October 2006
Deer biologist predicts harvest increase
Friday, October 27, 2006
 |
| The number of female deer taken by hunters in 2005 was down 11 percent. That, coupled with two years of abundant deer food, leads the state’s top deer biologist to predict an increased deer harvest during the firearms deer season Nov. 11 through 21. (Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo) |
JEFFERSON CITY-Abundant acorns will complicate deer hunters' job again this year, but Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen says a large carry-over of does from 2005 favors hunters. The net result is likely to be an average deer season.
Hansen is the Missouri Department of Conservation's deer management specialist. He said informal reports during the summer and early fall indicated that oak trees throughout much of the state were producing their second large crop of acorns in a row. The annual survey of statewide acorn production confirmed anecdotal reports.
A report assembled by Conservation Department Resource Scientist David Gwaze shows acorn production even greater than last year's remarkable crop. This year's survey of 4,669 oak trees around the state showed red oak acorn production up 2 percent from 2005 and white oak acorn production up 9 percent. Overall production was up 6 percent from last year and 21 percent compared to the average since 1959, when the survey began.
"I don't think we have had two bumper acorn crops in a row in a long time," Hansen said. "It will be interesting to see what effect it has."
The normal effect is to make it easier for deer to find food and harder for hunters to find deer. Deer do not have to travel far to meet their nutritional needs, especially in mild weather, when they do not burn much energy staying warm. Deer that spend only a few minutes gathering acorns near their bedding areas have minimal exposure to hunters.
The news isn't all bad for hunters, however. The number of does killed last year was down 11 percent compared to 2004. As a result, the state's deer herd likely has grown. Furthermore, hunters can expect to see more 3.5-year-old bucks in the 29 counties where antler-point restrictions have been in place for the past two years.
Gwaze said acorn production was up from 2005 for both red and white oaks in the western half of the Ozarks and adjacent counties to the west. Production for both oak groups was down slightly from last year in the eastern half of the Ozarks and in counties just north and east of the eastern Ozarks.
Hansen said reports of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and blue tongue remain low. He said reports of the diseases have come from St. Charles County and southwestern Missouri. Overall, however, deer diseases remain at low levels.
"It's going to be a good season," he said. "There's going to be lots of deer. It might be a little tough in places where you have to fight the acorn, but otherwise it's going to be a great season."
Hansen noted that as of Oct. 15 the state's archery deer harvest was up 23 percent compared to 2005. This is evidence that increased deer numbers are offsetting acorn abundance in determining hunter success.
Missouri's youth deer season is Oct. 28 and 29. The regular firearms deer season runs from Nov. 11 through 21, followed by the muzzleloader deer season Nov. 24 through Dec. 3. The final part of firearms deer season is the antlerless portion Dec. 9 through 17. Full details of deer hunting regulations are contained in the 2006 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, which is available wherever hunting permits are sold.
Last year's firearms deer harvest totaled 249,912. The archery harvest added 37,036 for a 2005 total of 286,943. Missouri's largest deer harvest occurred in 2004, when hunters checked 309,893 deer.
The Conservation Department is asking all deer hunters to help prevent the spread of forest pests while afield. Those who hunt or camp in other states should not bring firewood home. Firewood is one of the most common carriers of emerald ash borer, a potentially devastating forest pest. Hunters should obtain firewood locally when possible and burn all firewood from other areas before leaving deer camps.
Hunters also need to be extra careful with campfires. Much of Missouri is suffering from drought, which increases the chance of wildfire. Hunters are urged to clear leaves, grass and other burnable material from an area of at least 20 feet around fire rings and never leave fires unattended. Campfires should be completely extinguished by soaking and stirring before hunters leave the campsite.
-Jim Low-
Anglers get an extra day each week during winter catch-and-release season at three Missouri trout parks
Friday, October 27, 2006
Privately owned Maramec Spring Park will be open every day of the week from Nov. 10 through Feb. 12.
JEFFERSON CITY-Catch-and-release fishing at trout parks always has been about added fishing opportunity. The Missouri Department of Conservation is adding one day each week to the winter fishing season at three state-owned parks, and Missouri's one privately owned trout park has taken the idea a step farther.
The Department of Conservation provides fish for three trout parks operated by the Department of Natural Resources. Those parks are Bennett Spring State Park (SP) near Lebanon, Montauk SP near Salem and Roaring River SP near Cassville. The Conservation Department also supplies trout for The James Foundation's Maramec Spring Park near St. James.
All four parks have a regular fishing season that runs from March 1 through Oct. 31. During that season, anglers can catch and keep up to four trout daily.
Until 1976, fishing at trout parks ended Oct. 31 to allow trout parks to replenish supplies of fish. In 1976, Bennett Spring SP let anglers catch as many trout as they liked during the winter, as long as they used only flies and artificial lures and released all the fish they caught. The state's other three trout parks adopted the "no-creel" season in 1980, allowing hard-core trout anglers to pursue their passion year-round.
