MDC offers Bowhunter Education Certification Course for Southeast Region

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a Bowhunter Education Certification Course, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge in Perryville.

According to DeeDee Dockins, an outdoor skills specialist with the MDC, this will be the only Bowhunter Education Certification Course offered this year in the southeast region.

“Most of the demand for bowhunter certification stems from hunters who are traveling out of state to bow hunt, because Missouri doesn’t require bowhunter education,” Dockins said. “As of now, 20 states have regulations requiring bowhunter education certification in order to purchase permits.”

Dockins said she encourages all bow hunters to attend the class.

“The number of tree stand accidents continues to rise and we address safety issues when hunting from an elevated position,” she said.

The course provides comprehensive information about the knowledge, skills, safety and additional opportunities available to bow hunters.   Topics covered include different types of bows and equipment, opportunities available to the bow hunter, safety information related to hunting from an elevated platform,  the role of the hunter and hunting in wildlife management and conservation, responsibilities of the outdoorsman, distance estimation, ethical practices of the hunter, and much more.

Those successfully completing the course will receive a Bowhunter Education Certification Card from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Students must be 11 years of age or older to attend.

Pre-registration is required. To register, visit mdc.mo.gov. For further information, call the MDC Southeast Regional Office at (573) 290-5730.

Discover Nature Women Spring Fling

Last chance to register!

You are invited to experience the Discover Nature Women Spring Fling April 25-27 at the Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center in Excelsior Springs, MO. This weekend retreat workshop provides a safe friendly environment where women can experience hands-on training in outdoor skills by a team of professional instructors. Courses include archery, backpacking, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, Orienteering, outdoor cooking, and an introduction to wild edible plants. Registration ends April 8 at 6:00 pm. For more information, contact Lisa LaCombe at816-665-6263 X 232 or lisa.lacombe@mdc.mo.gov

This workshop provides a safe and friendly environment where women experience hands-on outdoor skills training with a team of professionals.

Apply now for managed turkey hunts

This year’s hunts have something for everyone,

including youths, archers, and hunters with disabilities.

JEFFERSON CITY–Turkey hunters have until Feb. 28 to apply for managed hunts during the 2014 spring turkey season.

This year’s offerings include managed hunts for archers, youths, and people with disabilities. Managed turkey hunts and application procedures are outlined in the 2014 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Informationbooklet, which is available at www.mdc.mo.gov/7498. A print version will be available from hunting permit vendors statewide in mid-February.

Missouri has some of the nation’s best turkey hunting, thanks to the cooperation of MDC, citizens, and landowners in a 25-year restoration program. To learn more about wild turkeys in Missouri, visitmdc.mo.gov/node/4105.

-Jim Low-

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We went "Hunting" and Wilson is a "Hunting Dog"

We were “hunting” this morning and Wilson was a “hunting dog.” Sure!

Wilson the Huntn' Dog

My two sons and I spent our morning tromping through a beautiful ice covered conservation area that is near our home in Warren County.  That ought to narrow it down quite a bit as to where we were if you were so inclined to care.  

Wilson is one of the most loving dogs I have ever come across.  He was rescued in southwest Missouri - apparently starved and uncared for.  But, if he was ever overtly abused he is THE most forgiving creature God ever created because the sum total of his perceived purpose for existence is to be around people.  

He has one really annoying habit, and that is being impossible to train to come when called.  I can train dogs.  I am good at it if I do say so myself.  Parenthetically, I am expressly not asking for suggestions on how to accomplish this.  

As a consequence, Wilson rarely is turned loose.  As one of the most suspect wedding presents ever, when my oldest son got married in June, we gave them Wilson.  Miraculously, our son is a long distance runner, and at the end of eleven mile runs Wilson sort of stops pulling on his leash.  That is how much energy he has.

In the woods, if you turn him loose he will return when he is ready - anywhere from five minutes to a half an hour later.  So when we headed out this morning, the question was, do we keep him leashed or let him run.  The decision was - run.

By law, hunting dogs are okay where we were.  Therefore Wilson was a hunting dog today.  One minute we’d hear him a half mile away apparently having treed a squirrel and carrying on like he was going to explode.  Thirty seconds later he’d be back to check on us.  He was the happiest looking dog you’ve ever seen.

