MDC: Remedy for fishing fever is March 1 trout opener

Thousands of anglers flock to trout parks around the state for opening day of catch-and-keep trout fishing.

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As the wintery season winds down, anglers throughout the Show-Me State are beginning to show some signs of trout fever. Symptoms include: tying flies, putting new fishing line on reels, checking waders for holes, and practicing casting. Most anglers who get trout fever get rid of it by doing one thing—visiting one of Missouri's four trout parks to participate in the catch-and-keep trout season.

Tuesday, March 1, marks the opening of catch-and-keep trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville, and Maramec Spring Park near St. James.

"This year's trout opener should be good and comparable to previous years," said MDC Fisheries Unit Chief Bruce Drecktrah.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) operates trout hatcheries at all four parks. To help predict angler turnout on opening day, hatchery staff rely on permit records going back more than 70 years. Montauk, Bennett Spring, and Roaring River hatchery staff expect crowds of about 2,000 anglers at each location and Maramec Spring staff are planning for a crowd of about 1,500. Based on these predictions, hatchery staff will stock three trout per expected angler on opening day for a total of more than 22,500 fish averaging around a foot in length. The hatcheries will also stock a mix of "lunkers" ranging in three to 10 pounds.

Trout Season Outlook

Due to the heavy rain and record-breaking flood that took place this past December, MDC crews have been inspecting flood damage and evaluating the impact these floods may have on hatcheries, fish production and fish numbers.

"We have plenty of fish for this year's trout season," said MDC Fisheries Division Chief Brian Canaday. "But due to the heavy rains and flooding our trout stocking will be slightly reduced throughout the season. We will stock approximately two fish per trout tag sold at each trout park instead of our usual 2.25."

Canaday added that MDC staff will continue to evaluate hatchery fish inventories, stocking plans, and make adjustments throughout the season as appropriate.

Permits

It's important to know anglers need a daily trout tag to fish in Missouri's trout parks. Daily trout tags can only be purchased at each of the four trout parks. Missouri residents 16 through 64 need a fishing permit in addition to the daily tag. Nonresidents 16 and older also need a fishing permit.

Economic Outlook

Trout hatcheries are just one way that conservation pays in Missouri. MDC stocks more than 800,000 trout annually at the state's four trout parks and approximately 1.5 million annually statewide. Trout anglers' spend more than $100 million each year in the Show-Me-State, which generates more than $180 million in business activity, supports more than 2,300 jobs and creates more than $70 million dollars in wages. About 30 percent of Missouri trout anglers come from other states, so a substantial portion of trout fishing expenditures is "new money" for the state's economy.

For more information on trout fishing in Missouri, visit https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/where-fish/trout-areas. 

REMINDER TO TROUT ANGLERS: To prevent the spread of the invasive alga called didymo or "rock snot," the use of shoes, boots or waders with porous soles of felt, matted or woven fibrous material is prohibited at all trout parks, trout streams, Lake Taneycomo, and buffer areas. Go online for more information to http://on.mo.gov/1V6qc6W. 

MDC offers Conservation Management Workshop Feb. 23

Workshop in Independence designed to help acreage owners manage for wildlife

Kansas City, Mo. – Wildlife and native plants can thrive on small acreages given nurturing management practices. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free Conservation Management Workshop 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at the Bass Pro Shops, 18001 Bass Pro Drive in Independence.

   MDC staff will discuss topics such as native plants useful for wildlife and landscaping, timber stand improvement, and reducing problems from invasive species.

   “We’ll talk about what trees to plant and what not to plant for wildlife,” said Andy Carmack, MDC private land conservationist. “We’ll talk about improvements they can make for quail and other wildlife.”

   The workshop is useful for anyone interested in wildlife-friendly practices. However, the

topics covered will be especially useful to acreage owners in suburban or rural settings, Carmack said.

   Advance registration for the workshop is requested. To register or for more information, call816-228-3766.

   MDC will also be offering two other workshops in March to assist private landowners. An Invasive Plant Identification and Control Workshop will be held 8 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Warrensburg Community Center, 445 East Gay St. To register, call 660-747-7178. A Prescribed Burn Workshop will be held 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at the Bass Pro Shops in Independence. Call 816-228-3766 to register.

   For more information on MDC programs that assist private landowners, visithttps://mdc.mo.gov/your-property.

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MDC teaches outdoor skills at Women's Spring Fling

Registration open for April 29-May 1 camp at Lake Doniphan near Excelsior Springs

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will teach outdoor skills at the annual Women’s Spring Fling April 29 to May 1 at Lake Doniphan Conference and Retreat Center near Excelsior Springs, Mo. This weekend retreat provides a safe and friendly environment where women can learn about outdoor recreation.