Until this year, no-creel fishing at state trout parks ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from the second weekend in November through the second Sunday in February. This year, Bennett Spring, Montauk and Roaring River SPs will add Mondays to weekly catch-and-release fishing from Nov. 10 through Feb. 12. For the second year, Maramec Spring Park will open its gates to anglers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week throughout the winter season.
Anglers are encouraged to obtain park-specific regulation pamphlets at each trout park. Areas where fishing is allowed are noted in pamphlets and are marked with signs. Some facilities that are open during the regular fishing season may be closed during the catch-and-release season.
The only permits required for catch-and-release fishing at trout parks are a fishing permit and a statewide trout permit. The trout permit is valid throughout the winter season. The same permits allow anglers to catch and keep trout all year in many public trout streams outside the parks.
Trout fanatics also can pursue their favorite fish at Stone Mill Spring Branch on the Big Piney River near St. Robert. The area is open to catch-and-release fishing from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Nov. 1 through Feb. 28. Like Maramec Spring Park, Stone Mill is open to fishing every day of the week.
Stone Mill Spring Branch is on the Mark Twain National Forest. The only practical access to the area is through Fort Leonard Wood. Use the visitor's lane at the main gate and be ready to show your driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
Once through the main gate, go southeast on Missouri Avenue approximately 2 miles. Turn left on First Street and go 3.5 miles to Route 25. Take Route 25 3.5 miles and turn left onto Route 26. Go across the Big Piney River and travel approximately 2 miles farther before turning right onto a gravel road. Another mile on this road will get you to the parking lot. From there, follow the foot path .3 miles to the spring branch.
Missourians also can enjoy winter trout fishing at specially stocked ponds in St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City, Jackson, Mexico and Sedalia. For more information about this winter trout fishing program, contact the Conservation Department office in each city.
Missouri's newest winter catch-and-release trout fishing area is Hickory Creek in Neosho. This stream has always had small numbers of trout, thanks to the nearby federal fish hatchery. The Conservation Department now stocks approximately 3,000 rainbow trout there each year. The area is open year-round, but is limited to catch-and-release fishing from Nov. 1 through the last day of February. Only flies and artificial lures may be used from the Highway 86 Bridge to the confluence with Shoal Creek.
Information about Missouri's diverse trout fishing opportunities is found in "Missouri Trout Fishing," which is available from MDC, Missouri Trout Fishing, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, or by e-mailing pubstaff@mdc.mo.gov.
Further information is available by calling:
--Bennett Spring Fish Hatchery, (417) 532-4418.
--Maramec Spring Fish Hatchery, (573) 265-7801.
--Montauk Fish Hatchery, (573) 548-2585.
--Roaring River Fish Hatchery, (417) 847-2430.
-Jim Low-
Quail hunting outlook takes a turn for the better
Friday, October 27, 2006
Summer surveys show significant population increases in some areas.
JEFFERSON CITY-Quail hunters can look forward to better hunting in many areas this year, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Each August, conservation agents across the state drive the same routes along gravel roads, counting the number of northern bobwhite quail they see. They also record the number of bobwhite broods observed. In other areas, people counting pheasants make observations about quail, too. The resulting statistics are not precise counts, but they do yield an "index," an overall picture of how quail are doing on a regional scale.
Last year's statewide quail population index of 2.86 quail per route was the lowest ever recorded. This year's figure of 3.68, while still only half of the long-term average, marked a significant recovery.
"Prospects for the 2006 hunting season have improved over last year in many parts of the state," said Resource Scientist Tom Dailey. "Eleven counties got agent ratings of good or excellent or had counts of more than 20 quail in areas where pheasant surveys are conducted. Population indices were up in five of eight regions."
Counties where agents saw the most birds included Andrew, Barton, Carroll, DeKalb, Lincoln, Livingston, Macon, Maries, Monroe, Morgan and Randolph. Regions posting quail increases from 2005 were the northeast (up from 4.95 in 2005 to 6.40 this year), the northwest (2.91 to 5.36), the western Ozark border (1.62 to 3.38), the northern and eastern Ozark borders (.25 to 3.33) and the Ozark Plateau (1.78 to 2.38).
Missouri has approximately 33,000 quail hunters. That number is down approximately 70 percent compared to the average number between 1967 and 2004. Last year's estimated harvest of 345,993 was down 19 percent from 2004 and 80 percent from the long-term average of 1.7 million.
Missouri's quail hunting season opens Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 15. The daily limit is eight birds, with a possession limit of 16.
Dailey said hunters can help ensure the survival of enough quail to sustain good hunting in their favorite spots.
"The rule of thumb is to harvest only half of the quail in an area," said Dailey. "In areas where coveys are scarce because of poor habitat, it makes sense to take even fewer birds out of each covey."
