MDC prepares to offer outside programs at nature centers and reopen shooting ranges in the Kansas City area

In the Kansas City area, MDC is preparing to hold outdoor programs
 at nature centers and reopen shooting ranges.
 They have been closed since March due to COVID-19 precautions.
 New protocols and health safety practices
 will be implemented as the programs reopen.

New programs and protocols will be in place as precautions against COVID-19

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is preparing to offer outdoor programs at nature centers and reopen shooting ranges in the Kansas City area. The nature center buildings and outdoor shooting ranges have been closed to the public since March as a precaution against COVID-19. Staff have worked on maintenance projects and building upgrades in the interim.

MDC will begin holding nature and outdoor skills programs on Tuesday, July 7, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs and the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center in Kansas City. All programs will be held outdoors with social distancing and health safety in mind. It is recommended that participants bring a water bottle and hand sanitizer. The buildings will remain closed. Water fountains will not be available and drinking water cannot be provided due to health precautions. Plans call for temporary portable toilets to be installed outside the buildings. They will be handicapped accessible.

Examples of programs that will be offered include target archery, canoe and kayak paddling for families, fishing skills, and naturalist studies. Programs will vary by site.

The Parma Woods Shooting Range in Parkville and the Lake City Shooting range near Buckner will reopen to the public on Wednesday, July 8. Both ranges have new hours of operation, and both will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. The range offices and meeting rooms will remain closed.

MDC’s Lake City range will be open from 1 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

MDC’s Parma Woods range will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The range will also be open from 1 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

New guidelines for range use are in place as health precautions.

• No more than two target shooters in a booth.
• No more than five trap or skeet shooters on a shotgun field.
• It is requested that all visitors bring their own drinking water, water fountains and vending machines will not be available.
• The Lake City Shooting Range will limit all shooters to one hour on the rifle and pistol ranges and two rounds (50 birds) on the shotgun fields.
• It is requested that all shooters please provide their own eye and ear protection. The ranges will have disposable ear plugs available to the public, but will not be loaning out anything else, this includes spotting scopes, hand tools or any other equipment.
• It is requested that all shooters please provide their own cleaning supplies if they wish to disinfect their booths. The Department will only be providing hand sanitizer for visitors.

A list of events and programs offered in July after the reopening can be viewed by visiting https://mdc.mo.gov/regions/kansas-city. We will practice social distancing during these programs. Please also consider wearing a face covering for your protection and the protection of those around you.

For information about Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zm5. To learn about MDC’s Gorman Discovery Center, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4b.

For information about the Lake City Shooting Range, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoM. Information about the Parma Woods Shooting Range is found at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z7t.

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. 

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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.

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Migratory bird hunting starts in September

Get detailed information from MDC’s “Migratory Bird Hunting Digest 2016.”

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds hunters that dove, snipe, and rail hunting in Missouri starts Sept. 1 with teal hunting opening Sept. 10and woodcock hunting opening Oct. 15.

Migratory-bird hunters can get detailed information on related regulations, seasons, species, permits, limits, and more from MDC's “Migratory Bird Hunting Digest 2016” available where hunting permits are sold. Find detailed hunting information by species online at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species.

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

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Southeast Missouri youth waterfowl clinic and hunt set for Oct. 1

Youth will learn wing shooting, hunting techniques distance estimation and more.

PUXICO, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is giving youth hunters a chance to learn all of the skills needed to try waterfowl hunting.  The free clinic is scheduled for Oct. 1, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Duck Creek Conservation Area (CA) on Highway 51 north of Puxico.

“This is a very hands-on course and is an environment where anyone can learn, even if they’ve never fired a gun before,” said Dee Dee Dockins, MDC’s southeast region outdoor skills specialist.

The hands-on clinic will cover wing shooting, waterfowl hunting techniques, distance estimation, waterfowl identification, bird retrieval, ammunition selection and much more. After participants complete the clinic, they will be eligible for a waterfowl hunt during the regular season at their choice of Southeast Missouri waterfowl areas. No prior hunting experience is required and equipment will be provided if needed. 

"The target shooting and one-on-one instruction is really helpful," said Will Leonard of Sikeston. Leonard is a graduate of the course and a new waterfowl hunter. 

After a short presentation about waterfowl hunting, experts lead the group in a field trip to acquire the skills needed for their upcoming waterfowl hunt.  Participants and mentors will then enjoy a lunch of various waterfowl. 

