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1. Show-Me River Showcase: Black River
2. Quail, Pheasant Numbers Down
3. Conservation Commission Urges 'Yes' Vote on Parks, Soil & Water Conservation Initiative for DNR
4. Magazine Has Wrong Area for Pheasant Hunting
5. Outdoor Calendar
"There are streams with natural attributes which, in their total, are so unique as to warrant the preservation of the streams, simply because they are unique. If all other factors were ignored, it is apparent that the Current River is such a stream." -- from a 1949 statement by Gov. Forrest Smith expressing opposition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan to dam the Current River as part of the Mississippi Basin flood control system
1. Show-Me River Showcase: Black River
Lakes and sparkling rapids mark this as the sibling of another southeast Missouri river.
LESTERVILLE, Mo. -- Southeast Missouri's Black River is remarkably similar to its sister stream - the St. Francis River. Both start in Iron County's granite mountains, near the state's highest point - Taum Sauk Mountain. Each have small impoundments on their headwaters. Both flow through spectacular rock formations known as shut-ins. The waters of both stream's mid-sections are held back by dams which form Clearwater and Wappapello lakes. And both rivers flow through the Bootheel's flat-lands before they exit Missouri.
Black River's east, middle and west forks converge just south of Lesterville in Reynolds County. The result of this juncture is one of the state's most popular float streams. Natives claim no Ozark stream has clearer water. Scores of canoe outfitters and campgrounds are available for those wanting to personally investigate this claim.
The Black River is purported to have been called such because of the dark color of the water, due to aquatic vegetation. Those responsible for naming this tributary to the White River may not have been aware of the crystal clarity of its upper reaches. Perhaps the name of the river's lake - Clearwater - was an attempt to make amends.
Nestled among the mountains of Reynolds County, Lower Taum Sauk Lake is one of two impoundments on the Black's East Fork. This 200-acre lake, owned by Union Electric, is under a lease agreement with the Missouri Department of Conservation. The lake sports a primitive campground, boat ramp and fine fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Anglers will also find an occasional lunker crappie. Boats are restricted to 10-horsepower motors or smaller. Swimming is not allowed.
Upstream from Lower Taum Sauk Lake is Johnson's Shut-ins State Park, featuring awesome granite formations through which the East Fork of Black River swirls. This wonder of geology draws thousands of visitors every year. The 8,469-acre state park affords more than the famous shut-ins; miles of hiking trails are available as well as campsites for those wanting to take their time soaking in the grandeur. The Ozark Trail and Taum Sauk Trail can be accessed from Johnson's Shut-ins State Park.
For more information on Johnson's Shut-ins State Park, and nearby Elephant Rocks and Taum Sauk Mountain state parks call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at (573) 546-2450, or (800) 334-6946.
In summer, it's not unusual to have plenty of company on a Black River float trip, but after the leaves begin to turn, seclusion is easy to find. Fall is a prime time for fishing, as bass begin to gorge in preparation of winter. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the mid-day stream is alive with folks in tubes, rafts and canoes, so anglers are well advised to target early morning and late evening for the best fishing success. Two future MDC projects should provide additional stream access at Centerville and Lesterville.
A bane to anglers and floaters alike has been repeated stream abuse in the form of ATVs, 4X4s and other vehicles running through the stream. Fortunately the Missouri Legislature passed laws to prohibit such activity. The Missouri Department of Conservation, in cooperation with local authorities, is making good progress in bringing violators to justice. Concentrated law enforcement using helicopters and other innovative techniques is working to keep the Black River running clear.
An autumn night brings increased boat traffic as giggers search for suckers. Lights hung from the bows of boats illuminate the night, revealing redhorse and hog suckers for gig wielding fishermen and women to chase. This fall ritual is practiced throughout the Ozarks during the September 15 - January 31 gigging season.
Clearwater Lake is known for its carp tournaments and carp clubs. The non-native fish's ability to battle and test an angler's skill has gained it a loyal following in this neighborhood.
