What can you eat in the woods?

A salad made with greens from native plants
 (pictured above) is one of the dishes people
 can learn about at a Missouri Department
of Conservation virtual program on wild edibles on March 5.

I grew up in SE Alaska and am familiar with a survival story of a young lady who persevered through a boat wreck, swim to shore, and over a week living off the land before she was found. Her survival was based on the fact that she was an excellent swimmer and that she knew what you could eat in the woods.

You probably do not foresee getting lost in the Alaskan wilderness, but surely you've occasionally wondered what things in the Missouri woods were okay to eat, and which were not.  This MDC program will help you better know what's good and what's not.

For additional information on the outdoors in Missouri and elsewhere, visit Family-Outdoors

Learn about wild edibles March 5 at MDC virtual program

Event will discuss food items that can be found growing in the outdoors.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Wild edibles consist of much more than morel mushrooms. The forests and grasslands that stretch across the southern part of the state produce a bounty of natural foods that can add variety to any dinner table.

People can learn more about edible plants that can be found in southern Missouri March 5 at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Wild Edibles.” This free online program, which will be from 2-4 p.m., is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center and by guest presenter Bo Brown. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181324

The March 5 program that will be given by Brown, along with MDC Outdoor Education Center Specialist Ali Underwood, will discuss the variety of food items the region’s landscape can provide for the table. Brown is a local author who has written a book on wild edibles. In addition to talking about what’s available, Brown and Underwood will also have tips about gathering and preparing these items for the table.

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.

Program registrants should note that they now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own, which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children for an event without having to log-off or log-in for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members for an event at the same time.

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

Regs to Remain Consistent for Catfish on Missouri's Big Rivers

MDC announced it does not recommend regulation
changes on minimum length limits and daily limits
for blue and flathead catfish in the Mississippi
and Missouri rivers and a small portion of the
St. Francis River. Shown is an angler holding a blue catfish.  

A few reg changes had been kicked around by MDC on the Missouri, Mississippi, and portion of the St. Francis Rivers for catfish. These included minimum length limits and potential limits to the number of larger fish caught (in addition to existing maximum catches). However, state biologists studies indicate the fishery is healthy under current regs, and after public input, no major changes will be made. Details are below.

For more Missouri fishing information, visit Family-Outdoors

No changes from MDC for blue and flathead catfish in big rivers

MDC does not recommend regulation changes to minimum length limits and daily limits for blue and flathead catfish in Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and part of St. Francis River.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announced in February that it does not recommend regulation changes to minimum length limits and daily limits for blue and flathead catfish in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and a small portion of the St. Francis River. The decision follows research by MDC and results of public input.

MDC sought public input this past summer on potential regulation changes for recreational fishing of blue catfish and flathead catfish on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. One potential change would have established a minimum length limit of 18, 21, or 24 inches for recreational fishing of blue catfish and flathead catfish on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Currently there is no minimum length limit. A second potential regulation change would have maintained the current recreational-fishing daily limit of five blue catfish per day on the Missouri River but establish that only one blue catfish over 30-inches in length may be kept as a part of that limit.

MDC also sought public comments this past summer on establishing a minimum length limit of 18, 21, or 24 inches for commercial fishing of blue catfish and flathead catfish on the Mississippi and St. Francis rivers. The current minimum length limit is 15-inches.

MDC received more than 400 public comments with strong support for keeping regulations as they are.

The public input followed several years of related research by MDC. MDC population assessment studies for blue and flathead catfish in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers found that populations of both fishes were generally healthy and the fisheries sustainable under current management. MDC studies confirmed that current management approaches continue to support healthy and sustainable blue catfish and flathead catfish populations in the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and regulation changes do not appear to be necessary to maintain these populations or prevent overfishing.

Curious How your Deer Scores? Here's a Chance to get Expert Guidance!

Hunters can have racks gathered through
harvest or shed collecting officially certified at the
Jay Henges Shooting Range Antler Scoring Day
Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m.-noon.

Did you get a big one this year? Well, if you are curious about learning how to score those deer antlers, residents around the STL metro have an opportunity to get some guidance.  Any deer hunter would find this session of interest. 

For more information about places and methods for deer hunting, visit Family-Outdoors.

Hunters can have racks gathered through harvest or shed collecting officially certified.

EUREKA, MO.—How does this rack stack up?  It’s a question many hunters ask when admiring the antlers from a proudly harvested buck.  The Deer Antler Scoring Day at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center Saturday, March 19, can provide the answer.