He said there is some evidence that hunting in mid- to late winter can have a negative effect on the number of birds that survive to nest the next spring.
"Hunting in the fall and early winter seems to have little effect on the number of quail that survive to breeding season. Many of the birds not killed by hunters during this time end up succumbing to predators, malnutrition, cold and disease. Recent research in Missouri and other states points to late January as the time when quail populations become more vulnerable to potential negative effects of hunting. Basically, the later in the winter you hunt, the more likely it is to affect the number of birds that make it to nesting season."
-Jim Low-
CREP agreement to help heal Missouri land, waters
Friday, October 20, 2006
 |
JEFFERSON CITY-A new agreement between the Missouri Department of Conservation, other state and federal agencies will help channel millions of dollars in state and federal funds to Missouri farmers and ranchers. The money is intended to help landowners protect their drinking water and save their soil with benefits for grassland birds and other wildlife.
On Oct. 5, the Conservation Department, the USDA Farm Service Agency, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Missouri Departments of Natural Resources and Agriculture, the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) and the University of Missouri-Extension signed an amendment to the current Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) agreement. The amendment allows more acres in public water supply watersheds to be enrolled in CREP. The amendment also provides more options for landowners to put conservation practices to work on their land.
CREP is part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) established under the federal farm bill 20 years ago. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency administers CRP. Under the program, landowners contract to take erosion-prone crop and pasture acreage out of production for 14 to 15 years. They receive payments on a per-acre basis.
CREP focuses on three goals. One is reducing soil erosion, which is at the heart of CRP. Another is protecting environmentally sensitive land in watersheds where drinking water supplies are vulnerable to runoff of herbicides or other agricultural chemicals.
Finally, CREP aims to enhance wildlife habitat. Management practices that benefit water quality - such as planting trees along a stream corridor - often are good for wildlife, too. The agreement between the Conservation Department and the MASWCD aims particularly to enhance habitat for quail and other grassland birds through plantings of native grasses and wildlife habitat buffers.
Under the agreement, the Conservation Department will provide up to $1 million during the current fiscal year for incentive payments to landowners. The payments of $100 per acre will encourage landowners to plant native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs or to restore wetlands.
The Conservation Department also will provide technical assistance to help participating landowners get the most value for wildlife from CREP-funded work.
MASWCD will administer the additional Conservation Department sign-up for incentive payments on enrolled CREP acres. It is accepting applications for the program now, and will do so on a continuing basis until the end of the fiscal year in June 2007.
CRP programs typically pay half the cost of installing conservation-friendly practices. Under CREP, landowners will receive an additional 25 percent match from the Department of Natural Resources. Furthermore, land in small drinking-water supply watersheds that have agreements with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources can receive a one-time incentive payment of one and one-half times the annual soil rental rate.
Certain practices that contribute to water quality are eligible for an additional 20 percent annual incentive payment and a one-time incentive payment of 80 percent of the initial cost-share payment for installation. These include grassed waterways, filter strips, stream-side buffers, and wetland or wildlife habitat buffers on marginal pasture land. Sign-up incentives can add up to more than $325 per acre, depending on soil type and location.
"These are really extraordinary incentives," said Conservation Department Private Land Programs Supervisor Bill White. "The payments recognize the important contribution farmers and ranchers can make, not only to soil and wildlife conservation, but to the health of their communities. Nothing is more critical to human and environmental health than water quality."
White said CREP is more than an affordable way to manage crop and pasture land wisely. It can actually increase farm profits on land that may produce marginal forage and crop yields.
Previously, CREP funding was available only in a handful of Missouri watersheds. The program has been expanded to extensive areas of southwest, east-central and northern Missouri.
To learn which management practices are eligible for CREP and whether your land is in a qualifying watershed, call the nearest Farm Services Agency or Soil and Water Conservation District office.
Missouri hunters gear up to help the needy again
Friday, October 20, 2006
Venison donations channel hundreds of tons of lean red meat to charitable groups through the Share the Harvest Program.
JEFFERSON CITY-Missouri's deer hunting season began Sept. 15 with the opening of archery season, and food banks around the state already are receiving a trickle of venison contributions. In a matter of weeks, that trickle will swell to a flood, until shelves are piled with tons of lean ground venison. The Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) reminds hunters that their generosity makes the difference between hunger and abundance for thousands of families.
The CFM, Missouri's largest citizen conservation group, administers Share the Harvest, a charitable venison donation program that channeled 130 tons of venison into community-based food banks last year.
"The state's deer harvest was down last year, but hunters still stepped up to the plate and hit a home run," said CFM Executive Director Dave Murphy. "The harvest was down by more than 8 percent, but Share the Harvest donations only dipped 6 percent from the record donations of 2004. That tells me there was some personal sacrifice involved. It makes me really proud to be a hunter."
