Frogging season begins June 30 at sunset

Frogging season begins Tuesday, June 30, at sunset and ends Oct. 31. Missouri has two frog species that are legal game — bullfrog and green frog. The frog in the picture is a bullfrog. 

MDC encourages families to celebrate summer by taking part in frogging season.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to discover nature this summer -- and one fun and exciting way is through frogging. Frogging season begins Tuesday, June 30, at sunset and ends Oct. 31.

Frogging can be done with either a fishing permit or a small game permit. Children under the age of 16 and Missouri residents 65 years of age or older are not required to have a permit. The Wildlife Code of Missouri allows those with a fishing permit to take frogs by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing or pole and line. With a small game hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, atlatl, bow, crossbow, or by hand or hand net. The use of an artificial light is permitted when frogging.

Missouri has two frog species that are legal game — bullfrog and green frog. Bullfrogs are larger and therefore more sought-after. The taste and texture of frog meat is similar to that of fresh-water fish. For frog leg recipes, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/15131.

The daily limit is eight frogs of both species combined. The possession limit allows you to have no more than 16 frogs at a time.

It's important to know once a frog is speared or shot, it must be harvested. The Wildlife Code of Missouri prohibits the release of a speared frog as "wanton waste" because the animal is not likely to recover. Any frog taken into actual possession, unless immediately released unharmed after being caught, is included in the daily limit.

Almost any place with enough water to float a canoe is likely to harbor at least a few frogs. Frogs can be found in farm ponds and huge reservoirs, creeks, drainage ditches and rivers, sloughs, marshes and swamps statewide. For more information on frog hunting and suggested conservation areas to go frogging visit MDC's website atmdc.mo.gov/node/28859.

Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish, so grab a gig and visit a pond or simply grab a frog and head to the frying pan before the "frog days" of summer are over.

For more information about bullfrog and green frog regulations, visitmdc.mo.gov/node/10834.

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Missouri Resident Charged for Transporting Deer Out of State

St. Louis, Mo | June 11, 2015 - Charles "Sam" James was charged for violating the Lacey Act by engaging in conduct involving the sale of white-tailed deer whose transfer violated both the Missouri and Florida Law.

James, 54, is the co-owner of Timber Hollow Whitetails, located near Mexico, Missouri. According to the October 2013 indictment, James sold and transported 11 live white-tailed deer from Missouri to Florida. The transport violated state and federal laws. The shipping of the animals occurred after a Florida state law took effect that banned the importation of captive white-tailed deer.

It is against federal law to transport live white-tailed deer out of Missouri or into Florida without proper documents. This includes health records proving the animals are free of diseases, including chronic wasting disease.

"The illegal undocumented movement of captive cervids around our country puts wildlife at risk for disease. This unfortunate example shows why the captive cervid industry needs to be strictly regulated and closely monitored," said Brandon Butler, CFM executive director.

If convicted, there is a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. As it is always, charges in an indictment are accusations and do not prove guilt.

Information from a Department of Justice release, found here.

 

News Release from Conservation Federation of Missouri

by Emma Kessinger

Fun on the Creek Explorer Day Camp at Sam A. Baker State Park June 25

topographic map of Sam A. Baker State Park and environs in the extreme southeast Ozarks of Missouri. Contour intervals are 100 feet (30.48 meters). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sam A. Baker State Park will host an Explorer Day Camp on Thursday, June 25. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, kids ages 6 and older can learn about water, specifically Big Creek at the park, and earn their Explorer patch at this free event.

Big Creek is considered one of the main attractions at Sam A. Baker State Park. Children who enjoy playing around in the water and discovering all there is to see in the life of a stream, will want to participate in this day on the creek.  

Participants will learn all about the power of water by playing games and activities, decorating t-shirts and achieving the goals for becoming an explorer. Participants will need to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a t-shirt to decorate, drinking water, sturdy shoes and clothes for getting wet. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and snacks will be provided throughout the day. Lunch will not be provided and adult supervision is required.

Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Hwy 143, approximately 4 miles north of Patterson in Wayne County. Registration for this event is required by June 23. For more information or to register, contact the park at 573-856-4514. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.  

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MDC workshop shows prescribed fire as land, wildlife management tool

Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Mineral Area College in Park Hills. (Photo by Erin Tuttle)

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Landowners can learn to use prescribed fire as a land management tool at a Prescribed Fire Workshop presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Mineral Area College in Park Hills. This workshop will be given two different times to provide landowners a better opportunity to attend. The first will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. and the second from 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Prescribed fire is an ancient technique used to manage grasslands, CRP and old fields for forage production and improvement of wildlife habitat. Used first by Native Americans, the technique is now taught by MDC across the state.