The event is free to participants but requires pre-registration and a $25 deposit that will be refunded the day of the event.  Applicants must be 11 to 15 years of age and must have an adult guardian attend with them.   Participants must also be Hunter Education certified before the day of the event. For more information or to sign up for the 2016 Youth Waterfowl Clinic, call the MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at (573) 290-5730. For more information about waterfowl hunting in Missouri, go online to mdc.mo.gov.

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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.

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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.

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MDC and partners provide mentored dove hunts for first-time hunters

Dove fields around state offer ample opportunities to learn to hunt these migratory game birds.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Interested in dove hunting but have never given it a try? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Quail Forever, Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, the Missouri Prairie Foundation, and private landowners will provide mentored dove hunts for first-time hunters on 12 fields primarily located on private land across the state. Field locations will be in or near Cape Girardeau, Chillicothe, Joplin, Kahoka, Lynchburg, Marceline, Mokane, Paris, Pittsburg, Rolla, St. Genevieve, and Washington.

There will be three hunts offered on each field including one on opening day of dove season,Sept. 1, and then two other days with dates to be determined. Field assignments will be determined on a first-come-first-served basis. First time hunters can attend multiple hunts as registration space permits. 

Each participating new hunter will be assigned a mentor and pre-hunt workshops will provide basic hunter safety in addition to information about dove biology and management, the importance of hunters and hunting, and the opportunity to practice shooting a shotgun. Participants are encouraged to attend a dove hunting workshop or hunter education prior to participating in a hunt.

Each field will be limited to two first-time hunters and their mentors per acre to maximize safety and provide a quality experience. Priority will be given to anyone 11 and older that is hunting for the first time. Second priority will be given to new migratory-bird hunters and youths 11-15.

Register for the mentored dove hunts at tinyurl.com/nuv6gos. Get info on MDC dove-hunting workshops at mdc.mo.gov/events. Get information on hunter education athuntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/hunter-education-skills-training.

For more information, contact John Burk at 573-676-5994 or jburk@nwtf.net, or Elsa Gallagher at 660-277-3647 or EGallagher@quailforever.org.

MDC invites youth to dove clinic and hunt at Prairie Fork Conservation Area Sept. 2-3

Participants will learn the basics of dove hunting, firearms safety, and shooting skills. 

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will partner with the National Wild Turkey Federation to introduce youth to dove hunting basics at a free clinic and hunt on opening weekend of the 2016 dove season. 

The event, for kids ages 8-15, will begin at Prairie Fork Conservation Area with a dove clinic on Friday, Sept. 2, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., followed by a mentored hunt on Saturday, Sept. 3. At the clinic, youth will learn the basics of dove hunting, firearms safety, and shooting skills. Participants must attend the clinic in order to participate in the Saturday hunt. 

Participants must have completed hunter education certification prior to the event and should bring a properly licensed adult mentor. If a mentor is not available, one will be provided.  

“This is one of my favorite yearly activities that MDC provides for youth hunters,” said MDC Wildlife Biologist Nicky Walker. “Youth hunters will see several birds working our managed dove fields, learn proper bird identification, and hunting ethics in the field. Overall, it is an excellent opportunity for us to help Missourians explore nature and master outdoor skills together.”

Limited space is available, and participants need to register by Aug. 26. To register, or to learn more about this event, contact Walker at (573) 254-3330 orNicole.Walker@mdc.mo.gov. For more information about other upcoming events, go tomdc.mo.gov/events. 

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MDC hosts Hunter Education Skills Session at Perryville Elks Lodge

Register online for the July 29 course.

PERRYVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a Hunter Education Skills Session at the Perryville Elks Lodge, Friday, July 29, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1967 is required to have an approved hunter education card. The card is also required when purchasing any firearms hunting permit. Hunter education courses are for students 11 years of age and older.

“Hunter education courses are a great way to introduce prospective hunters or even refresh veteran hunters about shooting and hunting techniques, ethics, firearm safety and more,” said Dee Dee Dockins, a MDC outdoor skills specialist.

Dockins said the hunter education process underwent changes in 2013, making it more convenient for students to attend. The course consists of two parts; a knowledge portion and a skills session.

The knowledge portion focuses on hunting equipment, safety, and ethics, and can be completed in one of three different ways. Students can complete the section online, pick up a student manual at a MDC office, or register and attend for a four-hour instructor led classroom session.

The July 29 skills session is the second step in the process. These four-hour sessions are led by instructors with hands-on exercises designed to put the students’ knowledge into practice. After the skills session, students take a 35-question multiple choice exam.

Those who wish to attend the skills session must complete the first step of the process and register for the course at www.mdc.mo.gov. For more information, contact MDC’s Southeast Regional Office at (573)290-5730.

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