Missouri Conservationist October 2013

2013·7.8 MB·English

by  Missouri Department of Conservation

Missouri
C
onservationist
VOLUME 74, ISSUE 10, OCTOBER 2013 • SERVING NATURE & YOU
[ ]
NOTE TO OUR READERS
Savor the Season
M
issourians’ outdoor heritage makes our state a great place to live
and enhances our quality of life. The next few months are an ideal
time to build on that legacy. October and November are the “golden
months of fall,” and there’s not a Often you can have a lake to
finer time to be afield with fam- yourself by fishing for bass, crap-
ily and friends. Watching mal- pie, and catfish into late fall. Some
lards swing into your decoys, fol- of the best river and stream float-
lowing a hunting dog for quail, ing occurs as river traffic all but
pheasant, or rabbit, sharing a disappears and fall colors explode
waterfowl blind with your favor- along our rivers and streams.
ite retriever, backpacking some In our monthly Letters sec-
of the Ozark Trail, or just enjoy- tion (Page 2), Bonnie Welker talks
ing the sights, sounds, and smells about family tradition and the
of a golden fall day will all make annual family raccoon hunt. The
great memories. Welker family has carried on this
I have the privilege of ob- annual fall hunt for 25 years and
Tucker and Lane Berthiaume of Savannah,
serving many citizens express, four generations of their family!
Mo., had a successful day fishing their
share, and build on their outdoor Conservation Agent Mark Reed’s
grandparents’ stocked pond. These next few
heritage. Recently a grandfather Agent Notes section highlights
months are a great time to be in Missouri
shared a photograph of his two with family and friends. mentoring (Page 4). Mentoring
grandsons fishing (see photo). family or friends is an outstanding
Teaching youngsters about the way to spend time enjoying the
outdoors and passing on that her- outdoors and pass along your pas-
itage is a hallmark of Missouri culture. At a deer meeting in sion for conservation to future generations.
Macon, I listened to a deer hunter eloquently speak about his Brett Dufur’s article The Legendary Longbow (Page 17)
love and passion for deer hunting and what those experienc- provides a glimpse of Missouri’s rich archery history. Mis-
es meant to him and his family. At a recent celebration of the souri’s National Archery in the Schools program builds upon
Flora of Missouri book with the Missouri Botanical Garden, I that legacy as 302 schools and more than 56,000 youth partici-
met a group of people who shared their love and passion for pated this past year.
plants and the outdoors. At the Audubon Riverland’s Center, The article First Steps Afield — Welcoming friends and
I watched waterfowl enthusiasts plan and commit to improv- family to our hunting traditions (Page 24) begins with “My
ing Missouri’s wetlands for the future. This shared passion dad.” Almost all of us who enjoy the outdoors have a spe-
for natural resources and the outdoors is what conserves and cial person who introduced us, taught us, mentored us, en-
protects Missouri’s resources and enhances our overall qual- couraged us, and took us afield. Commit yourself to being
ity of life around the state, including the bottom line — the that special person who helps others go outdoors and learn
state’s economy. about nature, and who instills that conservation passion
Spend time with each other in Missouri’s outdoors this that makes Missourians unique. You need look no further
RS
fall. Hunt, fish, hike, camp, photograph, and observe your way than the cover of this magazine to see the beauty that awaits ALTE
into wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Savor Mis- in Missouri’s outdoors! N W
H
souri’s spectacular fall foliage, spend some time watching our UG
A
V
native bluestem grasses sway in a fall breeze, enjoy migrating Tim Ripperger, deputy director D BY
wildlife, feel and smell the brisk morning air as fall wanes into VIDE
O
R
winter, or marvel at the annual agriculture harvest in Missouri O P
OT
that helps feed the world. H
P
[CONTENTS]
October 2013, Volume 74, Issue 10
FEATURES
Cover: Sumac changes color at Hawn State Park
near Farmington, Mo., by Noppadol Paothong.
10 Forest ReLeaf of Missouri 1 7–40mm lens • f/22 • 2.5 sec • ISO 100
by Donna Coble and Nick Kuhn, photos by Noppadol Paothong
This small nonprofit brings the big benefits of trees to communities
across our state.
