Missouri Outdoors and Conservation News for September 17th, 2016

Have a big nice Christmas tree for the governor?  If you do, the Missouri Department of Conservation would like to hear from you. Get your entry in by September 30th.  Here's where to get more info or enter a tree: https://goo.gl/qOmnp9

Missouri deer hunters who harvest deer and use Telecheck will get some new questions you probably should be prepared for.  Telecheck will ask deer hunters who harvest does if the distance from the edge of the eyeball to the edge of the nostril is greater than 4.5 inches. For deer hunters who harvest antlered bucks, Telecheck will ask if the circumference of an antler one inch above the base is greater than 2.5 inches (the approximate circumference of a nickel). The measurement request will not apply to hunters who harvest button bucks. The info will be used to determine age classes of harvested deer so they can manage the herd better,  

The MDC is seeking comments on management at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area in Christian County.  You need to get your two cents worth in this month (September) and you can get the details at https://goo.gl/QwiP1z.

There has been initial approval made by the Conservation Commission on Smallmouth Bass and Rock Bass (known as Goggle Eye in Missouri).  There will be a comment period beginning in October.  The new regs will change length and possession limits in certain waters and the Commission hopes these changes will ensure a sustainable fishery for future generations.  MDC makes reg proposals based on sound science, and often local interests find them objectionable because they might change the way things have been.  We encourage readers to educate themselves on the reg changes and give their input.  More info is at https://goo.gl/lzrS6a.

One of the largest public land areas in Missouri is Current River Conservation Area, and MDC is also seeking

input on its management.  The comment period ends September 30th.

This area is rich in outdoor opportunities including paddling, fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.  Let MDC know what you'd like to see happening in the area. Info is at https://goo.gl/QwiP1z.

The MDC has designated a new State Champion Tree - a chinkapin oak tree in Columbia, as the largest of its kind anywhere in the state.  

MDC Community Forester Ann Koenig took an official measurement using a uniform formula to assess a point value to big trees. The formula, which accounts for the tree’s height, crown spread, and trunk size, scored 310 points for the tree Russell nominated – dethroning the previous state champion chinkapin oak in St. Charles County by only 17 points.  See this beautiful tree below.

If you are interested on improving habitat on your property, particularly for quail, get a copy of the Covey Newsletter from MDC at https://goo.gl/Kb1AeW

If you are looking for some family outdoor fun on September 24th, check out Family Outdoors Day in Lee's Summit.  Exhibits and teaching stations will be set up throughout the Reed Wildlife Area at 12405 S.E. Ranson Road. Also serving as co-sponsors this year are Nathan’s Catch, a non-profit effort providing fishing rods and reels for youths, and the J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation in memory of Jan M. Dillow.

Fishing gear and instructors will be available at a Reed Area lake. MDC staffers and volunteers can provide hands-on instructions on how to cast bait or a lure with a rod and reel. Loaner gear and bait will be provided for fishing. MDC experts can also answer questions about fish populations in the region’s lakes and streams.

It will run from 10 until 3 and more info is available by calling 816-622-0900.

With the Missouri deer season now underway with the archery season going, hunters are encouraged to help the less fortunate by utilizing the Share the Harvest program.  

The program works by deer hunters donating their extra venison -- from several pounds to whole deer -- to participating meat processors throughout the state who grind and package the deer meat. The packaged venison is then given to food banks and food pantries for distribution to Missourians in need of food assistance.

Processing fees are covered entirely or in part by numerous local sponsors, along with statewide sponsors that include: MDC, CFM, Shelter Insurance, Bass Pro Shops, Gateway Area Chapter of Safari Club International, Missouri Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Midway USA Inc., and the Missouri Food Banks Association.


Funds are available to help with processing costs when a whole deer is donated during all portions of the archery and firearms deer seasons. The Conservation Federation of Missouri reimburses processors a pre-determined amount for each whole deer donated. This allows processors to reduce processing fees to hunters. In addition, many processors have local funds available that allow deer to be processed for free or at a reduced cost. Hunters should contact individual processors to determine what funds are available. The cost of processing is the hunter’s responsibility when funds to help cover the full cost are not available.

Get more info on Share the Harvest at https://goo.gl/hf7OVM

MDC needs hunter help in southwest Missouri to detect CWD

Deadly Chronic Wasting Disease in northern Arkansas has prompted MDC to continue increased surveillance efforts near state border. 

