February 2001
Elk must clear hurdles if they are to return to Missouri
Friday, February 23, 2001
An action plan approved by the Conservation Commission outlines problems that must be addressed before restoration is attempted.
JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Conservation Commission has approved a seven-part action plan for the Department of Conservation to follow before a final decision about whether to reintroduce elk to the state.
The Commission voted unanimously Feb. 2 to approve the plan, which is to be executed by December 2002. The plan's seven phases are:
1. Review of the elk feasibility study the Conservation Department conducted from 1998 through 2000.
2. Establish a staff elk coordination group to execute the action plan.
3. Form an Elk Reintroduction Advisory Committee with representatives from all interested groups.
4. Identify potential impacts of elk restoration on biological diversity, water quality, soils and on the Conservation Department's ongoing Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project.
5. Develop details of cooperative elk habitat development agreements with public agencies.
6. Identify sources of disease-free elk for introduction and protocols for testing for disease before release.
7. Review findings and recommendations of the Elk Reintroduction Advisory Committee and submit recommendations to the Conservation Commission by December 2002.
The Elk Reintroduction Advisory Committee is to consist of four to six landowners who live in the potential elk reintroduction area, two or three local community leaders, two or three local elected officials, one representative of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, one local member of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, one local member of the Missouri Elk Breeders Association, one representative of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, one representative of the Wild Elk Institute of Missouri and one representative of the Conservation Federation of Missouri.
The committee is to hold its first meeting by Aug. 15, 2001. Its meetings will be public, and minutes will be available following each meeting.
The committee's responsibilities will include identifying an elk reintroduction zone, devising a plan to limit the number of elk to 250, outlining measures to contain elk within the specified zone and designing an elk-hunting protocol.
The committee also will study implications of disease in a wild elk population for native white- tailed deer, captive elk and deer, other wildlife and domestic livestock.
Committee members will study the feasibility of establishing a private fund or insurance policy to pay for property damage caused by elk. This would include damage to forage, crops and fences and elk/vehicle collisions. The action plan calls for the committee to devise a method of assessing damage "as verified by an independent board using carefully established criteria."
Potential effects on tourism, a volunteer program to repair elk damage, a privately funded elk monitoring program and an elk information and education program also will be on the committee's agenda.
Finally, the Elk Restoration Advisory Committee will identify criteria or threshold levels of elk- vehicle collisions, property damage, disease transmission or other problems that would trigger complete removal of elk. The committee is to report its findings to the Conservation Commission in September 2002.
The scenario contemplated in the action plan is an experimental release of 35 to 40 elk. Hunting would maintain the population at no more than 250 elk and ensure that they did not expand their range beyond the Peck Ranch or Irish Wilderness area of southeastern Missouri.
Elk management would be conducted through a partnership of the Conservation Department, the Elk Reintroduction Advisory Committee of local landowners, local public officials, sportsmen and local representatives of state and federal government agencies in the reintroduction area.
Copies of the action plan are available online at http://www.missouriconservation.org/nathis/mammals/elk.
- Jim Low -
License plate money to fund outdoor classrooms
Friday, February 23, 2001
Proceeds from the sale of conservation license plates will pay for grants to help schools develop outdoor classrooms.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Missourians who have "put a little nature on their plates" now have a chance to put a little nature in their classrooms. Or maybe it would be more accurate to say they can put their classrooms in nature.
The Missouri Motor Vehicle Bureau introduced conservation license plates in 2000, with part of the proceeds earmarked for the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation. The Foundation, a private, nonprofit organization, pledged to use part of the money it received from license plate sales for conservation education.
Following through on that commitment, the Foundation is seeking applications for grants of up to $2,500 to develop outdoor classrooms. The Foundation is putting up $35,000 for the program, and the Conservation Department is contributing another $70,000 for outdoor classroom grants. The Conservation Department will administer the grant program.
"This is a partnership with tremendous potential to build conservation awareness in our young people," said Ginger Gray, education curriculum coordinator for the Conservation Department. "We rely on applicants' creativity to find innovative ways to enhance students' understanding of the natural world."
