Missouri Conservationist June 2009

2009·5.4 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri
C
onservationist
Serving nature & You
Volume 70, Issue 6, June 2009 •
[ ]
Note to our readers
The Beauty of Birds
F
or most of my adult life, I have enjoyed watching birds and have
kept feeders to attract them. My wife and I have enjoyed backyard
birding with our children and now with our grandchildren.
My interest in birds has grown beyond the backyard, and redbud and dogwood trees. There is a sense of delight in just
I find myself listening and watching for them anywhere and being in such a place.
anytime I go outdoors. The suite of It’s moments such as the ones I
birds seen and heard as you float down experienced in the woods during this
an Ozark stream is different from past turkey season that influenced my
those observed in a farm meadow or career choice. Becoming director of
a mature forest. The birds around us the Missouri Department of Conser-
change with the seasons of the year vation opened doors of opportunity
and even with the time of the day. that I never dreamed possible! Today, I
Turkey hunting at daybreak serve as Board Chairman for the North
affords a connection with nature in American Bird Conservation Initiative.
all its aspects, and hunters crave this NABCI began in 1999 and is a partner-
total experience. The photo with this ship for national bird conservation
essay is the exciting culmination of initiatives and for collaborative work
such a hunt this past April, but it is the in Canada and Mexico as well.
memory of spring mornings shared Bird conservation is challenging
with my sons that more fully reflects and complex, in part due to the migra-
my recollection of the hunt. Standing tory nature of many bird species. The
in the deep woods and listening to goal is to use sound science and effec-
John Hoskins with his spring 2009 turkey harvest.
the sounds in the minutes before day- tive management to ensure popula-
break, one hears birds of the night like tions and habitats of North America’s
whippoorwills and barred owls calling until the sky lightens, birds are protected, restored and enhanced through coordinated
and a chorus of different birds signal the start of a new day. I efforts at the international, national, regional and state levels.
recognize some of the songs, but I cannot identify all of them, Birds are beautiful, economically important, a priceless
and I want to learn more. part of America’s natural heritage, and critical indicators of
Turkey hunters listen for gobblers to call and reveal their the health of the environment upon which we all depend. Like
location. When that happens, the focus often changes from thousands of Missourians, I have the personal desire to learn
enjoying the diversity of birds to locating a specific animal. At about and enjoy birds, and, as director of your Conservation
times, this involves a fast hike through the woods while still Department, I also have a professional commitment to con-
alert for sounds and sights around you. The ability to imitate serve and protect them.
turkey calls adds to the experience through direct communica-
tion with the gobbler, and, although your focus is the gobbler,
you also see other birds, squirrels and the brightly colored John Hoskins, director
Our Mission:  To protect and manage the fish, forest and wildlife resources of the state;
to serve the public and facilitate their participation in resource management activities; and to provide
opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about fish, forest and wildlife resources. oskins
H
ay
J
[CoNteNts]

June 2009, Volume 70, Issue 6
Cover and left is a snowberry clearwing
moth (Hemaris diffinis) by Noppadol
Paothong. To learn more about moths
in Missouri, read Donna Brunet’s article,
Flutterly Fascinating, starting on Page 14.
NextGeN
This section reports on goals established
in The Next Generation of Conservation.
To read more about this plan, visit
www.MissouriConservation.org/12843.
5 PlaNts & aNIMals
6 PlaCes to Go
7W NE CoMMuNIty CoNservatIoN
N S
W E
S
8 outdoor reCreatIoN
N
W E
S
10 CleaN Water
11 WNEHealtHy Forests
FeaTures S
WN E12 laNdoWNer assIstaNCe
S N
14 Flutterly Fascinating WSE
story and photos by Donna Brunet 13 CoNservatIoN eduCatIoN
Moths are not all brown, and they’re not at all boring.