Although CFM helps raise money for deer processing and administers the program, the real work of Share the Harvest takes place in communities around the state. Local organizations, such as hunting groups or civic clubs, typically find businesses to support local programs financially. Then they have to find a meat packing plant willing to process donated deer and a local food pantry, Salvation Army post or other charity to distribute the meat. Once these elements are in place, programs are registered by conservation agents, who ensure that programs are run properly.
Murphy said he hopes Share the Harvest will top 300,000 pounds of venison donations this year.
"There is no reason we can't eventually build this program to bring in half a million pounds of meat," said Murphy. "The challenges are logistical and financial. You have to find enough refrigeration capacity to store meat until it can be processed, and you have to pay for the processing. But businesses and civic groups find new and better ways to solve those problems every year. People's generosity continually amazes me."
That generosity has taken the form of volunteer service, donated refrigerator trucks, free processing by some packing houses and cash donations from corporate sponsors. Last year the Federation collected cash donations of more than $250,000 to support Share the Harvest.
Donors who have committed money this year include the Conservation Federation, Drury Hotels, Bass Pro Shops, Shelter Insurance, the Conservation Department, Safari Club International, Whitetails Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Besides feeding hungry Missourians, Share the Harvest helps the Conservation Department achieve its deer management goals by encouraging hunters to shoot more deer. That means fewer traffic accidents involving deer and less damage to crops and landscape plantings.
The 2006 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Information booklet lists names and contact information for meat processors participating in Share the Harvest. For more information about the program, call (573) 522-4115, ext. 3290, or (573) 634-2322.
-Jim Low-
Citizens urged to report sick deer
Friday, October 20, 2006
The Conservation Department continues to monitor Missouri's deer herd for chronic wasting disease.
JEFFERSON CITY-With firearms deer season approaching, the Missouri Department of Conservation is asking citizens to report any sick deer they see.
The Conservation Department always is interested in reports of sick deer, because such reports help the agency detect outbreaks of common diseases such as epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) and blue tongue. The discovery of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in other states is one more reason for Missouri officials to take an interest in citizen reports of sick deer.
EHD and blue tongue are viral diseases that cause internal and external bleeding. They are spread by small, biting flies and are most common in drought years, when deer are concentrated around limited water supplies.
CWD is a brain disease caused by abnormal proteins, known as prions, and causes animals to starve. CWD is only known to affect members of the deer family.
The Conservation Department tested hunter-killed deer from every county of the state for CWD between 2002 and 2004. All the more than 22,000 tests came back negative. The agency continues to test sick deer reported by citizens in order to detect disease outbreaks.
"Continuous monitoring is the best way to ensure that we catch serious diseases early," said Wildlife Programs Supervisor Bill Heatherly. "Knowing about the incidence of more common diseases like EHD and blue tongue also helps when making decisions about deer management."
Heatherly said Missouri's firearms deer season, when hundreds of thousands of hunters take to the woods, offers an excellent opportunity to gather information about the health of the state's deer herd. He said anyone who observes deer that are sick or act abnormally should call the nearest Conservation Department office. Reports are most useful when they are made immediately and include detailed information about the location of the sightings.
For more information about CWD, visit the Conservation Department's Web site, intranet/strategic/20061004cwd.asp.
-Jim Low-
Waterfowl Association has help for disabled, young hunters
Friday, October 20, 2006
Blinds for hunters with mobility impairments sit empty for much of the season.
JEFFERSON CITY-Hundreds of days of potential duck hunting opportunity are going to waste on some state-owned wetland areas, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Missouri Waterfowl Association (MWA) wants to help hunters with disabilities take advantage of those opportunities. They also want to clear the way for youngsters to try duck hunting.
The Conservation Department has handicap-accessible blinds at 12 wetland areas scattered from one corner of the state to the other. The facilities are located and built to enable hunters using wheelchairs to drive up, roll down ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and enjoy a day of hunting ducks or geese in the comfort of a covered blind. Yet, blinds at some areas often sit vacant.
August A. Busch, Jr. Memorial Wetlands at Four Rivers CA north of Nevada has a handicap-accessible blind that gets more usage than most. Last year, it was reserved seven days out ten, according to Wildlife Management Biologist Chris Daniel. Eagle Bluffs CA south of Columbia also has a better-than-average track record. Wildlife Biologist Tim James reports that one of its two accessible blinds was reserved nine days out of ten last year. A second blind at Eagle Bluffs had nearly 60 percent usage.
On the other hand, the handicap-accessible blind at Marais Temps Clair CA in St. Charles County, within minutes of hundreds of potential users, was booked only about half the time during duck season. Nearby Columbia Bottom CA, whose wetland pools were just completed this summer, also will have one or two handicap-accessible blinds in the next year or two, increasing the availability of duck hunting opportunities for people with disabilities in the St. Louis area.
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Chariton County reports that its disabled-accessible blind seldom is used.