Existing outdoor classrooms at Missouri elementary and secondary schools include interpretive nature trails, amphitheaters and hands-on prairie restoration areas.
Applications for grants during the 2001-2002 school year must be received by May 4. All schools registered with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education are eligible to compete for the grants..
Applications are available from the following Conservation Department regional conservation education consultants:
ST. LOUIS
Nancy Snider
2360 Hwy. D
St. Charles, MO 63304
636/441-4554
Barb Sandhagen
11715 Cragwold Rd.
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314/301-1500
David Bruns
2751 Glencoe Rd.
Glencoe, MO 63038
636/458-2236
Liz Lyons
1928 S. 12th St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
314/231-3803
EAST-CENTRAL MISSOURI
Steve Juhlin
P.O. Box 248
Sullivan, MO 63080
573/468-3335
SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Ben Russell
2302 County Park Dr.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
573/290-5730
OZARK REGION
Melanie Carden-Jessen
618 Preacher Roe Blvd.
P.O. Box 138
West Plains, MO 65775
417/256-7161
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI
Jeff Cantrell
1510 S. US Hwy. 71
Neosho, MO 64850
417/451-4158
West-Central Missouri
Steve Shupe
P.O. Box 368
Clinton, MO 64735
660/885-6981
KANSAS CITY
Bob Fluchel
8616 E. 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64133
816/356-2280
Jane Rehrer
8616 E. 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64133
816/356-2280
Pat Whalen
8616 E. 63rd Street
Kansas City, MO 64133
816/356-2280
NORTHWEST MISSOURI
Greg Collier
15368 Liv 2386
Chillicothe, MO 64601
660/646-6122
NORTHEAST MISSOURI
Karen Armstrong
2500 South Halliburton
Kirksville, MO 63501
660/785-2420
CENTRAL MISSOURI
Elaine Callaway
2201 Calbackna Road
Jefferson City, MO 65101
573/635-9824
- Jim Low -
Nonresidents can get landowner turkey permits
Friday, February 23, 2001
Owning at least 75 contiguous acres in a single management unit qualifies out-of-state landowners for permits at reduced prices.
JEFFERSON CITY --Beginning with the 2001 spring turkey season, qualifying nonresident landowners can apply to buy turkey and deer hunting permits at reduced prices.
Applicants must own at least 75 contiguous acres within a single management unit to qualify. Permit prices are:
--$75 for Nonresident Landowner Firearms Spring Turkey, Nonresident Landowner
--Firearms Deer Hunting, Nonresident Landowner Archer's Hunting and Nonresident Landowner Firearms Any-Deer Hunting permits.
--$40 for Nonresident Landowner Firearms First Bonus Deer Hunting Permits
--$25 for Nonresident Landowner Firearms Second Bonus Deer Hunting Permits
--$50 for Nonresident Landowner Firearms Fall Turkey Hunting Permits.
Details about how many permits may be obtained and application procedures will be printed in the 2001 Spring Turkey Hunting Information booklet, which will be available by March 1 wherever hunting permits are sold.
- Jim Low -
Contact: Jim Low
News Services Coordinator
573/751-4115, ext. 243
Trout parks preparing for spring opener
Friday, February 16, 2001
Crowds are expected to be moderate, since opening day falls on Thursday.
JEFFERSON CITY -- There will be plenty of fish and a good amount of elbow room for casting on the opening day of catch-and-keep season at Missouri's four trout parks.
The season begins March 1. Because the opener will occur on a Thursday, park officials say they expect less-than-record crowds for the event. Fishing opportunities will be excellent, however.
The Conservation Department expects 2,200 to 2,500 anglers to gather at Bennett Spring State Park west of Lebanon. Hatchery managers at Montauk State Park southeast of Licking and Roaring River State Park near Cassville expect opening day attendance of 2,100 to 2,300 anglers respectively. The anticipated attendance for Maramec Spring Park, southeast of St. James, is 1,600 to 1,700.
That puts total anticipated attendance at the four parks at about 8,600. The opening day attendance record at trout parks was set in 1992, when March 1 fell on a Sunday and 14,947 anglers bought tags.