“Prescribed fire is a low cost method for landowners to use,” said Julie Norris, one of MDC’s Private Lands Conservationists.

Norris said the workshop will include classroom discussions on methods, equipment, safety, and why and when to use fire as a management tool. Emphasis will include how to conduct a safe and effective burn to control sprouts, encourage beneficial plants and create better quality quail habitat. Norris said participation in this workshop will qualify landowners to have a prescribed burn plan prepared for their fields and use available loan equipment.

Attendees will also be invited to optional demonstration burns held later   to demonstrate the use of tools and techniques.

To register for one of the workshops, please contact MDC at (573) 290-5730. For more information about prescribed fire, go online to www.mdc.mo.gov/your-property.

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MDC managed deer hunt applications open July 1

Deer hunters can apply online for a shot at more than

 5,100 managed deer hunt slots

 through the Missouri Department of Conservation. 

The online application period runs July 1-31. 

Online application period runs July 1-31. Be sure to have hunter-education certification!

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Beginning July 1, deer hunters can apply online for a shot at more than 5,100 slots for nearly 100 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) managed deer hunts. The managed hunts will take place from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state parks, national wildlife refuges, urban parks, and other public areas. The online application period runs July 1-31.

To apply, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/11252 between July 1 and 31. MDC will post drawing results at the same website address from Sept. 1 through Jan 15. Applicants who get drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail.

The hunts are open to Missouri residents and nonresidents and help achieve MDC’s deer-management goals for the state while providing additional hunting opportunities. Types of hunts include archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, historic methods, and modern firearms, plus youth hunts and hunts for people with disabilities.

Seventeen managed hunts will be held exclusively for hunters with disabilities. Eligibility varies by hunt so applicants should call the area hosting the hunt for details and to apply. Wheelchair-confined hunters may apply for more than one managed hunt offered at select conservation areas with a written request due by July 31 to: Missouri Department of Conservation, Attn: Managed Deer Hunts, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

All other hunters may apply for only one managed hunt per year. Hunters may apply individually or as groups of up to six, except for youth-only hunts. Youths age 11-15 years by the date of the desired hunt who are hunter-education certified may apply individually or with one other youth for youth hunts and must be accompanied on the hunt by a qualified adult mentor.

All applicants will need their nine-digit Conservation ID number to complete the application process. Conservation ID numbers are listed on hunting and fishing permits and Missouri Conservation Heritage Cards.

Resident or nonresident managed deer hunting permits are required to participate in managed hunts. These permits will be available to successful applicants beginning Sept. 1 from permit vendors, online through MDC’s e-Permits at mdc.mo.gov/node/10901, or through MDC’s free hunting mobile app -- MO Hunting.

Hunter education is required for firearms managed hunts, unless the hunter is exempt by age or other reason. Hunter education classes fill up quickly as fall hunting seasons approach. For more information on hunter education options and classes, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/3095.

MDC uses a weighted-preference-point system to give previously unsuccessful applicants an advantage in future drawings. Hunters who apply for the first time or who were drawn for hunts the previous year are statistically less likely to be drawn than those who entered but were not drawn in previous years.

Details about managed hunts can be found in MDC’s “2015 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available in July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

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MDC confirms Perryville nuisance bear euthanized

Wildlife biologists remind the public that ‘a fed bear is a dead bear.’

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) confirms that a black bear was euthanized by local law enforcement Sunday in Perryville. According to MDC Wildlife Regional Supervisor Matt Bowyer, this was a situational call by local law enforcement.

MDC personnel were notified of sightings of the bear Friday, but at that time the bear was not inside the city limits and was not causing any disturbance. Sunday morning, the bear was reported moving through the town.

“This young male bear was likely looking for an easy food source,” Bowyer said. “Unfortunately there can be things like trash and other smelly items in town that might seem like food to a bear.”

MDC protocol when responding to nuisance bears usually begins with harassment of the animal in efforts to encourage it to travel elsewhere. Harassment means shooting it with rubber bullets and other techniques.

However, the situation evolved quickly as the bear moved into more populated areas and normal protocol was not an option at that point.

“We can’t say that there was any other option for this bear once he was in the center of town, near children and with no safe direction for it to go,” Bowyer said.

Although chemical immobilization might seem like an alternative, local MDC personnel don’t have immediate access to the equipment necessary to sedate a bear.

