Missouri Conservationist October 2003

36 Pages·2003·1.7 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

MISSOURI
October
2003
Volume 64,
Issue 10
CONSERVATIONIST
Vantage Point
The Bridges’ Place
M
y wife and I own 180 acres of wild
land in the Ozarks. We call it “The
Bridges’ Place,” out of respect to
Andrew Johnston Bridges who built his
homestead there in the 1800s. Today, the only
evidence of early settlement is a log, “dog
trot” house—two rooms with a breezeway between Many landowners have little experience managing for
them. There is no one left to tell how or when the pine wildlife, and we find ourselves in need of information
logs were hewn from tall trees and fitted together, but before we can make decisions. Today’s federal and state
this landmark reminds us of the pioneer craftsmen who programs designed to assist landowners with conserva-
resided here. tion practices are complexenough to challenge the
The Bridges’ Place is a long way from our home, and understanding of anyone unfamiliar with them.
we don’t visit as often as we would like. We try to go To serve private landowners like us, the Department
there at least once a season, and soon after we arrive we of Conservation provides advice and technical support
always take a long walk with the hope that we will see a free of charge. Missouri Department of Conservation
rare creature or plant, perhaps a bear or a lady slipper employees have made it their business to understand
orchid. I usually have my camera in hand, but I have those programs and opportunities so that they can help
never been satisfied with the pictures I’ve taken because us use them to make conservation practices happen on
they fail to capture the depth of the experience. our land, if that is what we want.
If I had to pick only one season for The Bridges’ The Bridges’ Place is about 80 percent forest and 20
Place field trip, it would be autumn, and October percent open fields with a small, wet-weather stream
would be my favorite month. It’s gorgeous outdoors in running through it. Heeding some good advice, we have
October, especially where Missouri’s colorful fall foliage planted a variety of trees in a narrow strip adjacent to
is in full display. Many of Missouri’s oak species are the creek to reforest the stream corridor. We renovated
represented on the Bridges’ Place, as well as maple, one pond for wildlife watering and to provide habitat for
hickory, dogwood, sassafras, sycamore, gum, ash, and amphibians. We also plan to renovate another. We want
others. The variety of color displayed by these hard- to keep the balance of the fields open to provide edge
wood species blends perfectly with the green of short- habitat, cover and food for quail and other wildlife.
leaf pines scattered among them. Restoration of native grasses is a project for tomorrow.
Like many Missourians who own parcels of land, we If you own some acreage, you may need help in fulfill-
like the feeling of both freedom and responsibility to do ing your vision and the responsibilities we share to pro-
what we think is right on the property. We are both con- vide for Mother Nature. Department of Conservation
sumptive and non-consumptive users of this land, and I employees are here to serve. Please call us. We would be
see no inconsistency in this. I experience as much plea- glad to help you achieve your conservation goals on your
sure from identifying song birds as I do hunting deer with property. This service is hugely important to us as con-
my sons. Full-fledged outdoors people can and should servation professionals, and to everyone who cares
develop multiple uses of land and natural resources. about our fish, forests and wildlife.
John D.Hoskins
Director
Contents
October 2003
Volume 64,Issue 10
4 TRIMMING THE DEER
HERD
4
—Bill Heatherly and Tom Hutton
Sport hunting is the Conservation
Department’s most effective tool
for controlling deer numbers
10 THE REAL SECRET TO
DEER HUNTING SUCCESS
—John Wick
Didn’t get your deer? Maybe you
need to know the secret
14 GRANDPA,COONS
AND SHARP
—Tom Blackburn
Bridging the generation gap
10 on a late night raccoon hunt
17 THE FARM BILL AND
MISSOURI LANDOWNERS
—Brad McCord
You can reap a bounty of benefits
from the new Farm Bill
22 BIRDS OF A FEATHER
—Joan Banks
Everyone shudders when the
14 blackbird gang comes around
DEPARTMENTS
Reflections 2
News & Almanac 28
COVER
17 Aflock of mallards
photographed by Jim Rathert
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink.
22
Contact Us: Web page:http://www.missouriconservation.orgSubscriptions:free to adult Missouri residents;out of state $7 per year;
out of country $10 per year.Send correspondence to Circulation,P.O.Box 180,Jefferson City,MO 65102-0180.Phone:[phone],ext.