Altogether, the Conservation Department will stock more than 20,000 fish for opening day at the trout parks this year. The stocking rate is about three fish for every anticipated angler. About 300 of the trout stocked for opening day will be "lunkers," fish weighing three to five pounds.
All anglers must buy daily trout tags to fish in the parks. The tags, sold only in the parks, cost $3 for adults and $2 for children under age 16. Missouri anglers aged 16 to 65 and nonresidents also need valid fishing permits to cast lines in the trout parks. Since current fishing permits expire Feb. 28, anglers are advised to purchase permits early to avoid waiting in long lines for new permits at the trout parks on March 1.
Fishing permits are available at Conservation Department service centers and nature centers and from private vendors throughout the state. Anglers may pursue trout with a Daily Fishing Permit ($5), a Resident Fishing Permit ($11) or a $19 Resident Hunting and Fishing permit. Annual Nonresident Fishing Permits cost $35. Trout anglers fishing outside the four trout parks also need a $7 Trout Permit if they plan to keep any trout.
The daily limit at the trout parks is five trout. Anglers should be familiar with regulations before heading to the parks. Statewide regulation information is included in the "Summary of Missouri Fishing Regulations," which is available free of charge at permit vending locations.
Anglers who plan to visit Bennett Spring State Park are reminded of the 18-inch minimum length limit on brown trout caught in the park or in the Niangua River. Only one brown trout may be kept daily, and it must be included in the five-fish daily limit.
Each trout park has unique regulations regarding lure restrictions and zones that are not included in the regulation summary. Details of these regulations are provided in leaflets at each park. Anglers should pick up one of these leaflets and familiarize themselves with fishing zones and bait restrictions before fishing.
- Arleasha Mays -
Migratory bird permits valid through June
Friday, February 16, 2001
Hunters who already have 2000 Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permits can hunt snow geese through the end of the federal conservation order.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Missourians who want to hunt blue, snow and Ross' geese during the ongoing federal conservation order need just one permit, and it can be last year's.
Federal officials approved a "light goose" conservation order for the third year in a row this year. The conservation order allows taking of blue, snow and Ross' geese through April 30. The action is designed to encourage hunters to kill as many of the geese as possible. The goal is to stop ecological damage due to goose overpopulation on their nesting grounds around Hudson's Bay in Canada.
To take part in the conservation action, hunters need only a Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting Permit. Small game hunting permits and federal waterfowl conservation stamps aren't necessary.
Furthermore, hunters don't have to buy a new permit to hunt after March 1, when most Missouri hunting permits expire. The 2000 migratory bird hunting permit remains valid through June 30.
There is no daily or bag limit on light geese during the conservation order. Unplugged shotguns and electronic calls are legal for light goose hunting during the conservation order, too.
To help hunters locate snow goose concentrations, the Missouri Department of Conservation provides weekly snow goose reports at www.conservation.state.mo.us/hunt/wtrfowl/weekly-snow/
- Jim Low -
Hoskins to lead Protection Division
Friday, February 16, 2001
Missouri's top wildlife law enforcement official brings a wealth of experience to the job.
JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Department of Conservation has chosen a former conservation agent with more than 20 years of wildlife law enforcement to lead its Protection Division.
John D. Hoskins assumed leadership of the division Jan. 26. Under his supervision are 229 conservation agents and a support staff of 17 He said he looks forward to the challenge.
"My vision for the Protection Division is that it be a learning organization," Hoskins said. "I want us to be focused on public service and firmly grounded in core values but capable of change. We need forward-looking leaders who are committed to teamwork and to achieving the Conservation Department's strategic goals."
A native of Van Buren, Mo., Hoskins earned a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1975. He received a master of public administration degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2000. He taught science in Charleston, Mo., and Ellington, Mo., before going to work for the Conservation Department.
Hoskins, 46, began his career with the Conservation Department in 1977. In the next 21 years he worked in virtually every phase of wildlife law enforcement. His jobs have included:
--1977 Conservation agent in Butler County.
--1980 Protection Division Ozark regional staff specialist, responsible for training and safety programs for department personnel.
--1981 Protection Division assistant Ozark regional supervisor, helping establish the Conservation Department's first Protection Division regional office and coordinating the pilot Stash Your Trash anti-littering campaign on float streams.