From 9 a.m.-noon, hunters may bring their antler racks from the previous season, or any past season, to have them officially scored.  Shed antlers can also be brought in for scoring.  Certified scorers from Pope & Young, Boone & Crocket, and Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club organizations will be available for evaluation and scoring.  Hunters also have the option of dropping off antlers at the education center to be scored and picking them up later.  Representatives certified to measure other types of animals will also be on hand.

All racks must have been dried at least 60 days to qualify.  Bringing along all harvest information, such as date, time, location and method, is recommended. 

The Boone & Crocket Club is the internationally-recognized standard for judging deer racks taken with firearms from any location, while the Pope & Young Club provides the same kind of certification for antlers harvested by bow and arrow.  Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club recognizes trophy white-tailed deer harvested or found in Missouri, in both the typical and non-typical categories.  The club also recognizes shed antlers.

No reservations are required and there is no cost for participating.  Standard fees for certification do apply if awarded.  For more information, contact (636) 938-9548.  The Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 1100 Antire Road, just off I-44, exit 269 in Eureka.

MDC asks all participants to observe current local social distancing and masking guidelines.  Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.

Coyotes: A Few Facts and a Caution from the MDC

 The introduction of this blog post is not to suggest that the cautionary information from MDC on pets during coyote breeding season should be ignored or minimized - quite to the contrary. It is meant to offer some context about the lives of these important animals in the natural ecosystem.

As we spread out into natural areas, coyote habitat is compromised along with the habitat of many other parts of the natural world. Coyotes, unlike many other animals or adept at adapting to a minimized habitat. Though they would much prefer to be in an area that was wild and unbroken with urban sprawl, their survival instinct is strong. If you live in an urban or suburban environment that has patches of woods and other cover, coyotes will utilize these areas for their needs.

Think of a creek that meanders through a subdivision or a green space set aside from development. These are areas where coyotes will possibly locate. Having said that, it is not necessarily the case that if coyotes exist, there presence will be mutually exclusive to pets being in the area.

In studies done on coyotes from a wide variety of areas, scat analysis informs scientists that by far, the largest portion of a coyote's diet is rodents. You probably wouldn't object that.  Also, in these studies, the percentage of the coyote's diet attributable to pet predation is so low to be insignificant.  But, the percentage is not zero, and if your pet is attacked or killed by a coyote, none of these statistics will matter.

So, if you are worried about Fluffy, follow some of the suggestions offered in the following excellent MDC release. For more information about the outdoors in Missouri and elsewhere, whether that be fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, or more, visit Family-Outdoors.

*Some of the information contained above is from the Urban Coyote Research Project.

Coyotes typically breed in February and March. 
MDC says it’s important to be vigilant of
pets this time of year in areas where
coyotes are known to live.

MDC cautions pet owners that coyote encounters are possible this time of year

Coyotes start breeding in February and are more active, increasing potential for encounters with pets.

St. LOUIS, Mo.—Breeding season for coyotes begins in February, which makes them more active this time of year.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it’s important to be vigilant of pets during this time in areas where coyotes are known to live.

Unlike many other kinds of wildlife, coyotes adapt particularly well around human development and coexist with people in many places.  These areas can include municipal parks and other urban green space, golf courses, cemeteries, suburban wooded common areas, and even within subdivisions themselves. 

As a result, it’s possible for encounters to occur between these wild canines and people’s pets.  Coyotes have also been known on occasion to attack small dogs.  Coyotes may attack family pets not as a food source, but instead because they see them as territorial competition.

One of the secrets behind the coyote’s survival success is their diet.  As scavengers, coyotes will eat just about anything, including foxes, groundhogs, mice, rabbits, squirrels, fruits, vegetables, birds, insects, carrion (dead animals) and common household garbage.

Coyotes typically breed in February and March.  Females give birth to four or five pups about 60 days later.

Because food requirements increase dramatically during pup rearing, April through May is when encounters between humans and urban coyotes are most common.  At that time, coyotes are on the move more seeking food, and may act more aggressively toward any animal they see as potential competition, like family dogs.

So how can encounters between coyotes and people be minimized?  These three things are key:  food, scare tactics, and vigilance.

Firstly, ensure that your yard or property has no food sources readily available to coyotes.  If food is deliberately or inadvertently provided by people, adult coyotes and their pups quickly learn not to fear humans and will develop a dependency on these easy food sources.  MDC urges dog and cat owners not to leave pet food outside, to securely cover all trash containers, and consider waiting to put trash containers out as close to pick up time as possible.

