Missouri Conservationist February 2014

2014·6.1 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri
C
onservationist
VOLUME 75, ISSUE 2, FEBRUARY 2014 • SERVING NATURE & YOU
[ ]
NOTE TO OUR READERS
Engaging in Conservation
A
conservation lifestyle means more than enjoying Missouri’s
outstanding natural resources. Being a conservationist means striving
to increase knowledge, understanding the conservation issues
of the day, and being willing to engage on
those important local, statewide, and na-
tional issues. Past Missourians have laid
a great foundation for us to stand on and
build a brighter conservation future. It’s
our challenge and duty not to tarnish but to
build upon that great conservation legacy.
How do we engage? As some of my
friends say, “Let’s give back to the resource.”
Start with your daily support through your
words and actions. Speak about conserva-
tion and its benefits to others who haven’t
had the opportunity to learn about the
outdoors. Be an ethical outdoors person
who abides by sporting rules and regula-
Trumpeter swans at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge
tions and mentors the next generation of
conservationists.
Be proactive with your time and re-
sources. Get involved at the local level with conservation-re- Missouri’s waterways and new outdoor photography oppor-
lated organizations and groups. Being an active member who tunities unfold daily. Now is a great time for a winter float or
shares your time and resources with these organizations will hiking one of Missouri’s conservation areas such as Pickle
help grow conservation programs within the state. Springs. Take your family on a winter walk as highlighted in
Have a passion and a cause. If fishing is important to this issue.
you, then clean, healthy waters are a must! If waterfowl is Looking for hands-on opportunities to improve conser-
your passion, then Missouri wetlands, breeding areas, and vation? Get involved with volunteer groups. Volunteering with
wintering areas must be protected for the myriad of wetland the Department through the Master Naturalist program, na-
species! If hiking is your passion, then healthy forests and ture centers, Stream Teams, or the Hunter Education program
streams must be protected to provide future generations the builds future conservationists. The Department works with
same opportunity! For every outdoor passion, there’s an av- many volunteer groups who promote the outdoors. Helping
enue to improve conservation and to conserve resources for out at a youth clinic, a women’s outdoor program, or at an el-
future generations. derly or a disabled conservation event helps promotes conser-
Be informed and proactive with your knowledge and vation to many outstanding Missourians.
comments. In a recent national survey, 2.5 million hunters, As 2014 continues to unfold, ask yourself, “What have I
anglers, and wildlife watchers spent almost 35 million days done to promote conservation? What can I do this year?” I en-
enjoying Missouri’s natural resources. Those same outdoor courage each of you to take action, pledge your time, and work
enthusiasts spend more than $2.5 billion annually enjoying ardently to conserve fish, forest, and wildlife resources for future
Missouri’s outdoors. generations. Let’s leave Missouri’s waters cleaner, Missouri’s for-
Outdoor opportunities abound in late winter — get ests healthier, and Missouri’s fish and wildlife more abundant
outdoors. Missouri’s winter trout fishing, early crappie fish- for our children, grandchildren, and future Missourians. DS
N
ing, and the trout park opener on March 1 can jump-start the HI
VE
fishing season. Eagle watching opportunities still exist along Tim Ripperger, deputy director STE
[CONTENTS]
February 2014, Volume 75, Issue 2
FEATURES
Cover: Ice-covered vegetation at
Shawnee Trail Conservation Area near
10 Show Me Walleye Mindermines, Mo., by Noppadol Paothong.
by Adam Boman 5 00mm lens • f/10 • 1/80 sec • ISO 200
Learn the tricks to landing this elusive fish.
18 Winter Walk DEPARTMENTS
by Gladys J. Richter 2 Letters
Don’t stay cooped up! Adventure out with the family, and experience 4 Hunting and Fishing Calendar
nature’s splendor in a different light. 4 Agent Notes
5 Ask the Ombudsman
24 2014 Regulations Update 6 News & Events
30 Plants & Animals
32 Places to Go
33 Discover Nature
What is it? Our photographers have been busy exploring the intricacies
of the Missouri outdoors. See if you can guess this month’s
natural wonder. The answer is revealed on Page 8.
G
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February 2014 Missouri Conservationist 1
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LETTERS
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.
Great Resolutions • November: Deer hunting (rifle season) in extra dollar, I was able to purchase and print a per-
In the January 2013 issue, there was an article, Phelps County mit online. Other states can take weeks or months.