N
W E
N S
20 Angling for Oddball Fish MisCWSeE llaNy
by Greg Stoner, photos by Noppadol Paothong 2 Letters
These fish are fun to fight on the water and tasty to eat for dinner. 4 ombudsman
4 now We’re Cookin’
26 Dutch Oven Cooking 101 32 Hunting and Fishing Calendar
by Jim Low, photos by Cliff White 32 Contributors
The tips, tools and recipes you’ll need for culinary success on your 33 time Capsule
next camp out. 33 agent notes
Cert no. SCS-COC-00648
June 2009 Missouri Conservationist 1
[letters]
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.
catfish is removed from the nest thousands of
unhatched catfish die because there is no parent
to protect them. He also said it was “against
the law.” Many people justify fishing by these
methods as being handed down through the
generations. That makes those who do this a
second-, third-, or fourth-generation poacher
in my opinion. i have experienced the thrill of
hooking a big cat on a rod and reel, and i’ve
gotten to feel that unmistakable tug of a big
cat on a trot line and a limb line. i am glad my
grandchildren and their children will one day get
to do the same thanks to the efforts of the MDC!
Les James, Hannibal
The silent type
What a great article, To Call or Not to Call, in
the april Conservationist. an avid turkey hunter
myself, with 25 years experience hunting both
Friends & allies
in 1996 before he had a chance to see the rapid Missouri and kansas, i found Mark Goodwin’s
decline of the bobwhite quail. article right on — a must read for all turkey
Going South by Kelly
i am glad the Department of Conservation hunters, especially young hunters. Experience —
came to the logical and scientific conclusion that says it all, and Mark talks more about being
Gillespie [april] was
that “noodling,” or whatever colorful name you quiet than calling. young hunters take heed, he’s
choose to give hand fishing, should be stopped. talking the right stuff here.
a wonderful article!
i asked my dad as a small boy why we fish so Rob Bolin, St. Joseph
much and other fisherman caught so many more
i learned so much from it. i had no idea that our big flatheads. Dad explained that those guys Day-trippin’ tips
birds were in such peril! i also didn’t realize the were hand fishing, and then he explained the We always look forward to the Missouri Conser-
physical challenge of their migratory flights. i process to me. When i wondered why we didn’t vationist. your recent article Walk on the Froggy
knew hummingbirds were incredible travelers, hand fish, Dad made a point to tell me when the Side [March; Page 6] led us to explore southeast
but did not realize so many other types of birds Missouri. We visited Mingo national Wildlife
went that far south. Refuge and otter slough Conservation area.
i love that we are getting an international Both sites offered great ways to view animals
alliance — a meeting of the minds — with and nature. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
our Central/south american neighbors. We’ve Thanks for the day-trip idea!
got to create the habitat. it takes small steps Teresa Leicht, Cuba
with consistency to make a difference, and this
is an excellent start. i won’t take my feathered Barrel of info
backyard visitors for granted any more! i have to really complement your organization for
Elizabeth Frazier Fuemmeler, MA, CCC-SLP the excellent work and time you put into develop-
Prairie View Elementary, Lee’s Summit ing each issue — the photos, stories, feature
articles and most of all the Web address you pro-
Enduring ethics vide is outstanding. i especially liked the Collect
i just read Catfish, Mo. in your april issue. i grew Those April Showers article [april; Page 7] — the
up fishing the rivers, lakes and streams in Mis- Web site you provide is excellent! i sure hope Gov.
souri. My dad was my mentor when it came to nixon puts a bit more money into the Conserva-
all things outdoors. His two passions were quail tion funding ‘cause it sure would be worth it!