Think about bird feeders too. While coyotes are usually not interested in bird food, bird feeders attract rodents, especially squirrels, which in turn attract coyotes.

MDC recommends the use of scare tactics to instill fear of humans into coyotes.  If a coyote should approach or be seen in the yard, homeowners should do everything possible to make it feel unwelcome.  This could include yelling or making other loud, threatening noises, throwing rocks, spraying garden houses, or blowing air horns.  If its encounter with humans is unpleasant, a coyote will be less likely to come back.

Finally, vigilance regarding pets is extremely important.  MDC cautions that pet owners should not leave their pets outside unattended, especially during the hours of dusk, nighttime, and dawn.  These are the periods coyotes are most active.  Owners should be with their pets and have them in constant view during these times.

Installing a fence around yards may also help.  Fences should be at least six feet high and dug into the ground six inches deep, so the agile and resourceful canines cannot jump or dig under them.

More information on dealing with nuisance coyotes can be found at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zaa, or in a free brochure obtainable by writing:  Controlling Conflicts with Urban Coyotes in Missouri, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Or e-mail pubstaff@mdc.mo.gov.

Land Management through Prescribed Fire

One of the most effective management tools for public or private land is prescribed fire. Proper utilization can facilitate native species growth and mitigate chances for catastrophic fire.  However, prescribed fire has obvious safety concerns and also things to consider with regard to getting the best results.  MDC is offering guidance.

Family-Outdoors offers guidance to the Missouri sportsmen and women, as well as across the country. Visit us for lots of good information on hunting, fishing, or the outdoors in general.

Missouri offers free prescribed burn workshops March 5 and 12 in western Missouri

Workshops at Blue Springs and El Dorado Springs will teach techniques to achieve goals

MDC will offer free prescribed burn workshops
 with skills field days in Blue Springs
 on March 5 and near El Dorado Springs
on March 12.
Photos by Bill Graham,

Missouri Department of Conservation

Kansas City, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer free prescribed burn workshops to assist private landowners with habitat management on March 5 in Blue Springs and March 12 near El Dorado Springs. These workshops, in conjunction with an online study course, will teach the equipment and strategies needed to use prescribed burns to improve wildlife habitat or manage cattle forage.

After registering for the workshop, participants will be required to complete an online study course as a prerequisite to attending the field day skills session. Completion of both will enable participants to obtain their Certified Burner Certification from MDC. The Certified Burner Certification is proof that you have successfully completed all the prescribed burn education requirements in Missouri.

Properly used, prescribed burns can be a valuable tool for enhancing native plant diversity and for reducing undesirable vegetation. This workshop will teach about the planning, equipment, weather factors, and techniques needed to execute a successful burn for grassland or woodland management.

The prescribed burn workshop in Blue Springs will be offered from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 5, at MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Nature Center and Conservation Area. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/44A.

The prescribed burn skills field day near El Dorado Springs will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at MDC’s Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie Conservation Area. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/44d.

These burn workshops are open to participants ages 18 and older. COVID-19 precautions will be observed. If weather conditions permit, organizers will conduct a demonstration burn. Participants are asked to wear leather boots, cotton pants, cotton long-sleeved shirts or jackets, leather gloves, and safety glasses.

To learn more about prescribed fire as a tool for vegetation management, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zrf.

Get Your Hunter Ed done now

 

Learning about the different types 
of firearms used in hunting is part of a 
Missouri Department of Conservation hunter
education skills session. People needing to take
skills sessions to receive hunter education
certification will have several opportunities
in the upcoming weeks.

Most Missouri hunters are required to take hunter's education. Though I was not, having been born prior to 1967, I did it anyway when my kids were taking it.  I have hunted my whole life, and at the very least it didn't hurt me.  There was information about hunting, firearm safety (obviously), tree stand safety, and much much more.  These sessions are from the Rolla area, but if you are somewhere else, just follow the links to get the information you need.

For general hunting, fishing, and other outdoor information, visit Family-Outdoors.

MDC to offer hunter education opportunities in upcoming weeks

Individuals needing hunter education have classroom and online options.

Rolla, Mo. – The calendar may still say “winter,” but many people are starting to prepare for upcoming hunting seasons. If taking hunter education is one of the things you need to do to enjoy firearms hunting opportunities this year, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has several options available.

Individuals born after Jan. 1, 1967 hunting in Missouri during a firearms season or acting as an adult mentor to another hunter must have hunter education certification unless exempt (see exemptions listed below). MDC offers two hunter education options; an all-online format and a blended format.

