Missouri Conservationist October 2009

2009·6.6 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri
C
onservationist
Serving nature & You
Volume 70, Issue 10, october 2009 •
[ ]
Note to our readers
The Thin Green Line
L
ast month I took part in a graduation ceremony for 19 new Missouri
conservation agents. the graduates completed six months of
training and study in our Conservation agent academy and are
now part of a workforce others have described as “the thin green deter those who act unfairly and disrespectfully to harm wildlife
line,” a small, professional, dedicated and well-trained cadre of resources or violate the rights of property owners. The majority
conservation law enforcement officers. of our citizens are respectful of fish and
For many of them, becoming an wildlife laws, and considerate of the rights
agent was their motivation through years of others. But, alas, some are not.
of college and hard work prior to admis- The agents want to be partners with
sion to the academy. I understand this landowners. In my years as an agent, I
because I followed the same path more relied on many trusted landowners who
than 30 years ago. kept me informed when my presence was
My perspective has changed with needed. I took satisfaction in addressing
time. I smile at the thought that the new the problems they reported, and I know
agents in 2009 are about the age of my sons! that other agents feel the same way.
It is more sobering to think of the responsi- There are seasons in life, and, last
bilities and the risks they will take because month, as the new agents completed their
of their devotion to protecting Missouri’s academy training, I saw in their faces the
fish, forests and wildlife. They, and those excitement of hope and challenge as they
who have traveled this career path before enter a new season in their lives. I have no
them, have my respect, admiration and John Hoskins, age 23, receiving his badge doubt they will produce a better conserva-
gratitude. I also have a special appreciation and law enforcement credentials from tion outcome for Missouri.
for the agents’ families because the public Director Larry Gale, during the 1977 Public cooperation is still the key to
expects a great deal of agents, and, often, Conservation Agent Academy graduation. apprehending poachers, and you can help
this comes at the family’s expense. by reporting crimes if you witness them.
The agents have a key role in providing customer service Please put your agent’s and the Operation Game Thief (800-392-
and earning public trust. They are educators, sources of con- 1111) numbers in your phone. Your fish and wildlife resources
servation information, and ambassadors for fish, forest and deserve protection from abuse, and
wildlife resources. While this is also true for many conserva- Missouri citizens deserve protection
tion professionals, the distinction is that the agent is sworn from poachers, trespassers and vandals.
and trained to enforce the Missouri Wildlife Code and related I invite you to get to know your agent
state laws. The most successful agents I have known were firm and to be an extension of his or her
and consistent in enforcing the law, but they were also fair and eyes and ears. Together, we can make a
compassionate toward others. difference; it’s the right thing to do.
Agents are devoted to helping landowners, sportsmen and
sportswomen, and all citizens with interest in the outdoors. Their
devotion often manifests itself in their work to apprehend and 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. Hite
W
Cliff
[CoNteNts]

October 2009, Volume 70, Issue 10
Cover: Diana Bend Conservation Area in
Howard County by Noppadol Paothong
Left: persimmons by Larry R. Beckett
NextGeN
This section reports on goals established
in The Next Generation of Conservation.
To read more about this plan, visit
www.MissouriConservation.org/12843.
4 News & eveNts
7 I aM CoNservatIoN
26 outdoor reCreatIoN
28 PlaNts & aNIMals
FeaTures
30 PlaCes to Go
8 Pucker Up
story an∂ photos by Larry R. Beckett
Persimmon trees provide a sweet summer finale in their fall-ripening fruits. MisCeLLaNy
2 Letters
14 Logger of the Year 5 ombudsman
by Jim Low, photo by David Stonner 32 Hunting and Fishing Calendar
Clients and professional foresters say Jim Zwyers does his best for 32 Contributors
customers and forests. 33 agent notes
17 Haunted Habitats
by Nichole LeClair Terrill, photos by Cliff White
These nature-based events aren’t scary, but they are a frightfully good time!
22 Trophy Deer Care
by David Megahan Cert no. SCS-COC-00648
Proper care from field to freezer results in better mounts and meat.
October 2009 Missouri Conservationist 1
[letters]
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.