DEPARTMENTS
17 The Legendary Longbow 2 Letters
by Brett Dufur 4 Hunting and Fishing Calendar
Sleek and simple, the longbow has been a go-to tool for hunting and 4 Agent Notes
protection against predators throughout history. 5 Ask the Ombudsman
6 News & Events
24 First Steps Afield 30 Plants & Animals
by Tim Kjellesvik, artwork by David Besenger 32 Places to Go
Welcoming friends and family to our hunting traditions 33 Kids in 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 7.
G
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D
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October 2013 Missouri Conservationist 1
[ ]
LETTERS
Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.
Small Game, Big Time Family Traditions whether it be by hunting, watching wildlife, or
Squirrel Hunting: Getting Started [August; Page My two sisters and I do our best to carry on our just walking through the woods and absorbing
10] by Mark Goodman was right on, especially parents’ most enjoyable traditions. Our father the wide variety of sounds and smells, and the
the first two paragraphs. Many folks, young and retired from the Missouri Department of Con- natural beauty it offers.
old, miss wonderful times in the woods by not servation after 30 years of service and has great One of our family’s favorite traditions is our
hunting squirrels for all the reasons Mr. Good- passion for the outdoors. Together, our parents annual coon hunt. This takes place the Friday
man listed (harvest aside). After living in Union have shared their vast interest in wildlife and after Thanksgiving and is attended by approxi-
for several years as a youth, and having family in forestry with our family for almost 50 years. mately 30 people. The night is full of laughter
the Jackson area, I consider Missouri my second All of us, children, grandchildren, and now as both the young and old help each other cross
home state. At the age of 57 I still have a passion great-grandchildren have been introduced fences and creeks and search for lost gloves and
for squirrel hunting. to the wide variety of opportunities that boots, while telling stories of hunts past. We all
Dave Wente, Steeleville, Ill. nature has to offer. One of the most important return hours later to a huge pot of turkey noodle
values stressed to each of us is to have a true soup and ham and beans that grandma has
I read your article on squirrel hunting and the appreciation for the outdoors. Not to abuse prepared for us. It is a wonderful opportunity to
recipes the author included. I have a way to or take anything for granted, and to make an experience the woods at night, and it is always
cook old squirrels that makes them as tender as effort to leave things better than the way they an evening of adventure! Last year, at our 25th
young squirrels. First, you pan fry them as you were found. anniversary hunt, we introduced the fourth
would with young squirrel, but then put them Many of us have participated in my parents’ generation to this treasured family activity. At 7
in a well-greased crockpot on low for four to six extensive tree-planting projects each spring. We months old, her smile in the dark woods was a
hours. Mine will hold nine squirrels. were all shown at a young age the enjoyment promise that this family tradition will live on.
Karl Richards, Rolla that can come from a well-developed forest, Bonnie Welker, Perryville
From Facebook
We hung a bat house in our backyard this year
after watching local bats flying around at dusk.
We hung the house on a tree near the woods,
about 8 feet off the ground, close to their
evening patrol path, but no interest yet. How do
we convince them to move in?
Becca Dotson
Conservation Department: It may take
some time for bats to discover and use
your bat house. Do not hang a bat house
in a tree or shady area. Make sure it
receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each
day. Mount the box at least 12 feet above
the ground. Also, hanging the bat house
Reader Photo Flower Power near a pond or stream may increase
your chances of attracting bats to use it.
Dakota Lynch, of Barnhart, Mo., captured this picture of a flower spider eating a
fly. Flower spiders are types of crab spiders that live in flowers and capture prey Does southwest Missouri have any tortoises?
simply by grabbing and biting it. “As I was walking through the woods near our A neighbor saw a turtle on his dirt road and it
home admiring the blooming goldenrod, I noticed a fly on one of the flowers,” didn’t look like any of the box turtles I have seen.
says Lynch. “Upon closer examination, however, I realized this fly was actually in Debbie Mayes Nims
the process of being eaten by a small spider.” Lynch is an avid hunter and photog-
rapher. “One thing photography has taught me is to look beyond what is obvious,” Conservation Department: Missouri
says Lynch. “It’s hard to miss what’s going on in this photo, but the spider’s size has 17 species of turtles with no tortoises
and perfect camouflage make it difficult to spot with the naked eye.” listed. Here is a link to turtles in our on-
line field guide: mdc.mo.gov/node/7005.