His cavorting had the effect of making it most unlikely we would actually encounter a squirrel or rabbit.  We in fact did not.

It was mighty chilly, the truck thermometer read 8 degrees when we started.  My two sons and I had an outstanding experience together, visiting and enjoying the outdoors.  We came home to a warm house and a great Christmas Eve Day, and are now a few minutes from heading off to church.

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Conservation Commission approves 2014 firearms deer, turkey season dates

Spring turkey season opens April 21. November portion of firearms deer season opens Nov. 16.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – At its regular meeting today in St. Charles, the Missouri Conservation

Commission set dates for the 2014 firearms turkey and deer hunting seasons.

Firearms turkey season dates are:

·         Youth season – April 12-13, 2014

·         Regular spring season – April 21-May 11, 2014

·         Fall firearms season – Oct. 1-31, 2014

Firearms deer season dates are:

·         Urban zones portion – Oct. 10-13, 2014

·         Early youth portion – Nov. 1-2, 2014

·         November portion – Nov. 15-25, 2014

·         Antlerless portion – Nov. 26-Dec. 7, 2014

·         Alternative methods portion – Dec. 20-30, 2014

·         Late youth portion – Jan. 3-4, 2015

Full details of 2014 deer and turkey hunting regulations will be published on the Conservation Department website atmdc.mo.gov, and in hunting regulation guides available from hunting permit vendors and MDC offices and nature centers statewide before the seasons.

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Conservation Action October 2013

The Conservation Commission met Oct. 3 and 4 in Kirksville. Commissioners present were:

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Chair

James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Vice Chair/Secretary

Don R. Johnson, Festus, Member

Tim Dollar, Blue Springs, Member

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

• Received presentations from:

Ø  Resource Scientist Jason Isabelle about research into wild-turkey harvest management

Ø  Permit Services Supervisor Greg Jones about permit sales trends

Ø  Private Land Services Northeast Regional Supervisor George Shurvington about small-game management

Ø  Fisheries Northeast Regional Supervisor Brian Todd about small-lake management in northeast Missouri

Ø  Eric Kurzieski, Columbia, regarding spring turkey hunting regulations

Ø  Colin Sorhus, Green Castle, about Union Ridge Conservation Area (CA)

• Approved the purchase of 40 acres in Shannon County as an addition to Rocky Creek Conservation Area
• Approved the purchase of 199 acres in Christian County as an addition to Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
• Approved the purchase of 422 acres in Morgan and Benton counties as an addition to Big Buffalo Creek CA
• Approved the sale of the 3-acre Washington Towersite in Washington County
• Approved the sale of the 4.64-acre Sullivan office site in Franklin County
• Approved the sale of the 3-acre Crusader’s Access in Grundy County
• Approved the designations of a new natural area in Vernon County as Praiurie View Natural Area (NA) and an addition to Dark Hollow NA in Sullivan County.
• Suspended hunting, fishing, and/or trapping privileges of 38 Missouri residents and two nonresidents for Wildlife Code violations. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

