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What age do you have to be to take Hunter Education, and what is the biggest deer recorded in Missouri?

Clark Allen, age 11, Arnold

You have to be at least 11 years old to take Hunter Education courses in Missouri. The courses are designed to teach people about firearms and how they work, safe gun handling, hunting traditions, ethics, conservation and hunters' responsibilities. Everyone born on or after January 1, 1967 must take a Hunter Education coursewhich are freebefore she or he may purchase any type of firearms hunting permit. And after taking Hunter Education and obtaining a proper license, who knows? You just may be the one to take a champion buck. According to the Missouri Show-Me Big Bucks Club, the largest buck with typical antlers was shot in 1971 by Larry Gibson in Randolph County. It had a 12-point rack and the original is mounted and exhibited at the Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson City.

How can woodpeckers peck on trees without damaging their skulls or paralyzing themselves?

Justin Thomas, age 9 1/2, Marshall

Thick head bones make it possible for woodpeckers to be headache-free no matter how often their beaks hit bark. These bones, which are extremely hard, absorb the pounding when woodpeckers "drill" into trees to look for insects to eat or chisel out nest holes. Woodpeckers' remarkable ability to absorb shock reportedly has caught the attention of the National Football League, which is trying to improve football helmets. Depending on what designers learn about the birds, the NFL may take inspiration from woodpeckers' ability to absorb impact.

Does a rattlesnake rattle before or after it strikes?

Brian Gray, age 12, Cameron

The answer to this question depends on the snake. Snakes are individuals, and each snake acts a little differently than another. One rattlesnake may strike and not rattle at all, while another may start to shake its tail if you come within 20 feet of it. Missouri is home to three species of native rattlesnakes. The western pygmy is the smallest, and the timber rattlesnake is the largest. The third species, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, is endangered and found mainly in St. Charles County.

How many endangered species live in Missouri?

Jennifer Cooper, age 12, Arnold

There are 306 endangered species of plants and animals in Missouri. Another 193 are listed as rare, which means their numbers are few. A good way to directly help endangered species is to find out which species in your area are in jeopardy, and learn what is being done to conserve them. Then get involved! For example, people can volunteer to help with bird surveys or butterfly counts. Recycling, cleaning up streams, avoiding the use of unnecessary lawn chemicals and reporting people who violate conservation laws are all good ways to help endangered species and the environment.

QUESTION?

Professor Oakley Q. Nutkins
Outside In, Missouri Conservationist
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180