3856 or 3249 E-mail General Questions:[email protected] Magazine Subscriptions:[email protected]
Reflections
RIDING ALONG Your cover photo of the old fishing lures ering them with leaves and dirt.When
brought back memories for me of what the hole is full,cover it with leaves and
June’s Vantage Point column,in which
was in my father’s tackle box when I was give it a good watering down,then
John Hoskins talked about Chet Barnes,
brought back special memories to me.I learning to use a casting rod. sprinkle it good three times a week.
remember when Chet was the refuge This was the summer after Eisen- In about three weeks,you will have
manager at Big Springs State Park.My hower’s second inaugural.We were the best nightcrawlers,earthworms
father,Charles Baker,had the same posi- floating a river in southern Missouri, and red wrigglers you’ve ever seen.I
tion at Sam A.Baker State Park. probably the Jack’s Fork,and he know,I’ve had them for years.
When the deer trapping was in full snapped a big Dowagiac Minnow onto
Jack Besenger,Farmington
swing,Chet and my dad would meet to his line.These are shown in the bottom
consolidate their load for transporting row,third and fifth from the left.I don’t STOP THE MUSIC
to a release site,and I would ride have any,but a lot of the other lures In your June issue,you told how to
along.Growing up in a game refuge are in my tackle box,which might be clean frog legs,but you didn’t tell the
was a unique experience that I will worth a fortune if I could just find it. cook how to keep them from dancing
always treasure. Jim Caplan,Columbia in the skillet or pan.If you pull out
the heavy cord,they will not dance in
Don E.Baker,Branson
I want to compliment your publication
the pan.
LURE-STRUCK on the wonderful cover picture and
Mary Lynch,Mack’s Creek
inside story.I’m not a fisherman (yet),
I stared at your August cover for half
an hour before even opening the mag- but I am an antique dealer.The pic- PICTURE POOR
tures were so attractive I read the
azine.Congratulations to Cliff White The Conservationistmust have run out
whole article.
for an outstanding photo. of pictures because the deer on the
Bernice Dickson,Sunrise Beach back cover of the August issue is the
Rick Ehrhard
poorest condition deer you have ever
I would like to identify someone in one
published.
of your old pictures.My uncle’s brother,
Ernest Houseworth,is in the photo on Larry Schuster,Harrisonville
page 27,in the “License to Fish”article. Editor’s note: The deer isn’t in poor
He was born and raised around Ver- condition. Instead, the deer is in tran-
sailles and farmed and died there.I was sition between its summer coat and
greatly surprised to see him and told all winter coat. This usually occurs in
of his family about the picture. August. By now, the deer’s coat
Shirley Simmons,Warrensburg almost certainly is lustrous and thick.
EAT SQUEAT! FRAMED
In one of your articles about squirrels, I have read your magazine for years,
the author mentioned that there are and the August issue that arrived
some people who won’t eat furry crea- today is the very best ever! I am an
tures.I think it would be good market- avid collector of old things ,so the
ing to create a name for the meat like cover was awesome.In fact I may
frame it.
we have with beef,pork and venison.I
propose calling squirrel meat “squeat.” Peggy King,Republic
Felicia Williams,New York,NY TURKEY FINDER
HOME-GROWN WORMS I didn't see a turkey creek in Cedar
County on the map in John Lewis' arti-
This works for worms.Dig a 4-foot
RED-HANDED cle. We lived south of Turkey Creek
square hole 1 foot deep in your back-
Conservation Area in Cedar County.
“We thought we had a tomato thief in yard.Place of layer of leaves 2 inches
the neighborhood,”wrote Sandra Rudy deep.Pour three cans of corn,green Charles Hutchins,Marshfield
of Parkville.She later saw this squirrel beans and mixed vegetables over the
take a tomato out of the garden and leaves and cover with 2 inches of dirt Editor’s note: We goofed. The graphic
run up the telephone pole with it.She mixed with leaves. should have shown a triangle in St.
caught the thief red-handed in this Every day for about a week,throw Clair County, designating a Turkey
photo. in all garbage and coffee grounds cov- Creek originating in Carter county.
2 Missouri Conservationist
MISSOURI
Ask the Ombudsman CONSERVATIONIST
Q:I don’t understand why I have to declare a unit for my GOVERNOR Bob Holden
bonus permits during the November and muzzleloading THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Stephen C.Bradford
portions of the deer season.If you can use a permit with any unit Anita B.Gorman
Cynthia Metcalfe
number during the December portion,why can’t you do that the
Lowell Mohler
rest of the season?
