with Internet access and (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:84)
Alabama Rigs Legal?
print and use them immediately. (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:77)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:90)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)
All fishing and hunting and trapping permits Missourians care about conserving their fisheries (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:66)(cid:81)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:78)(cid:81)(cid:66)(cid:84)(cid:84)
and the Apprentice Hunter Authorization are avail- resources. The growing popularity of a multi-lure (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:52)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)
able through e-Permits /. E-Permits look like fishing rig commonly called the Alabama rig has The workshop is open to women ages  and older,
traditional permits and are about the same size. many anglers wondering whether it is legal and but girls age – may also attend when ac-
Deer and turkey tagging procedures have whether it could be so effective it hurts fishing. companied by an adult woman. The registration
changed with e-Permits. The main difference The answers are yes and no. deadline is April , and a $ deposit is required
is that permits no longer include a removable The Alabama rig, also known as an umbrella at the time of registration. Your deposit fee will be
transportation tag. Instead, the permit itself is rig, consists of a jig head attached to several wire returned when you check in at the event. To regis- HITE
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theH truanntsepros rtaartei onen tcaogu.raged to put e-Permits rleaandgeerms,e enatc mh atkipeps eitd pwositshib ale stnoa fips hsw seivveelr. aTl hluer easr- tdeerp, yoosiut mchuesctk fi. lYl oouut c aa fno rfimnd a nad P mDFa ilo ift tinh ew fiothrm yo tuor P: CLIFF
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inside zip-lock bags and attach them to deer on one line, simulating a small school of baitfish. KS
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or turkeys with string, twist-ties, wire, plastic An umbrella rig is not considered a lure, because N'S W
cable ties or tape. Another option is to obtain it is incapable of catching fish unless lures or ME
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free permit holders from a conservation agent. baits are attached to it. R;
NE
Protecting paper permits in this way will keep The Wildlife Code of Missouri allows no more ON
them readable and make it easier to write con- than three lures or baits with hooks on each pole AVID ST
firmation numbers on them when Telechecking and line. So anglers may attach no more than G: D
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deer and turkeys. three baits or lures with hooks to the rig. FISHI
4 Missouri Conservationist April 2012
download and print, at mdc.mo.gov/node/ Dave Pace, Salem, is chairman of the Rocky Year Award for three decades of fighting for
or you can call Lynn Merritt-Goggins at -- Mountain Elk Foundation. In presenting the conservation causes.
, ext. , or email at Lynn.Merritt-Goggins@ award, CFM President Mike Schallon noted Private landowner Frank Oberle, Novinger,
mdc.mo.gov. Participants are responsible for mak- Pace’s tireless efforts to promote Missouri’s elk- received the Wildlife Conservationist of the Year
ing room and meal reservations with Windermere restoration program. Award for his contributions to prairie conservation.
at --. For more information about the Keith Hannaman, Blue Springs, received the Wayne Lovelace, Elsberry, received the For-
workshop, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/. Conservation Educator of the Year Award for his est Conservationist of the Year Award. Lovelace
work establishing an outdoor classroom for Blue is president and CEO of Forrest-Keeling Nursery.
Conservationists of the Year
Springs South School and for his involvement in He has led several forestry organizations,
The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) state, national and international conservation and his development of the root-production
has named eight Missourians as its  Conser- education efforts. method for growing tree seedlings has contrib-
vationists of the Year. Each is proof of how deeply Freelance writer Steve Jones, Sullivan, Re- uted significantly to restoration of bottomland
Missourians care about conservation. ceived the Conservation Communicator of the hardwood forests.
Ask the Ombudsman
Q:
Because turkeys nest on walk on it may be enough to dislodge gas bubbles from the
the ground, and the young lake sediments and allow them to float to the surface. The
birds can’t fly, do the hens stay on the decay of organic materials in the water can lead to some
ground with the young at night? compounds that have an oily texture. The action of waves
or water movement on those materials can produce foam,
A:
Yes, the hen will roost on similar to soap suds. This can be seen in lakes as well as in
the ground at night with the rivers and streams.
young birds until they are about  weeks old. At that point,
the poults can fly enough to roost off the ground and the
hen will do so as well. As the poults get older and stronger,
they’ll all roost higher and higher in a roost tree.
Q:
When I’m on my dock at the lake, I see bubbles
rising through the water to the surface. First there
are just a few, but soon the bubbles are everywhere. They
wash into the end of the cove like soap suds. I don’t see any
small fish. What causes this?
A:
Bubbles in the water can come from several sources.
