Cottontails are focus of MDC online program for kids Aug. 7

Children can learn adaptations these animals use to survive in a predator-heavy world.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Cottontail rabbits are frequent sights on evening walks in urban and rural areas. However, if you think this abundance makes them easy pickings for coyotes, bobcats, and other wildlife predators looking for a rabbit meal, think again.

Children can learn about a number of unique adaptations cottontail rabbits use to avoid predators and raise their young in the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) “Little Acorns: Cottontails,” a free virtual program 10-:30-11 a.m. on Aug. 7. This online program is part of MDC’s “Little Acorns” series of programs and is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. MDC Naturalist Alan Reed will describe how, although a cottontail rabbit may be a common sight, it has several adaptations that are focused on how to avoid predators. This program is designed for ages 3-6, but is open to all ages. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173709

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

MDC offers online program that puts special spin on trout fishing

July 31 virtual program will focus on spin fishing for trout.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Spin fishing is an easy and relatively trouble-free way for anglers to catch a variety of fish – including trout.

People can get tips on how to get maximum benefits out of this popular style of fishing on their next trout-fishing trip at the free Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) online program “Spin Fishing For Trout,” a free virtual program 1-1:30 p.m. on July 31. Spin-fishing equipment can be effective trout-fishing tackle. MDC Conservation Educator Greg Collier will show how combining the proper reel, line, rod, and tackle, can help fill a stringer with rainbows on your next trout-fishing excursion. People can register for this program at:

 https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173591

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

MDC offers online firearms class for beginners July 29

Participants will learn the basics and proper loading of firearms with multiple types of actions during this free virtual program.

St. LOUIS, Mo.—Learning the safe and proper use of firearms can enable one to enjoy a full range of hunting and recreational shooting activities. There are several different types of actions used by a variety of firearms, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when just starting out with shooting sports.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) presents Semi-automatics and Other Actions: Loading 101, an online program to help new shooters sort out how different kinds of firearms work. This free virtual program will be held Wednesday, July 29 from 6-7 p.m.

This virtual class is for anyone just getting into hunting, considering shooting sports, or is simply curious about how to load a firearm. It will cover how to properly load and unload various handguns, rifles, and shotguns, including semi-automatics, revolvers, a bolt action, and more. The class will touch on the difference between magazines and clips as well as the main parts of a firearm.

At the end of the program, there will be a chance for participants to submit their questions via chat during a Q&A session.  

Semi-automatics and Other Actions: Loading 101 is a free program, but online pre-registration is required at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z8H. An e-mail will be sent out to all registered participants prior to the program with the link to join in virtually.

MDC offers many free educational programs in the St. Louis region to help people discover nature, fishing, hunting, and the outdoors. Stay informed by going to the MDC St. Louis reginal events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.

MDC offers free virtual class on handcrafting crankbaits Aug. 18

MDC will offer an online virtual class on making
 a balsa-wood crankbait Aug. 18.
Participants will be mailed a kit with lure making materials,
 and they must provide some tools and supplies
 such as pliers, glue, and paint.
 Registration is requested by Aug. 2.

Participants will build a balsa wood crankbait to catch fish such as bass

Kansas City, Mo. – Anglers can go fishing with lures of their own design if they don’t mind some wood carving, glue tasks, and fine-brush paint chores. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer a free virtual online class for making a balsa wood crankbait from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18. The crankbait will be suitable for catching fish such as largemouth bass or panfish.

This class is open to participants age 12 and older. Class size is limited to 20 participants. They are asked to register online by Aug. 2.

MDC will mail a lure kit to participants that includes materials such as balsa wood, eyelets, hooks, and a plastic crankbait bill. The kit will also include a list of tools or materials the participant must provide such as glue, pliers, and sandpaper. They may start carving on the lure prior to the class.

Participants will be sent an email with a WebEx link just prior to the class startup. To register for this crankbait building class, visit MDC events signup at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z8z.

MDC to offer virtual program on cottonmouths July 30

The cottonmouth (pictured above) can be found near some
Missouri waterways, but contrary to what
many believe, all snakes found in or near
 water are not cottonmouths. People can learn more about
cottonmouths, also called "water moccasins," at a free
Missouri Department of Conservation online program on
July 30.

Learn how to identify this venomous snake from other snakes.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – For many people, all snakes found in or near water are presumed to be cottonmouths, also known as “water moccasins.” Cottonmouths do, indeed, live in Missouri, but all of Missouri’s snakes can swim and many can be found, at least occasionally, near water. Learning more about water moccasins may help you avoid confrontations with these venomous snakes and ease your worry level when you see a snake in the water.

People can learn about more about these snakes at a free virtual Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Identifying the Water Moccasin.” MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center staff will offer this online program July 30, from 1-1:30 p.m. Among the topics this class will cover is how to identify cottonmouths (i.e., "water moccasin"), their habitat and some precautions you can take to keep from being bitten. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173690

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.

Fun Way to Support MO Conservation

There are a couple of organizations that we really believe in.  They advocate for preserving and conserving public lands and in general make things better for Missouri's outdoors.

Those two organizations are BHA (Backcountry Hunters and Anglers) as well as the Conservation Federation of Missouri(CFM). We'd really encourage you to join both of these great orgaizations to support there efforts that benefit us as sportsmen and women, as well as the future generations.

CFM is having a virtual banquet with auction, and you can participate.  If you are remotely interested, check out their page at https://www.32auctions.com/COL20.

MDC to offer virtual program on how snakes eat July 29

Two-Headed Ratsnake

Learn interesting facts about how snakes consume their food and see a two-headed snake eat.

BRANSON, Mo. – For a snake, eating is usually a jaw-dropping experience.

Learn interesting details about how snakes eat and watch a two-headed snake get fed July 29 at a free virtual Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) program “Snake Feeding: Featuring a Two-Headed Snake.” MDC’s Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center staff will offer this program July 29, from 1-2 p.m.

Among the snakes that will be fed during this online program will be the two-headed western ratsnake that has been housed at the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center since it was found by a family in Stone County in 2017. Though the feeding of the two-headed snake will be the highlight of the online program, people who register for this event will learn that even snakes having only one head utilize some unique adaptations to consume their prey. Participants will be able to watch Shepherd of the Hills staff feed several snakes that are kept at the Conservation Center.

Contrary to what’s often said, snakes cannot detach their lower jaw. However, due to incredible jaw flexibility, a snake can open its mouth wider than its body and swallow prey that is large in relation to its mouth and head. To put it in human perspective, some of the larger prey items snakes can consume would be the equivalent of a human swallowing a basketball. This unique form of eating has benefits. Because such a large quantity of food can be consumed at one time, some mature snakes in the wild can get by with eating once every several weeks. Swallowing items larger than their heads also helps snakes to provide benefits to humans by being able to eat mice and rats.

People can register for this online program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/173822

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/regions.