White-tailed Deer Fawn

Missouri Department of Conservation urges the public to leave wildlife wild

As many head outside to enjoy the longer days and warmer weather this spring, they may come across a variety of newborn animals. It may appear young creatures are abandoned, but that’s usually not the case. The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missourians that interfering with wildlife does more harm than good. MDC State Wildlife […]

Photo of crappie (Photo courtesy Mo Dept of Conservation)

New Smithville Lake crappie regulation showing good results, similar change considered for Mozingo Lake

Smithville Lake currently has a special crappie regulation that allows anglers to keep 30 crappies but no more than 15 over nine inches long. The change was made in 2019 and allows anglers to harvest more undersized black crappie while protecting the white crappie numbers. White crappie generally grows to a larger and more desirable […]

Bull Elk

Missouri Department of Conservation sets 2022 elk and bear seasons with permit applications in May

The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer five permits to hunt bull elk in Missouri this fall with at least one permit designated for qualifying area landowners and the remaining permits for the general public. MDC will also offer 400 permits for the taking of a maximum of 40 black bears during the second Missouri […]

Wild duck (waterfowl) (Photo courtesy David Waite on Unsplash)

Missouri Department of Conservation sets upcoming migratory game bird and waterfowl seasons

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at its March 25 meeting for upcoming 2022 migratory-game-bird-hunting seasons and 2022-2023 waterfowl-hunting seasons. 2022 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD HUNTING Mourning Doves, Eurasian Collared Doves, and White-Winged Doves Season: Sept. 1 through Nov. 29 Limits: 15 daily and 45 in possession combined total […]

Coyote standing in field (Photo Credit Mo Dept of Conservation)

Missouri Department of Conservation approves expansion of furbearer hunting, trapping seasons

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at its March 25 open meeting on regulation changes that will extend current furbearer hunting and trapping seasons for abundant furbearer species. The extension comes in response to stakeholder requests to provide additional opportunities for the taking of multiple furbearer species. […]

MoNASP Statewde Archery Tournament 2022

Young archers excel during 2022 MoNASP state tournament in Branson

The 2022 Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) state archery tournament was held March 17-19 at the Branson Convention Center and drew more than 4,300 student archers in grades 4-12 from 218 schools across the state. The tournament was sponsored and coordinated by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation […]

Three fisherman on a boat with a paddlefish (Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation)

For those that like snagging, paddlefish season begins March 15

Imagine catching a giant, prehistoric fish whose ancestors swam during the time of dinosaurs. That is a reality for thousands of paddlefish snaggers during Missouri’s annual spring paddlefish snagging season. Paddlefish — named for their large, paddle-shaped snouts — are an ancient species that can grow to seven feet and weigh more than 100 pounds.  […]

MDC is offering Free Hunter Education Classes during August in four Northwest Missouri communities

Missouri Department of Conservation to offer free hunter education skills classes in March and April

The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering free upcoming hunter education skills sessions in northwest Missouri. Participants will earn the safety certificate needed to obtain hunting permits. These sessions will teach and test participants for safe firearms handling and basic hunting skills.    The sessions offered and links to register include: Chillicothe from 5:30 to 9:30 […]

Wallace State Park

Free workshop and birding hike to be offered at Wallace State Park near Cameron

A free workshop and birding hike will be offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, March 14, at Wallace State Park near Cameron. Participants can learn birding tips and skills on how to enjoy the wide variety of songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl in the state’s outdoors. Adam Brandsgaard, […]

Little Otter Creek Reservoir graphic

Public invited to a recreational planning meeting on March 5 at Little Otter Creek Reservoir

Visitors can provide input on outdoor recreation they would like to see offered at the Little Otter Creek Reservoir at a recreational planning event to be held at the Polo Community Center on March 5, 2022, from 2 to 5 pm. The event will include exhibits, interactive displays and games, models, and activities. Missouri Department of […]

Feral Hogs (Photo courtesy MDC)

Missouri feral hog elimination partnership removes more than 9,800 feral hogs

The Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership (the Partnership) removed 9,857 feral hogs from the landscape in 2021, making the total number of feral hogs eliminated more than 54,000 since 2016. The Partnership is made up of 13 federal and state agencies along with numerous agriculture and conservations organizations. “I’m really proud of the progress that […]

Burn Workshop (Photo courtesy MDC)

Missouri Department of Conservation to offer free Prescribed Burning for Missouri Land Managers workshop near Chillicothe

The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free Prescribed Burning for Missouri Land Managers workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Poosey Conservation Area in Livingston County. This workshop will teach the skills and techniques to safely and effectively use prescribed burns as a habitat or forage management […]

Duck and Waterfowl

Missouri Department of Conservation to offer free virtual waterfowl hunting workshop

Missouri has numerous public waterfowl hunting opportunities at wetlands and lakes, including those on conservation areas. The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free virtual waterfowl hunting class from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. This class will teach the equipment and strategies needed to be successful hunting ducks and geese.  […]

Rainbow Trout Courtesy MDC

Catch-and-keep trout season begins February 1 at two St. Joseph lakes

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s winter trout fishing program in St. Joseph takes a new turn on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, when anglers can begin keeping their catch. Krug Park Lagoon and Everyday Pond both have had rainbow trout stocked by MDC last fall for catch-and-release fishing. But starting Feb. 1, anglers with the proper […]

Photo of turkeys courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation

Apply online during February for Missouri Department of Conservation spring managed turkey hunts

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2022 spring turkey-managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation website.  Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15. The spring turkey hunting youth portion will be April 9 and 10 with the regular spring […]

Ice Fishing on Mozingo Lake near Maryville

Missouri Department of Conservation to offer free ice fishing clinic at Mozingo Lake

A deep freeze can bring an outdoor opportunity for hardy anglers. The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free ice fishing clinic from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Mozingo Lake near Maryville. The clinic will cover what equipment and techniques are effective for ice fishing. Tory Mason, MDC fisheries […]

Deer and Turkey together

Missouri Department of Conservation reports final deer harvest for the season at 293,670

Missouri’s 2021-2022 deer-hunting season ended Jan. 15 with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reporting a preliminary total deer harvest for the season of 293,670. Of the deer harvested, 143,049 were antlered bucks, 26,599 were button bucks, and 124,022 were does. Top harvest counties for the overall deer season were Franklin with 6,392 deer harvested, […]

Cliff Wilson Photo

Cliff Wilson accepts position with Missouri Department of Conservation

The Missouri Department of Conservation Northwest Region is pleased to announce that Cliff Wilson has accepted the Community and Private Land Conservationist position formally held by Scott Roy. Cliff will be stationed at the Grundy County USDA office in Trenton and will be serving landowners and constituents in Mercer, Grundy, and Livingston counties. Prior to […]