Through photosynthesis, aquatic plants and algae
produce oxygen which forms bubbles that escape from
the living plants and eventually come to the surface. The
decay of organic material (wood, dead plants and animals)
produces other gases as byproducts, such as carbon dioxide
and sulphur dioxide. There is decaying material on the
lake bottom as well as buried in the sediments below. The
movement of fish disturbing the lake bottom can release
Turkey hen
gas bubbles. The slight movement of your dock when you
JIM
RA Ombudsman Tim Smith will respond to your questions, suggestions or complaints concerning Department of Conservation programs.
TH
ER Write him at PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, call him at 573-522-4115, ext. 3848, or email him at [email protected].
T
April 2012 Missouri Conservationist 5
[NEWS & EVENTS]
(continued from Page )
Photo Tip of the Month: Composition
Missouri State Senator Kevin Engler, Farming-
While good equipment is helpful, there are some basic steps you can take to improve your pho- ton, and State Representative Steven Tilley, Per-
tography, without having to shell out a small fortune. It boils down to composition—what we ryville, shared the Conservation Legislator of the
decide to include in the frame, and where in the frame we put it. Here are a few pointers to Year Award. Both were cited for their commitment
better composition: to enhancing and protecting natural resources.
(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:77)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:83)(cid:66)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:42)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:88)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:66)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:42)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:90)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:1)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:1) Professional Conservationist of the Year Elsa
an animal, and only the animal is important to your photo, fill as much of the space with Gallagher, Excello, began her career with MDC
that animal as possible. However, if you are taking a landscape photo, you will likely want where she specialized in quail management,
to include a wide area of the scene with a deep depth-of-field so the entire scene is in focus. working tirelessly to promote early successional
This is still filling the frame as long as you only include what is important to convey the sense habitat with private landowners and govern-
of the landscape you are trying to portray. If it isn’t important to the message of the image, ment agencies. She currently is a regional biolo-
leave it out. Cleaner and simpler is usually better. gist for Quail Forever.
(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:1)(cid:90)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:86)(cid:67)(cid:75)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:53)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:67)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:81)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:1)
Elk Update
we can do to improve a lot of our photos.
(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:41)(cid:1) (cid:66)(cid:87)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:38)(cid:87)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:74)(cid:78)(cid:66)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:72)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:81)(cid:77)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:70)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:78)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:85)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:87)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:8)(cid:84)(cid:1) Missouri’s elk herd is growing, and this year’s elk-
attention. In a close-up photo of an animal, it may be the animal’s eyes. In a landscape photo, restoration work is benefitting from experience
it may be a flower in the foreground. gained in .
(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:54)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:105)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:74)(cid:83)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:15)(cid:119)(cid:1)(cid:42)(cid:78)(cid:66)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:1)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:14)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:83)(cid:74)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:81)(cid:77)(cid:66)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:90)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:87)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:109)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:15)(cid:1)(cid:53)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:83)(cid:86)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:80)(cid:71)(cid:1) Restoring elk to Missouri is one way MDC
thirds suggests that, in most instances, the best place to put your focal point is at one of the works with citizen conservation groups to sustain
four intersections of the lines. Notice that the lines do not intersect in the center of the frame. healthy wildlife. MDC, in cooperation with the
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, brought  elk
from Kentucky to Peck Ranch Conservation Area
(CA) last May. This year, it has captured  cow
elk and  bulls in Kentucky with help from the
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisher-
ies. MDC will receive two-thirds of this year’s
trapped elk, which are expected to arrive here in
May after stringent veterinary health screenings.
Virginia will get the remaining elk.
Missouri’s share of this year’s captured elk will
join the  elk already living here. Most of the 
mature cows already in Missouri, along with those
that will arrive this spring, are expected to be
pregnant and give birth to calves in early summer.
MDC is tracking the movements of Missouri’s
growing elk herd. The elk are behaving as
expected, exploring their new home but mostly
staying in the vicinity of green browse fields
and open woodland habitat available within the
(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:621)(cid:1)(cid:614)(cid:111)(cid:616)(cid:614)(cid:614)(cid:78)(cid:78)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:71)(cid:16)(cid:616)(cid:15)(cid:622)(cid:1)(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:615)(cid:16)(cid:615)(cid:616)(cid:614)(cid:1)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:1)(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:42)(cid:52)(cid:48)(cid:1)(cid:615)(cid:614)(cid:614) -square-mile elk-restoration zone in Shan-
The composition of this image includes only the essentials. It is tight on the subject, filling the frame non, Carter and Reynolds counties. They moved
with the hunter, the smoking gun and just enough of the background to give the image a sense of away from hunters during three managed deer
place. The focal point of the image, the hunter’s face, is placed in the frame using the rule of thirds. hunts at Peck Ranch CA, but quickly returned to
All of these elements come together to create an image that is simple, dynamic and effective. the same places after hunters left.