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – More than 100 cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) found in deer and elk in northwest Arkansas has prompted the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to continue its increased CWD surveillance efforts in seven southwestern and south-central Missouri counties this fall and winter.

The Conservation Department encourages hunters who harvest deer in Barry, Christian, Douglas, McDonald, Ozark, Stone, and Taney counties to have their animals tested for CWD. Testing is free for hunters and MDC will have results available to participating hunters as they become available. 

These seven counties are close to where the Arkansas CWD positives were found—with the closest detected less than 15 miles from the Missouri border. No cases of CWD have been found in southern Missouri.

“Early detection of Chronic Wasting Disease is critical because once the disease is well established in an area, it is impossible to eradicate,” said MDC Wildlife Division Chief Jason Sumners. “We want our kids and grandkids to grow up being able to hunt and watch a healthy and strong deer population in the state. CWD could destroy that. The simplest thing hunters can do to help is to get their harvested deer tested.”

CWD sampling and testing involves collecting tissue samples from the necks of harvested or other dead deer for analysis by an independent laboratory that specializes in animal-disease testing. It takes only a few minutes to collect the tissue samples and consists of cutting an incision across the throat of the harvested deer to remove lymph nodes for CWD testing. Processing test results takes several weeks.

CWD Testing Locations

From Sept. 15 through Jan. 15, hunters can take their harvested deer for CWD testing to either the MDC Ozark Regional Office in West Plains or the MDC Southwest Regional Office in Springfield. Testing will be available during normal business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

MDC staff will also collect tissue samples at select meat processors during the opening weekend of the firearms deer season, Nov. 12 and 13. Cooperating taxidermists in the area will be collecting samples throughout the hunting season. Call the MDC Southwest Regional Office at 417-895-6880 or the MDC Ozark Regional Office at 417-256-7161 for participating businesses.

The Department will continue to test road-killed and sick-looking deer in the region. MDC encourages people to report deer that appear sick to local MDC offices or conservation agents.

Chronic Wasting Disease infects only deer and other members of the deer family by causing degeneration of the brain. This leads to a lack of coordination, paralysis, excessive salivation, unusual behavior, and emaciation. The disease has no vaccine or cure and is 100 percent fatal. A total of 33 free-ranging deer with CWD have been found in northeast, central, and east central Missouri since 2012.

Out of State Harvests

The Department reminds hunters who harvest deer, elk, or moose outside of the state -- such as in Arkansas -- and bring the animal back to Missouri that they must report the animal’s entry into the state within 24 hours by calling 877-853-5665 or reporting it online atmdc.mo.gov/carcass. Reporting is required by law. The carcass must be taken to a licensed meat processor or taxidermist within 72 hours of entry.

Hunters just passing through Missouri on their way to another state are exempt from this requirement as long as they are not in Missouri for longer than 24 hours.

The reporting requirement is only for whole carcasses and carcasses that have the head and spinal column attached. Parts that do not require reporting and that are at lower risk for harboring CWD include: meat that is cut and wrapped, boned-out-meat, quarters or other portions of meat with no pars of the spine or head attached, hides or capes from which excess tissue has been removed, antlers including those attached to skull plates or skulls where all muscle and brain tissue has been removed.

Get more information on Chronic Wasting Disease at mdc.mo.gov/CWD. 

Related articles

• Have fun learning about insects at MDC's Insect-O-Rama (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)

MDC waterfowl reservations open Sept. 1

Apply online Sept. 1 – 18 to hunt waterfowl on 12 MDC managed wetland areas.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds waterfowl hunters they have from Sept. 1 through Sept. 18 to apply online with MDC to hunt on 12 wetland areas intensively managed by the Department for waterfowl. The reservation system allocates half of the available hunting opportunities on these areas for Missouri residents chosen through a random drawing. The other half are for walk-in hunters who draw on-site each morning for the remaining spots, also known as the "poor line."

For more information and to apply, go to mdc.mo.gov and search “Waterfowl Reservations,” or apply directly at on.mo.gov/2byC4Do starting Sept. 1.

Buy permits online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.

Related articles

• Southeast Missouri youth waterfowl clinic and hunt set for Oct. 1 (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Michigan reserved managed waterfowl area hunt applications on sale now through Aug. 28 (family-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri farmers look to food plots to attract, boost wildlife (stltoday.com)

Have fun learning about insects at MDC's Insect-O-Rama

Registration not required for free Aug. 19 event at Springfield Conservation Nature Center.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Learning more about insects is a good way to appreciate the good they do for us. People can have fun learning about these fascinating creatures at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free Insect-O-Rama program from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Local insect experts will join MDC staff to provide an evening of insect information and fun activities. Weather permitting, events will take place inside and outside the Nature Center in the form of displays, crafts, games and exhibits featuring live insects.