DIRECTOR John Hoskins
A:The past several years we’ve been seeing regulation lib- DEPUTY DIRECTOR John W.Smith
DEPUTY DIRECTOR Stephen J.Wilson
eralizations,but our management also must allow for ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR Denise Garnier
ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR Robert Ziehmer
future regulation changes that may result due to a drop in deer
INTERNAL AUDITOR Robbie B.Briscoe
numbers.The system in place now can be adjusted to limit the
DIVISIONS
take of antlerless deer should that become necessary.The Con- ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Carter Campbell
FISHERIES Vacant
servation Department believes that keeping this system is a sim- FORESTRY Bob Krepps
HUMANRESOURCES Debbie Goff
pler solution than doing away with it and then trying to put it
OUTREACH & EDUCATION Lorna Domke
back in place at a later time. PRIVATE LAND SERVICES Vacant
PROTECTION Dennis Steward
During the earlier portions of the season,hunters are required to opt for specific RESOURCE SCIENCE Dale D.Humburg
WILDLIFE Dave Erickson
units.This spreads out hunter pressure and results in a more even harvest of does.
REGIONAL OFFICES
However,due to a regulation change,many units have unlimited second bonus per-
Cape Girardeau/Southeast—573/290-5730
mits which will allow those wanting to hunt multiple units an opportunity to do so Columbia/Central—573/884-6861
Kansas City—816/655-6250
prior to the December portion of the season. Kirksville/Northeast—660/785-2420
Springfield/Southwest—417/895-6880
During the December antlerless portion of the season hunters have the opportu-
St.Joseph/Northwest—816/271-3100
nity to fill unused any-deer and/or bonus permits in any unit that’s open (units 1-27, St.Louis—636/441-4554
West Plains/Ozark—417/256-7161
33-38,58 and 59) regardless of the unit number on their permits.Lower hunter
CONSERVATIONIST STAFF
numbers during this part of the season make this possible. EDITOR Tom Cwynar
MANAGING EDITOR Bryan Hendricks
Please note that some conservation areas have regulations more restrictive than
ART EDITOR Vacant
the unit in which they are located.Many allow hunting for antlered deer only,some DESIGNER Les Fortenberry
ARTIST Dave Besenger
only allow archery methods,others are closed to deer hunting.For details on con- ARTIST Mark Raithel
PHOTOGRAPHER Jim Rathert
servation area regulations,contact the appropriate Conservation Department
PHOTOGRAPHER Cliff White
regional office or enter www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/3csr/3c10-11.pdf into STAFF WRITER JimLow
STAFF WRITER Joan Mckee
your web browser. CIRCULATION Laura Scheuler
Please buy your deer hunting permits early.
Ombudsman Ken Drenon will respond to your questions,suggestions or complaints The Missouri Conservationist(ISSN 0026-6515) is the official monthly
publication of the Missouri Department of Conservation,2901 West Tru-
concerning Conservation Department programs.Write him at P.O.Box 180,Jefferson manBoulevard,Jefferson City,MO (Mailing address:P.O.Box 180,
Jefferson City,MO 65102.) Subscription free to adult Missouri residents;
City,MO 65102-0180,call him at 573/751-4115,ext.3848,or e-mail him at out of state $7 per year;out of country $10 per year.Notification of
address change must include both old and new address (send mailing
[email protected]. label with the subscriber number on it) with 60-day notice.Preferred
periodical postagepaid at Jefferson City,Mo.,and at additional entry
offices.Postmaster:Send correspondence to Circulation,P.O.Box 180,
Jefferson City,MO 65102-0180.Phone:[phone].Copyright © 2003
by the ConservationCommission of the State of Missouri.
PEARL MAKERS very happy to tell us that the seed
Your “Making Mussels”article was pearls planted in their oysters were
interesting.While living in Japan dur- small pieces of shell obtained from
ing the occupation days,my wife and I mussels from the Mississippi River.
visited a pearl farm.Our guide was Zell and Alberta Goodwin,Bolivar
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the
Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals with-
out regard to their race,color,national origin,sex,age or disability.Com-
plaints of discrimination should be sent to the Department of Conser-
The letters printed here reflect readers’opinions about the Conservationist and its contents.
vation,P.O.Box 180,Jefferson City,MO 65102,OR U.S.Fish & Wildlife Ser-
Space limitations prevent us from printing all letters,but we welcome signed comments vice,18th and “C”Streets NW,Washington D.C.20240,
Missouri Relay Center —1-800-735-2966 (TDD).
from our readers.Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
Printed in USA
SSuucccceessssffuull ddeeeerr
mmaannaaggeemmeenntt ddeeppeennddss
oonn tthhee ccooooppeerraattiioonn ooff
hhuunntteerrss,,llaannddoowwnneerrss
aanndd ccoommmmuunniittiieess..