Float on
ers. that’s why programs like Stream team and Fish kills
the Department’s Private land Services are so thanks for the news brief on fish kills [Fish Kill
i can identify with the
important. they recognize needs and concerns Toll Continues; Page 10] in the August issue. it is
on both sides of the waterline, and by working extremely important for Missourians to know
frustration expressed
hand-in-hand with landowners, not against the vital role they play in protecting our natural
them, can help achieve our common goal— resources by being alert and reporting cases—
by Mr. McHaffie in
clean resources for all of us to use and enjoy. both intentional and accidental—of spills that
Loring Bullard, author, May Day on the Finley affect Missouri’s waterways.
the July Conservationist
the Missouri Department of Natural
Behind the Code Resources, which works with the Department of
about floaters disrespecting private property. i just had to write to tell you how much i enjoyed Conservation in the investigation of fish kills, has
i’ve floated Missouri streams for 40 years, reading Mandate of the People [inside front a hotline for reporting environmental emergen-
and i’ve seen lots of messes left by inconsiderate Cover] by larry Yamnitz. When i opened your cies: 573-634-2436. this line is answered by
floaters, careless fishermen and partiers. it is August issue and paused to read what he had Department staff 24 hours a day, seven days a
my belief, however, that most people who float to say about our Wildlife Code and conservation week. from this central number the Department
primarily because they love the outdoors respect laws and how these laws were established, i felt can dispatch environmental emergency
both the river and riverside landowners. We that we were in good hands. responders to any location in Missouri. the
leave gravel bars cleaner than we found them everyone should read this article and be Department also has a toll free number for con-
because we know that the future of floating informed about the good job the Conservation cerns that are not emergencies: 800-361-4827.
depends on good relations with landowners. Department and its conservation agents do for Alice Geller, acting director, Field Services Division
the future quality of our rivers, though, is the benefit of the people. Department of Natural Resources
largely in the hands of those private landown- Bonny Briggs, Independence
Mailbox frogs
i love the photo of the tree frog on the cover
of the August issue! the contrast between the
bright green back and the dark front of the
frog is quite striking. i have many of these little
singers by my house, lovely to hear each night.
they are starting to show up in my mailbox, i’m
not sure how. i take them in my wet hands and
introduce them to a suitable tree, because they
are not called “mailbox frogs.”
Mary Garrett, St. Peters
Native beauty
i was so glad to see your article about wild
grapes [August; Page 9], they are an unsung
fruit here in Missouri. My grandmother, esther
Stilfield, and mother, Helen Owen, were great
proponents of using what the land gave. every
year we picked bushels of the little bunches
for that dark purple juice. Mom made the best
Reader Photo Garden Variety
jelly for us and to give away. i never knew any
Seventeen-year-old Michael Roberts captured this picture of a garden spider in other until my teens and can remember tasting
his backyard. Roberts is taking a photography class and enjoys photographing jelly from the store and saying it had no flavor.
a variety of things. Roberts said the spider stuck around for about three weeks Wild grapes are part of the old way of life that is
catching and eating insects. Garden spiders are typical orb weavers, and can missed out on by so many people.
often be found building webs in gardens and grassy areas near houses. Frank Owen, Maysville
2 Missouri Conservationist October 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 C. Bedell
Southeast online at www.MissouriConservation.org/15287 Don Johnson
Southwest Cost of subscriptions: free to Missouri households Chip McGeehan
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
MDC Online Discover more about nature and the outdoors through these sites. Managing Editor Nichole LeClair Terrill
Art Director Cliff White
Writer/Editor Tom Cwynar
Blog: www.MissouriConservation.org/17526 Missouri Conservationist Web site:
Staff Writer Bonnie Chasteen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MDConline www.MissouriConservation.org/3939 Staff Writer Jim Low
Flickr: www.MissouriConservation.org/20010 Nature Shop: www.mdcNatureShop.com Photographer Noppadol Paothong
Kid’s site (beginning february 2010): Twitter: www.twitter.com/MDC_Online Photographer David Stonner
www.xplormo.org www.twitter.com/Nature_Videos Designer Stephanie Thurber
Artist Dave Besenger
MDC Web site: www.MissouriConservation.org Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/moconservation
Artist Mark Raithel
Circulation Laura Scheuler
The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the of-
new Kids’ Magazine 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
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nature magazine. Six times a year we’ll bring you address (send mailing label with the subscriber number
on it) with 60-day notice. Preferred periodical postage
eye-popping art, photos and stories about Missouri’s
paid at Jefferson City, Mo., and at additional entry offices.
coolest critters, niftiest natural places, liveliest Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box
180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: [phone],
outdoor activities and people who’ve made a living ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2009 by the Conservation
Commission of the State of Missouri.
in the wild. Don't keep the door closed another
minute. Come outside with us and XPLOR! 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,
color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Questions
should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO
The first magazine will be
Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice)
delivered in February 2010. or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Division of Federal Assistance, 4401 N. Fairfax
www.MissouriConservation.org/xplor
Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.