The Black River's watershed contains thousands of acres of woodland opportunities. Deer, turkey and squirrels provide hours of recreation for hunters as well as nutritious food. These species can be readily found on Corps of Engineers land surrounding Clearwater Lake. MDC land adds to hunter's possibilities. Riverside Conservation Area is five tracts of land consisting of more than 2,500 acres and Clearwater CA touts great nature study opportunities, hunting and hiking on its 12,659 acres. Additional MDC CA's warranting inspection are Dickens Valley, Logan Creek and Deer Run all in Reynolds County. For further information contact the MDC Clearwater Forest District offices at: Rt. 2, Box 198, Ellington, MO 63638, phone (573) 663 7130; or Rt. 1, Box 1002, Highway 34 E. Piedmont, MO 63957, phone (573) 223-4525.
Missouri's Conservation Atlas is a good source of information on these and other MDC lands. It's available for $20.93, postpaid, from: Fiscal Division, MDC, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.
When water levels permit, an ambitious paddler beginning at Lesterville can cover the upper Black River in several days. Clearwater Lake would present the most formidable challenge with 8 miles of impounded water to negotiate. Boaters can take out at Piedmont Park on the southeast end of the dam. Upon arriving at the downstream side of the south end of Clearwater Dam water weary travelers can reclaim their "land legs" on Pines Bend Nature Trail. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' location allows good access to the lower Black River. From this point the fishing continues to be good, but the scenery begins to change. An urban presence is obvious as the stream passes through the city of Poplar Bluff, and wooded slopes give way to rice fields as the stream flows south. The further downstream the more true to its name the Black becomes, adding another dimension to explore and another story to tell. (graphics at end of document)
2. Quail, Pheasant Numbers Down
Hunting prospects are only fair, due to unfavorable weather during the two species' nesting period.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Missouri pheasant and quail hunters can look forward to a challenge this hunting season. Surveys conducted during the first half of August indicate the populations of both bird species have declined from last year. That has wildlife biologists saying that prospects are only fair for the 1996-97 quail and pheasant season Nov. 1 through Jan. 15.
Each year, conservation agents conduct roadside surveys of quail numbers along 30-mile routes in every county except Jackson and St. Louis. This year's surveys found quail numbers statewide their lowest since the survey began in 1983. The average brood count of 0.3 broods per route was 46 percent below last year's. The average number of quail per route was 4.63, 44 percent below the 1995 figure.
Tom Dailey, wildlife research biologist with Missouri Department of Conservation, says poor spring nesting conditions account for the decrease in quail. The wet and cold weather we had in May came at a critical nesting period. There are two scenarios that likely occurred. The heavy rains washed eggs out of nests or the chicks were unable to survive those conditions. Young chicks have difficulty keeping warm, they could become hypothermic under those conditions and some of them probably died.
Dailey says some hunters think that a shortened hunting season or reduced bag limits might be in order to help rebuild quail numbers. They reason that a lower quail harvest would translate into more breeders in the spring. Hunters call this stockpiling. But recent research at Blind Pony Conservation Area provides evidence that overly restrictive regulations do not produce convincing benefits.
The study compared the progress of quail in a heavily hunted zone with that of quail in an area with much lighter hunting pressure. In the heavily hunted zone, hunters shot 66 to 83 percent of the quail each year during the three-year study. In the area with light hunting pressure, they took only about 35 percent of the total quail population each fall.
Did stockpiling mean significantly more quail in the spring? No, says Dailey. From the end of the hunting season until April, quail in the stockpiled zone died at a rate 1.5 to 3 times greater than quail in the heavily hunted zone.
"This finding confirmed the long-held belief that if hunters don't get the birds, something else will," said Dailey. "This has always been the case, and in response, bobwhite quail have evolved a very high capacity for replenishing their numbers during the nesting season. With a couple of years of mild weather, bobwhites will bounce back."