hunting and fishing for catfish. My dad passed Roger R. Conway, Jefferson City
2 Missouri Conservationist June 2009
Northeast Missouri
C
subsCriptiOns onservationist
Northwest
Phone: [phone], ext. 3856 or 3249
Address: Circulation, Po Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180
E-mail: [email protected]
Kansas Central St. Conservationist online services: subscribe to the Governor Jay Nixon
City Louis
magazine, update your mailing address, or sign up to THe ConServATIon CoMMISSIon
receive an e-mail when the latest issue is available Don Johnson
Southeast online at www.MissouriConservation.org/15287 Chip McGeehan
Southwest Cost of subscriptions: Free to Missouri households Lowell Mohler
Ozark Becky Plattner
out of state $7 per year
out of Country $10 per year Director John Hoskins
Assistant Director Dave Erickson
OmbuDsmAn questiOns
Assistant Director Tim Ripperger
Phone: [phone], ext. 3848 Assistant Director Robert Ziehmer
DepArtment HeADquArters
Address: ombudsman, Po Box 180, Internal Auditor Nancy Dubbert
Phone: [phone] Jefferson City 65102-0180 General Counsel Tracy McGinnis
Address: Po Box 180,
E-mail: [email protected] DIvISIon CHIefS
Jefferson City 65102-0180
Administrative Services Carter Campbell
eDitOriAl COmments
regiOnAl OFFiCes Design and Development Bill Lueckenhoff
Phone: [phone], ext. 3245 or 3847 Fisheries Bill Turner
Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730
Address: Magazine Editor, Po Box 180, Forestry Lisa G. Allen
Central/Columbia: 573-884-6861
Jefferson City 65102-0180 Human Resources Debbie Strobel
Kansas City: 816-655-6250 E-mail: [email protected] Outreach & Education Lorna Domke
Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420 Private Land Services Bill McGuire
Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880 reADer pHOtO submissiOns Protection Larry Yamnitz
Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100 Address: Missouri Conservationist, Reader Photo, Resource Science Ronald Dent
Wildlife Dee Cee Darrow
St. Louis: 636-441-4554 Po Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180
Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161 E-mail: [email protected] ConServATIonIST STAff
Editor In Chief Ara Clark
Managing Editor Nichole LeClair
Art Director Cliff White
Writer/Editor Tom Cwynar
Staff Writer Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer Jim Low
Photographer Noppadol Paothong
Photographer David Stonner
Designer Stephanie Thurber
Artist Dave Besenger
Artist Mark Raithel
Circulation Laura Scheuler
The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the of-
ficial monthly publication of the Missouri Department
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],
ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2009 by the Conservation
Commission of the State of Missouri.
Reader Photo Lake Life Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from
programs of the Missouri Department of Conservation
is available to all individuals without regard to their race,
Janet White captured this picture of a great blue heron swallowing a crappie at color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Questions
her “little lake cabin” in Grundy County. White said she has spent much of her should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO
Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice)
time at the cabin since she retired three years ago. “I caught this particular pic- or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
ture of the heron as I was photographing goldfinch and downy woodpeckers at Service Division of Federal Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax
Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.
the feeders outside my window,” White said. “At last counting, I have identified
50 species that inhabit this tiny little haven.” Printed with soy ink
June 2009 Missouri Conservationist 3
now we’re Ask the Ombudsman
cookin’
q:
How can I replace my lost Heritage Card?
Pecan-Crusted Crappie
A:
New or replacement Heritage Cards may be
purchased for $2 wherever fishing and hunting
¾ cup chopped pecans permits are sold. The plastic card resembles a credit card
1 tablespoon sesame seeds with a magnetic strip on the back that stores information. The hunter-education
1 ½ pounds of crappie (4 servings) identification number appears on the card and verifies completion of that training.
1 clove garlic, minced When buying permits, the clerk can scan the card and eliminate the need to key
2 tablespoons butter, melted in your personal information. Heritage Card holders also receive a 15 percent
salt and pepper discount on selected retail merchandise at Conservation Department facilities,
including seedling orders from the state nursery. For more information, see this
stir together the pecans and sesame Web site: www.mdc.mo.gov/about/heritage.html.
seeds and set aside. arrange fish on a
baking dish or baking sheet. add garlic to q: What happened to the tumble bug? Growing up on a farm north of
melted butter and brush on the fish. Cover Kansas City, we had cattle and frequently saw tumble bugs rolling up
fish with nut mixture. salt and pepper to manure balls. It has probably been 40 years since I last saw one.
