Open house planned Dec. 29 at Knob Noster State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Dec. 22, 2011 – The public is invited to attend an open house at Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster on Thursday, Dec. 29. The open house will be held from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the park’s Visitor Center.

Representatives from the park will be on hand to discuss the reopening of the McAdoo Equestrian Trail. Details of the meeting will include information about the recent award of an $86,985 Recreational Trails Project Grant to the park for trail renovations. Also, information will be available about the State Park Youth Corps involvement with the park during 2010 and the Corps’ activity in 2011. Representatives from the facility will also provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share comments and suggestions about the facility. The meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input and knowledge on services provided in Missouri state parks and historic sites.

Knob Noster State Park is located near Knob Noster, one mile south of Highway 50 on Highway 23. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the site directly at  660-563-2463 or by calling Missouri State Parks toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

CAMPING INFORMATION

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Conservation Commission sets 2012 deer, turkey regulations

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Next year’s youth spring turkey hunt will be earlier than usual.

JEFFERSON CITY–Hunters can start planning for next year’s turkey and deer seasons, thanks to recent actions by the Missouri Conservation Commission.

At its Dec. 15 meeting in Jefferson City, the Commission approved 2012 turkey-hunting regulations similar to 2011. The regular spring turkey season will run from April 16 through May 6. The fall firearms turkey season will run from Oct. 1 through 31.

The 2012 youth spring turkey season will take place the weekend of March 31 and April 1. In most years, the youth season opens nine days before the opening day of the regular spring turkey season. However, the season framework shifts the youth season one week earlier in years when the usual timing would cause the youth season to overlap Easter.

Limits, shooting hours and other turkey-hunting regulations remain unchanged from 2011 and will be published in guide books before hunting seasons.

The Commission also set Nov. 10 as opening day for the November portion of firearms deer season. The Commission will set opening dates for the urban, youth, antlerless and muzzleloader portions and other regulations for the 2012 deer season at its May meeting. These will be available in the 2012 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet in July.

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Vote Don Johnson for 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year

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Vote by Jan. 6 at www.Budweiser.com or www.confedmo.org.

By Debra Lee, Conservation Federation of Missouri

CONTACT INFO: 573-634-2322 or dlee@confedmo.org

JEFFERSON CITY Mo – Budweiser and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are teaming up again to honor four conservationists and award $65,000 in grants for candidates’ conservation projects as part of the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year program.

The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is taking this special opportunity during the holiday season as “The Voice for Missouri Outdoors” and gladly championing Don Johnson of Festus for the 2012 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year.

Johnson is one of four commissioners of the Missouri Conservation Commission, which is responsible for appointing the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) director, serving as policy makers, approving wildlife code regulations, strategic planning, budget development and major expenditure decisions for the Department. He is also active in the National Wildlife Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, National Archery in Schools Program and Conservation Federation of Missouri. He is the standard bearer for Missouri conservation.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Johnson has invested his life in conservation projects from wild elk restoration to implementation of the National Archery in Schools Program. Don continually searches for ways to give back to communities. He works tirelessly as a proponent for Share the Harvest, a program of the CFM and MDC that provides food for the hungry, helps manage the deer herd and promotes greater awareness of the many contributions to society made by hunters. Don is an enthusiastic hunter and angler with true heart, a fantastic standard bearer for conservation! His commitment and perseverance to conservation work can be honored with your vote.

In addition to his dedication with Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Rifle Association and Ducks Unlimited, Don was president of the CFM from 2006 until his appointment to the Missouri Conservation Commission in 2007. He served as CFM’s president and held the posts of second and first vice president. He has chaired both the Ways & Means and Executive committees and served on many resource committees. His leadership has shaped much of what CFM is today. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology from Howard University in Washington D.C.

Following college he served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, flying 130 combat missions in Vietnam and earning four Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

The annual Budweiser Conservationist of the Year program recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions through their volunteer activities to the outdoors and conservation. Each year a committee selects four conservationists as finalists from dozens of outstanding nominees.

Online voting runs through Jan. 6. Each person may vote one time and must enter his or her date of birth.  Adult consumers over 21 from across the country vote for the Budweiser Conservationist of the Year in an open-ballot process at www.Budweiser.com. People can also vote through www.confedmo.org and follow the Budweiser Conservationist of the Year link found on the home page. Also visit the Conservation Federation of Missouri Facebook page and “like” and “share” the link there.