Fortunately for hunters, quail are tenacious birds that don t give up in their efforts to raise their broods. Dailey says mild weather conditions this past summer make it likely that hunters will see a fair number of birds from clutches hatched in the mid to late summer months. Those young birds will be a challenge to hunters because they tend to run more than older birds or fly up into trees rather than fly away.
The best hunting locations for quail will be found in western Missouri where counts were highest in the state at 15 per route. The quail populations in the state s north central, northwest, southwest and bootheel regions are described as moderate, 4-5 quail per route. The lowest counts of less than 3 quail were found in central, east, northeast and south central Missouri.
Pheasant numbers also declined. The 1996 roadside survey showed 3.7 ringed-neck pheasants per route, a 9-percent decrease in the number seen last year. Pheasant production in 1996, determined by the number of chicks and broods observed along designated 30-mile routes in counties across the state, decreased 2 percent compared to 1995.
MDC Wildlife Research Biologist John Schulz says pheasants were negatively affected by the cold wet weather conditions during their spring nesting. The 1996 Rural Mail Carrier Survey conducted in mid-April reported 339 pheasants, or .78 birds per 100 miles. Each year MDC cooperates with more than 500 mail carriers to monitor spring pheasant populations in northern and southeastern Missouri. Schulz says the more recent roadside survey shows promise for a fair 1996-97 harvest. During 1988-94 there has been a strong relationship between the roadside survey and fall pheasant harvest," he says. "With this in mind, the expected 1996 pheasant harvest should be similar to 1995 or slightly lower.
The hunting conditions will be best in northwest and north central Missouri according to Schulz. Northwest Missouri had the highest count with 5.6 pheasant per 30-mile route. The other survey results include 4.2 birds per route in the north-central Missouri , 3.0 in the northeast and 0.4 in the Bootheel.
MDC continues to trap wild pheasants and release them in new areas. Four new sites in Clinton County received 542 wild-trapped pheasants this spring. This area is not open to hunting yet.
Missouri's pheasant and gray partridge season runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15 in the north zone. Pheasant hunting season in the Bootheel is Dec. 1 through 12. Zone boundaries and hunting season dates for each zone are listed in the 1996 Summary of Missouri Hunting & Trapping Regulations, which is available wherever hunting permits are sold.
3. Conservation Commission Backs Parks, Soil & Water Initiative
Continuation of programs funded by the one-tenth of a percent sales tax is seen as critical to the future of forests, fish and wildlife.
JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Conservation Commission has voted to throw its support behind a ballot initiative to extend the state sales tax supporting state parks and soil and water conservation programs.
At its meeting at Montauk State Park Oct. 21, the Commission voted unanimously to support reauthorization of the one-tenth of one percent sales tax used by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for soil and water conservation, state parks and historic sites. Voters approved the original initiative establishing the sales tax for parks, soil and water conservation in 1984. It contained a "sunset" clause, meaning that the tax would end unless Missourians extended it with another statewide vote. In 1988, voters agreed to extend the tax for 10 years. On Nov. 5, Missourians will vote on another 10-year extension.
The Conservation Commission resolution supporting the parks, soil and water tax says, in part:
"The importance of this tax to the continuation of many successful programs, projects and activities cannot be overstated. Moreover, the relationship of these efforts to the conservation of fish, forests and wildlife is critical. Soil and water conservation contributes substantially to the needs of plants and animals as well as our quality of life and natural heritage. State parks and historic sites provide a well-rounded and diverse linkage to the land, natural resources, outdoor recreation and the history of all Missourians."
"While the purpose of the soil and water conservation, state parks and historic sites programs differs significantly from the Department of Conservation Mission, it is no coincidence that many participants in these programs share a common view -- that protection and use of the state's valuable natural resources is important, and understanding the history of Missouri, its land, people and character, will help us to understand and shape our future. For these reasons, the Conservation Commission supports reauthorization of the one-tenth of one percent sales tax for another 10 years as a means of funding these excellent programs."