MWA State Chairman James Worley said his organization can help disabled people who would like to go duck hunting but lack experience or equipment.
"We can't promise that we can find a hunting companion on any given date," said Worley, "but we will do out best to connect disabled hunters with experienced hunters who can show them the ropes."
To arrange a guide for a disabled hunter, call Worley at (816) 941-7065 or e-mail him at worley@mowaterfowl.org.
The following CAs have disabled-accessible waterfowl blinds. Call early for the best chance of obtaining a reservation.
* B.K. Leach CA in Lincoln County, (636) 441-4554.
* Bob Brown CA in Holt County, (816) 271-3100.
* Duck Creek CA in Stoddard County, (573) 290-5730.
* Eagle Bluffs CA in Boone County, (573) 445-3882.
* Fountain Grove CA in Linn County, (660) 646-6122.
* Four Rivers CA in Vernon County, (417) 395-2341.
* Marais Temps Clair CA in St. Charles County, (314) 877-6014.
* Montrose CA in Henry County, (660) 693-4666.
* Nodaway Valley CA in Holt County, (816) 271-3100.
* Otter Slough CA in Stoddard County, (573) 290-5730.
* Schell-Osage CA in Vernon County, (417) 432-3414.
* Ted Shanks CA in Pike County, (573) 248-2530.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also has a wheelchair-accessible blind at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Chariton County. Call (660) 856-3343 or 856-3323 for information.
Worley said the MWA also has help for young hunters.
"One thing that keeps a lot of kids from going duck hunting is not having waders," said Worley. "They are kind of an expensive item, and as fast as kids grow, they might not get to use them more than one season. We have bought several pairs of waders and are offering them for one-day loan at three areas."
The insulated neoprene chest waders, in sizes 5 through 10, are available at Eagle Bluffs, Nodaway Valley and Four Rivers CAs. They can be checked out from area personnel at the morning drawing by hunters age 16 and younger. Each pair of waders comes with a life jacket and a disposable camera to let the borrower document the hunt.
-Jim Low-
Duck hunting outlook depends on rain
Friday, October 13, 2006
 |
| Favorable conditions in waterfowl nesting areas have set the stage for a good duck hunting season in Missouri, provided the state receives at least normal rainfall in the next few weeks. (Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo) |
JEFFERSON CITY-Favorable weather in the Prairie Pothole Region bodes well for Missouri duck hunters, but western Missouri needs substantial rainfall to improve habitat conditions so birds stop on their way south. Meanwhile, waterfowl habitat actually suffers from too much rain in southeastern Missouri.
This year's duck season runs from Oct. 28 through Dec. 26 in the North Zone, from Nov. 4 through Jan. 2 in the Middle Zone and from Nov. 24 through Jan. 22 in the South Zone. Youth seasons are Oct. 21 and 22 in the North Zone, Oct. 28 and 29 in the Middle Zone and Nov. 18 and 19 in the South Zone.
Dave Graber, a resource scientist for the Missouri Department of Conservation, said the number of ponds in the north-central United States and south-central Canada was fairly good this year for the second year in a row. The region produces most of the ducks that migrate through Missouri. Thanks in part to favorable water conditions, several duck species posted significant population gains this year.
Mallards - the most numerous duck species and the one most hunters focus on - were up 8 percent from last year, though they remain 3 percent below the long-term average.
Gadwalls showed the biggest increase, with a 30 percent jump in the number of breeding birds from last year and a 67 percent increase compared to the long-term average.
Numbers of northern pintails, which are highly esteemed by hunters, were up 32 percent from last year, although they remain 18 percent below the long-term average. This prompted regulators to maintain restrictive pintail bag limits.
Redheads and canvasbacks posted gains of 55 and 33 percent, respectively, compared to 2005, but remain 47 and 23 percent below long-term averages. Scaup are at record low numbers for the second year in a row, and the daily limit has been dropped to two. Experts say loss of habitat is the cause.
Overall, the number of breeding ducks counted this summer was up 9 percent from the long-term average. It is still 16 percent below the high-water mark of 1999, but experts predict a fall flight of 9.8 million mallards - up slightly from last year and enough to produce excellent hunting.
Graber said Missouri needs substantial rainfall to replenish wetlands in the western half of the state. Low water levels in the Missouri, Grand and Osage rivers and their tributaries could reduce water management and pumping capabilities at several Conservation Department wetland areas in western Missouri.
In contrast, 10-plus inches of rain in the southeastern part of the state flooded public and private wetlands. Excessive flooding reduces ducks ability to find plant seeds, making these areas less attractive.
Graber recommends that hunters contact wetland area managers for up-to-date reports on habitat conditions as the waterfowl hunting season progresses.
The daily limit is six ducks, including no more than four mallards (no more than 2 females), two scaup, two redheads, two wood ducks, two hooded mergansers, one black duck, one pintail and one canvasback. Other species may be taken in any number up to the daily bag limit of six ducks total. The possession limit for ducks is twice the daily limit. The daily and possession limits on coots are 15 and 30, respectively.