573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or 3249
A guardian’s name and address is required with the subscription. Printed with soy ink
October 2009 Missouri Conservationist 3
[ ]
News & eveNts
by Jim Low
a 4.4-percent increase in the size of the refuge,
which now covers 11,815 acres.
Missouri DU Chairman tom Shryock said
thousands of citizen volunteers made the 502-
acre refuge addition possible through fundrais-
ing work. He said the project will benefit many
species of wildlife and people through wetland
preservation, erosion control, water retention
and water quality.
Congress has authorized expansion of the
refuge up to 60,000 acres in units along the
Missouri River. Although the Missouri River’s
popularity is increasing among waterfowl, tur-
key and deer hunters, Manager tom Bell said he
still considers it Missouri’s most under-utilized
outdoor recreation resource.
Mallard drake
CleaN water
Zebra Mussels on the Move
outdoor reCreatIoN
Routine plankton sampling at Pomme de terre
Waterfowl Seasons Coming Up
lake turned up a surprise — zebra mussel lar-
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Duck hunters’ long wait is almost over, and prospects are bright. Numbers of mallards and most othWerE vae. Conservation Department workers found
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ducks are above long-term averages. this year’s nest success was good, so many of the birds hunters the free-floating larvae, known as velligers, in
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eWncoEunter this fall will never have seen a decoy or a duck blind. With a little help from the weather, 2009 samples taken at several locations around the
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could be a year to remember. Season dates for all ducks are: lake. Since truman Reservoir is downstream
North Zone: Youth season Oct. 24 and 25 from Pomme de terre, it is only a matter of
Regular season Oct. 31 through Dec. 29 time until the larger lake is infested. this il-
Middle Zone: Youth season Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 lustrates anglers’ and boaters’ critical role in
Regular season Nov. 7 through Jan. 5 slowing the spread of potentially devastating
South Zone: Youth season Nov. 21 and 22 invasive aquatic species. for more information,
Regular season Nov. 26 through Jan. 24 visit www.MissouriConservation.org/8260
the daily limit is six ducks, including four mallards (no more than two mallard hens), three wood or write to MDC, Zebra Mussel, PO Box 180, Jef-
ducks, two scaup, two redheads, two hooded mergansers, one canvasback, one black duck, one ferson City, MO 65102-0180 or e-mail pubstaff@
pintail and one mottled duck. mdc.mo.gov.
the season for blue, snow and Ross’s geese is Oct. 31 through Jan. 31 statewide with a daily limit of
20 and no possession limit. White-fronted goose season is Nov. 26 through Jan. 31 statewide (daily/ outdoor reCreatIoN
possession limits 2/4). this year’s season for Canada geese is Sept. 26 through Oct. 7 (limits 3/6) and
Henges Renovation
Nov. 26 through Jan. 31 (limits 2/4) statewide.
full details of waterfowl hunting regulations are available in the 2009–2010 Waterfowl Hunting Di- the rifle and pistol range at the Jay Henges Shoot-
gest, available wherever hunting permits are sold or online at www.MissouriConservation.org/7559. ing Range and Outdoor education Center on for-
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eWst E44 Conservation Area in St. louis County will
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close for 10 months of renovation starting Dec. 1.
