1. Cuivre River Has Treasure Unknown to Explorers (w/graphics)

2. Rabbit Hunting Prospects Fair (w/pic & map)

3. Plan Now to "Share the Harvest" with the Needy

4. New Video Tapes Available From MDC
"There is always a week in October when Nature holds a bit of

yellow glass to her eyes, and, like children, we catch a glimpse of

the Golden Age." -- P.P. Mowbray
1. Cuivre River Has Treasure Unknown to Early Explorers

TROY, Mo. -- Hundreds of years ago some unknown French explorer, lured to eastern Missouri by rumors of metal ore, dubbed a muddy tributary of the Mississippi River "Cuivre" for the copper he expected to find.

Today, anglers ply the Cuivre (pronounced "quiver") River in pursuit of catfish, carp, drum and bass. At certain times of the year walleye and white bass sweeten the take. And waterfowl hunters find the lower Cuivre to their liking. Private clubs own thousands of acres, which they manage for ducks and geese. Cuivre Island Conservation Area (CA), in St. Charles County south of Old Monroe, contains more than 1,400 acres of public land that attracts waterfowl and hunters.

Other public land along the Cuivre River includes Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) conservation areas and public fishing accesses. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Cuivre River State Park, near Troy, rounds out the list of state land. In all, about 1 percent of the Cuivre River watershed is publicly owned.

Access to the Cuivre is limited due to the small amount of public land. But for those willing to take lengthy (several days) float trips or seek out permission for private access, solitude may be one of the Cuivre River's most enjoyable assets.

The North Fork and West Fork of the Cuivre join a short distance above Highway 61 north of Troy. The North Fork drainage, north of Silex, contains almost 3,000 acres of MDC land in the form of William Logan CA, W. G. and E. P. White Memorial CA and Vonaventure Memorial Forest and Wildlife Area. These areas offer deer, turkey, upland game and fishing, as well as birdwatching, hiking and nature study.

Highway 61 north of Troy to Highway Z will take outdoors persons to White Memorial CA first. Hunting is restricted to shotguns with shotshells at the north end of the area, since it's close to the community of Whiteside. Lake Whiteside is a real drawing card for anglers. It sports a disabled-accessible fishing jetty and parking area.

Traveling west from Whiteside on Highway Z, MDC's cantilever sign at Lincoln County Road 225 shows the way to the north side of William R. Logan CA. It can also be approached from the south by following Highway E west of Highway 61 and then going north on Highway RA. This area has seven ponds and a creek for fishing. The terrain is rolling with a smattering of boulders and rock outcrops. A three-fourths mile stretch of Mill Creek on the southeast corner of the area has sandstone bluffs, overhangs and waterfalls. A shooting range is a popular feature with hunters and recreational shooters. The CA's interior roads are closed from Sept. 30 through May 15.

Vonaventure Memorial Forest and Wildlife Area is on Highway UU northwest of Silex. Kessler Memorial Wildlife Area, northeast of Troy, is also worthy of inspection by the upland hunter. The 157 acres of forest and old fields are on Highway KK.

For more information on the previously mentioned MDC lands contact: Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 428, Hannibal, MO 63401. Phone (314) 248-2530.

Logan CA is the only MDC area listed here where visitors can camp. Camping is primitive and is limited to designated sites. Those interested in more elaborate camping facilities can find them at Cuivre River State Park.

East of Troy on Highway 147, Cuivre River State Park not only has camping, but a visitor center with exhibits, foot and horse trails and fishing and swimming at 55-acre Lincoln Lake. The DNR manages portions of the 6,250-acre state park for native plants and as savanna -- a mixture of mature trees and native grassland.

The Cuivre River is accessible from park property on Lincoln County Road 655. Call (314) 528-7247 for more information.

MDC maintains three public fishing accesses within the Cuivre's drainage. The upper-most is R. H. Crouch Access on the West Fork. West of Troy take Highway H about four miles to the bridge. Bank fishing is available. There is no boat ramp. Riggs Ferry Access is three miles north of Troy on the west side of Highway 61. There is no ramp, but ambitious floaters may carry small craft into the stream for a scenic float to the State Park, about three miles downstream.

Old Monroe Access provides bank fishing near Highway 79. Take Old Monroe Road off Highway 79 in St. Charles County. Just before the old bridge, take Dyer Road west. The access site is tucked almost underneath the Highway 79 bridge.

Due to the small size of these public fishing accesses, camping is not allowed.

Heitman's boat ramp is east of Old Monroe on Lincoln County Road 984. This private boat ramp is available to the public for a fee.