The Department of Conservation's activities are supported by a separate sales tax. Voters approved the MDC's one-eighth of one percent sales tax in 1976. That initiative did not include a sunset clause. The MDC receives no money from state general revenues. All its funding comes from the one eighth of one percent sales tax, revenues from the sale of hunting, fishing and other permits, and from federal matching funds for fish- and wildlife related programs.
4. Magazine Has Wrong Area for Pheasant Hunting
JEFFERSON CITY -- The November issue of Field & Stream Magazine erroneously reports that Missouri's North Pheasant Hunting Zone has been enlarged this year, creating the potential for honest but costly errors by hunters.
An article on page 67 of the magazine mistakenly reports that pheasant and gray partridge hunting will be allowed this year in the area north of U.S. Highway 36 from the Kansas state line to the Mississippi River, plus parts of DeKalb and Buchanan counties south of U.S. Highway 36 and all of Platte and St. Charles counties. That area is scheduled to be open to hunting in 1997, not this year.
"Hunters need to be aware that the information in Field and Stream is wrong," said Jim Low, news services coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation. "Otherwise they could be in for an unpleasant surprise when conservation agents stop them in areas that are closed to pheasant and gray partridge hunting."
This year's North Pheasant Hunting Zone remains the same as last year. It includes Atchison, Andrew, Buchanan, Clark, DeKalb, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Mercer, Nodaway, Platte, Putnam, St. Charles, Schuyler, Scotland and Worth counties, those parts of Adair, Grundy and Sullivan counties north of Highway 6 and those parts of Daviess County west of Interstate Highway 35 and north of Highway 6.
(Average stream gradient approximately 4 feet per mile. Upper reaches floatable only in high water. Contact canoe outfitters for up-to-date floating information.)
(Online map of river area will be available soon...)
East Fork of the Black River
*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.
(As listed in the Division of Tourism's 1996 Missouri Getaway and other sources.)
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, stream maintenance and water-quality monitoring.
At present, there are 4 Stream Teams on the Black River and its tributaries.
Maps of some 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.
HUNTING
Bag Limit
Opens Closes (Daily-Possession)
Bullfrogs 6/30/96 10/31/96 8-16 (See Wildlife Code)
Common Snipe*+ 9/ 1/96 12/16/96 8-16
Coyotes 5/ 6/96 3/31/97 Some restrictions during
deer season. (See Wildlife Code)
Crows 11/ 1/96 3/ 3/97 No Limit
Deer/Turkey (Archery) 10/ 1/96 11/15/96 See Regulations, available mid-July
11/27/96 1/15/97 See Regulations, available mid-July
Deer (Firearms) 11/16/96 11/26/96 See Regulations, available mid-July
Deer (Muzzleloader) 11/16/96 11/26/96 See Regulations, available mid-July
12/ 7/96 12/15/96 See Regulations, available mid-July
Deer 1/ 4/97 1/ 5/97 Open only to hunters with unfilled
(Firearms & Muzzleloader Any-Deer Bonus Deer Tags for
in units 1-17, 22, 58 & 59) open units. See Regulations
Dove*+# 9/ 1/96 10/30/96 15-30
Ducks and Coots*
North Zone 10/26/96 12/14/96 Five ducks daily with no more
Middle Zone 11/ 2/96 12/21/96 than 4 mallards (no more than 1 female),
South Zone 11/23/96 1/11/97 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 1 pintail,
Youth-only Duck Hunting Dates 1 black duck, 1 hooded merganser or
North Zone 10/19/96 10/19/96 1 canvasback. Daily bag for coots is
Middle Zone 10/26/96 10/26/96 15. Possession limits are twice the
South Zone 11/16/96 11/16/96 daily limit.