PlaNts & aNIMals nerships. the U.S. fish and Wildlife Service was trap, shotgun patterning and archery ranges will ONg
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about $20,000 short of the purchase price of 502 remain open during the renovation. St. louis- Ot
Wetland Acreage Expands acres adjacent to the refuge’s Overton Bottoms area rifle and pistol shooters are encouraged DOl PA
the recent dedication of an addition to Big Unit. Ducks Unlimited stepped up to the plate to visit the range at August A. Busch Memo- OPPA
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4 Missouri Conservationist October 2009
PlaNts & aNIMals tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and identify 170 woody shrubs and
Wyoming. four states are in the process of join- vines in the Shrubs and Woody
Wildlife Compact Growing and
ing the iWVC, and three others have passed the Vines of Missouri field guide, oMf ISSOURI
During fiscal Year 2009, the Missouri Conserva- legislation necessary to join. the average hunter a daypack-sized version of Field Guide
tion Commission suspended hunting and fishing or angler who intentionally or unintention- a large-format book pub-
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W S Eprivileges of 164 people who committed serious ally commits a violation and gets a ticket does lished in 1997. the book has
or repeated wildlife code violations. those not have to worry about running afoul of the color illustrations, distribu-
who lose hunting and fishing privileges in Compact. the only people affected are repeat tion maps and habitat
Missouri lose the same privileges in 30 other offenders or those who commit very serious notes on 133 shrubs and 37 Don Kurz
states, too. that is because Missouri belongs to violations. Missourians can turn in poachers by vine species. it is available
the interstate Wildlife Violators Compact. Par- calling the toll-free Operation game thief Hot at conservation nature centers and
ticipating states honor one another’s privilege line 800-392-1111. Cash rewards are available for regional offices statewide for $7.50 plus tax. You
suspensions. iWVC members include Alaska, poaching reports leading to arrests. also can order by calling toll-free 877-521-8632,
Arizona, California, Colorado, florida, georgia, or online at www.mdcnatureshop.com. Ship-
idaho, illinois, indiana, iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, CoNservatIoN eduCatIoN ping and handling charges apply to phone and
louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis- electronic orders.
Shrub and Vine Field Guide
sissippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New
York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, AmNateur naturalists will find all they need to (continued on Page 6)
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Ask the Ombudsman
q: a:
Why is the Youth Deer and There are several reasons why you may be noticing
Turkey Hunting Permit no fewer birds in early October. Many migratory species
longer available? that spend the summer in Missouri have moved south for the
winter. Birds that summer to the north but move south into
a:
The Youth Deer and Turkey Missouri for the winter have not yet arrived in great numbers.
Hunting Permit led to With a few strong cold fronts, many of those birds will reach
confusion, especially regarding Missouri. There is also some sorting of ranges among our
the youth portions of the firearms deer season and also resident birds that occurs at this time of year. The cardinals
the youth spring turkey season. The permit is no longer you see in your yard in the summer are often not the same
available as of July 1, 2009, but any Youth Deer and Turkey cardinals you will see in the winter. By the end of October, the
Hunting Permits purchased for the 2009 spring turkey number of birds around your feeder should increase.
season will be valid for the 2009 fall deer and turkey
seasons (through Jan. 3, 2010). In place of the youth permit,
resident and non-resident youth, ages 6 through 15, can
now purchase deer and turkey permits for half the cost of
resident permits. The stricter bag limits imposed under
the youth permit are replaced by the limits for the resident
permits.
q:
What has happened to all of the songbirds around
my feeders? I’m not seeing them around like I did
earlier in the year.
Ombudsman Tim Smith will respond to your questions, suggestions or complaints concerning Department of Conservation programs.
Write him at PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, call him at 573-522-4115, ext. 3848, or e-mail him at [email protected].
October 2009 Missouri Conservationist 5
[News & eveNts]
by Jim Low
outdoor reCreatIoN 60 percent for 2.5-year-olds. three and one-half-
year-old bucks’ antlers were 75 to 80 percent of
Antler-Point Restrictions
maximum size, while those 4.5 years old grew
Deer harvest data show a significant increase in antlers that were 90 to 95 percent as large as they
the number of older bucks taken by hunters in would ever grow.