taste. Chill or let stand for 30 minutes. Heat
oven to 400 degrees. A:T umble bugs, or dung beetles, do appear to have declined in Missouri and
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a elsewhere. There are several likely causes for the decline. These include the
skillet and sauté the fish, pecan side down use of fly and intestinal parasite control chemicals on cattle, which pass through
for about 5 minutes. Transfer to an oiled their system and can make their dung toxic to insects. The popularity today of
baking sheet. When all fish are sautéd, bake cool-season grass pastures can lead to drier and more compacted soils that are less
with pecan side up until meat flakes. hospitable to
digging insects
Barbecue Turkey
(dung beetles
bury their dung
Wild turkey breast balls to provide
½ cup soy sauce food for their
½ cup water young). As we
2 tablespoons brown sugar manage more
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil native prairies
¼ teaspoon black pepper using grazing
½ teaspoon crushed garlic cattle, dung
1 tablespoon lemon juice beetles are
G
¼ teaspoon Tabasco sauce becoming more D.oR
o
o
common on W
G
U
Cut fresh or fully thawed meat into those sites. They y, B
sottrhipesr i1n ignrcehd lioenngts b tyo g¼e tinhcehr, tahdicdk m. Meaixt and Dung beetle pbreonveifidtes ,m suacnhy UnivERsiT
marinate overnight. as controlling o sTaTE
Drain meat, keeping the marinade. Grill insect pests, nutrient recycling and improving soil structure. For more oRaD
on low-medium heat for 10 minutes, basting information, visit: http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/dungbeetle.html. W, Col
with marinade. Ha
ns
a
Find a video and a PDF to download of Ombudsman Tim Smith will respond to your questions, suggestions or complaints concerning Department HiTnEy CR
these recipes, as well as many others, at of Conservation programs. Write him at PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, call him o: W
www.MissouriConservation.org/19463. at 573-522-4115, ext. 3848, or e-mail him at [email protected]. HoT
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4 Missouri Conservationist June 2009
Jim Low PlaNts & aNIMals
N
Species of Concern Grass Pink
e
x
Highways Going to the Birds t
G
e
Business brings nature
N
to road-weary travelers.
M
issouri’s 19 interstate highway rest
areas recently got a birdy boost
from a civic-minded st. louis-area
business. s&k Manufacturing of o’Fallon
N
donated 64 bluebird
W E
nest boxes and 32
S
purple martin houses
to make rest stops
more attractive to
birds and to the 24 mil-
lion people who visit
rest areas annually.
Purple martins, which arrive in Missouri in
april and stay until early fall, are known for
their voracious appetites for flying insects. The
bluebird — Missouri’s state bird — is simply
beautiful.
Secretive Amphibian
Eastern narrow-mouthed toad
lives mostly underground.
T
he eastern narrow-mouthed toad
Species of Concern: Grass Pink (Gastrophryne carolinensis) spends most
Scientific name: Calopogon tuberosus of its life in the soil beneath rocks or logs
Distribution: Eastern ozarks that are near, but not in, water. it inhabits most
Classification: imperiled of southern Missouri. in the ozarks, individuals
To learn more about endangered species: www.MissouriConservation.org/8227 sometimes are found beneath rocks on glades
and other dry, rocky areas. adaptations for an
underground lifestyle include a wedge-shaped
This shOwy OrchiD sometimes grows more than 2 feet tall. It head that is perfect for crawling into crayfish
inhabits areas where constant seepage of groundwater creates wet holes and tight places.
meadows known as fens. Such spots are scattered throughout much of since they do not
the eastern Ozarks, particularly around the margins of the St. Francis Moun- have to swim, eastern
tains. Grass pinks are known to live in Shannon and St. Francois counties, and narrow-mouthed
historic records show them in Reynolds County as well. However, undiscovered toads have lost the
colonies could exist in isolated pockets of suitable habitat in other parts of the webbing that most
aiTHEl Ozarks. Like other native orchids, grass pinks are sensitive to disturbance and frogs and toads
aRk R almost never survive transplanting. This is partly because of their very specific have between their
M
aRT: soil and water requirements and because they rely on a mutually beneficial toes, along with the external “tympanum” or
HERT; relationship with fungi that live in the soil around their roots. If you find one, eardrum. ants, termites and small beetles make
M RaT photograph it and send the pictures to Missouri Department of Conservation, up the bulk of their diet. The male’s mating call
o: Ji Resource Science Division, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. is a nasal bleating, like the cry of a lamb.