The all-online format may be completed by Missouri residents age 16 and older. It consists of an online course and requires a fee paid to the online course provider (not MDC). The all-online option requires the passing of a final exam; but has no skills portion.

The blended format has two parts - a knowledge portion and a skills session portion - and may be completed by Missouri residents age 11 and older. The knowledge portion provides information to participants on all aspects of hunter education and can be taken online, through a free self-study guide which is available at a number of MDC offices (including the Rolla MDC Office), or in a classroom setting. Participants choosing the free self-study guide must answer all chapter review exercises at the end of the study booklet and bring to the HED skills session, along with legal proof of date of birth.

Participants using the blended format must also complete a four-hour skills session that includes a multiple-choice final exam. The skills portion is a hands-on demonstration of skills learned by participants.

“Hunter education skills sessions fill up fast as we get closer to hunting seasons,” said MDC Hunter Education and Shooting Range Coordinator Justin McGuire. “MDC offers these classes year-round, so this is a great time of year to get your certification completed.” Participants using the blended format must complete and pass both portions to earn certification.

For individuals participating in the blended format, here is a list of skills sessions coming up in Maries, Pulaski, & Phelps counties:

February 16: 5 - 9 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall - Vienna, 206 6^th St., Vienna (Maries County). Sign up for this session and get more information at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/182477

March 12: 5 - 9 p.m., Waynesville Rural Fire Protection District Emergency Services Training Center, 25785 Red Oak Rd., Waynesville (Pulaski County). Sign up for this session and get more information at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/182716

March 21: 5 – 9 p.m., East Central Community College – Rolla North Campus, 2303 North Bishop Avenue (Hwy 63), Rolla (Phelps County). Sign up for this session and get more information at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181818

To get a complete list of skills sessions being offered around the state, visit https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com (select by entering either Zip Code or County). COVID procedures will be in place for all of the above-mentioned hunter education events.

Exemptions to Missouri’s hunter education requirements are:

• Hunters born before Jan. 1, 1967
• Hunters age 15 or younger who will be hunting with an adult mentor age 18 years or older who is certified in hunter education.
• Hunters with a disability exemption from MDC
• Hunters age 16 or older who have purchased an apprentice hunter authorization and will be hunting with a properly permitted adult mentor age 18 or older
• Hunters who are landowners hunting on land they own.
• Hunters who can prove completion of an approved hunter education course in another state

More information about hunter education can be found at mdc.mo.gov.

Improving Private Land for Conservation in Missouri

 

Good woodland and savanna management
can improve habitat and better support wildlife
 such as deer, turkeys, and non-game wildlife.

The relationship between private landowners and the success of conservation efforts is strong. Missouri has a great track record of protecting our environment by working with landowners to help them improve their land for hunting, fishing, and native tree and plant species. Here's information about improvements we can make on private land during the winter months. Family-Outdoors provides individuals and families information on enjoying the outdoors in Missouri and elsewhere.

Good management can improve habitat for wildlife

Kansas City, Mo. – Winter is a good time to undertake improvements to woodlands and savannas. Using selective removal of trees and brush, or tools such as prescribed burns, land managers can enhance the native grasses and flowering plants growing beneath trees or in openings. Both game and non-game wildlife benefit from native plants for food and cover. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) can assist land managers with planning and connect them with cost share or grant programs for habitat improvements.

“You’re trying to open the tree canopy and let more sunlight in,” said Dave Niebruegge, MDC private land conservationist. “Fire in prescribed burns helps keep the woody brush and young trees down, and that helps the native grasses and woodland forbs.”

White-tailed deer like browsing and bedding down in the openings. Wild turkey nest and feed in the native plant growth. The native plants host insects that birds and other wildlife feed upon in summer and provide seeds in winter. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies use the wildflowers.

At the same time, selective tree thinning can encourage desirable trees such as oaks. They produce acorn mast crops that wildlife feed upon. Long-range timber management can also boost good quality sawlogs for sale.

Missouri Department of Conservation photos

An MDC forester or private land conservationist will for free help a landowner do a tree inventory and develop and timber stand improvement plan. MDC staff can connect property managers with contractors that remove trees and brush according to the plan. Grants and cost-share financial help to pay for improvement costs are available from MDC and through federal and private conservation programs.

“There’s multiple financial assistance programs out there to help landowners get their property done,” Niebruegge said.

For more information about MDC assistance with woodland and savanna habitat improvement, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ZR.