   Participants will receive hands-on training for activities of their choice such as archery, atlatl, backpacking and camping, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, orienteering and geocaching, outdoor cooking, champion trees and leaf prints, and wild edibles. The Spring Fling is offered to women 18 and older. Young ladies ages 14 to 17 may also participate when accompanied by an adult woman.

   All training provided by MDC staff and volunteers is free. However, there is a $20 registration that is refundable at check in. The registration deadline is April 8.

   Lake Doniphan is a private retreat center, and fees are charged for lodging and meals. The cost depends on accommodations. The center offers hotel-style rooms, dormitory style, rustic cabins with electricity, and camping with electricity.

   MDC connects people with nature. Women’s Spring Fling offers a variety of outdoor activities during the heart of the spring season, a beautiful time to be outdoors.

   For information or to register, contact Lisa LaCombe at 816-655-6263, ext. 1332, orlisa.lacombe@mdc.mo.gov.

   For information about Lake Doniphan, visit http://lakedoniphan.com.

MDC to host Eagle Days Feb. 6 at Schell-Osage

Schell City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host Eagle Days 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Schell City Community Center and the MDC’s Schell-Osage Conservation Area. Bald eagles, MDC and the Schell-Osage area are intertwined with the restoration of our nation’s symbol as a nesting bird in Missouri.

   Schell-Osage was one of the two areas used as release sites for young bald eagles from 1980 to 1991. Those eagles matured and along with migrant eagles began to establish nests. Today, nests are found throughout Missouri. The bald eagle has been removed from the nation’s endangered species list, though it remains a species of concern in the state. Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield was also a partner in the eagle release program.

   Eagle Days at Schell-Osage will celebrate nesting birds and the migration of several thousand eagles through the state in winter. The eagles follow waterfowl flocks south and also feed on fish where they find open water.

   Dickerson Park Zoo will have live, captive eagles on display with shows on the hour throughout the day. Zoo staff presents an informative program about eagle traits and their conservation. Captive birds on display give visitors a chance for a close up look at a bald eagle and perhaps a golden eagle. The zoo displays birds that have been injured and cannot be returned to the wild.

   Visitors to the event can also tour MDC’s Schell-Osage Conservation Area to see wild eagles. MDC staff will set up spotting scopes in areas where eagles are frequenting.  The conservation area is in Vernon County, northeast of Nevada, Mo.

   The number of wild eagles using an area depends on weather and the availability of food. About 25 eagles were counted by MDC staff at the area in mid-January.

   For more information, call MDC’s El Dorado Springs office, 417-876-5226.

   For information about these and other Eagle Days events throughout Missouri, and for eagle viewing sites throughout winter, visit mdc.mo.gov/events/eagledays.

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MDC proposes banning hog hunting on conservation areas

New regulation would help end disturbance by hog hunters of MDC hog-trapping efforts and help end illegal releases of feral hogs for hunting.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – At its meeting on Jan. 22, the Missouri Conservation Commission voiced initial approval for recommended changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri that would prohibit the hunting of feral hogs on lands owned, leased, or managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

The next step in the rulemaking process includes a 30-day public comment period on the proposed regulation changes, which will run from April 2 through May 1. Public comments can be submitted by mail to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Regulations Committee, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0180. Comments can also be submitted by email to Regulations@mdc.mo.gov, or online at mdc.mo.gov/node/24141.

Following final Conservation Commission consideration of citizen input and staff recommendations this summer, the anticipated effective date of the regulation changes will be Sept. 30, 2016. Potential penalties for illegal hog hunting could include fines and the loss of hunting privileges.

Hog Hunting Causes Headaches

The Conservation Department discourages hunting specifically for feral hogs in Missouri. Research from other states shows that hog hunting actually increases feral hog numbers and locations because of illegal releases of more animals into the wild for future hunting opportunities.

According to MDC Wildlife Division Chief Jason Sumners, hog hunting on conservation areas ruins efforts by MDC staff to trap and kill entire groups of feral hogs, called sounders. Groups can consist of several dozen animals.

“The proposed ban on hog hunting on conservation lands is a direct result of misguided hunters disrupting trapping efforts by MDC staff,” Sumners explained. “MDC staff set large, corral-type traps on areas where there are known feral hogs. They then bait the area with corn for several days or weeks to attract the targeted group of hogs, get them used to the surroundings, and get them concentrated in the trap before triggering it. This work takes weeks, with the goal to trap the entire group of hogs.”

He added, “After weeks of work to catch the sounder of hogs, we then get an individual hunter who finds out about the site and shows up at some point and shoots a hog or two. The rest of the group then scatters and moves to a new location. As a result, weeks of work have been wasted and new areas now have feral hogs.”

Instead of hunting hogs to help reduce their numbers, MDC encourages hunters and others to report feral hog sightings to their local conservation agents or MDC offices. Staff can then confirm local numbers and locations, and determine how best to capture and kill the entire group of feral hogs.