Insects provide a number of benefits to humans in the way of pollination and pest control. In addition to developing a better understanding about how they help us, learning about insects can also provide people with helpful information about how to reduce problems caused by some species.

No registration is required for this free program. Individuals can come any time during the Insect-O-Rama event, which is open to all ages. The Nature Center is located at 4601 South Nature Center Way in Springfield. For more information, call 417-888-4237. Information on common insects found in Missouri can also be found at mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• REMINDER to Discover Nature with MDC at State Fair starting this week (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Missouri farmers look to food plots to attract, boost wildlife (stltoday.com)
• Why Natural Insect Control Works Better (greenreview.blogspot.com)

MDC offers bowhunter education class on Aug. 13

Free course will be taught at MDC's Andy Dalton Shooting Range in Greene County.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A bowhunter education class provides several benefits to archery enthusiasts.

Bowhunter education certification is not a mandatory part of Missouri’s statewide hunting regulations, but it is a requirement to participate in some archery hunting opportunities in the state. It also allows archery hunters to get tips on shooting techniques and safety.

On Aug. 13, The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will hold a bowhunter education class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. This course is open to people age 11 (by July 25) and older. All participants need to bring photo identification. If they don’t have a photo ID, students need to bring a birth certificate or some other proof-of-age document. The Andy Dalton Range islocated near Ash Grove at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61. People can register by calling 417-742-4361. People can register for this class online by going to mdc-event.3licensing.comEvent/Allevents?EventTypeId=3.  

Even though bowhunter education is not a mandatory element of Missouri’s state-wide archery regulations, taking a course is still a good idea for several reasons.

·        A number of cities that allow archery hunting inside their city limits require the hunter to be bowhunter education certified to take part.

·        Some owners of special corporate landholdings may require hunters to be bowhunter-education certified before they’re allowed to hunt on their property.

·        A number of other states require bowhunter education before hunters are allowed to apply for or take part in archery hunts in those states. (Missouri’s courses satisfy these requirements.)

·        The courses can provide good information for newcomers to bowhunting and can be an excellent refresher for veteran archery hunters.

More information about upcoming bowhunter education classes and other educational opportunities can be found by contacting your nearest MDC office or online at mdc.mo.gov.

Related articles

• Kansas Bowhunters Association To Host Glen Elder Bowfishing Contest (kansas-outdoors.blogspot.com)
• Harrisonville angler catches state-record white crappie (missourioutdoors.blogspot.com)
• Preventative Maintenance for Bowhunters (averageoutdoorsman.com)

MDC welcomes participants in dove banding project

Program at Reed Memorial Wildlife Area part of long-term scientific studies

The range of the Mourning Dove (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering the public a chance to participate in research on mourning dove populations. Each summer, MDC employees trap doves and affix small identification bands. The doves are then released back into the wild. Band information returned by hunters and birders helps monitor dove populations. Scientists also track the popular gamebird’s migrations in Missouri and other states.

A limited number of openings are available for people interested in dove banding to join MDC crews at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area at Lee’s Summit. Public participation in dove banding is available on Aug. 2, 3 and 4, and again on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10. Two trapping and banding sessions will be held on each day beginning at 5:30 and 7:00 p.m.

Space is limited to six people per session. Participants must register in advance by calling 816-622-0900. Rick Bredesen, Reed Area manager, said the sessions will give participants a chance to work closely with doves and see science-based wildlife management in action. The sessions will also be a chance to discuss ecology and wildlife topics such as bird migration and habitat.

For more information on doves and science-based conservation in Missouri, visithttp://mdc.mo.gov.

MDC searches for vehicle in elk poaching case

A reward of nearly $4,500 is offered for information in elk poaching case.

SHANNON COUNTY, Mo. – Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) agents would like to speak to the driver of a 2007-12 dark gray four-door GM pickup, reported by an anonymous tip to have been at Log Yard Access along the Current River between 8:30 and 9 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2015.  Anyone who was at the Log Yard Access area any time that evening may have seen the vehicle and know the driver or perhaps saw or heard something that could be helpful to the investigation. Conservation agents would also like to hear from the driver of the vehicle, for the same reasons.