Furbearers 11/20/96 1/20/97 No Limit
Geese and Brant
Blue, Snow and Ross' Geese*+# Daily bag limits include no more than
North and Swan 10 blue, snow or Ross' geese; 2
Lake Zones 10/26/96 1/19/97 Canada geese; 2 brant; and 2 white-
2/17/97 3/9/97 fronted geese. Possession limits for
Middle and Schell-Osage Canada geese, brant and white-fronted
Zones: 11/ 2/96 11/ 7/96 geese are twice the daily limit. For
blue, snow and Ross' geese, the
South Zone 11/23/96 3/ 9/97 aggregate possession limit is three the
White-fronted Geese and Brant daily limit.
North Zone 9/28/96 10/ 6/96
10/26/96 11/ 3/96
11/29/96 1/19/97
Swan Lake Zone 10/26/96 11/ 3/96
11/29/96 1/19/97
Middle and Schell-Osage
Zones 11/ 2/96 11/ 7/96
11/29/96 1/31/97
South Zone 11/23/96 1/31/97
Canada Geese
North Zone 9/28/96 10/ 6/96
10/26/96 11/3/96
11/29/96 1/19/97
Swan Lake Zone 10/26/96 11/ 3/96 (Unless a quota of 5,000 geese is
11/29/96 12/29/96 reached before Dec. 29; a daily limit
of 10 shot shells.)
Middle Zone 11/ 2/96 11/ 7/96
11/29/96 1/31/97
Schell-Osage Zone 11/29/96 1/ 7/97
South Zone 11/23/96 1/31/97
Groundhogs 5/ 6/96 12/15/96 No Limit
Pheasants and
Gray Partridge 11/1/96 1/15/97 (See Wildlife Code)
Quail 11/1/96 1/15/97 8-16
Rabbits 10/1/96 2/15/97 6-12
(may include only
2-4 swamp rabbits)
Ruffed Grouse 10/15/96 1/15/97 (See Wildlife Code)
Sora and Virginia Rails*+ 9/ 1/96 11/ 9/96 25-25
Squirrels 5/25/96 1/15/97 (See Wildlife Code)
Teal*+ 9/ 7/96 9/15/96 4-8
Turkey 4/21/97 5/ 4/97 1 bearded bird per week
Turkey (Fall Firearms) 10/14/96 10/27/96 (See Wildlife Code)
Woodcock*+ 10/15/96 12/18/96 5-10
FISHING
Trout Parks 3/ 1/96 10/31/96 5-10
Trout Parks 11/8/96 2/ 8/97 Catch & release Fri., Sat.,
(Winter Tag Required) Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trout Management Areas Open All No Closed 5-10 (See Wildlife Code)
(Trout Permit Required) Year Season
Trout (Trophy and Wild) Open All No Closed 3-3 (See Wildlife Code)
Trout Management Areas) Year Season
(Trout Permit Required)
Black Bass
(streams, specified zone) 5/25/96 2/28/97 6-12 (See Wildlife Code)
(impoundments) Open All No Closed (See Wildlife Code)
Year Season
Bullfrogs 6/30/96 10/31/96 8-16 (See Wildlife Code)
Paddlefish 3/15/97 4/30/97 2-4 (See Wildlife Code)
Nongame Fish Stream Gigging 9/15/96 1/31/97 20
(See Wildlife Code for creel limits on other species.)
TRAPPING
Beaver 11/20/96 3/31/97 No Limit (See Wildlife Code)
Coyotes 11/20/96 2/15/97 No Limit (See Wildlife Code)
Furbearers 11/20/96 1/20/97 No Limit (See Wildlife Code)
___________
*Hunters of migratory birds are required to have a migratory bird
hunting permit in addition to other appropriate permits (See Wildlife Code).
+Subject to final federal approval
#Complete waterfowl details will be found in the Migratory Bird Hunting Digest,
to be available from permit vendors and MDC offices in early October.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
December 13 Jefferson City Headquarters, Jefferson City, MO
(For additional information contact the Department Director.)
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