MDC owns or manages about 1,000 conservation areas around the state with nearly 30 known to have feral hogs, mostly in southern Missouri. One goal of the new regulation is to prevent the illegal, intentional release of feral hogs on other conservation areas.

Releasing Hogs is Illegal

Releasing hogs to non-enclosed areas or to the wild is illegal in Missouri. MDC encourages the public to report these types of illegal activities to local conservation agents or to call its Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-392-1111.

In the future, the Department will also recommend to the Conservation Commission to revoke the hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges of any individuals found guilty of intentionally releasing feral hogs.

The Department is also working with elected officials, conservation groups, and agricultural organizations to raise awareness of the problem with feral hogs and hog hunting.

Threats to Native Species

Feral hogs are an invasive, nuisance species in Missouri. They are not naturally found in the wild in Missouri and the growing populations and numbers of locations are a result of people illegally releasing them to run wild – often to later hunt them.

Feral hogs cause significant damage to wildlife habitats, compete with native wildlife such as deer and turkey for food, prey upon native wildlife such as turkey and quail, destroy natural areas along with agricultural lands, pollute ponds and streams, and spread diseases to domestic livestock and people.

Diseases spread by feral hogs include swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, trichinosis, and leptospirosis. The Centers for Disease Control has confirmed several cases of hunters contracting potentially life-threatening bacterial infections from field-dressing feral hogs.

For more information on feral hogs, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/your-property/problem-plants-and-animals/invasive-animals/feral-hog-control.

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New MDC foresters ready for duties in southwest Missouri

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Resource Forester
Cody Bailey will work out of MDC's Cassville Office and will
work with landowners in Barry, Lawrence and a portion of McDonald counties.

Cody Bailey and Guerric Good will work with landowners and on public land.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Helping landowners with conservation needs will be the primary duties of Cody Bailey and Guerric Good, two new Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) resource foresters who will work in the southwest part of the state.

Bailey, who began his job Jan. 16, will work out of MDC’s Cassville Office. He replaces Adam Bale, who is now district forester at MDC’s Neosho Office. Bailey will work with landowners in Barry, Lawrence and a portion of McDonald counties. He will also assist with the management of 13 MDC-owned lands. He can be contacted at 417-847-5949 or atCody.Bailey@mdc.mo.gov

Prior to coming to Cassville, Bailey was a resource forester assistant at MDC’s Sullivan Office. Before that, the Taylorville, Ill. native and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduate held forestry jobs in Illinois and Mississippi.

“I am very excited to begin helping landowners and to explore all the new MDC areas that I will be working with,” he said.

Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Resource
Forester Guerric Good will work out of MDC's Bolivar Office
and will work with landowners in Polk, Cedar, Dade and a portion
of Hickory counties.

Good will work out of MDC’s Bolivar Office and will start his job Feb. 1. He will work with landowners in Polk, Cedar, Dade and a portion of Hickory counties. Also included in his duties will be assisting with the management of nine MDC areas in Polk, Dade and northern Greene counties. He replaces Brice Kelso, who transferred as resource forester to MDC’s Northeast Regional Office in Kirksville. Good can be contacted at 417-326-5189 or atGuerric.Good@mdc.mo.gov.

Good, a graduate of Ball State University, is planning to complete his master’s degree program this spring from the University of Missouri. He has performed forestry work previously in Indiana and Montana.

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MDC: Cape Nature Center hosts Women’s Trout Fishing event Feb. 20

Naturalists will lead the way to Jackson’s Rotary Lake for a morning of fishing for rainbows.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center invites women to learn how to fish for trout Saturday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

“This is a chance to experience camaraderie with other women while learning a new outdoor skill,” said Michelle Randecker, a naturalist at the center. “Trout fishing can be very exciting, as the fish will sometimes put up a good fight on the line.”

Registrations for this event are required and may be made beginning Feb. 2. The event is designed for ages 12 and up. Ages 16 and under should be accompanied by an adult. Participants must have a valid Missouri fishing permit and anyone interested in keeping their trout must also have a trout permit. Both permits may be purchased at the Nature Center or anywhere hunting and fishing permits are sold. Randecker said all necessary equipment will be provided at the event, although attendees may bring their own trout poles. Participants are encouraged to dress in layers and be prepared for cold weather.

Randecker said knowing how to fish for trout opens up an opportunity to spend time outdoors during winter, when other activities might not be possible.

MDC stocks 24 winter trout areas in cities across the state. Anglers may harvest rainbow trout at Missouri’s stocked trout areas beginning Feb. 1. Rainbow trout, the “king of sport fish,” are cold-water fish.

To register for this event, call (573)290-5730. For more information on this and other programs at the Cape Nature Center, go online to mdc.mo.gov/CapeNatureCenter. To find more information on trout fishing, go online to mdc.mo.gov/fishing.

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