Trimming
the
HHeerrdd!!
by Bill Heatherly and Tom Hutton
4 Missouri Conservationist
E
very day,sometimes many times in the day,we
answer the phone and immediately hear the
question:“Why don’t you do something about
the deer herd?”
Some people ask that question believing there aren’t enough deer. They want
to know what’s being done to increase deer numbers. Others believe there are
too many deer and want to know what the Conservation Department is doing to
reduce deer numbers. This perfectly illustrates the challenge of modern-day deer
management. We’re constantly trying to find a balance between one person’s
“too many” and the next person’s “not enough.” To complicate the matter, those
two people might even be neighbors.
Although Missouri is currently home to nearly a million deer, the biological
carrying capacity, the number of deer that the habitat can support, has not yet
been reached. However, the cultural carrying capacity, or the number of deer
that people will tolerate, has generally been reached, and in some areas,
exceeded.
The Department of Conservation periodically asks two important groups of
Missourians their opinion regarding deer numbers. Asurvey conducted in 2000
revealed that 88 percent of landowners who generate some income from their
property “enjoy” having deer present on their land. Although 43 percent thought
there are “more” deer now than five years ago, 65 percent said the number of
deer was “about right” or “too few.” Twenty-eight percent of those landowners
believed there were “too many” deer, but only 8 percent classified deer as a “nui-
sance.”
As you might expect, Missouri’s 425,000 firearms deer hunters have somewhat
different opinions. A2002 season survey revealed that 85 percent of firearms
deer hunters thought the number of deer to be “about right” or “too few.” And
although 21 percent believed there are “more” deer now than five years ago, only
9 percent believed there were “too many.”
Regardless of your opinion, there is no question that deer numbers can some-
times be above desired levels in some areas.
What are the possible consequence of too many deer? Overbrowsing of forests
can virtually eliminate desirable understory plants and prevent their regenera-
tion, resulting in long-term changes in forest composition. Damage to agricul-
tural crops, fruit orchards, commercial nurseries, and Christmas tree farms can
mean significant financial losses for the owners. Residents in urban and subur-
ban areas can experience damage to vegetable and flower gardens, and expen-
sive ornamental plants. And one seemingly universal concern is the incidence of
deer-vehicle accidents.
In 2001, there were 8,199 deer-vehicle accidents reported in Missouri. In com-
parison, Illinois typically reports about 17,000 such accidents each year, Wiscon-
sin about 40,000, and Michigan more than 65,000. Of course, such comparisons
are of little consolation when it is your vehicle that is involved. Regardless, the
Jim Deer are an important part of Missouri's natural environment,but too many deer
Ra can cause major problems.Regulated hunting helps control deer populations,
th
ert but hunters must be willing to harvest female deer,or does.
October 2003 5
Harvesting does is critical in managing
deer numbers in terms of both biologi-
cal and social carrying capacity.Reduc-
ing deer populations by increasing the
doe harvest will help reduce deer dam-
age to crops (overleaf,right) and the
frequency of deer/vehicle collisions.
Taking does also allows bucks a better
chance of surviving long enough to
grow trophy racks.
C
liff W
h
ite
number of deer-vehicle accidents reported in Missouri each Beginning in 1944 when the “modern” deer season was
year has remained relatively constant over the past decade established, hunting was for bucks only. Does were pro-
even as the number of roads, traffic volume, and speed lim- tected so deer numbers could increase. This strategy was ert
h
its increased. very effective, and by 1951 deer numbers had rebounded at
R
m
Over the past several years, as the deer herd has increased, sufficiently to allow a number of “any deer” days in parts of Ji
the Missouri Department of Conservation has liberalized reg- Missouri. Further liberalizations were implemented as the
ulations to increase hunting opportunity and put more per- deer herd continued to grow.
mits into the hands of hunters. For example, both the Unfortunately, the attitudes of some hunters are still stuck
firearms and archery seasons have been lengthened, and in the 1944 era of “save a doe so the herd can grow.” Some
more bonus permits have been made available for more units. have even adopted a “real hunters don’t shoot does” philoso-
In 1996, a new Antlerless-Only portion of the firearms phy. Such thinking is misplaced in modern deer management.