The Cuivre River provides ample flow for boating from Chain of Rocks to the mouth. Above Chain of Rocks, which is about three miles upstream from Old Monroe Access, boaters can expect occasional difficulty with riffles.

Cuivre Island CA provides the river's final boat ramp. Actually the ramp is on Cuivre Slough almost two miles downstream from the river's mouth. The area is reached by taking Dalbow Road east off Highway 79 in St. Charles County. The Mississippi River lies to the east of the island and is also accessible from Cuivre Island's ramp by following Cuivre Slough south. Primitive camping is allowed on Cuivre Island, but not on the mainland.

Cuivre River never yielded any copper, but for those willing to seek outdoor treasures along its banks the prospects are bright.

Favorite Fish Species

Catfish

Channel and flathead catfish are popular prizes for anglers. Channel cats are the most sought-after, but the size and taste of flatheads make them a close second. Both can be caught on live bait -- minnows, worms and sunfish fit the bill. Setlines see a lot of action as a preferred fishing method. Remember to label all lines with name and address. Run lines daily, and remove them when finished.

Bass

Caught on live bait -- minnows, crayfish and worms -- and artificial lures, bass generate a lot of fishing activity on the Cuivre. Often taken incidentally to catfishing, bass are a welcome addition to the catch.

Crappie

As in other Mississippi River tributaries, crappie fishing is often determined by the water level of the larger river. Minnows and jigs provide the most consistency in putting crappie in the boat. Fish around structure early in the spring.

Sunfish

Whether bluegill, green sunfish (commonly called . perch ) or a hybrid of the two, who hasn t enjoyed a lazy summer day stringing a mess of feisty, worm-hungry sunfish. Hot grease and corn meal make them as much fun to eat as they are to catch.

JOIN A STREAM TEAM

Missourians take great pride in their streams. Stream Teams are citizen groups dedicated to the stewardship of Missouri's streams. Stream Teams are supported by the Conservation Federation of Missouri with the cooperation and assistance of the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources. Stream Teams, with the consent and help of streamside landowners, adopt specific stretches of streams and conduct trash pick-ups, do stream maintenance and monitor water quality.

At present, there are three Stream Teams on the Cuivre River.

For information on creating a Stream Team contact:

Streams Unit, Mo. Dept. of Conservation

P.O. Box 180

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180

or call: 1-800-781-1989

or call: Conservation Federation of Missouri

1-800-575-2322

Maps of MDC areas mentioned may be obtained by writing to Information Services, MO Dept. Of Conservation, P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. MDC AREAS OPEN DAILY FROM 4 A.M. UNTIL 10 P.M. UNLESS OTHERWISE DESIGNATED.

Purchase and development of some of the areas mentioned were made possible by the use of federal funds obtained through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Acts. Copyright MDC 1995

DOWN THE CUIVRE

Do you want to see a large map of the Cuivre River basin? (68K)

NORTH FORK CUIVRE RIVER 
RIVER MILE 22.5     Bridge on Lincoln County Road 287.*.


RIVER MILE 11.3     Hwy. E Bridge.  No access. Silex .5 mile east.


RIVER MILE 11.2     Sitton Spring Branch on right.


RIVER MILE 10.9     Bridge on Lincoln County Road 511.* Silex .2 mile north.


RIVER MILE 10.6     Mill Creek on left.


RIVER MILE 9.4      Ford at Lincoln County Road 524.* (Caution, high water may make 
                    ford inaccessible.)


RIVER MILE 7.9      Nulls Creek on right.


RIVER MILE 7.6      Bridge on Lincoln County Road 528.* Off end of Hwy. K, off Hwy. 61 
                    about 6 miles north of Troy.


RIVER MILE 4.6      Hupp Branch on left.


RIVER MILE 4.5      Bridge on Lincoln County Road 538.* Off end of Hwy. BB, off 
                    Hwy. H about 6 miles north of Troy.


RIVER MILE 4        Paris Branch on right.


RIVER MILE 0        Confluence with West Fork Cuivre River.
WEST FORK CUIVRE RIVER 
RIVER MILE 19.9     Bridge on Lincoln County Road 453.* Truxton 2.5 miles south.


RIVER MILE 18       Camp Creek on right.


RIVER MILE 15.4     Bridge on Lincoln County Road 437.*


RIVER MILE 11.9     Hwy. D Bridge.  No access.  Hawk Point 3.5 miles south.


RIVER MILE 5.3      Ford on Lincoln County Road 572.*


RIVER MILE 2.2      MDC R. H. Crouch Access.  Troy is about 4 miles south on Hwy. H.
                    No boat ramp.  No camping.