Conservation Resolutions, in which your director • December: Deer hunting (alt methods) at The public shooting range in our area is
resolved to “make time for at least one new Upper Mississippi-West Alton CA operated by the Department. It is cleaner and
outdoor adventure each month.” I’m happy to I’m proud to say many of these trips were my nicer than the private club to which I used to
share that I took his idea and ran with it. Here first times in a park, or my first time hunting a belong. They even provide free targets! Seriously,
are the “adventures” I completed. new animal, or hunting a new area. I harvested just in case one forgets to bring targets, there
• January: Rabbit and squirrel hunting at my first rabbit, caught my first trout with my are quality, 1-inch, grid-style targets kept on-
Busch CA dad and brother(a soon-to-be annual trip), and site, free for public use. It’s above and beyond
• February: Hike at Babler State Park saw a good friend of mine harvest his first deer. expectations for a public facility.
• March: Hiking and scouting for turkey at Great idea for a resolution and a great way Further, a Department biologist has met with
Pacific Palisades, Young, and Labarque to get more people enjoying the outdoors. I my dad (a landowner) regarding habitat man-
Creek CA’s encourage anyone to try the same this year. agement and restoration on his property. This
• April: Turkey hunting at Pacific Palisades Tim Stiebel, St. Louis guy is as professional as it gets, knowledgeable,
• May: Fly fishing at Taneycomo and has the perfect personality for working with
• June: Hike at Castlewood State Park We Have Lots to Share the public. He is currently writing a restoration
• July: Hiked the Lewis and Clark Trail at Each year, my appreciation for our Conservation and management plan for my dad to implement.
Weldon Spring CA Department grows. It is simply the best-run, best- Finally, The Northeast/Kirksville Regional
• August: Hike at Cuivre River State Park managed governmental agency in Missouri. This Office is just down the road from our house, and
• September: Dove hunting at Busch CA morning, I decided that I would go deer hunting it’s full of stuff for kids to do. I take my three
• October: Dove hunting at Weldon Spring CA with my dad. In about four minutes, and for one small children there on rainy days, and there is
a whole room full of indoor excitement to be
had. Taxidermied animals, demonstrations, and
displays. My kids love it. I’ve also taken the kids
on a few of their guided activities, one of which
involved hunting for and identifying animal
tracks. Again, pure kiddie adventure.
I could go on, but suffice to say, I actually
enjoy buying licenses and permits because I can
see where the money is going. Professional staff,
nice facilities, and a “public first” mindset.
Jesse Barton, Kirksville
Magazine History
I recently subscribed to your magazine, both
print and email, and I am enjoying reading the
current issue online. I remember your magazine
from when I was a child, and I am curious about
Reader Photo Busy Beaver how long your publication has been in existence.
I am 69 years old, so I think your magazine has
Jason Elkins, of Warrensburg, Mo., took this picture of the work of a truly busy been around a long time!
beaver. Elkins took the photo on a private farm on the banks of Big Creek in Phyllis Pryor, Chula
Henry County. Elkins estimated the circumference of the sycamore tree to be
at least 13 feet. “I am one of a group of 10 grade school friends that have hunted, Ombudsman’s Note: The first
camped, and hiked on this farm since we were very young,” says Elkins. “This Conservationist was published on July 1,
land has long been known for great waterfowl hunting, and it has always been 1938. The formation of the Conservation
known for growing big deer and turkey. Now, we can include big beavers to the Department was approved by voters in
area’s lore.” The actual beaver has not yet been witnessed in person, says Elkins, 1936, and the Conservation Commission
“but the story is starting to grow of the ‘giant ghost beaver.’” first met in 1937, so the magazine is almost
as old as the Department. —Tim Smith
2 Missouri Conservationist February 2014
SUBSCRIPTIONS Missouri
C
onservationist
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
GOVERNOR Jeremiah W. “Jay” Nixon
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
James T. Blair, IV
Cost of subscriptions: Free to Missouri households
Marilynn J. Bradford
Out of State $7 per year
Tim E. Dollar
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 Jennifer Frazier
Internal Auditor Lisa Wehmeyer
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 Brian Canaday
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: 573-815-7900 Private Land Services Bill White
E-mail: [email protected]
Kansas City: 816-622-0900 Protection Larry D. Yamnitz
Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420 READER PHOTO SUBMISSIONS Resource Science Mike Hubbard
Wildlife Jennifer Battson Warren
Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880 Flickr: flickr.com/groups/mdc-readerphotos-2014
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
Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161 PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180 Managing Editor Nichole LeClair Terrill
Art Director Cliff White
Staff Writer Jim Low
Photographer Noppadol Paothong
MDC Online Discover more about nature and the outdoors through these sites. Photographer David Stonner
Designer Stephanie Thurber
Circulation Laura Scheuler
Blog: mdc.mo.gov/node/109 Missouri Department of Conservation: mdc.mo.gov
The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the of-
Facebook: facebook.com/MDConline Nature Shop: mdcnatureshop.com
ficial monthly publication of the Missouri Department of
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/mdc_online Twitter: twitter.com/MDC_Online Conservation, 2901 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson
Kids’ site: XplorMo.org twitter.com/Nature_Videos City, MO (Mailing address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO
Missouri Conservationist: mdc.mo.gov/node/83 YouTube: youtube.com/user/moconservation 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.