Dennis Baklashev, Lake Ozark, fishing, 5 years

Trevor Barnes, Braymer, hunting, 9 years

Clayton J. Beall, Clarence, hunting, until 7-12-2015

Michael L. Bennett, Bunker, hunting, 3 years

John Burlingame, Kahoka, hunting and fishing, until 7-25-15

Dorel Chobanu, Sedalia, hunting and fishing, 3 years

Constantin Ciobanu, Hughesville, fishing, 9 years

Fred Clark, Macon, hunting, until 9-10-15

Clint E. Clayton, Raytown, all sport privileges, 2 years

Jeffrey D. Copas, Sedalia, all sport privileges, 1 year

Seth Cunningham, Green City, hunting, 1 year

Darrell L. Eckhoff, Potosi, hunting, 3 years

Gary B. Garman, Monett, all sport privileges, 1 year

Justin G. Head, Chillicothe, hunting and trapping, 4 years

Michael E. Hefner, Springfield, all sport privileges, 1 year

Harland Igou, Independence, all sport privileges, 4 years

Ryan S. Jacobs, Brunswick, all sport privileges, 1 year

Jeremy D. Kendzora, St. Joseph, all sport privileges, 1 year

Jordan L. Kinder, West Plains, hunting and fishing, 1 year

Alexander Kozlov, Nixa, fishing, 6 years

Radu Kukosh, Sedalia, fishing, 3 years

Joshua Luechtefeld, Leslie, hunting, 1 year

Yuriy Matsyokha, Green Ridge, fishing, 17 years

Layton E. Metcalf, Cape Fair, hunting, 1 year

Kendall W. Monroe, Cherryville, hunting, 1 year

James R. Moore, Jr., Calhoun, hunting, 1 year

Tien D. Nguyen, Jefferson City, fishing, 1 year

Derek M. O’Brien, Hannibal, hunting, 1 year

Alexsandr Postevka, Springfield, hunting and fishing, 2 years

Corey J. Pudivitr, Doniphan, hunting, 3 years

Peter Rukosunev, Henderson, Colo., fishing, 1 year

Lindell W. Sanders, Winona, hunting, 3 years

Colby S. Shelkop, St. Joseph, hunting, 1 year

Michael J. Shepherd, Center, fishing, 1 year

Jere D. Smith, Warsaw, fishing, 1 year

Heath A. Swindle-Reich, Springfield, hunting, 3 year

Josh Teel, Bucklin, hunting, 4 years

Vasiliy Tsipan, Sedalia, fishing, 1 year

Troy W. Watkins, Troy, all sport privileges, 1 year

Vitaliy Zubkov, Woodborn, Ore., fishing, 3 years

• Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 270 people who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.
• Suspended privileges of 165 people under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

·        Imposed a hunting privilege suspension of three years for one Missouri resident who injured another person in a hunting incident. The hunters must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.

·        Reinstated the hunting privileges of Scott W. Sales, Trimble.

·        Set its next regular meeting for Dec. 12 and 13 in St. Louis.

This document is provided for public information only and is not an official record of the Missouri Department of Conservation or Missouri Conservation Commission.

Discover nature with elk driving tours at MDC’s Peck Ranch in Ozarks

See elk and other wildlife, hear bugling, see fall foliage, visit Twin Pines and local communities.

Courtesy MDC

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – See some of Missouri’s first free-ranging elk in nearly 150 years, along with other wildlife, while also enjoying fall foliage through a self-guided driving tour at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Peck Ranch Conservation Area.

Over the past three years, MDC has been working with local communities, landowners, conservation groups and others to restore more than 100 elk from Kentucky to a 346-square-mile restoration zone in this rugged area of the Ozarks. The heart of the restoration zone is Peck Ranch Conservation Area in northwest Carter County and eastern Shannon County.

Late September through early November is a prime time to see bull elk bugling against a backdrop of fall foliage as they woo cow elk into small groups called harems. The best times to see elk and other wildlife are right after sunrise and right before sunset.

MDC can’t guarantee an elk sighting, but the tour is a beautiful drive though fields, forests and glades infused with fall color during October and November. Visitors may also catch sightings of deer, turkey, and other wildlife.

The tour route begins at the Peck Ranch CA office and is marked along the way. Driving tours are open sunrise to sunset seven days a week, unless closed because of inclement weather. Visitors are encouraged to take photographs and get out of vehicles for better views, but should not disturb elk or other wildlife in any way. Gravel roads on Peck Ranch CA may not be accessible to vehicles without adequate ground clearance. Some roads may be impassible at times due to high water at stream crossings. 

Note that elk driving tours will be closed for deer hunting in the area Oct. 5 and 6, Nov. 1-3, Nov. 16-26 and Dec. 7 and 8

For more information on elk driving tours, call the MDC Elk Info Line at 855-C-MDC-ELK (855-263-2355).

For more information on Peck Ranch Conservation Area, visit tinyurl.com/qew7ptj.

While in the area, also visit MDC’s Twin Pines Conservation Education Center located near Peck Ranch one mile east of Winona on Route 60. Twin Pines is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. For more information on Twin Pines, call 573-325-1381, or go online to mdc.mo.gov/node/293.