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thWe E29 counties where the antler-point restriction
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went into effect in 2004. Resource Scientist lon- CoNservatIoN eduCatIoN
nie Hansen has been studying the number of 1.5-,
2010 Calendars On Sale
2.5-, 3.5- and 4.5-year-old bucks. He found that
in the fourth year of the restrictions, hunters in theN 2010 Natural Events Calendar and Missouri places, this year’s Natural Events
W E
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affected counties shot 20 percent more 2.5-year Outdoor Heritage Calendar go on sale this month Calendar celebrates 25 years of publication with
old bucks, 62 percent more 3.5-year-olds and 202 at conservation nature centers and regional offices reminiscences by long-time calendar editor Berna-
percent more 4.5-year-olds, compared to nearby statewide. in addition to stunning photographs dette Dryden. Other bonuses include monthly tips
counties designated as “controls.” of Missouri plants, animals and for native plant gardeners. the Missouri Outdoor
“increased age equates to increased antler Heritage Calendar shines a spotlight on fish and
sabibezoeca,u”ut s staehi deth Hbeai gnn uscemhnab.n e“grY eoosuf ibhnia g3v .de5 e-t eoar nb sdeh oa4 t.b 5bi-tyy c ehaauurn-toitoeldursss MIS S O U(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:36)(cid:38)R(cid:45)(cid:38)I(cid:35)’(cid:51)S(cid:34)(cid:53) (cid:42)O(cid:47)2(cid:40)U(cid:1)(cid:58)(cid:48)0(cid:54)T(cid:51)D(cid:1)(cid:36)1(cid:48)O(cid:47)(cid:52)0O(cid:38)(cid:51)(cid:55)R(cid:34)(cid:53) (cid:42)(cid:48)H(cid:47)(cid:1)(cid:34)E(cid:51)(cid:38)R(cid:34)(cid:52)I(cid:1)(cid:116)TAGE gppahhmoyt edo,se h eourf namtniondng ds ratyenirdn m gfi usrahskcinceogllo,u npn agpseet,l tabsno adsrs ep g rseoasbnebdnlwet.r isCc,ho telroodr-
is small, and small sample sizes make for less between black-and-white memories of Missouri’s
reliable conclusions. Still, the numbers do seem hunting heritage. the calendars sell for $7 per
to indicate an important trend.” copy, plus shipping and handling and sales tax
in long-term studies, bucks’ antlers attained where applicable. You also can buy copies by
only 25 to 35 percent of their maximum size when calling toll-free 877-521-8632 or through the
they were 1.5 years old. the figure increased to Nature Shop, www.mdcNatureShop.com.
CoNservatIoN eduCatIoN
Youth Trapping Clinic
JoiNn us at Whetstone CreekConservation Area
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in Williamsburg for this fun and exciting educa-
tional clinic Saturday,
Oct. 24 from 11 a.m.
▲
to 7 p.m. and Sunday,
Oct. 25 from 6 a.m.
to 11 a.m. learn basic Hite
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including water sets, drtyr alpanpdin gse tst,e cthranpiqpuinegs g: Cliff
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equipment care and maintenance, skinning, APPi
fleshing and proper fur handling. Under the MilY; tR
wguilild asentc et hoef ierx powernie ntrcaepds t.r atphpeerers ,i sp anrot icfiepea nfotsr HteR fA
Missourians. lunch and dinner will be served He RiC
opnro gSraatmur disa yo paennd t ob aregaeksf a11s tt oo 1n7 aSnudn dtahye.i r tphaisr- URteSY Of t
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ent or adult mentor. Reservations are required. N: C
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for more details or to register, e-mail brian. VAti
[email protected] or call 573-884-6861. NSeR
O
M C
A
i
6 Missouri Conservationist October 2009
“I am Conservation”
Edna A. Richter Estate
Donates $2.2M
by david Mcallister
An all-around sportsman, angler and
hunter, Robert Richter was well-suited
to his position as a conservation agent.
“Robert just loved the outdoors; he loved
everything about it,” says Judy Kinkead,
a close family friend. “He also loved
his work. He couldn’t imagine doing
anything else.” Robert was encouraged
in his outdoor pursuits, and later in his
conservation career, by his parents, Edna
A. Richter and Paul Richter Jr. “Paul
enjoyed both fishing and hunting,” says
Kinkead, “while Edna’s favorite vacation
combination was fishing and shopping!”
Mindful of her husband’s love for
hunting and fishing and the satisfaction
that her only child derived from his work
as a conservation agent, Edna A. Richter
designated the Conservation Department
as the primary beneficiary of her estate.
When she passed away in February 2007,
she left funds exceeding $2.2 million
to the Department. In accordance with
the terms of her estate, the funds will be
used in her name and the names of her
husband, Paul Richter Jr., and her son,
Robert Richter, to promote the hunting,
fishing and shooting sports.
Edna A. Richter was born in 1922
in St. Charles and was employed for
25 years with American Car Foundry
Industries. Her husband, Paul Richter
Jr., who preceded his wife in death, was
born in Sedalia in 1921 and was a WWII
veteran, serving as a paramedic in
both the Navy and Marines. He was at
Iwo Jima when the famous flag-raising
photograph was taken. He was also a
sales representative for Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company for 35 years. The
couple married in 1948. Their son, Robert
Richter, was born in 1949 and served as
a conservation agent in Benton County
Robert Richter
prior to his untimely death in 1981. s
October 2009 Missouri Conservationist 7
8 Missouri Conservationist October 2009