Missouri's three waterfowl hunting zones remains in effect for duck hunting. The only change is a slight northward shift in the North/Middle zone boundary. The new boundary follows I-70 from its junction with Highway 47 in Warrenton all the way west to the Kansas border. The change moves Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area (CA) from the North Zone to the Middle Zone. For more information on zone boundaries, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunt/wtrfowl/zones/index.htm.
Another change in this year's duck hunting regulations is the extension of the daily drawing system tested at Eagle Bluffs and Otter Slough CAs for the last two years to three additional areas. New areas using the system this year are Grand Pass, Ten Mile Pond and Bob Brown CAs.
Under the old system, every hunting party gets to draw one number to determine whether and where they will hunt at state-managed wetland areas. The new system lets each hunter in a party draw a number.
By improving larger parties' chances of a favorable draw, the new system encourages hunters to form larger hunting parties, up to the maximum of four hunters. The goal is to give as many hunters as possible a chance to enjoy the limited hunting opportunities available at state areas.
Five wetland pools totaling 525 acres at Columbia Bottom CA will be open to waterfowl hunting this year. However work on the area was not far enough along last summer to permit its inclusion in the waterfowl hunting reservation drawing. As a result, all hunting opportunities will be assigned by drawings at area headquarters each morning. For drawing times and other details, call (314) 877-6014.
Missouri's resident population of giant Canada geese is stable at about 60,000. These are not evenly distributed around the state, however. They tend to be more densely clustered around cities and suburbs and other areas where an abundance of lakes and ponds and lack of hunting favor population buildups.
Biologists predict a strong fall flight of Eastern Prairie Population Canada geese. This subpopulation of the species includes most of the migratory Canada geese seen in Missouri.
This year's goose hunting regulations are the simplest in many years. The first portion of the Canada goose season ran from Sept. 30 through Oct. 9. The second portion of the Canada goose season and the white-fronted goose season run from Nov. 24 through Jan. 31 statewide. The bag limit is two Canada geese daily and four in possession and two white-fronted geese daily and four in possession.
The season for Blue, snow & Ross's geese is Oct. 28 through Jan. 31 statewide The limit during the regular hunting season is no more than 20 blue, snow or Ross's geese daily. There is no possession limit on these species.
-Jim Low-
Urban deer harvest down for second year in a row
Friday, October 13, 2006
Abundant deer hunting opportunity probably limts participation in the urban hunt.
JEFFERSON CITY-Hunters killed 1,348 deer during the urban portion of Missouri's firearms deer season Oct. 6-9. That is the second-smallest number in the hunt's four-year history. Missouri's top deer biologist says competition with other activities is the likeliest reason for the decrease.
The urban portion of firearms deer season takes place in 11 counties around St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and central Missouri. In this area, hunters may take as many antlerless deer as they want, using any-deer or antlerless-deer hunting permits.
The urban deer harvest grew from its first-year total of 129 in 2003 to 2,077 in 2004. It dropped to 1,838 last year, and it fell by an additional 490 this year. Resource Scientist Lonnie Hansen with the Missouri Department of Conservation said the brief increase followed by a two-year decline probably reflects people's traditional view of deer hunting and the large number of hunting opportunities hunters have in the fall.
"I think a lot of people associate deer hunting with cooler weather than we usually have in early October," said Hansen.
Another factor is the abundance of deer-hunting opportunities available in Missouri. Archery deer season opens Sept. 15. A two-day youth deer season comes after the urban hunt, followed by an 11-day November firearms hunt and a 10-day muzzleloader season. Then hunters have nine days for hunting antlerless deer in 73 counties in December.
"That's 36 days of firearms deer hunting and almost four months of archery hunting," said Hansen. "With that much time, the motivation to get out and hunt in warm weather isn't very great. Archers can take antlered deer in October, and some bowhunters find the quest for a trophy more appealing than trying for an antlerless deer with a gun."
Furthermore, deer are not the only game competing for hunters' attention. The urban deer hunt takes place during the fall turkey season, and squirrel hunting is a favorite October pastime for many outdoors people.
Hansen said there is no biological evidence that the decline in urban deer harvest is the result of diminished deer numbers in the 11-county urban deer hunting area. However, he said he still considers the urban segment of deer season a success, even if it is not making a serious dent in urban and suburban deer populations.
"Thirteen hundred may not be a big number, but it is 1,300 fewer deer out there to cause problems in these more populated areas. The fact that we are getting these deer out of the population before the rut is in full swing and deer get restless is a positive thing."
Boone County led this year's urban deer harvest totals with 312 deer checked. Webster County was second with 167, followed by Cole and St. Charles counties, each of which had 137 deer checked.