RIVER MILE 0        Confluence with North Fork Cuivre River.
CUIVRE RIVER 
RIVER MILE 31.6     MDC Riggs Ferry Access is 3 miles north of Troy on the Hwy. 61 
                    west outer road.  No boat ramp.  No camping.


RIVER MILE 28.8     Frenchman s Bluff and Cuivre River State Park on left.


RIVER MILE 28.4     Left bank, Cuivre River State Park along Lincoln County Road 655.
                    Bank fishing and small-boat access possible, but difficult.


RIVER MILE 28.3     Bridge on Lincoln County Road 655.  Unsuitable access.  Use 
                    site .1 mile upstream on State Park.


RIVER MILE 27.1     Sugar Creek on left.  Approximately 5.5 miles of this clear-water 
                    creek available for fishing and exploration in Cuivre River State Park.


RIVER MILE 26.8     Hwy. 47 Bridge.  No access.  Troy 1 mile west.


RIVER MILE 23.4     Whitcomb Branch on right.


RIVER MILE 21.5     Hwy. C Bridge at Moscow Mills.  No access.     


RIVER MILE 21.3     Abandoned bridge on Lincoln County Road 814.  No access.


RIVER MILE 18.9     Crooked Creek on right.


RIVER MILE 11.3     Big Creek on right.


RIVER MILE 7        Bridge on Lincoln County Road 899.* Chain of rocks .2 mile east.


RIVER MILE 3.3      Hwy. 79 Bridge and MDC Old Monroe Access.  To get to access, 
                    take Dyer Road off Old Monroe Road.  No boat ramp.  No camping.


RIVER MILE 2.5      Heitman s fee-access boat ramp on Lincoln County Road 984.  
                    Old Monroe 1 mile west.


RIVER MILE 0        Confluence with Cuivre Slough.  Cuivre Island CA on east side of 
                    slough.  MDC boat ramp 2 miles south.  Access Cuivre Island CA 
                    on Dalbow Road off Hwy. 79 in St. Charles County.

*State and county roads crossing the stream. Access is

questionable. As a matter of courtesy, permission should be

obtained from landowners to gain access to the stream bank at

these locations.

-rkd-

2. Rabbit Hunting Prospects Fair (w/pic & map)

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- This past spring's cool and extremely wet weather has put a damper on Missouri's rabbit population. But Wildlife Research Biologist Thomas Dailey says most hunters who go afield won't be disappointed.

MDC's 1995 Wildlife Harvest and Population Status Report on cottontail rabbits showed their population is down for the third consecutive year. Total rabbit numbers in Missouri dropped 12 percent from 1994.

The status report reflects the number of cottontails counted by conservation agents in July. Rabbits were counted along 20-mile routes in all the state's 114 counties except St. Louis and St. Charles.

"Despite the overall low number of rabbits statewide, there are areas where rabbit hunters will do well," says Dailey, who works at the Missouri Department of Conservation research center in Columbia. Rabbit numbers increased or held their own in only two of eight regions around the state. However, pockets of good rabbit populations can be found in all parts of the state where habitat is favorable.

In north-central Missouri, conservation agents reported seeing an average 1.4 rabbits per mile on their survey routes. That is up from 1.2 rabbits per mile last year and the same as the average over the past 10 years. In Northwest Missouri, conservation agents reported eight-tenths of a rabbit per mile. That equals the number last year and the average for the past 10 years.

The decline in rabbit numbers in recent years has had little effect on some hunters' success rates. Dailey says that as the number of rabbits has declined, so has the number of rabbit hunters. That leaves more rabbits for the remaining hunters.

In Northeast Missouri, conservation agents found one rabbit per mile, down from 1.3 last year and over the previous 10 years. In the Ozarks and the northern and eastern Ozark borders, conservation agents found four-tenths of a rabbit per mile. That is the same as in 1994 but a decrease of one or two-tenths compared to the 10-year average.

In the western Ozark border and the Mississippi lowland region of Southeast Missouri, conservation agents reported seven- tenths of a rabbit per mile of route surveyed. That is the same number seen in the Mississippi lowland last year and a decrease from the 10-year average of one rabbit per mile there. The western Ozark border had nine-tenths of a rabbit per mile last year and an average of 1.1 over the past 10 years.

Conservation agents in the state's western prairie region reported seeing nine-tenths of a rabbit per mile, down from a 10- year average of 1.3 rabbits per mile.

Statewide, the rabbit survey turned up seven-tenths of a rabbit per mile compared to eight-tenths last year and one rabbit per mile over the past 10 years.