Just north of Peck Ranch lie the MDC Rocky Creek and Current River conservation areas. Both have several gravel roads open to vehicle traffic and also provide wildlife viewing.

The nearby communities of Eminence, Ellington, Winona and Van Buren also offer fall events and other outdoor activities. Visit them for a bite to eat, a bit of shopping, an overnight stay, and a variety of outdoor adventures.

New conservation commissioner is an outdoorsman

The love of nature kindled by his grandfather still burns bright.

JEFFERSON CITY–Missouri’s newest conservation commissioner traces his outdoor roots to hunting small game as a boy. That passion for nature now finds expression in hands-on wildlife management.

Gov. Jeremiah “Jay” Nixon appointed Tim Dollar, Blue Springs, to a six-year term on the Missouri Conservation Commission. Dollar, 53, grew up in the Kansas City area. He traces his interest in conservation to time spent outdoors with his maternal grandfather, Alden Jaynes.

“He took me squirrel and rabbit and quail hunting, and I fell in love with it immediately,” says Dollar. “I didn’t have too many opportunities to explore that during my childhood, but even then I knew the passion I had for it.”

Dollar recalls that his outdoor career got a jump-start when he met his soon-to-be father-in-law, Robert Hammond. “He introduced me to deer hunting in his home area of St. Clair County,” says Dollar. “That was a life-changing experience. I was absolutely hooked.”

Dollar pursued his passion for hunting for two decades, until a friend, West Plains attorney Lynn Henry, showed the future conservation commissioner what he was doing to improve some hunting land he owns.

“I became obsessed with acquiring land and managing it for deer, turkey, and quail and other wildlife,” says Dollar. “Seeing what he was doing on his property in the Ozarks was an eye-opener. After that, managing land for wildlife became a consuming passion and hobby.”

Dollar focused his new-found passion for wildlife management on his wife’s family farm in St. Clair County, a place he refers to as “sacred ground.” He worked closely with St. Clair Conservation Agent Joanna Bledsoe to tailor management techniques to the farm’s special needs. Now, through arrangements with neighboring landowners, he manages nearly 900 acres for deer, turkey, quail and other wildlife. He built a hunting lodge a mile or so from the old home place, where his father-in-law was born.

Dollar eagerly discusses ongoing efforts to improve wildlife habitat on the farm. This includes restoring fencerows and creating thickets as escape cover for quail and other ground-nesting wildlife. Planting corn, soybeans, and winter wheat ensures ample food for wildlife.

“For the first time that I can remember down here, we are having some success,” he says. “Last week, driving through the milo and millet, we several times came across a ton of quail. We haven’t seen that in a very long time.”

An avid bowhunter, Dollar says Sept. 15 will find him sitting in a tree stand looking for white-tailed deer.

Asked if he has any special interests or programs he wants to advance during his term on the Conservation Commission, Dollar said “No, I’m really interested in it all, and I’m eager to learn. The Missouri Conservation Department is one of the finest, best-run organizations of its kind in the country. When I travel to other states and am asked about Missouri, I start by talking about the Conservation Department, because it is respected around the country. So I’m eager to learn and support this great tradition we have.”

“Commissioner Dollar’s interest and knowledge of fish and wildlife combined with his business experience make him a solid addition to the Conservation Commission,” said Conservation Department Director Robert L. Ziehmer.  “His energy and enthusiasm to enhance forest, fish, and wildlife resources will prove beneficial for citizens and the outdoor resources of Missouri.  I look forward to working with Commissioner Dollar.”

Dollar, a Democrat, will serve through June 30, 2019.

The Conservation Commission consists of four members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Missouri Senate. To ensure non-partisan oversight of the Conservation Department, no more than two members may be from the same political party.

Dollar replaces Becky Plattner, whose term expired this year.  The other commissioners are Chairman Don C. Bedell, R-Sikeston, Vice Chair James T. Blair, IV, R-St. Louis, and Don R. Johnson, Festus.

The Conservation Commission controls, manages, restores, conserves and regulates the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state, including hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all other property owned, acquired or used for such purposes, as well as the acquisition and establishment of those properties.