season was established, and in 2002 hunters were allowed How much better would it be if hunters changed their mantra
to use their Any-Deer permits to take a deer anywhere in to “real hunters do what needs to be done” and willingly took
Missouri. In addition, the number of units where Antler- does rather than hunting only for antlered deer? If hunters
less-Only Archery Deer Hunting permits are valid has aren’t willing to participate to maximum effect, then regula-
steadily increased. tions will have to change to ensure that adequate numbers of
Nearly 42 million acres, or about 93 percent, of Missouri’s does are harvested each year.
landscape is privately owned. Therefore, private landowners The Department of Conservation establishes regulations
play a crucial role in deer herd management. In recognition for deer hunting, but regulations can only do so much to
and appreciation of the significant contributions that they manage deer. The real key to effective deer management
make to Missouri’s wildlife, qualifying private landowners rests in the committed involvement of all Missourians,
have traditionally been allowed to harvest deer during both including hunters, landowners, municipal authorities and
the firearms and archery seasons without purchasing any residents. Active cooperation is necessary, especially when
permits. Although regulations must be revised periodically addressing local situations.
to keep pace with the changing deer herd and new manage- For the most part, the Deer Management Unit system
ment goals, we intend for the landowner privilege to con- has proven very effective in managing deer numbers, but it
tinue, although perhaps with some modification. can’t always address local “hot” or “cold” spots. Creating a
Exactly how do hunters fit in? Because there are fewer statewide system to deal with local situations would make
natural predators today than in pre-settlement times, regu- regulations too complicated. Consequently, local landown-
lated sport hunting is the best way to control deer num- ers, neighbors and communities must cooperate to reach ert
bers. Without hunting, deer management and population consensus regarding deer population goals, and then work ath
R
control would be impossible. together to achieve those goals. m
Ji
6 Missouri Conservationist
The Department of
Conservation
establishes regula-
tions for deer
hunting, but regu-
lations can only do
so much to man-
age deer. The real
key to effective
deer management
rests in the com-
mitted involvement
of all Missourians,
including hunters,
landowners,
municipal authori-
ties and residents.
October 2003 7
Rural Areas the habitat, and the amount of hunting pressure. If cooper-
Landowners can effectively manage deer numbers on their ating landowners believe there are too many deer, existing
land simply by inviting family and friends to harvest does regulations provide management tools in the form of liberal
on their property. Several factors must be considered, availability of firearms and archery hunting permits. With-
including the size and shape of the acreage, the quality of out adequate doe harvest statewide, deer populations will
likely remain high, even if deer numbers remain low in cer-
tain localities.
New Regulations
Agood example of landowner cooperation occurred
New regulations provide more opportunity to take
recently in Howard and Saline counties. Last fall, a group of
antlerless deer.
landowners dealt with what they judged to be too many
(cid:2)(cid:2)
Firearms hunters may purchase and fill any number of
deer by inviting youngsters to hunt on their property dur-
Firearms Second Bonus Deer Hunting Permits for many
ing the Youth-Only portion of the firearms deer season.
units.
Through the cooperative efforts of landowners, the Conser-
(cid:2)(cid:2)
Archers may purchase and fill any number of Antler- vation Department, and the University of Missouri Out-
less-Only Archery Deer Hunting Permits in most units. reach & Extension 4-H program, young Missourians had
(cid:2)(cid:2)
The new Urban Deer Management portion of the the opportunity to learn more about deer, deer hunting, and
firearms season provides two more days to take antler- firearms safety in a carefully controlled environment. They
less deer in the St.Louis and Kansas City areas. also learned how their efforts contributed to reducing the
(cid:2)(cid:2) growth potential of the area’s deer herd. It was a significant
Qualifying landowners of five or more acres may Farm
beginning for what is needed in hundreds of local areas in
Tag one deer of any sex or age.
(cid:2)(cid:2) Missouri.
Everyone who lives in the home with a qualifying resi-
dent landowner of 75 or more acres can receive no-cost Towns and Urban Areas
Firearms Any-Deer and Bonus Deer Hunting Permits.
Small towns and municipalities must also take the initia-
See the 2003 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Information tive to address local deer issues. Only local citizens can
booklet,available wherever permits are sold,for com- decide what number of deer is acceptable and then take
plete details. action to reach the agreed-upon goal.
8 Missouri Conservationist