2 Missouri Conservationist October 2013
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
Tim E. Dollar
Out of State $7 per year
Don R. Johnson
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
Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880 Flickr: flickr.com/groups/readerphotos
Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100 E-mail: [email protected] CONSERVATIONIST STAFF
St. Louis: 636-441-4554 Address: Missouri Conservationist, Reader Photo, Editor In Chief Ara Clark
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
Artist Mark Raithel
Blog: mdc.mo.gov/node/109 Missouri Department of Conservation: mdc.mo.gov Circulation Laura Scheuler
Facebook: facebook.com/MDConline Nature Shop: mdcnatureshop.com
The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the of-
Flickr: flickr.com/photos/mdc_online Twitter: twitter.com/MDC_Online ficial monthly publication of the Missouri Department of
Kids’ site: XplorMo.org twitter.com/Nature_Videos Conservation, 2901 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson
Missouri Conservationist: mdc.mo.gov/node/83 YouTube: youtube.com/user/moconservation City, MO (Mailing address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO
65102.) Subscription free to adult Missouri residents; out
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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
Kids’ magazine paid at Jefferson City, Mo., and at additional entry offices.
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box
180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: [phone],
October/November 2013 ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2013 by the Conservation
Six times a year we’ll bring you eye-popping art,
Commission of the State of Missouri.
photos and stories about Missouri’s coolest critters,
niftiest natural places, liveliest outdoor activities adventures in nature Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from
programs of the Missouri Department of Conserva-
and people who’ve made a living in the wild. tion is available to all individuals without regard to
Come outside with us and XPLOR! their race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Questions should be directed to the Department of
Ages: 7–12 Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102,
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October 2013 Missouri Conservationist 3
HUNTING AND FISHING
CALENDAR
FISHING OPEN CLOSE
Black Bass from Ozark Streams 05/25/13 02/28/14
Bullfrogs and Green Frogs Sunset Midnight
06/30/13 10/31/13
Nongame Fish Gigging 09/15/13 01/31/14
Paddlefish on the Mississippi River 09/15/13 12/15/13
Trout Parks 03/01/13 10/31/13
HUNTING OPEN CLOSE
Coyote 05/06/13 03/31/14
Deer
Archery 09/15/13 11/15/13
The unique call of the Canada Goose
11/27/13 01/15/14
Firearms
Urban 10/11/13 10/14/13
Agent Notes
Early youth 11/02/13 11/03/13
November 11/16/13 11/26/13
Mentoring Young Hunters
Antlerless (open areas only) 11/27/13 12/08/13
Alternative Methods 12/21/13 12/31/13
LAST YEAR MY son decided he was Late Youth 01/04/14 01/05/14
ready to hunt deer, so we prepared for Doves 09/01/13 11/09/13
the Early Youth Portion of the Firearms Furbearers 11/15/13 01/31/14
Deer Season. Groundhog 05/06/13 12/15/13
My son is 9 years old and not old Pheasant
enough to take a hunter education course. The minimum Youth (North Zone Only) 10/26/13 10/27/13
age to attend a course is 11. Youth who are at least 6, but not North Zone 11/01/13 01/15/14
older than 15, may purchase deer and turkey hunting permits Southeast Zone 12/01/13 12/12/13
without being hunter-education certified, but they must hunt Quail
in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult hunter Youth 10/26/13 10/27/13
who is 18 or older and has in his/her possession a valid hunter Regular 11/01/13 01/15/14
education certificate card or was born before Jan. 1, 1967. Rabbit 10/01/13 02/15/14
When introducing others to hunting, mentors have a Sora and Virginia rails 09/ 01/13 11/09/13
great deal of responsibility and should ensure they are up to Squirrel 05/25/13 02/15/14
date on regulations. The Wildlife Code of Missouri contains Turkey
most regulations but special seasons (like deer and turkey) Archery 09/15/13 11/15/13
have separate booklets. 11/27/13 01/15/14
In preparation of the hunt, we purchased permits, scouted Firearms 10/01/13 10/31/13
for deer, sighted in his rifle, studied deer anatomy, and dis- Waterfowl see the Waterfowl Hunting Digest or mdc.mo.gov/node/3830
cussed regulations. The Department has resources for begin- Wilson’s (common) snipe 09/01/13 12/16/13
ning hunters including skills classes, the 2013 Missouri Fall Deer Woodcock 10/15/13 11/28/13
and Turkey Hunting booklet and Web pages. To learn more
TRAPPING OPEN CLOSE
about deer hunting in Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/2458.