-Jim Low-

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Conservation Action July 2013

The Conservation Commission met July 2 and 3 in Jefferson City.  Commissioners

present were:

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Chair

James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Vice Chair

Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Secretary

Don R. Johnson, Festus, Member

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

• Received presentations from:
  • Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen regarding future elk population management
  • Ducks Unlimited (DU) Director of Conservation Programs David Brakhage, and Manager of Conservation Mark Flaspohler regarding the DU-MDC partnership and accomplishments
  • Resource Science Division Chief Mike Hubbard regarding wildlife management and Wildlife Code complexities of the 21^st Century

• The Commission voted to encourage staff to follow the October 2010 elk restoration plan and begin the process of developing a future elk hunting season, with public input, as a means to manage the herd.

• Approved entering into a contract with Brockmiller Construction, Inc., Farmington, for the construction of  the Meramec Spring Fish Hatchery Pool 5 Screen and Weir Gate Replacement project in Phelps County, at a total estimated cost of $261,500. Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program funds will be utilized to cover 75% of the total project cost.
• Approved a recommendation to purchase approximately 8.45 acres in Laclede County as an addition to Coffin Cave Conservation Area
• Approved a recommendation to sell approximately 2.25 acres of the Mount Hulda Towersite in Benton County
• Approved the advertisement and sale of an estimated 1.97 million board feet of timber located on 633 acres of Compartment 2, Birch Creek Conservation Area in Shannon County
• Suspended hunting, fishing, and/or trapping privileges of nine Missouri residents for Wildlife Code violations. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

James T. Burnett, Desoto, hunting and fishing, 2 years

John R. Clark, St. Louis, hunting, 3 years

Cody J. Collins, Clarence, hunting, until 5-17-14

Ralph D. Conner, Neosho, hunting, 1 year

Michael P. Cuddy, Ashland, all sport privileges, 1 year

Larry N. Edwards, St. Joseph, hunting, 1 year

Jeffrey R. Ferris, Camdenton, all sport privileges, 12 years

Shannon E. Lane, Eagleville, hunting, until 1-9-14

Chase L. Williams, Caulfield, hunting, 3 years

• Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 211 people who are not in compliance with applicable child-support laws. Privileges suspended for noncompliance are reinstated once the Division of Child Support Enforcement notifies MDC that suspendees have come into compliance with the required laws.
• Suspended privileges of 322 people under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
• Received public comments from Sam James regarding chronic wasting disease.
• Elected the following officers:

o   Don C. Bedell, Chair

o   James T. Blair, IV, Vice Chair/Secretary

·        Set its next regular meeting for Aug. 15 and 16 in Jefferson City.

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Vandals Damage Public Property in Mark Twain National Forest

We really hope some folks will come through and turn in some of the bottom

Falling Spring Mill

feeding low-lifes who vandalize the outdoors!

From USFS:

Information is being sought on vandals that damage Mark Twain National Forest recreation sites in southwest Missouri.“Every beginning of the recreation season, we find a number of sites that have been vandalized,” said Mark Twain National Forest Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District Ranger Jenny Farenbaugh.  “Signs are stolen, shot up, ran over; buildings are broken into and trash is dumped on national forest property. These are sites for everyone to enjoy.”According to Mark Twain National Forest Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs District Recreation Manager Darla Rein, a number of sites have

Mark Twain National Forest used as Garbage Dump

been vandalized throughout the district in Barry, Christian, Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Stone and Taney counties.If you should see vandalism occurring, please contact the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District at (417) 683-4428 to report it.Rein said anyone caught vandalizing government property will be subject to fines and restitution of property, including costs of employee salaries to make repairs.“We would appreciate your support in helping us to protect your forest lands and facilities,” Farenbaugh said.Mark Twain National Forest is the largest public land manager in Missouri with 1.5 million acres in 29 counties in southern and central Missouri.  Mark Twain National Forest is managed to restore Missouri’s natural communities and maintain a healthy, working forest.