--1987 Protection Central Regional Supervisor, responsible for a 16-county area.
--1997 Protection Unit Chief, supervised Protection Division employees and programs for Eastern Missouri.
--1998 General Services Section chief at Conservation Department headquarters in Jefferson City.
Hoskin's civic involvements include membership in the Missouri Conservation Federation and Trout Unlimited and supporting the mentor program for students at Thorpe Gordon Elementary School in Jefferson City.
- Arleasha Mays -
Commission to meet March 29 and 30
Friday, February 16, 2001
JEFFERSON CITY -- The Missouri Conservation Commission's next meeting will be March 30 at the Country Club Hotel, Lake Ozark.
The Commission will meet in closed session at 8:15 a.m., with an open meeting immediately following.
Commission meetings are open to the public. Items to be placed on the agenda for presentations or other business should be sent in writing to Director, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180; fax 573/751-4467. Requests must be received by March 15. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements at the same address, or by phone at 573/751-4115.
Commissioners are: Randy Herzog, St. Joseph, chairman; Ronald J. Stites, Plattsburg, vice chairman; Anita B. Gorman, Kansas City, secretary; and Howard L. Wood, Bonne Terre, member.
- Jim Low -
Hatchery to host Vulture Venture
Friday, February 09, 2001
Take a gander at vultures that are close enough for a really good look.
BRANSON, Mo. -- Missourians looking for an excuse to get outdoors in February need look no farther than the Missouri Department of Conservation's Vulture Venture. The event offers a chance to get an up-close look at some of the world's most fascinating birds.
Vulture Venture will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center. Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery on Lake Taneycomo hosts one of Missouri's largest turkey vulture winter roosts. The free event gives curious people a chance to watch large numbers of turkey vultures through telescopes.
After viewing the vultures, visitors can go inside the hatchery to see and photograph Turk, a live turkey vulture from the Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield. Kids of all ages will have a chance to recreate the updrafts and learn how vultures use them to fly without flapping their wings. A few lucky participants will be transformed into vultures to discover how the birds are adapted for their unique lifestyle. At the end of the day, everyone will be encouraged to watch more than 200 vultures swoop into the roost in a breathtaking phenomenon known as kettling.
For directions or more information about the Vulture Venture, call 417/334-4865.
- Jim Low -
On-line chat planned to encourage snow goose harvest
Friday, February 09, 2001
D.U. and the Conservation Department use the Internet to spread the word about snow goose overpopulation and increase the harvest of the species.
JEFFERSON CITY For the third year in a row, hunters will have an opportunity to take part in a "conservation action" to reduce numbers of snow, blue and Ross' geese. This year, Ducks Unlimited (DU) plans to conduct an online chat to discuss the ecological damage being caused by overpopulation of these "light geese" and promote late-season hunting of the species.
DU, the world's largest citizen waterfowl conservation group, invites hunters and others interested in conservation to join the chat starting at 8 a.m. Feb. 5 at www.ducks.org. Participants will be able to explore the issue with internationally renowned waterfowl biologists Dr. Bruce Batt and Dr. Paul Schmidt.
Schmidt is deputy assistant director for migratory birds and state programs for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He co-chairs the Arctic Goose Joint Venture, which has the goal of providing quality habitat for light geese and keeping habitat and goose numbers in a sustainable balance.
Batt is chief biologist for DU and the author of "Snow Geese: Grandeur and Calamity on an Arctic Landscape." He also chairs the Arctic Goose Habitat Working Group, which investigated the snow-goose overpopulation problem.
That investigation determined that snow and blue geese have taken advantage of waste grain and other agricultural crop bonanzas in recent years, building to an unprecedented population of more than 5 million. As a result, the birds have begun to damage the fragile tundra habitat that they and other animals use during the summer. The damage is extensive and progressive. Some biologists fear it could be permanent.
To halt the ecological damage, wildlife management agencies in the United States and Canada implemented the conservation order, using regulated hunting as a tool to control runaway snow goose numbers.