Kids’ magazine Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: [phone],
ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2014 by the Conservation
February/March 2014 Commission of the State of Missouri.
Six times a year we’ll bring you eye-popping art,
photos and stories about Missouri’s coolest critters, Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from
niftiest natural places, liveliest outdoor activities adventures in nature programs of the Missouri Department of Conserva-
tion is available to all individuals without regard to
and people who’ve made a living in the wild. their race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Come outside with us and XPLOR! Questions should be directed to the Department of
Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102,
Ages: 7–12 573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to
Missouri residents: FREE (one subscription per household) the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Federal
Out of state: $5 per year; Out of country: $8 per year LARGE Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-
AND IN 4020, Arlington, VA 22203.
A guardian’s name and address is required with the subscription. CHARGE
Please allow 6–8 weeks for delivery of your first issue. RMUISLSEO TUHREI ’OSU GTIDAONOTSR S Printed with soy ink
Sign up Now! xplormo.org | 573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or 3249
February 2014 Missouri Conservationist 3
HUNTING AND FISHING
CALENDAR
FISHING OPEN CLOSE
Black Bass from Ozark Streams 05/25/13 02/28/14
Nongame Fish Gigging 09/15/13 01/31/14
HUNTING OPEN CLOSE
Coyote 05/06/13 03/31/14
Crow 11/01/13 3/03/14
Deer
Archery 09/15/14 11/14/14
11/26/14 01/15/15
Firearms
Urban Portion 10/10/14 10/13/14
”Artie’s always gotta do things differently.” Early Youth Portion 11/ 1/14 11/2/14
November Portion 11/15/14 11/25/14
Antlerless Portion 11/26/14 12/ 7/14
United States Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Alternative Methods Portion 12/20/14 12/30/14
Management, and Circulation (PS form 3526, September 2007) Late Youth Portion 01/3/15 01/4/15
Published annually in the February edition of this magazine
Rabbit 10/01/13 02/15/14
as required by the United States Postal Service.
Squirrel 05/25/13 02/15/14
1) Publication Title: Missouri Conservationist 2) Publication Number: 354-960 3) Filing Date:
Turkey
10/22/13 4) Issue Frequency: monthly 5) Number of Issues Published Annually: 12
Archery 09/15/14 11/14/14
6) Annual Subscription Price: Free In-State 7) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office
of Publication: Missouri Department of Conservation, PO BOX 180, Jefferson City, MO 11/26/14 01/15/15
65102-0180; Contact person: Shawn Cunningham; Telephone: [phone]) Full Names Firearms
and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher, Youth 04/ 12/14 04/13/14
Missouri Department of Conservation, PO BOX 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180; Editor,
Spring 04/21/14 05/11/14
Ara Clark, PO BOX 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180; Managing Editor, Nichole LeClair
Fall 10/1/14 10/31/14
Terrill, PO BOX 180, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0180 10) Owner: Missouri Department of
Conservation (Shawn Cunningham), PO BOX 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 11) Known Waterfowl see the Waterfowl Hunting Digest or mdc.mo.gov/node/3830
Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or
TRAPPING OPEN CLOSE
more of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None 12) Tax Status: The
purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for Beaver and Nutria 11/15/13 03/31/14
federal income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months.
Furbearers 11/15/13 01/31/14
Otters and Muskrats 11/15/13 02/20/14
Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding Months
A. Total Number of Copies Printed For complete information about seasons, limits, methods, and restrictions,
(net press run) 524,326
consult the Wildlife Code and the current summaries of Missouri Hunting
B. P aid and/or Requested Circulation
1. P aid/Requested Outside-County Mail and Trapping Regulations and Missouri Fishing Regulations, The Spring
Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541. 0
Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information, the Fall Deer and Turkey
2. Paid In-County subscriptions stated on Form 3541 0
Hunting Regulations and Information, the Waterfowl Hunting Digest,
3. Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors,
Counter Sales, and Other and the Migratory Bird Hunting Digest. For more information visit
Non-USPS Paid Distribution 0
mdc.mo.gov/node/130 or permit vendors.
4. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS 8,561
C. T otal Paid and/or Requested Circulation 8,561
D. Free Distribution by Mail, Carrier or Other Means,
Operation Game Thief
Samples, Complimentary and Other Free Copies
1. Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541 515,765
2. In-County as Stated on Form 3541 0 Help put game thieves out of business. If you see a possible
3. Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS 0 violation in progress, call your county conservation agent
4. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution immediately or dial the toll-free number below:
Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means) 0
1-800-392-1111
E. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 515,765
F. Total Distribution 524,326 All information is kept in strict confidence. Desirable
G. Copies not Distributed 2,000
information includes names of violators, vehicle description
H. Total 526,326
and license number, as well as the violation location.
I. Percent Paid 1.7 %
17. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. Shawn Cunningham
4 Missouri Conservationist February 2014
Ombudsman
ASK
THE
themselves, and my Heritage
Card, do not include a hunter-
education identification number.
Why is that?
Several decades ago, our hunter-educa-
tion records were not computerized as
they are today. If there is no hunter-ed-
ucation identification number on your
permits, then our computer records do
not include that information. Please
contact our Hunter Education staff at
our Department headquarters (see Page
3) so that we can add your certifica-
tion record to our database. Once that
is done, you will see a certification
number on any future permits that you
purchase, and you will not have to con-
tinue to present the orange card when
you buy firearms hunting permits. It
is important to get us that proof of
completion of the course before the old
card is lost or it falls apart. It may save
you from having to take the hunter-
education course again, which can hap-
pen if you lose your documentation.
Q. What are the rules on
Canada geese
removing tree stands after deer
season ends?
Q. Can you tell me how a large Canada
The tree stand removal regulations of
goose is able to walk on such a thin layer of this Department only apply to areas
that we manage, primarily conserva-
ice on my lake? Why doesn’t the ice break?
tion areas. On those areas, portable
tree stands may be placed or used only
Canada geese can weigh up to around break through. Geese spend a lot of between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31. Unattended
16.5 pounds. As with other waterfowl, time around ice and open water, so they stands must be plainly labeled with the
their feet have webbing between the toes probably develop good judgment about full name and address or Conservation
and that tends to spread their weight which ice will support them. Identification number of the owner and
over a larger surface area of the ice, must be removed by Feb. 1 each year.
reducing the chance that they will break Q. I completed the hunter-
through. It’s the same principle as a education training years ago Ombudsman Tim Smith will respond to
person wearing snow shoes to prevent and still have my orange card your questions, suggestions, or complaints
G
ON their feet from breaking through crusted that I received as proof of concerning the Conservation Department.
H
ADOL PAOT sonf othwe. Thicee trhea its wsoilml seu lpimpoitr tt oth teh eg othoisne.n Iefs s ccoarmdp wlehteinng I tphuer cchoausrese fi. rIe uasrem tsh e APhdodnrees: s5:7 P3O-5 2B2o-x4 118150,, eJxefft.e 3r8so4n8 City, 65102-0180
NOPP the ice becomes too thin, the bird will hunting permits, but the permits Email: [email protected]
February 2014 Missouri Conservationist 5
[NEWS & EVENTS]
by Jim Low
mostly forested, with scattered old fields, lime-
stone, sandstone, and dolomite outcroppings,
scenic views of the Meramec River Valley, inter-
mittent streams, and a 3-acre fishing lake. A se-
ries of old roads provide a trail system of 1.5 miles
and an additional hiking trail (0.5 mile) surrounds
the fishing lake. Completion of a new loop trail is
planned for the future.
The new area is home to a number of state-
listed species of conservation concern and more
than 50 species of fish and is bordered by the
Meramec River to the north. A monument recog-
nizing the Glassberg family’s donation is located
near the parking lot on the main entrance trail
to the area.