Rabbit season opens Oct. 1 and runs through Feb. 15. The daily limit is six, and the possession limit is 12. However, hunters in southern Missouri should remember that only two swamp rabbits may be included in the daily limit and only four in the possession limit.

-alm-

3. Plan Now to "Share the Harvest" with the Needy

JEFFERSON CITY -- Last fall, deer hunters donated more than 1.5 tons of lean, savory venison to help Missourians who were having trouble making ends meet. That figure could grow this year through the cooperation of hunters, civic organizations, meat processors and local food pantries.

This is the fifth year that the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has provided a means for hunters to donate ground venison legally to people who need food. Known as the Charitable Deer Meat Donation Program in past years, the effort now has a shorter name -- Share the Harvest.

"The new name expresses the essence of the program," says MDC Protection Programs Supervisor David Beffa. "It's a way of sharing the abundance of food that deer hunters bring home from the woods. This year's seasons and limits are more generous than ever, and in some parts of the state the deer herd provides abundant opportunities for donations. Share the Harvest allows hunters to take part of that bounty and help feed people who need it."

Last year hunters donated more than 3,200 pounds of venison to the needy. That represents the donations of 236 hunters who donated venison through eight organizations and 11 meat processors.

Beffa says MDC hopes to see Share the Harvest expand throughout Missouri this year and next year. He says he expects the amount of venison donated to increase substantially as hunters take advantage of longer hunting seasons and conservation agents work to generate interest in the program.

Although Share the Harvest is a statewide program, it is organized and operated at the local level. A Share the Harvest project typically begins with a civic club or sporting group. The first step is to find at least one deer processor and one charitable agency -- perhaps a Salvation Army community center -- to participate in the program.

Then the organizing group contacts the local conservation agent. The agent provides information and advice and ensures that both the packing house and charitable organization are reliable.

After receiving the agent's written approval, the organizing group can begin soliciting venison donations. This usually is done by contacting local news media and by approaching hunters when they bring deer to the packing house to be processed. Most donations come during the firearms deer season, since that is when most deer are bagged. The success of local Share the Harvest programs depend on how well they are publicized and the cooperation of the deer processor.

Hunters can donate any amount of venison, from one pound to an entire deer. The packing house grinds the donated meat, packages it and labels the packages with donors' names and addresses. These labels must remain with the meat until it reaches the distributing agency. In most cases, hunters pay for processing the meat.

"It's a ready-made service project," says Beffa. "There's not a lot of work involved, other than paperwork. The organizing group is required to keep a record of every hunter who donates meat."

Noting that venison is high in protein and low in fat and is produced without artificial food additives, Beffa says, "I think you can make a strong case for venison being a natural health food. Most people find it delicious, too."

The program began in 1991, when members of the Columbia Area Archers set out to share their harvest. State health regulations designed to ensure that meat is safe and wholesome prevented local donations to charitable agencies. So, MDC and the Conservation Federation of Missouri helped gain legislative approval for changes in the law to allow hunters to channel venison through government- inspected packing houses and charitable organizations.

To encourage other groups to join them, the Missouri Bow Hunters Association has published a booklet of guidelines about setting up deer-meat donation programs. Copies are available from: Dennis Ballard, 17200 North Route V, Sturgeon, MO 65284. Phone: (314) 696-3202.

-jim-

4. New Video Tapes Available From MDC

JEFFERSON CITY -- The furry faces and playful antics of woodland animals make them irresistible to some people. Many Missourians spend hours planning, planting and putting out food to attract wildlife. When they succeed, they create wonderful opportunities for viewing animals. But those efforts also can yield some unwanted results. Animals that move into your yard or home can cause thousands of dollars in property damage.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has answers for those who want the benefits, but not the drawbacks of attracting wildlife to their homes. MDC has several new videos for sale that can help you attract wildlife and prevent it from becoming a nuisance.

"Landscaping for Wildlife" ($9) explains how to turn your yard into a rich home for birds, butterflies and mammals. The 13-minute video gives information on how to plan and what to plant to attract wildlife.

The video "Dealing with Urban Wildlife" ($9) is a guide for ridding yourself of nuisance animals. It gives practical tips for preventing wildlife problems and repairing damage already done to your home and yard.

Introducing toddlers to the great outdoors is the topic of the other new video available for purchase. "Babes in the Woods" ($9) takes you on a stroller ride where children learn to use their senses to experience nature.

Missouri residents ordering these videos by mail must add 6.225% sales tax. Send your request to Media Library, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Order forms and media sales lists of all the MDC videos for sale are available at MDC service centers. Video orders also can be made by phoning (314) 751-4115 ext. 205, or faxing (314) 751-2260.

- alm -

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