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Quick Draw option for waterfowl hunting increases “poor line” spots

MDC decision based on hunter feedback and analysis of past hunting seasons.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Based on feedback from waterfowl hunters and analysis of past waterfowl seasons, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is implementing a minor change to “Quick Draw.” This online draw system is used for allocating waterfowl hunting spots at three of the Department’s 15 conservation areas that offer managed waterfowl hunting.

For 2013 and 2014, the Quick Draw system for Grand Pass, Eagle Bluffs and Otter Slough conservation areas will increase the “poor line” ratio from 20 to 25 percent of available hunting spots.The poor line is an on-site drawing for hunting spots held each morning during waterfowl season. No reservations are needed and hunters can just show-up and vie for a poor line spot.

“For the past several years, 80 percent of hunting spots at the three Quick Draw areas have been randomly drawn and offered to applicants,” said MDC Wildlife Programs Supervisor Shawn Gruber.“The remaining 20 percent of spots, along with any unfilled spots from applicants, go to the poor line.”

He added that not all hunters who get selected under Quick Draw actually show up to hunt. “Our analysis of past seasons revealed that only 43 percent of hunters who actually went afield on the day of their hunt were drawn under Quick Draw,” said Gruber. “Hunters from the poor line accounted for 57 percent.”

The Department expects that by shifting to a 25 percent poor line ratio for the three Quick Draw areas, waterfowl hunters drawn from the poor line will make up about 62 percent of hunters who actually go afield. Quick Draw hunters will fill only about 38 percent of hunting spots.

The poor line increase for Quick Draw areas will also require a shift from one hunting spot out of every five being allocated to the poor line to one spot out of every four.

Depending on wetland conditions, there is generally a maximum of 40 daily waterfowl hunting spots atGrand Pass, 20 at Eagle Bluffs and 34 at Otter Slough.

Over the past three years, MDC gathered feedback from waterfowl hunters on Quick Draw through public meetings, online comments, a waterfowl hunter survey, and focus groups.

“The rationale for this change is based on hunter feedback,” Gruber said. “During the first two years, we received more than 1,100 comments with the most common recommendation being increasing the poor line ratio. In 2012 we conducted an online survey of waterfowl hunters. Of the nearly 3,700 hunters who responded, 54% wanted to increase the poor line ratio. It was not a significant majority so a modest adjustment seemed appropriate.”

Also based on feedback from waterfowl hunters and analysis of past hunting seasons, the Department will not limit the number of times a waterfowl hunter can be randomly drawn per season under Quick Draw.

In 2010, MDC implemented Quick Draw as an internet-based waterfowl hunting draw system for the three conservation areas. The new system was an effort by MDC to offer waterfowl hunters an alternative draw method.

“Quick Draw accommodates those waterfowl hunters who prefer to make plans within a week of their desired hunt dates,” explained Gruber. “The short lead time with Quick Draw also allows those hunters to focus their choices on dates with favorable weather and waterfowl numbers, and to know they will have a guaranteed hunt and a specific place in line for the morning draw before driving to the hunting destination.” 

Gruber added that the pre-season reservation system used at MDC’s 12 other managed waterfowl hunting areas accommodates hunters who need to make hunting plans up to several months in advance. The advance reservation process offers little control over which dates hunters may receive in random drawings and no indication of how those dates will relate to weather or waterfowl numbers.

He added that MDC will conduct a review of its entire managed waterfowl hunt program in 2015 and make changes as needed.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt waterfowl and the state has a variety of public and private options for waterfowl hunters. MDC intensively manages almost 32,000 acres of wetlands on 15 conservation areas that provide managed waterfowl hunts. Aside from Quick Draw areas, the other 12 managed waterfowl hunting conservation areas are: B.K. Leach, Bob Brown, Columbia Bottoms, Duck Creek, Fountain Grove, Four Rivers, Marais Temps Clair, Montrose, Nodaway Valley, Schell-Osage, Ted Shanks and Ten Mile Pond. MDC also maintains 80,000 acres of wetland habitat on 169 conservation areas where walk-in waterfowl hunting is allowed. More than 93 percent of Missouri land is privately owned, including extensive areas of private land used for waterfowl hunting.

For more information on waterfowl hunting in Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov/node/9619.

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