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Conservation Action December 2011

The Conservation Commission met Dec. 14 and 15 at Conservation Commission Headquarters in Jefferson City. Commissioners present were:

Don R. Johnson, Festus, Chair

Don C. Bedell, Sikeston, Vice Chair

Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Secretary

James T. Blair, IV, St. Louis, Member

REGULATIONS

The Commission approved the following 2012 hunting-season dates.

• Youth Turkey season, March 31 and April 1
• Spring Turkey season, April 16 through May 6.
• Fall Firearms Turkey season, Oct. 1 through 31.
• Opening day of the 2012 November Firearms deer season, Nov. 10.

The youth spring turkey season is a week earlier than normal in 2012 to avoid conflict with Easter weekend. Other 2012 turkey-hunting regulations remain similar to 2011.

ADMINISTRATION

The Commission:

• Received presentations from:

Ø  Policy Supervisor David Thorne regarding Missourians’ Interests and Actions for Conservation: The Unique Legacy of Missouri.

Ø  Wildlife Division Chief DeeCee Darrow, Private Land Services Division Chief Mike Hubbard and Resource Science Division Chief Mike Kruse regarding Missouri wetlands.

Ø  Resource Scientist Jason Isabelle regarding turkey season.

Ø  Elk Coordinator Ron Dent regarding an elk-restoration update.

Ø  Dr. Harry and Mrs. Lina Berrier, Show-Me Barbecue, Columbia, regarding a donation to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.

Ø  Deputy Director Tim Ripperger regarding the Land Conservation and Stewardship Program.

• Approved entering into a contract with Steve & Associates, Inc. for construction of the Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area Renovation of Hatchery Production Ponds Phase IV Project in Saline County at a total estimated cost of $1,218,770.89.

• Approved the 2010-2011 Annual Report for the Department of Conservation, and authorized publication and distribution.
• Approved the funding of Ozark Regional Land Trust’s acquisition of a perpetual conservation easement on approximately 415 acres in Lawrence County, with the Department being reimbursed for 100 percent of its costs from a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant.
• Approved the nomination of Dr. Oscar, “Oz” Hawksley as a Master Conservationist and the nominations of Earl Hoyt, Jr., and Paul Jeffries to the Conservation Hall of Fame.
• Presented the Clerical Employee of the Year Award to Wildlife Division Office Manager Michelle McGrath, Auxvasse.
• Presented the Workplace Diversity Award to Public Service Assistant Tisha Holden, Montreal.
• Recognized the following MDC employees for years of service.

35 YEARS

Chester Gary Cravens, West Plains

Charles T. Sisson, Montrose

30 YEARS

Ted E. Bond, Meadville

Craig S. Gemming, Columbia

Len E. Gilmore, Osceola

Randall D. Hass, Joplin

Brent D. Hassler, Jefferson City

Herbert M. Roberts, Alton

Lana K. Wilson, Rockville

25 YEARS

Gregory P. Barr, Camden Point

Jeffrey J. Beringer, Harrisburg

Mark F. Boone, Cape Girardeau

Forest D. Hamilton, Mount Moriah

Dennis M. Mace, Forsyth

William R. Murphy, Branson

Larry T. Rieken, Ava

Lynn H. Schrader, Troy

Richard E. Stirts, Rogersville

Andrew R. Tappmeyer, O’Fallon

Thomas L. Whelan, Salem

·         Suspended hunting, fishing and/or trapping privileges of seven Missouri residents and one nonresident for Wildlife Code violations and affirmed actions taken by Missouri courts suspending privileges of one Missouri resident. Those whose privileges were suspended are:

James L. Boyer, Mountain View, all sport privileges, 6 years

Colton M. Dick, Clinton, all sport privileges, 1 year

Ryan L. Edwards, West Plains, all sport privileges, lifetime

Matthew A. Hernandez, Harrah, Okla., all sport privileges, 1 year

Tracy McLain, Cainsville, hunting privileges, until 5/4/12

Joseph A. Merriett, Ava, all sport privileges, 4 years

Logan J. Norris, Summersville, all sport privileges, 2 years

Michael C. Rhodes, Birch Tree, all sport privileges, 2 years

Michael P. Williamson, Kansas City, all sport privileges, 3 years

• Approved the suspension or revocation of all hunting and fishing privileges of 380 Missouri residents and 14 nonresidents 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 211 nonresidents under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.