Forestry Regional Supervisor Cathy deJong,
who worked closely with the Glassberg family on
the acquisition, commented: “Due to the gener-
ous spirit of Myron and Sonya Glassberg and the
Mysun Foundation, this beautiful tract of land
located in the valuable LaBarque Watershed will
forever be preserved for the citizens of Missouri
to enjoy. Both Myron and Sunny enjoyed the
outdoors and gave generously to many projects
that they were passionate about. Sunny and the
Glassberg family enjoyed a small dedication cere-
mony that was held in their honor on May 6, 2013,
on the area, just a few days before the passing of
Sunny on May 19. The Glassberg area opened at
the end of October 2012 and has already become
a favorite area for hikers and conservation enthu-
siasts, with a full parking lot on many weekends.”
A grant from the U.S. Forest Service Forest
Legacy Program also assisted with the purchase
of the property. To visit Myron and Sonya Glass-
berg Family CA, drive south on Route W from I-44
in Eureka, then drive 4.3 miles west on Route FF.
An overlook at the 429-acre Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area in The area parking lot is on the north side of the
Jefferson County offers visitors a picturesque view of the Meramec River Valley. road, approximately 0.4 mile past the intersec-
tion of John McKeever Road and Route FF. For
more information about the Myron and Sonya
Mysun Foundation Donates Area
Glassberg Family CA, visit mdc.mo.gov/a201201.
For more information about the Depart-
Thanks to a donation of $1.75 million from the Glassberg and their family. The Glassbergs, ment’s land donation program mdc.mo.gov/
Mysun Foundation, Missourians are now able to who established the Mysun Foundation in 1968, node/23263.
enjoy nature at a new conservation area in Jef- were well-known throughout the St. Louis met-
2014 No MOre Trash Contest
ferson County. ropolitan area for their generous philanthropic
The 429-acre Myron and Sonya Glassberg spirit and love of nature. Missouri students in grades K–8 can fight litter by GA
N
Family Conservation Area (CA) is named in Located in north-central Jefferson County participating in the 2014 “Yes You CAN Make Mis- RLE
A
honor of the late Myron and Sonya (Sunny) about 6 miles south of Eureka, the property is souri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest. AN Z
D
6 Missouri Conservationist February 2014
CONSERVATION
COMMISSION ACTIONS
The December Commission meeting featured presentations and discussions regarding the
habitat, wildlife, and public-use management at August A. Busch Memorial and Weldon
Springs conservations areas; the Ozark National Scenic Riverways General Managment Plan;
and Missouri wetlands science and managment. A summary of actions taken during the Dec.
12–13 meeting for the benefit and protection of forest, fish, and wildlife, and the citizens who
enjoy them includes:
»»Approved the following seasons:
Turkey
Youth — April 12–13, 2014
Spring — April 21–May 11, 2014
Fall — Oct. 1–31, 2014
Firearms Deer
From the 2013 No MOre Trash Contest, the Urban Portion — Oct. 10–13, 2014
winning entry from the 3–5 grade category. Early Youth Portion — Nov. 1–2, 2014
November Portion — Nov. 15–25, 2014
Antlerless Portion — Nov. 26–Dec. 7, 2014
The contest encourages students to join the fight Alternative Methods Portion — Dec. 20–30, 2014
against litter by decorating and displaying a large Late Youth Portion — Jan. 3–4, 2015
trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a »» Voted to move ahead with changes it approved earlier this year for fishing regulations at
litter-prevention message, using a variety of cre- Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake. The changes will go into effect March 1, 2014. Those
ative media. The contest is designed to teach kids changes include instituting a slot length limit that protects blue catfish between 26 and
how litter hurts them, their communities, and 34 inches and increasing the daily limit to 10 blue catfish, with not more than two fish 34
their environment and raise public awareness of inches or longer.
the litter. Public, private, and home schools may »» Voted to allow the sale of one crayfish species, Orconectes virilis (also known as the north-
submit one entry in each competition category: ern or virile crayfish), for use as live fish bait, effective March 1, 2014.
K–2, 3–5, and 6–8. First-place winners in each »» Approved the purchase of 3.7 acres in Adair County as an addition to the Northeast
category receive $200, which is awarded to the Regional Office.
sponsoring schools. Winners are eligible for a »» Approved accepting the donation of approximately 223 acres in Hickory County from the
grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to the estate of Lawrence Matthew Schumacher as an addition to Mule Shoe Conservation Area.
sponsoring school. Contest rules and entry forms »» Approved the advertisement and sale of an estimated 1,282,888 board feet of timber
are available nomoretrash.org. Participating on 717 acres of Compartment 6 of Pea Ridge Conservation Area in Washington County.
school groups must submit completed entry The harvest will improve wildlife management, forest health, and the long-term sustain-
forms and up to three photos by March 14. ability of the forest by removing overstocked and mature trees.