As my son and I sat in our blind on his first outing as Beaver and Nutria 11/15/13 03/31/14
a full-fledged deer hunter, I nervously wondered if I had Furbearers 11/15/13 01/31/14
properly prepared him. My 9 year old put my mind at ease Otters and Muskrats 11/15/13 02/20/14
when he whispered, “Dad, do we have permission to hunt here
For complete information about seasons, limits, methods, and restrictions,
and are you sure you put my deer tag in my backpack?”
consult the Wildlife Code and the current summaries of Missouri Hunting and
Trapping Regulations and Missouri Fishing Regulations, The Spring Turkey Hunting
Mark Reed is the conservation agent in Stoddard County. If you
Regulations and Information, the Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and
would like to contact the agent for your county, phone your regional Information, the Waterfowl Hunting Digest, and the Migratory Bird Hunting Digest.
conservation office listed on Page 3. For more information visit mdc.mo.gov/node/130 or permit vendors.
4 Missouri Conservationist October 2013
Ombudsman
ASK
THE
can be vacuumed
when found inside
the house. Sealing
Box elder bug
foundation cracks
and door thresh-
olds and keeping window screens in good
repair can reduce the number that get
inside. See the document at this Web ad-
dress for more details on box elder bugs:
extension.missouri.edu/p/g7360.
Q. Can you explain the meaning
of the “possession limit” for
game species? Does it mean the
limit that one can kill in one day’s
American white pelican
time or does it include game
stored in the freezer?
Q. I was surprised to see white
The daily limit is the amount of game
pelicans on Stockton Lake recently. that you may take in a day. The pos-
session limit is the amount of game
Are pelicans rare in Missouri?
that you may have in your possession,
including game stored in a refrigera-
American white pelicans breed and whooping cranes, which also may fly tor or freezer or in any other way. Once
nest in states to the north and west of high overhead, almost out of sight. you reach the possession limit, you will
Missouri and in Canada. They winter in need to eat some of the stored game or
southern California, Mexico, and along Q. What are the black and red give it to someone else before you hunt
the Gulf Coast. The ones that winter on bugs that are clustering on the for those species again. Any game that
the Gulf Coast pass through Missouri side of my house and on some you give away is still included in your
in migration each spring (early March tree trunks? daily harvest limit for the day that it was
through May) and fall (late September Your description fits the box elder bug, taken but it is no longer included in your
through late November) on their way to a species that is often observed at this possession limit. Game received as a gift
and from nesting areas. During migra- time of the year. Box elder bugs spend the is included in the possession limit of the
tion, flocks of 5,000 or more pelicans summer sucking on plant sap from box recipient. There are labeling require-
may amass on Missouri’s lakes, marshes, elders, silver maples, and other related ments for any game that is given away
and, occasionally, on rivers. Ten years trees. With the first cold snaps of fall, they to make clear the species, who killed the
ago it was a rare sight to see pelicans in begin congregating in warmer areas like game, and when the harvest occurred.
Missouri in the summer or winter, but the sunny sides of trees, houses, and other Telecheck confirmation numbers are re-
nonbreeding birds, mainly immature structures. The adult insects and nymphs quired in the labeling of deer and turkey
individuals, can now be found on our are usually present. They are looking for that is stored or given away.
lakes and rivers during those seasons. crevices and cracks where they can find
A flock of these large, white birds is shelter and become inactive during the Ombudsman Tim Smith will respond to
striking, whether floating on a lake or coming cold weather. They have a knack your questions, suggestions, or complaints
in flight. Their wingspan is second only for finding their way inside homes, too, concerning the Conservation Department.
to the California condor among North where they can aggravate the occupants. Address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102-0180
American bird species. They are oc- They do not harm humans or pets but Phone: [phone], ext. 3848
casionally confused with snow geese or may leave stains on walls if swatted. They Email: [email protected]
AMERICAN WHITE PELICAN: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG October 2013 Missouri Conservationist 5
BOX ELDER BUG: WILLIAM M. CIESLA, FOREST HEALTH MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL, BUGWOOD.ORG
[NEWS & EVENTS]
by Jim Low
bers in areas hit hardest by hemorrhagic diseases.
Hemorrhagic disease losses varied drastically
by region. Northwest and southwest Missouri
were especially hard-hit, while losses in most
southeast Missouri counties were insignificant.
Wherever you hunt, if you see fewer deer this
year, consider passing up shots at does if you
want to rebuild deer numbers in your area.