·        Suspended for one year the hunting privileges of a juvenile who injured another person in a hunting incident. The hunter must complete a hunter-education training course before restoration of privileges.

·        Set its next regular meeting for Jan. 26 and 27 in Sikeston.

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Hunting and Trapping Events at Busch Shooting Range

Event and Date	Location	Reserve by
Range Closed at 1:00pm Sat, Dec. 24, 2011	Busch Shooting Range	Sat, Dec. 24
Range Closed Sun, Dec. 25, 2011	Busch Shooting Range	Sun, Dec. 25
Discover Hunting: Rabbit Hunting Clinic Wed, Jan. 11, 2012	Busch Shooting Range	Mon, Jan. 9
Discover Hunting: Predator Hunting  Wed, Jan. 18, 2012	Busch Shooting Range	Mon, Jan. 16
Map & Compass Sat, Jan. 21, 2012	Busch Shooting Range	Wed, Jan. 18

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Great Time for Rabbit Hunting

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The Christmas Holidays are a great time for rabbit hunting.  For those that get a few days or more off around Christmas, getting out for a morning or evening excursion can be a great way to work off a few calories and spend time with family and friends.

One thing to keep in mind is that Missouri's muzzleloader deer season runs from December 17th through December 27th.  While pressure and activity in the field is nothing compared to the regular firearms season, it's vital to practice safety in the field, especially if hunting on public land.  It's always the right thing to do to wear blaze orange when rabbit hunting anyway, but a must when venturing out during muzzleloader season.

There are many great public areas to hunt rabbits in Missouri.  If you have beagles or some other rabbit dog, check and make certain the area you are in allows them.  For example, Bush Wildlife area has specials regs for hunting rabbits in general and especially with dogs.  Visit mdc.mo.gov for specifics.

If you want a heads up on locating some of the better rabbit hunting conservation areas, visit the page HUNTING RABBITS ON MISSOURI PUBLIC LANDS. There you'll find great basic information on what to look for in identifying rabbit habitat.  Also, there you will find a list of conservation areas with good rabbit hunting in each of Missouri's geographical regions.

Using this research, you should be able to find an area within a one county drive or so.  If you want to look for some other areas, visit the Missouri Public Land Hunting Page.  Towards the bottom, you will find a link to pages where conservation areas are listed by county.  Also, the availability of various species are identified.  You can quickly tell whether a given conservation area has good rabbit (as well as most other game species) hunting or not.  Also, the size of the area is given as well as a link to the MDC page for that area.  We feel it's an area that every Missouri Outdoosrman or Outdoorswoman should have bookmarked for regular use.

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Five students win MDC Endangered Species Postcard Contest

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More than 4,000 students participated with schools submitting their 674 best cards.

JEFFERSON CITY Mo — Have you ever heard of a cerulean warbler? What about a pink mucket? The first is a colorful bird native to Missouri. The second is a native freshwater mussel. These endangered species are among many that are disappearing from Missouri’s midsized rivers and their corridors, such the Platte, Salt and Osage.

To help Missouri’s students learn about these and other endangered species, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) holds an annual contest in which students in kindergarten through grade 12 illustrate postcards with drawings of state endangered species or species of conservation concern.

This year, about 4,100 students from across the state created postcards depicting the theme, “River habitat—we gotta have it!”  Schools sent their students’ best efforts—a total of 674 cards—to be judged. Five talented students took first-place honors, one each for the contest’s five grade categories.

·        First-grader Myles Hamacher of St. Francis Xavier in Jefferson City won first place in the K-2nd- grade category.

·        Fourth-grader Ray Winter of St. Catherine Laboure’ in St. Louis won in the 3rd-4th-grade category.

·        Sixth-grader Sydney Haistings of St. Paul's Episcopal Day School in Kansas City took the top prize for the 5th-6th-grade category.

·        Eighth-grader Katie Heflin of Heflin Homeschool in St. Peters won the 7th-8th-grade category.

·        Twelfth-grader Ryan Vernon of California High School in California took first place in the 9th-12th-grade category.

“Participating students learned about Missouri’s endangered species and the importance of sustaining healthy habitats,” said MDC Graphic Designer and contest coordinator Marci Porter. “A lot of teachers really took advantage of the educational opportunities tied to this contest, which is what we ultimately hope for.”

All five first-place winners will have their postcards printed and sold through MDC’s Nature Shops.

View the top three entries from each grade category and get more information on the contest at www.mdc.mo.gov/node/3533.

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