Other county urban deer harvest totals were: Christian, 122 Greene, 101; Cass, 98; Clay, 77; St. Louis, 76; Jackson, 66 and Platte, 55.
-Jim Low-
Commission to meet Nov. 2-3 in Blue Springs
Friday, October 13, 2006
JEFFERSON CITY- The Missouri Conservation Commission will hold its next meeting Nov. 2 and 3 at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs.
The Commission will meet in closed session Nov. 2. It will meet in open session at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 3.
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, at least 10 working days before the meeting date. The deadline for the next meeting is Oct. 19.
People requiring special services or accommodations to attend Conservation Commission meetings can make arrangements by writing to the same address, or by phone at (573) 751-4115.
Commissioners are: Stephen Bradford, Cape Girardeau, chairman; William F. "Chip" McGeehan, Marshfield, vice-chairman; Cynthia Metcalfe, St. Louis, secretary; Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City, member.
-Jim Low-
"Flying Carp" cleanup set for Oct. 21 on Missouri River
Friday, October 13, 2006
Missouri River Relief will join forces with canoeists to remove trash from river banks between Huntsdale and Easley.
JEFFERSON CITY-Canoeists are invited to join the River Ladies Auxiliary and Missouri River Relief in removing trash from river banks between Huntsdale and Easley Oct. 21. They call the event the "Great Flying Carp Canoe Clean-up."
Canoes will launch from Katfish Katy's boat ramp at Huntsdale. Participants will collect trash and deposit it at flagged sites where event organizers can pick it up later.
After a stop for lunch in Lupus, river cleaners will proceed to Cooper's Landing at Easley, nine miles downriver from the starting point. There they will sort the collected trash for recycling and celebrate their accomplishment with food and live music. As is customary at such events, there will be awards and a trash-based scavenger hunt contest.
Participants need to bring their own canoes and personal items. Vehicle shuttle service will be provided for those who make reservations. For full details, visit www.riverrelief.org/, or call (573) 443-0292.
-Jim Low-
Expanded fall turkey season enters second year
Friday, October 06, 2006
Turkey numbers are up in some areas, promising another good season.
 |
| Missouri's month-long fall firearms turkey hunting season offers ample opportunity to gather the makings for a Thanksgiving dinner. Plentiful acorns could complicate hunters' challenge, however.(Missouri Dept. of Conservation photo) |
Resource Scientist Jeff Beringer said volunteers who count turkey poults - birds hatched this year - reported seeing 2.2 young birds for every hen they counted in the eastern Ozarks, indicating good nesting success in this area. Also posting strong poult numbers this year was the Union Breaks, which includes the tier of counties on the south side of the Missouri River and the west side of the Mississippi River roughly from Marshall to Cape Girardeau. Observers in this area counted 1.7 poults per hen. In contrast, observers reported the lowest poult-to-hen ratios in west-central Missouri (1.1).
Other regional poult-to-hen ratios were 1.4 in northwestern Missouri, 1.6 in northeastern Missouri and the western Ozarks, 1.3 in the Ozark border and 1.5 in the Lindley Breaks, which stretches along the north bank of the Missouri River and the western shore of the Mississippi River roughly from Glasgow to Hannibal. The statewide poult-to-hen ratio was 1.6. This is an improvement from last year's figure of 1.2.
Beringer said this year's improved wild turkey nest success probably reflects the unprecedented number of acorns produced by oak trees statewide in 2005. The abundance of this turkey food staple allowed hens to enter the nesting season in excellent condition and produce large, healthy broods.
Early reports indicate another large acorn crop this year. Beringer said this could make fall turkey hunting more of a challenge.
"Hunters who like to go glassing (using binoculars) to find turkeys out in fields may think there are not as many birds around this year," he said. "The birds will be in the woods, and they won't even leave much sign there. Acorns are so abundant that they are going to eat their fill in about 10 minutes instead of having to scratch through a lot of leaves looking for food."
More than 25,000 people hunted turkeys in Missouri last fall. That number was up approximately 10 percent from 2004. Beringer attributed the increase to liberalizations in the season. Last year the season was lengthened from 14 days to the entire month of October. Furthermore, the Conservation Department liberalized the bag limit, allowing hunters to take two birds - the season limit - on the same day.
Beringer said the longer season gave hunters more time to work turkey hunting into their busy fall schedules and spread their activities out, decreasing the likelihood of encountering other hunters in the field. He said he believes the changes will increase interest in fall turkey hunting.
Last year Missouri hunters harvested 13,286 turkeys during the fall season. That was up 2,622 from 2004, but still short of the record harvest of 14,487 set in 2002.
For more information, get a copy of the 2006 Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available wherever hunting permits are sold.
-Jim Low-
Ten tips for safe fall turkey hunting
Friday, October 06, 2006
Follow these tips to minimize the chances of hurting someone or being hurt.