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June 2009 Missouri Conservationist 5
PlaCes to Go by Jim Low
Dalton Range
N
e
G Take hunting and shooting
Rebel’s Cove CA
xt skills to the next level.
e
N An all-around
W
outdoor paradise omen who have attended intro-
N ductory-level shooting workshops
T
W E his recreational paradise surrounds can take their skills to the next
S the only remaining unchannelized level at a Women’s shooting sports Day June 6
portion of the Chariton River, which at the andy Dalton shooting Range and outdoor
offers excellent catfishing. The zigzag river Education Center in Greene County. The all-day
channel harbors a variety of wildlife, including event includes rifle, shotgun, pistol and archery
river otters. Facilities include two boat ramps, shooting. This intermediate-level training builds
a pavilion, miles of internal access trails with on knowledge and skills acquired in previous
a wooden foot bridge and a deck overlooking workshops. Topics to be covered include shooting
one of seven wetland pools. Besides primitive safety and technique and hunting strategies and
camping, nature viewing and photography, ethics. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bows or firearms. The event, including lunch,
the area offers good deer, dove, rabbit, squir- is free. To register, call 417-742-4361. This is part of the Conservation Department’s Discover nature
rel and turkey hunting. Waterfowl hunting program. Basic shooting events taken under the old Missouri’s outdoor Women or Becoming an
depends on autumn rainfall. For outdoors Woman programs meet the previous training requirement. For more information about
more information, visit www.Missouri Discover nature — Women program offerings, visit www.MissouriConservation.org/13109. For
Conservation.org/2930. information about Discover nature — Families, visit www.MissouriConservation.org/16543.
Trail Guide Prairies Ablaze With Wildflowers
Much OF wEsTErn Missouri originally was
defined by tall- and mid-grass prairie that turned
into waving oceans of rainbow-hued wildflowers
each June. Today, less than one-half of 1 percent of the Show-
Me State’s original prairies remain, but June still is a spec-
tacular month to visit prairie remnants on conservation areas.
Prairies’ open character makes constructed trails unnecessary.
Strike out on your own and explore Drovers, Paint Brush or
Friendly prairies in Pettis County, Wah-Sha-She Prairie in
Jasper County, Pawhuska Prairie in Barton County, Taberville nER
n
Prairie in St. Clair County or Hi Lonesome Prairie in Cooper D sTo
County. Paint Brush Prairie in particular is known for avi
D
mysterious hillocks of soil and gravel called Mima mounds. nD
a
G
No one knows how they got on
H
tehceorsey s—te mju’sst s oencree otsf. tWheh pirlea irie Dol PaoT
pondering Mima mounds, noPPa
G,
watch for signature prairie on
H
rsepgeacli efsr iltiikllea pryr abiuritet ecrhfliicekse, npsin, k Dol PaoT
katydids, slender glass lizards, oPPa
n
upland sandpipers and Mead’s M ToP:
o
tmhiel kriwoet eodf .p Draoinri’te fworigldeflt otow eenrsjo. y WisE FR
oCk
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6 Missouri Conservationist June 2009
by Nichole LeClair CoMMuNIty CoNservatIoN
N
Taking aCTion La Benite Trail Volunteers e
x
Hunter Ed Volunteers t
G
e
Ensure our hunting heritage
N
as a mentor and instructor.
T N
here are nearly 6 million people in
W E
Missouri, so it is no wonder that it takes S
more than our few Department staff to
handle the public’s outdoor education needs. it
takes volunteers and partnerships to reach out
and make a difference in our state.
Hunter and Bowhunter Education
volunteers are among the largest single group
of dedicated individuals who ensure our
hunting heritage continues. They help develop
hunters that are knowledgeable, responsible
and involved — hunters who understand the
importance of complying with hunting laws
and behaving ethically. These instructors are
motivated to pass on their knowledge and
experience to a new generation and are proud
of their nationally recognized efforts.
Each instructor starts off by becoming a
graduate of Hunter Education or Bowhunter
Education. Then, through a class instructor or
Group Mission: Create and maintain the la Benite Trail. The 1.75-mile trail was built along by calling a regional office, they are referred
the south bank of the Missouri River. it begins in la Benite Park (City of sugar Creek) and to their region’s outdoor skill specialist (oss).
ends at the confluence of Mill Creek and the Missouri River. The oss will discuss becoming an instructor
Learn More or Volunteer: Contact Bill Haman at [email protected] or 816-254-8935. with the individual, send an application and
notify them when the next training class is
held. once certified, the instructor teams up
ThE LA BEniTE Trail Volunteers don’t actually exist. Well, not formally, with other instructors to conduct training.