Hunters also can help protect the state’s deer
herd from a different threat, chronic wasting dis-
ease (CWD). They can do this by careful process-
ing and disposal of deer carcasses. Avoid cutting
through bones, the spine, or brain. The spleen,
located next to the stomach near the center of
the body cavity, should be avoided, too. If you
hunt somewhere other than home, bring knives
and containers so you can quarter the animal,
removing the front and hind legs from the spine.
Remove loins, back straps, and other usable meat
and send the spine, internal organs, and head to
a state-approved landfill. If landfill disposal isn’t
practical, bury the carcass deep enough that
scavengers can’t dig it up.
Trophy deer require different treatment.
Taxidermists use artificial forms to create mounts,
so there is no reason to keep the skull, which
could carry CWD. When removing the cape from
the carcass, also skin the head. Use a power saw
to remove the antlers along with a small portion
of the skull that joins them. Clean the inside of
the skull plate with chlorine bleach before leav-
ing the area where the deer was taken.
Detailed information about CWD prevention
is found on pages 2 through 5 of the 2013 Fall Deer
and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information
booklet. The booklet is available from permit ven-
dors or online at mdc.mo.gov/node/3656.
Sight in Deer Rifles
If you haven’t checked the sights on your deer
Deer Season Forecast
rifle, now is the time, and a Conservation
Department shooting range is the place. To
Missouri’s deer hunting outlook is mixed this year, while deer numbers remain fairly stable in the provide citizens with safe and convenient places
largely due to last year’s extreme heat and drought. surrounding area. to shoot, MDC offers more than 70 unstaffed
Water scarcity contributed to greater-than- The drought also reduced acorn production shooting ranges throughout the state. For safety NER
N
normal deer mortality from epizootic hemor- in many areas. This forced deer to move around reasons, these designated ranges are the only D STO
rhagic disease and the closely related disease more to find food, causing them to be more places on conservation areas where target shoot- AVI
D
commonly known as blue-tongue. Losses were visible to hunters. As a result, last year’s total ing is allowed. The Conservation Department RS:
significant in many areas, but spotty. Parts of deer harvest of 309,929 was the third-largest on also manages five staffed shooting ranges. Some UNTE
H
R
some counties will have fewer deer this year, record. That is likely to further depress deer num- are accessible to shooters with mobility impair- DEE
6 Missouri Conservationist October 2013
ments. Many have multiple shooting stations visit mdc.mo.gov/node/2544. Participating
with covered shooting benches, target holders, meat processors also are listed in the 2013 Fall Deer
and other amenities. To find one near you, visit and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information
mdc.mo.gov/node/6209. booklet, which is available wherever hunting
permits are sold, or at mdc.mo.gov/node/3656.
Share Your Harvest
Natural Events Calendar On Sale
The Conservation Federation of Missouri once
again is asking deer hunters to help feed thou- What costs $7, lasts 12 months, and makes you
sands of Missourians who are having trouble smarter and happier every day? If you guessed
making ends meet. the Conservation Department’s Natural Events
Share the Harvest is a citizen-led program Calendar, go to the head of the line and buy a
that lets hunters donate whole deer by simply copy of the 2014 edition. Next year’s calendar next year’s calendar. Of course, daily notes about
dropping them off at participating meat proces- goes on sale this month at conservation na- seasonal happenings outdoors remain among
sors. Contributions from sponsors pay for pro- ture centers and regional offices statewide. It the calendar’s top attractions. Added features
cessing most whole-deer donations. Each year, includes photos of an immature bald eagle on next year include a “Get Out and Explore” sec-
Share the Harvest puts nearly 2 million servings the wing, a red fox returning to its den with two tion with photos from spectacular places you
of lean, healthful venison on the tables of voles in its mouth, a night scene at Castor River might want to visit and a guide to introducing
Missourians in need. Conservation Federation Shut-Ins, a painterly depiction of snow-dusted children to nature. The calendar sells for $7 per
of Missouri’s goal this year is 2.5 million serv- oaks at Kansas City’s Swope Park, and the pyro- copy, plus shipping and handling and sales tax
ings to feed Missouri’s hungry. technic flowers of sensitive briar. These are just where applicable. You also can buy copies by
To learn how and where to donate deer a few of the dozens of startling images of plants, calling toll-free 877-521-8632 or through The
through Share the Harvest, call 573-634-2322, or animals, and landscapes that grace the pages of Nature Shop, mdcnatureshop.com.
WHAT IS IT?
Black-and-Yellow
Garden Spider
Argiope aurantia
This common spider is found in grassy
areas near houses and in tall grasslands.