Hunters harvested a million light geese during the 1998-1999 hunting season and conservation order, too little to achieve the goal of population control. The harvest increased to 1.3 million during 1999-2000, a harvest level that could be effective if sustained. State and federal conservation agencies hope to see similar-sized light-goose kills this season and in the future until snow goose numbers are reduced to a stable, ecologically sustainable level.
Part of achieving that goal is making the hunting public aware of the situation and the importance of their role in controlling snow goose numbers.
"I'm looking forward to participating in the chat," says Batt. "I hope that it will give hunters the inspiration and encouragement they need to continue harvesting snow geese. This is a very serious dilemma, and North America's hunters will play a vital role in saving snow geese, their arctic habitat and the many other wildlife species that depend on that habitat."
Schmidt said, "These hunting opportunities are planned to continue this year while the Fish and Wildlife Service further evaluates management options for the future in an environmental impact statement. We hope to have a preferred management alternative for the future out for public review in the next couple of months to guide our efforts in 2001 and beyond."
- Jim Low -
Information available to help snow goose hunters
Friday, February 09, 2001
The Conservation Department provides information to help hunters make the most of liberal regulations and bag limits for "light geese."
JEFFERSON CITY -- Hunters have an important role to play in preventing an ecological disaster, and the Missouri Department of Conservation has information to help them.
For the third year in a row, Congress has approved a conservation action allowing hunters to pursue blue, snow and Ross' geese (collectively called "light geese") beyond the regular hunting season. The measure is aimed at halting ecological damage being caused by dramatic overpopulation of snow geese.
The conservation action, which began Feb. 1 and runs through April 30, permits hunters to use methods not allowed during the regular season. These include hunting with unplugged shotguns, using electronic calls and unlimited daily take.
Just opening the door to hunters may not be enough, however. Snow geese are fast learners and quickly become wary when hunted. They are long-lived and travel in large flocks, so thousands of experienced eyes examine every potential feeding and resting place for signs of danger before the flock lands. Furthermore, their nomadic lifestyle makes them difficult to locate.
Hunting snow geese requires hard work and specialized strategies, but those who learn the tricks find it immensely rewarding. They note that few outdoor experiences can compare with being at the center of a swirling vortex of several thousand squawking snow geese settling into a decoy spread.
To help hunters locate snow goose concentrations, the Missouri Department of Conservation provides weekly snow goose reports at www.conservation.state.mo.us/hunt/wtrfowl/weekly-snow/.
To make the most of hunting opportunities, heed the following tips:
--Start by driving back roads to locate fields where snow geese are feeding. Find the landowner, get permission to hunt and then set out decoys. If this can be accomplished by mid-afternoon, you can hunt the field that evening and again the next morning.
--Snow geese usually return to a field until the food there is exhausted. However, they have good memories and won't return to a place where they have been shot at. The work of finding a hot field and setting out decoys may result in two or three successful hunts an evening, a morning and another evening. After that, the birds are gone, and it's back to scouting.
--Hide all signs of human activity, including tire tracks, candy wrappers and any other non-natural items.
--Park vehicles at least a half mile away.
--Set out a minimum of 500 decoys (1,000 to 1,500 is better).
--Supplement shell and silhouette decoys with lighter, less expensive white rags or white plastic bag decoys.
--Wear camouflage or white if snow covers the ground.
--Don't call too much. Calls are most useful for calling in single birds or isolated pairs.
--Don't begin shooting while birds are still landing. For maximum shooting opportunity, wait until birds already on the ground begin to get nervous and take flight.
--Agree on fields of fire so you don't waste opportunities shooting at the same birds.
--Take your first shots at birds that are at the fringe of your effective range, then work your way back through closer birds.
--Focus on one bird at a time.
--A morning's shooting ends when the birds go back to roost in refuge areas during the middle of the day. Sometimes that is as early as 9 a.m. Other times they may not roost until noon. Afternoon feeding flights can arrive two hours before dark, but they may not appear until shooting hours are almost over.
--Use 2 3/4-inch shotgun shells with No. 1 or No. 2 steel shot.
- Jim Low -
CARA proponents seek President Bush's support
Friday, February 09, 2001
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill want the new administration to put conservation at the top of the national agenda.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The sponsors of a sweeping land conservation bill are urging President George W. Bush to make the bipartisan Conservation and Reinvestment Act a top priority for his first 100 days.