JEFFERSON CITY - An abundance of acorns could force hunters to look harder for turkeys this fall. According to officials with the Missouri Department of Conservation, that means hunters need to be extra cautious.
Early reports indicate that oak trees have produced a bumper crop of acorns for the second year in a row. Last year's crop helped turkey hens produce large, healthy broods, which is good news for hunters. This year's ample turkey food supply means birds won't have to move far or venture out into fields to find food. That could make the birds harder to find, and hunters will have to be more mobile to find the makings of a wild turkey dinner.
Moving around more increases the chances of encountering other hunters. This increases the chances of accidents for turkey hunters, who wear camouflage clothing and imitate turkey calls to lure their quarry within shotgun range. Firearms-related turkey hunting accidents most often involve one hunter mistaking another for a turkey or shooting at a bird without knowing that another hunter is in the line of fire.
Two hunters suffered nonfatal injuries during the 2005 fall turkey hunting season. In one case, a husband and wife team were hunting together. She decided to go back to their vehicle, then went back into the woods to stalk a squirrel. Her husband saw her moving in the woods and fired, thinking she was a turkey.
In last year's other fall firearms hunting accident, a hunter shot at a turkey that was moving ahead of three hunting companions during a game drive. He hit one of the drivers.
One factor in hunters' favor is Missouri's extended fall firearms turkey hunting season. Last year the Conservation Commission increased the season from 14 days to the entire month of October. That spreads hunting activity out over more than twice as many days, reducing the potential for accidents. Hunters can further decrease their chances of hurting another hunter or being hurt themselves by taking a few simple precautions.
1. Wear hunter orange clothing when moving between hunting spots to help other hunters recognize you.
2. Wait to see the entire bird and make positive identification before shooting.
3. Have a hunting plan and stick to it. This reduces the chances of losing track of hunting partners' locations.
4. Never wear clothing that is red, white or blue - colors that appear on the head of a turkey gobbler.
5. Sit still if you see other hunters. Call to them or whistle. Never wave, stand or sound a turkey call.
6. Tie an orange vest to the tree under which you are calling. This alerts other hunters to your presence. Approaching gobblers will ignore the vest. They are frightened by sound and movement - not color.
7. Sit with your back to a tree when calling to protect your blind spot.
8. If you kill a turkey, wrap it in hunter orange before carrying it to your vehicle.
9. Place turkey decoys so you are not in the line of fire if other hunters mistake them for real birds and fire at them.
10. Make turkeys come to you instead of moving to them. One of the most common causes of turkey hunting accidents is one hunter moving into an area where another is calling.
Unload your gun when moving between calling locations, and maintain muzzle control at all times. Nearly half of all gunshot wounds suffered while hunting are self-inflicted.
-Jim Low-
Drive smart to avoid deer-car crashes
Friday, October 06, 2006
Deer-vehicle accidents can be expensive or even fatal.
JEFFERSON CITY-A nip is in the air, which means it is time for motorists to exercise extra caution when driving to avoid run-ins with white-tailed deer.
Deer-vehicle accidents can happen any time of year, but they are most common in October, November or December. This is because shorter days and falling temperatures trigger the "rut," deer's mating season. Hormonal changes make deer more active and less cautious. Further increasing the potential for deer-vehicle accidents is the fact that deer are most active around dawn and dusk, when people are on their way to and from work.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that more than 1.5 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year nationwide, resulting in 150 occupant deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and over $1 billion in vehicle damage. Missouri motorists reported 8,648 deer-vehicle accidents in 2004, the most recent year for which records are available.
Missouri is by no means the worst place for deer-vehicle accidents. Wisconsin motorists have approximately 45,000 run-ins with deer each year, and in Michigan the number tops 65,000 annually. Missouri's deer-vehicle accident rate has remained fairly stable over the past 10 years in spite of increasing traffic. Deer-vehicle accidents accounted for approximately 2 percent of Missouri's injury/property damage traffic accidents in 2004 and .5 percent of accidents that resulted in human deaths.
The average cost per insurance claim for collision damage nationwide is about $2,600. Claims for injuries raise the average cost to more than $11,000 per accident, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).
Deer-vehicle accidents increasingly happen in suburbs or even in towns. The III offers the following suggestions to reduce the risk of deer-related accidents:
--Use high-beam headlights, which reflect in deer eyes, making them easier to see.
--Slow down immediately when you see a deer, even if it has crossed the road ahead of you. Deer often travel in groups, and others may follow.
--Sound your horn with one long blast to frighten deer away.
--Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path. Do not swerve. This can confuse the deer about where to run. It can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another car.
--Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in deer-vehicle crashes are not wearing seat belts.
--If you strike a deer with your car, get your vehicle off the road, and call the police.
--Don't approach an injured animal. It could hurt you.
--Immediately report any injury or damage to your insurance agent or company.
For more information, call (202) 833-1580 or visit www.iii.org/.
-Jim Low-