In the late winter of 2012, a yearling bull elk was captured in eastern Kentucky.  In late spring of that same year, that young bull was relocated some six hundred miles to Peck Ranch in Missouri and given Elk Identification Number 260 in Missouri’s elk restoration program.  Over the next three years the young bull grew into a magnificent example of what all people envision when they think of a mature bull elk.  In the evening of Dec. 28, 2015 near Log Yard Access on the Current River, this bull’s life was taken by a poacher’s gun, his fully‑developed antlers were taken by the poacher’s chainsaw, and his carcass was left to rot by the poacher.

That same night, the Current River was flooding to near historic levels.  River gauge levels show that between 6 p.m. and midnight it rose from about 24 feet to 28 feet and then crested around 3 a.m. on Dec. 29 at about 29 feet.  Shannon County Highway HH, which leads to the Log Yard area, was closed by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) from 8 a.m. on Dec. 28 until late in the day Dec. 29, due to flooding of Carr Creek. Still, many people who wanted to see the river during this flood event took another route in to Log Yard. Any one of these people may have information that could help in the investigation of the poaching of Elk 260.

Elk 260 made a long and difficult journey from eastern Kentucky to Missouri, then flourished for three years and became a mature bull elk. It likely contributed a few calves to Missouri’s growing elk population. It also may have given many people their first opportunity and pleasure to see an elk in the wild.  A poacher’s actions, for nothing more than Elk 260’s antlers, stopped both contributions. 

Anyone with information about the 2007-12 dark gray four-door GM pickup, or anything else regarding the poaching of Elk 260, please call Conservation Agent Brad Hadley at (573)230-3706 or call the Operation Game Thief (OGT) hotline at (800)392-1111. The OGT hotline is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A reward from Operation Game Thief and the Conservation Federation of Missouri currently stands at $4,445.00.

Related articles

• MDC joins birding enthusiasts at Wings Over Weston
• ZimParks rangers kill 2 poachers
• Turn in a Poacher, Get a Free Tag? Not for One Utah Man

Emerald Ash Borer advances across more Missouri Counties

Emerald ash borer (EAB) infestations have been detected for the first time in 12 Missouri counties this spring. In southeastern Missouri, EAB was detected in Carter, Dent, Iron, Phelps, Ripley, Shannon, Stoddard, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, and Texas counties. The addition of those counties to previously known infestations results in a contiguous block of 18 EAB positive counties in that part of the state. 

EAB was also detected for the first time this spring in Clinton and Ray counties, adding to the four other Missouri counties and five Kansas counties with EAB infestations in the vicinity of Kansas City and St. Joseph. Other infestations are present in the St. Louis and Hannibal areas. A total of 27 counties are now known to have EAB infestations across Missouri.

The big jump in number of EAB detections this year is largely due to an increased effort by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) visually surveying for infestations in southeast Missouri. The USDA and Missouri Department of Agriculture are also monitoring EAB traps in many counties throughout the state to detect additional infestations.

EAB populations can expand slowly on their own to new areas, but the primary way that EAB spreads quickly is by movement of firewood. As the number of EAB infestations increases, the risk of EAB hitchhiking on firewood increases. To slow the spread of EAB and other invasive forest pests, don’t move firewood. Buy it near where you burn it!

You can prepare for EAB’s arrival by knowing the signs of an EAB infestation. Report EAB suspects if they’re in a new county where EAB has not yet been found. And start planning how you can manage EAB infestations when they arrive in your community. For more information see: eab.missouri.edu

Runge Conservation Nature Center encourages hometown discovery with Passport Jefferson City

Participating locations offer free activities and prizes.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – From now until Sept. 5, the Runge Conservation Nature Center will offer a new program, Passport Jefferson City. The free program is designed to encourage people to explore their hometown, including discovering new places around Jefferson City and the city’s rich history.

Participants complete tasks at participating local locations, earn small prizes and have their passport sheets stamped. Tasks consist of a tour, scavenger hunt or small activity. All activities are free and open to the public.

“Passport Jefferson City is a great avenue for discovering Missouri’s treasures right here in Jefferson City,” said Kathy Cavender, manager of Runge Conservation Nature Center.

Participating locations include Runge Conservation Nature Center, Highway Patrol Safety Education Center, Lincoln University Farmer’s Market, Missouri State Archives and other local organizations.