"We firmly believe that your administration, the Congress and the American people would be well served to have a common-sense environmental bill as a key component of your first agenda," wrote House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Don Young, R-Ala., and Energy and the ranking House Commerce Committee member John Dingell, D-Mich., in a letter to the White House.
Last year, Young and Dingell moved the bill through the House after rallying more than 300 House members to endorse it. More than 60 senators and all 50 governors including Bush supported the bill. However, it was blocked in the Senate by a group of conservatives. The measure would earmark $3 billion annually in funding for key state wildlife conservation programs, environmental programs, land conservation, city parks and other spending projects.
Now Young and Dingell hope to persuade Bush to endorse the bill. During the presidential campaign, Bush praised the bill generally and singled out several provisions. For example, he regularly called on Congress to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal environmental program paid for with royalties from offshore oil drilling.
"We came very close to passing this landmark bill last year," said Jerry Conley, director of the Missouri Department of Conservation. "We are hopeful that the new administration and the 107th Congress will finish the job for people, parks and wildlife across the country."
CARA supporters believe their prospects have improved in the Senate this year because Senate Democrats are now allowed to call up the legislation for a vote. Also, the bill's leading opponent, Sen. Slade Gorton (R-WA) lost his re-election campaign. Young and Dingell plan to reintroduce the bill as H.R. 701 the same number as last year's measure when that bill number becomes available in mid-February.
- Jim Low -
Hypothermia is an insidious killer
Friday, February 02, 2001
The combination of wind and moisture can be deadly, even in
moderate weather.
JEFFERSON CITY--Jeffrey W. Warta, Clinton, wasn't thinking of
death when he set out to hunt ducks on Truman Lake one December
day. But then his boat capsized, and minutes later he was face
to face with the cold reality of death by hypothermia.
A former resident of Minnesota, Warta was well acquainted with
death by "exposure," as the potentially fatal lowering of core
body temperature also is known. He was dressed for the 28-degree
weather, and was wearing a floatation suit. But he was helpless
when his dog jumped to retrieve a duck and the boat shifted,
dumping Warta in the drink.
"It was about noon, and I was a half a mile from shore," Warta
recalled. "I tried to swim, but I couldn't even get to the boat.
The surface temperature of the water was 38 degrees, and within a
few minutes my legs wouldn't work."
Warta grabbed the top of a tree sticking out of the water and
held on for dear life. A regional director for Waterfowl USA, he
had enough outdoor savvy to know he was in desperate trouble. He
tried to keep his upper body out of the heat-sapping water while
waiting for help.
When conservation agents found him he could barely speak, and
they had to pry his stiff fingers away from the tree to haul him
into their boat. His body temperature had dropped to a near-
fatal 70 degrees. Back on shore, an ambulance was waiting to
rush Warta to a hospital. He recovered fully, but it could just
as easily have been "The Big Chill" for him.
Warta's experience follows the most typical scenario for
hypothermia an unexpected soaking under frosty weather
conditions. But any combination of factors that increase
exposure to the chilling effects of air or water can lead to
hypothermia. A hiker caught in a cool shower on a windy day
risks hypothermia too.
This risk isn't limited to extremely cold weather. In fact,
three-quarters of all hypothermia deaths occur when the air
temperature is between 30 and 50 degrees.
The best cure for hypothermia is prevention. Be extra careful
when boating in winter. Don't take chances when an accidental
soaking could leave you more than a few minutes from help.
Clothing is your first line of defense against hypothermia. Go
prepared for the worst possible weather. Take a rain poncho,
even if there is no rain or snow in the weather forecast. Choose
garments that retain their insulating properties even when wet.
Wool and Thinsulate are good choices. Cotton and down feel great
when they are dry, but are virtually useless when soaked.
Hypothermia can strike if your clothing becomes soaked with
perspiration, too. To avoid this, dress in layers and shed
clothing when exertion makes you sweat. Keep a change of
clothing in your vehicle, and carry a spare jacket or sweater
with you in a backpack or hunting vest.