at least. The several hundred volunteers that came together to create one of instructors not only earn the admiration of
the most unique trails in Kansas City didn’t do so because of any particu- their students and make our outdoors a safer
lar affiliation. They just wanted to contribute to a great project. Oh, and Bill and place, but qualify for service and incentive
Carolyn Haman asked. awards for their efforts. To get more informa-
Bill Haman has directed the trail effort since the City of Sugar Creek tion, or to sign up to become an instructor,
received a grant from the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission. “This was a contact your regional office (phone numbers
very difficult project since most of the area was covered with thick underbrush on Page 3). — Tony Legg, hunter education/
and grape vines,” says Bill. “In some of the areas we actually had to crawl just to shooting range coordinator
get through.” Clearing and grading the trail took five weekends, spread out over
two years, and the whole project took four years from conception to completion.
While the City of Sugar Creek, Jackson County Parks and Recreation and
aiTHEl MDC provided land and some assistance, it was the volunteers and support of
aRk R local businesses that made the trail possible. “As a result of the huge amount
M
aRT: of volunteer labor donated for the project we were able to apply the entire L&C
an; grant money toward the signs, benches and other park improvements,” says Bill.
M
Ha Volunteers continue to maintain and improve the trail, and newcomers are
o: Bill always welcome. No paperwork, dues or matching T-shirts required.
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June 2009 Missouri Conservationist 7
outdoor reCreatIoN by Tom Cwynar
N Missouri’s Walleye Factory Scout it Out
e
G
What About Walleye?
t
x
e
N Program makes toothy fish
a big hit with anglers.
W
e Missourians may not have
as many lakes that contain
walleye as states to our north,
but what we’ve got is good, even by their
N
standards. our “Walleye initiative,” which
W E
Sstarted in 1998, has been working to provide
more and better walleye fishing opportunities
in the state. search through the 2009 Fishing
Prospects (www.MissouriConservation.
org/4193) for waters biologists predict will
produce good walleye fishing.
Walleye are considered a deep-water fish,
but in early summer they are often caught on
the flats, where they search for prey. Contour
maps will help you identify large shallow
areas that abut deep water. Fish early and
late in the day, or even at night. an afternoon
chop on the water may also bring walleyes
up to feed.
Try dragging a jig with a piece of night
crawler on it, or string a whole night crawler
on a hook or pair of hooks behind a spinner.
let the wind or your troll motor move you
along slowly so that your offering frequently Name: stockton lake
ticks bottom. nighttime anglers often slow- Location: 15 miles north of springfield in Cedar, Dade and Polk counties.
troll shallow-running crankbaits over the flats. For more info: Call 417-895-6880 or visit www.MissouriConservation.org/a7701.
When walleyes are deep, try near bluff
edges or across points that jut out into deep
water. on big rivers, focus on deep pools and iMAginE hOw FAr the water level in Stockton Lake
the upstream edges of wing dams and dikes. might drop if all the walleye that lived there were suddenly
Mark where you catch a walleye; they’re a removed. That could never happen, of course, but it’s a
▲
school fish, which means where there’s one fun — and positive — mental exercise to engage in while
you’ll often find more. heading to southwest Missouri for a day of fishing on the
picturesque reservoir.
Stockton Lake’s nearly 25,000 acres pump out walleyes as if from an
assembly line. Through periodic stocking of finger-size walleye, the Conserva-
tion Department makes sure the lake has all the basic material it needs to HEl
aiT
manufacture great fishing. Walleye are not the only product in Stockton’s line; aRk R
smallmouth, largemouth, Kentucky and white bass are plentiful, and the crap- M
pie fishing is excellent. Most local businesses that sell fishing equipment have G; aRT:
n
o
lake maps, or you can learn lots about the lake and its facilities at www.nwk. H
oT
usace.army.mil/st/. Brush piles are marked, and you can view a map of them ol Pa
D
at mdcgis.mdc.mo.gov/website/stocktonlake/viewer.htm. For fishing reports oPPa
updated weekly, go to www.MissouriConservation.org/4183. o: n
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8 Missouri Conservationist June 2009