Participants who visit and receive stamps at all sites in the Passport Jefferson City program will be eligible to win one of three large gift baskets containing Jefferson City centered items. 

Participants can drop off completed sheets at their final passport location, or can mail them to Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau, 700 E Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101. 

The drawing winner for the basket will be announced in September.

Passport sheets are available at each participating location as well as online athttp://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZk. 

To schedule tours of sites, contact the location directly using the information on the back of the Passport sheet. For questions about the program, contact Runge Conservation Nature Center at 573-526-5544.

Related articles

• MDC offers new Missouri Conservationist app
• MDC reminds public to not feed deer in CWD counties

Missouri Department of Conservation Director Robert L. Ziehmer Announces Resignation

MDC Director Robert L. Ziehmer
(pictured in the MDC hat collaring the baby elk)
 is stepping down as director effective July 15.

After six and half years, Ziehmer is stepping down as director effective July 15.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces that Director Robert L.  Ziehmer is stepping down as director effective July 15, 2016. 

“It is with mixed emotions that I am resigning from my position as director,” Ziehmer said. “My decision to leave was not easy. The many years I have spent with the Department have been both professionally challenging and rewarding.  However, I am excited about continuing my conservation career through a new endeavor in the private sector.”

Ziehmer has been with MDC for over 25 years. During his last six and half years as director, he has continued to move conservation forward by forging strong statewide and national conservation partnerships and increasing public engagement on key conservation initiatives.

Some milestones during Ziehmer’s tenure include restoration activities for elk, prairie chickens, hellbenders and sturgeon; active efforts to deliver the conservation message in all public schools; implementation of major infrastructure projects, including hatchery renovations, wetland renovations, shooting range renovations, and new regional facilities; working to improve the agency’s business processes; and continuing MDC’s role as a national leader in fish, forest, and wildlife management.

“Bob’s dedication to Missouri Conservation and his career with the Department has made a lasting impact for the betterment of the fish, forest, and wildlife of this state,” said Conservation Commission Chair Marilynn Bradford. “He has chosen to take the next step in his conservation career, and we are indebted to he and his family for his devoted service and commitment to Missouri Conservation.”

Ziehmer was appointed director in January 2010. He is the 8th person to serve in this capacity since MDC’s founding in 1937. 

Related articles

• MDC joins birding enthusiasts at Wings Over Weston
• MDC reminds public to not feed deer in CWD counties
• Missouri family finds giant morel mushroom in Washington County

MDC offers outdoor skills events geared for special needs

Staff and volunteers help participants fish, canoe and target shoot

Kansas City, Mo. – Connections with nature enhance life for all, including people with special needs. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers programs to help those with special needs and their caregivers enjoy the outdoors.

   MDC will offer an outdoor skills special needs event 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. The program is reserved for outdoor enthusiasts young or young at heart who may have special physical or mental needs, and their guardians or caregivers. Participants in the morning will try fishing in the Burr Oak Woods pond and target shoot with air rifles. MDC staff and volunteers assist participants with all activities.

   A campfire lunch will be provided. In the afternoon, participants will get a chance to go canoeing at the pond.

  in 15 years.’ “

 “This is about getting people outdoors and giving them the same opportunities that everyone else has to enjoy nature,” said Lisa LaCombe, Burr Oak Woods manager. “We get cool comments from people, such as ‘this is the first time I’ve gotten to fish

   LaCombe is also the latest organizer for a decades-old No Boundaries fishing program. This year it will be held June 11 at the Longview Lake Marina. The event coincides with Missouri’s free fishing weekend. MDC staff and volunteers assist the anglers and their caregivers with the fishing.

   “Even the smallest sunfish they catch brings great delight,” LaCombe said.

   MDC staff and conservation partners also recently held an 8th Annual Outdoors Without Limits event at Hazel Hill Lake north of Warrensburg in Johnson County. The joy people get from connecting with the outdoors is rewarding to those who help them.

   “Our staff partners with people on things like canoeing,” LaCombe said. “We get into the canoe and paddle with them and make sure they have a good experience. Many times they will progress and follow up by paddling a kayak on their own.”

   Registration is required for the programs and can be made by calling LaCombe at 816-655-6263, ext. 1332, or email at lisa.lacombe@mdc.mo.gov.

   MDC provides fishing docs, boat ramps and restrooms at many conservation areas that are accessible for people with special needs. For more information, visit http://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/accessible-outdoors.