“There’s a lot of logistics that go into sedating an actively moving animal,” Bowyer said. “You have to have proper equipment and you also have to do what’s right for the animal.”

According to MDC Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer, who heads up the Missouri Bear Project, there is risk in tranquilizing a free roaming bear.  

“If a bear runs off after being tranquilized and you don’t see where it goes it may die, it could drown, it could fall with its head downhill and suffocate,” Beringer said. “Additionally, if you miss your shot at the bear you risk losing a drug filled dart and that’s a bad situation.” 

Furthermore, sedation takes time to take effect on an animal, which means aggravating an animal that is already stressed.

Beringer and Bowyer agree the lesson to take from this encounter is for everyone to do their part to keep bears wild by ensuring that trash, dog food, bird food and other possible food sources are put where bears can’t gain access to them.

“Bears are quick learners and they’ll return time and time again if they’ve been trained on where to find a treat,” Beringer said. “Then before too long we’re called in to deter the bear when it’s become a problem.”

Bowyer said this bear story shouldn’t cause people to be afraid of bears.

“Bears are generally secretive animals,” Bowyer said. “This one just happened to be in the wrong place and got himself into a situation he couldn’t get out of.”

For more information on how to keep bears wild, go online to http://mdc.mo.gov/node/30884.

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MDC encourages people to “Be Bear Aware”

Black bears are on the move in spring and summer so avoid feeding them and other activities that can lead to problems.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to be “bear aware” this spring and summer. Black bears are on the move this time of year. According MDC Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer, most black bears that cause problems in Missouri are young males that are looking for new homes in spring and early summer after dispersing from their mothers’ home ranges. In their search for food, these young males may come into contact with humans and cause problems.

Beringer explained that black bears are naturally fearful of humans and prefer to mind their own business as they forage for natural foods in fields and forests.

“Early summer can be a lean time for bears,” he said. “They are constantly looking for food. If they find an unsecured garbage can, a bowl of pet food left outdoors, or even a hummingbird feeder full of sugar water, their stomachs sometimes overcome their shyness. That can get them into trouble.”

A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR

The best way to avoid problems with bears is to never feed them.

“Bears are wonderful animals,” said Beringer, “and they generally are secretive. But things can end badly for bears that get in the habit of foraging for food near people. Harassment and other aversive conditioning often convince a bear to stay away from people. Feeding bears makes them lose their fear of people and usually results in the bears having to be destroyed. Remember: A fed bear is a dead bear.”

Black bears in Missouri are found mostly in the southern part of the state with scattered reports from other areas. Beringer advises people living in southern Missouri to avoid conflicts with bears by not feeding birds and other wildlife from spring through fall, especially in rural areas. Bears are much less active from December through March, when supplemental feeding is more important for birds.

“Bears may occasionally enter backyards or campsites, most always in search of food,” Beringer said. “It’s important to keep bears wild by making encounters with humans a negative experience, for the bear. If a bear approaches you, act immediately to scare it away by making noise and throwing rocks at it in order to restore its natural fear of people.”

Beringer also recommends keeping pet food and livestock feed inside secure outbuildings. The same is true for barbecue grills and other items that smell like food. Trash should be put out as close to pick-up time as possible to minimize exposure to hungry bears.

Keeping bird feeders full in summer can make nuisances of bears looking for an easy meal -- such as this one raiding a backyard feeder. (For a high-res image, visit mdc.mo.gov/node/30884)

Beringer encourages campers and floaters in southern Missouri to be bear aware by keeping their campsites clean, packing food in closed containers and placing them in secure locations, and disposing of garbage immediately.

To learn more about black bears, including preventing and dealing with black bears around potential food sources, visit MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov/node/4607.

For problems with a nuisance bear, contact the nearest MDC office or conservation agent.

BLACK BEAR RESEARCH

Bears had nearly vanished from Missouri by 1940, but began to recolonize in southern parts of the state during the 1960s following reintroductions in Arkansas. During the last 50 years, Missouri’s bear population has increased -- and so has interest in the species.

Beringer and other MDC staff are working on a research project to identify and track black bears in Missouri. Results of the research will help determine black bear numbers, locations, habits, reproduction rates, movement, and other information. The project includes tracking radio-collared bears and collecting hair samples for DNA analysis. The study is being funded in part through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program.

“The information gained from this research will be crucial in designing conservation strategies to manage black bears consistent with available habitat and within limits of human tolerance,” Beringer explained.

For more information about the Missouri Black Bear Project visit fwrc.msstate.edu/carnivore/mo_bear/.