Individual spiders tend to stay in one
area all season. The circular webs can
reach about 2 feet in diameter, and the
spider is often resting head-down in the
center on a zigzag band of silk. Once an
insect is caught in the web, the spider
often shakes the web to ensnare it.
Spiderlings hatch in spring and will bal-
loon on strands of silk in the breeze. The
much smaller male plucks strands on a
female’s web to court her. All summer,
the females eat insects and create up
to four egg cases that can contain more
than 1,000 eggs each. As temperatures
cool in autumn, the female slows and
dies in the first frosts. — photo by
Noppadol Paothong
October 2013 Missouri Conservationist 7
[ ]
NEWS & EVENTS
(continued from Page 7)
Thanks in part to his and his fellow conservation While these numbers are promising, the
Late Commissioner Stood Up for
commissioners’ leadership, nontoxic shot now is quality of hunting in Missouri depends heav-
Science-Based Conservation
required for waterfowl hunting nationwide. ily on two other factors. The first — weather
Former Conservation Commission Chairman John during the hunting season — is impossible
Duck Numbers High,
B. Mahaffey died Aug. 2 at age 86. A native of to predict. The second — habitat conditions
Habitat Conditions Mixed
St. Joseph and a long-time Springfield resident, — could change between now and the season
Mahaffey served on the Conservation Commission The outlook for duck hunters is mixed this year, opener, but some parts of the picture are
from 1982 through 1988. He was a courageous with ducks still abundant but Show-Me State known now. Regardless of how many ducks
defender of science-based conservation. Early in waterfowl habitat conditions spotty. come south this fall, if Missouri wetlands lack
his term as conservation commissioner, he voted This year’s survey of breeding ducks in the food or water, those birds will continue to fly
to approve a staff recommendation to require eastern survey area showed increases in all six south, leaving Missouri marshes empty and
nontoxic shot for waterfowl hunting. This made of the most abundant species. Mallards showed hunters disappointed.
Missouri a national leader in preventing lead a 22-percent increase compared to last year and Flooding affected the growth of crops and
poisoning of waterfowl and predators — most were up 25 percent from the long-term average. natural vegetation on several of the Conservation
notable bald eagles — that suffered from Overall, the survey showed 45.6 million breeding Department’s 18 intensively managed wetland
second-hand exposure to lead toxicity. He stood ducks, which is 33 percent above the long-term areas. Floods also damaged levees, pumps, roads,
by that decision in the face of intense pressure. average and nearly the same as last year’s figure. and other critical infrastructure on some of these
areas. Other wetland areas had the opposite
problem, with drought reducing the growth of
crops and seed-producing plants. Areas most
affected were:
• Ted Shanks, which suffered extensive
levee damage and likely will have
reduced wetland acreage and hunting
opportunities.
• Marais Temps Clair, where above-normal
water levels and poor crop growth will
impair hunting quality.
• Eagle Bluffs, where drought will reduce
flooded acreage. Early flooding washed
out crops but left time for replanting.
Those crops are expected to produce aver-
age yield.
• Four Rivers and Schell-Osage, where
August flooding destroyed planted crops
and adversely affected moist-soil plants
and hunting cover.
• Columbia Bottom, which reports poor
growth of crops of native food-producing
plants due to extensive flooding.
Springfield Nature Center Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Areas reporting normal water conditions G
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The Springfield Conservation Nature Center will celebrate its 25th anniversary with special events in early August included Montrose, Nodaway H
OT
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Oct. 5 and 6. Millions of people have discovered nature at the beautiful interpretive center and on Valley, Bob Brown, Fountain Grove, B.K. Leach, OL P
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its three miles of hiking trails through forests, fields, and marsh. The nature center will welcome Otter Slough, Ten Mile Pond, and Little River. PPA
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back old friends and greet first-time visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. However, Bob Brown and Nodaway Valley, as R: N
Sunday. The event will feature live animals on Saturday and primitive skills demonstrations on well as Settles Ford, all reported that continued NTE
Sunday, along with nature-based crafts, special exhibits, activities, and giveaways for all ages. drought could affect their ability to pump water RE CE
U
AT
The nature center is just off Highway 60 one-half mile west of Highway 65. No registration is into wetland pools. N
D
required. Call 417-888-4237 for a schedule of events. Grand Pass reported good moist-soil vegeta- GFIEL
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tion, but only fair crop growth. Normal water SPRI
8 Missouri Conservationist October 2013