The elk spread out more during summer, while
75th Anniversary of Conservation Photo Contest, Enter Now!
cows were rearing their calves. In the fall, they
Remember to get out those cameras and search those photo files for your best images that came together in three loosely organized groups
celebrate the natural wonders of Missouri and the -year legacy of MDC. A full list of rules and as dominant bulls gathered “harems” of cows. NER
N
guidelines can be found at mdc.mo.gov/node/. MDC plans to close the refuge area at Peck D STO
Ranch CA during the spring and early summer, AVI
D
6 Missouri Conservationist April 2012
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as it did last year. While this is an inconvenience Did You Know? We help people discover nature.
to turkey hunters, it is necessary to avoid
disturbance of elk newly arrived from Kentucky
and cows with newborn calves. The portion of
Fun Events Around the State
Peck Ranch CA outside the marked refuge fence
remains open to hunting and other activities. » Find an event near you! MDC offers a wide variety of events across the
state to help people of all ages discover more about nature and enjoy the
75th Anniversary TV Special
outdoors. Below is just one example in each of our regions. Go online to
Take a trip through conservation history by find more events at mdc.mo.gov/node/.
watching MDC’s th-anniversary television spe- » St. Louis region, Butterfly Gardening With Tom Terrific at Powder Valley
cial, The Promise Continues. Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, Saturday, April , –: a.m.
The video journey from  to the present Reservations required; please call --.
traces Missouri’s groundbreaking conservation » Kansas City and Northwest regions, Trapping Education at Lake
movement through historic photos, movies and re- City Range in Bucknor, Saturday, May ,  a.m. to  p.m. Reservations are
cordings of Missouri conservation pioneers. These required by April ; please call --.
citizens and professionals turned the promise into » Southwest region, Morels and More: Missouri’s Wild Spring Mushrooms
a reality and turned Missouri into a great place to at Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Tuesday, April , – p.m.
hunt, fish, hike and generally enjoy nature. Registration required by April ; please call --.
The list of cities, stations and times in April » Central region, Beginning Fly Fishing from A–Z at Runge Conservation
the program will air: Nature Center in Jefferson City, Thursday, April , :– p.m.
Registration required by April ; please call --.
CITY STATION DATE TIME » Ozark region, Dutch Oven Cooking at Twin Pines Conservation Education
St. Louis KPLR/cw   p.m. Center in Winona, Saturday, May ,  a.m. to  p.m. Reservations are
required by May ; please call --.
Kansas City KCTV /cbs  Noon
» Southeast region, Digital Camera Scavenger Hunt at Cape Girardeau
KSMO/mytv   p.m.
Conservation Nature Center, Saturday, April , – p.m. Registration
Springfield KOLR/cbs  Noon
required; please call --.
 : a.m.
» Northeast region, Crappie Clinic at MW Boudreaux Memorial
KOZL/ind  Noon
Visitor Center at Mark Twain Lake, Saturday, May ,  a.m. to  p.m.
Cape Girardeau KFVS/cbs  Noon Reservations required by May ; please call -- or email
WQWQ/cw  : p.m. [email protected].
 : p.m.
Columbia/ KOMU/nbc  Noon
Jefferson City
  a.m.
CRP Sign Up
soil erosion, improve water and air quality and
 Noon
Over the past  years, the federal Conservation develop wildlife habitat. In return, FSA provides
KMOS/pbs  : p.m.
Reserve Program (CRP) under the U.S. Depart- participants with rental payments and cost-
  p.m.
ment of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency share assistance. Contract duration is between 
Joplin KSNF/nbc   a.m.
(FSA) has created millions of acres of upland to  years.”
 : p.m. and wetland habitat for wildlife by offering The USDA estimates that . million CRP
  a.m. payments to farmers for taking highly erodible acres are scheduled to expire nationwide in
KODE /abc   p.m. farmland out of production. Efforts continue September with more than , of those
  a.m. with the USDA’s and Missouri Farm Service’s re- acres being in Missouri.
  a.m. cent announcement of a CRP general sign up For more information on the CRP general
March –April . sign up, contact the local USDA Service Center
St. Joseph KQTV/abc  : p.m.
According to the FSA website, “CRP is a volun- and speak with an FSA representative or MDC
  p.m.
tary program that helps agricultural producers private land conservationist. Visit the FSA
 : a.m.
use environmentally sensitive land for conserva- website at fsa.usda.gov/crp for details. To
Kirksville KTVO/abc  : p.m.
tion benefits. Producers enrolled in CRP plant find your regional MDC contact, see Page  for
 : p.m
long-term, resource-conserving covers to control phone numbers.
April 2012 Missouri Conservationist 7
8 Missouri Conservationist April 2012