Another life-saving item to carry with you is a fire-starting
kit. A butane lighter, a wax candle and a few sheets of
newspaper sealed up in a plastic bag will allow you to start a
fire.
You or a friend may become chilled in spite of these precautions,
so it is important to know the symptoms of hypothermia. The
first is uncontrollable shivering. Begin treating for
hypothermia immediately when you see this warning sign. Delay
could prove fatal.
Get the victim to a heated shelter and into dry clothing. If no
dry clothes are available, leave the wet ones on. Even soaked
clothing has some insulating value. If no shelter is available,
build a fire. Better yet, build two fires and put the victim
between them. Or take advantage of others' body heat by putting
the victim in a sleeping bag with one or two other people.
Warm drinks are one of the best treatments for hypothermia.
Always carry a thermos of hot coffee, cocoa or soup for
emergencies. If food is available, have the victim eat to
replenish lost energy. Don't offer liquor. Alcoholic beverages
actually make hypothermia worse.
As hypothermia worsens, victims show slurred speech, stumbling,
confusion and drowsiness. People with these symptoms may appear
drunk. This is no laughing matter. They need help immediately.
Loss of consciousness is the final symptom before death.
-Jim Low-
Applications due March 6 for managed turkey hunts
Friday, February 02, 2001
Missourians who use wheelchairs automatically qualify.
JEFFERSON CITY--Hunters who want to take part in managed spring
turkey hunts at Weldon Spring Conservation Area (CA) and August
A. Busch Memorial CA in St. Charles County should obtain
application forms now.
The managed hunts will take place during the regular spring
turkey season April 23 through May 13 under statewide
regulations. Hunters will be selected for the managed hunts by
random drawing.
Each hunter whose name is drawn will be assigned to hunt during
one of four periods during the 21-day season. Forty hunters each
will be able to hunt Weldon Spring and Busch CAs during each of
the four periods.
Hunters may apply individually or in groups of up to three per
hunting party. If you apply as a party, do not send individual
application cards for each member of the party. If the group is
unsuccessful, each party listed on the application will be
notified. Only the hunter listed first on group applications will
be notified if the group is drawn for a hunt.
Successful applicants will be charged a $3 administrative fee,
but money should not be sent with applications. Hunters whose
names appear on more than one application will be disqualified.
Missouri residents who are permanently confined to wheelchairs
automatically qualify to participate in one of these managed
hunts. They need only complete a separate application card and
forward it to the Missouri Department of Conservation along with
a supporting statement by a licensed physician and a $3
processing fee.
Completed applications must be postmarked at a post office no
earlier than Feb. 12 and not later than March 6. Metered
postmarks will not be accepted.
- Jim Low -
Hunting and trapping guide has errors
Friday, February 02, 2001
Errors concern muzzleloader deer hunting, trapping and furbearer
hunting.
JEFFERSON CITY--The 2001 Summary of Missouri Hunting & Trapping
Regulations contains errors that could be confusing to hunters
and trappers. The last item in a table of bag limits on page 17
implies that beaver can be taken with a hunting permit. Beaver
cannot be taken legally with a hunting permit.
Of concern to muzzleloader deer hunters is an entry on page 15
that incorrectly lists the opening day of muzzleloader deer
season as Dec. 2. The opening date is Dec. 1.
Other errors in the booklet include:
--On page 26, the second paragraph says coyote pelts "may be
possessed, transported, consigned for processing and sold by the
taker from Nov. 20, 2001, to Feb. 25, 2002." The final date
should be March 1, 2002.
--On page 26, the third paragraph says bobcat and otter pelts
must be delivered to an agent of the Conservation Department not
later than Feb. 4, 2002. The paragraph should say these pelts
must be delivered to an agent of the Conservation Department not
later than Feb. 4, 2002, "except that pelts of otters taken in
Zone E must be delivered not later than March 4, 2002."
--On page 27, the dates for coyote trapping season are shown as
Nov. 20, 2001, through Feb. 15, 2002. The closing date should be
Feb. 20, 2002.
--On page 28, a map shows the bag limit for muskrats in Zone B as
20. This should read "Any number."
- Jim Low -