»» Approved the nominations of Edwin ”Ed” Stegner and Elizabeth ”Libby” Schwartz for
Apprentice Hunter Authorization
induction into the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame.
Missouri’s Apprentice Hunter Authorization
empowers hunters to introduce friends and The next Conservation Commission meeting is March 6 and 7. For more information,
family to the outdoor traditions they treasure. visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3430 or call your regional Conservation office (see Page 3).
The $10 authorization is not a permit, but a
gateway to hunting. Missouri’s Wildlife Code
requires anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1967,
to pass an approved hunter education course waives the hunter education requirement for to complete hunter education. During their ap-
before purchasing a firearms hunting permit. up to two years. This allows apprentice hunters prenticeship, authorization holders must hunt
Buying an Apprentice Hunter Authorization to try hunting before investing the time needed in the immediate presence of companions
February 2014 Missouri Conservationist 7
[ ]
NEWS & EVENTS
(continued from Page 7)
who are 21 or older and are hunter-education resources, including information about insect wildlife value. You can instantly email results to
certified. This ensures both safety and the op- and disease issues, wildlife habitat improvement, a forester for further information.
portunity to learn from experienced mentors. and guidance for conducting timber sales that
Renew Permits for 2014
The authorization is available to residents and protect forest health and maximize profits.
nonresidents 16 and older for two years. It is a The app is available in both Android and Many hunting and fishing permits expire at the
great way to give potential hunters a taste of Apple formats for smartphones. Find it in end of February, including 2013 permits for small
what they are missing. For more information, your app store by searching for “Missouri For- game, fishing, trout fishing, and combination
visit mdc.mo.gov/node/438. estkeepers” or “MO Woods.” Once it is loaded hunting and fishing permits. Now is the time to
on your phone, go to your woods. The app’s renew these permits so as not to miss opportuni-
New MO Woods Smartphone App
detailed instructions and photos will guide ties in the year ahead.
Missouri Forestkeepers has a new smartphone you through entering the necessary informa- Buying permits is easier now than ever, with
app that enables forest landowners to evaluate tion about forest density, and tree species, size, three options. You can buy permits by visiting
their woodlands for health, wildlife habitat, and and quality. With this information, the app will mdc.mo.gov and clicking on “Buy Permits.” This
commercial timber value. The MO Woods app provide three prescriptions — one for timber- e-Permits option lets hunters, trappers, and
also provides links to other forest-management sale potential, one for forest health, and one for anglers buy permits at home or on any computer
and print them immediately.
All sport-fishing and sport-hunting permits
are available through e-Permits, along with trap-
ping permits and the Apprentice Hunter Autho-
rization. A $1 convenience fee is added to online
permit transactions. The $1 covers all permits
purchased at one time.
E-Permits are printed on regular printer
paper and can be saved on a computer, allow-
ing you to print replacements if permits are lost
or destroyed. Permits may not be shared, and
additional copies of a permit do not provide
additional valid permits for the buyer or others
to use.
Commercial permits and lifetime permits
can be purchased only through MDC’s Central
Office by calling 573-751-4115. You can still buy
permits from vendors or by phone by calling
toll-free 1-800-392-4115. Allow up to 10 days
for mail delivery of permits purchased by
telephone. Phone purchases are subject to a $2
convenience fee.
Low permit cost is one more reason Mis-
WHAT IS IT?
souri is a great place to hunt and fish. Missouri
residents pay $12 for an annual fishing permit,
Striped Skunk | Mephitis mephitis while residents in the eight neighboring states
Cat-sized mammals, skunks produce an unpleasant scent when agitated. Glands at the base of pay an average of $20.80. Missouri’s $17 Resident
the tail secrete this stinky musk and can be aimed and sprayed at will. Prior to spraying, skunks Any-Deer Permit is a bargain compared to the
usually stamp their feet and hold their tails high in the air to warn intruders. They are found average of $46.63 for equivalent privileges in
statewide but are least numerous in the Mississippi Lowland where there is little high land surrounding states.
for den sites. As scavengers, skunks eat small animals and insects, helping to control those
Hunting Mentorship in Missouri
populations. Females more than 1 year old begin breeding in February while younger females
mate about a month later. The single litter of 4–6 young is born from early May to early June. Missouri’s rich hunting tradition benefits the
— photo by Noppadol Paothong state in many ways, from providing healthful
recreation and food to pumping more than $1
8 Missouri Conservationist February 2014