The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds hunters to be aware of baiting regulations during the fall deer and turkey hunting seasons. The use of bait, including grain or other feed, placed or scattered to attract deer or turkey, while hunting is illegal. The regulations are in place to help limit the spread of chronic wasting […]
Tag: MDC
“Field to Freezer Workshop” on basic deer processing to be held in Kirksville
The Missouri Department of Conservation will host a Field to Freezer workshop in Kirksville on basic deer processing. The free workshop, designed for persons at least 11 years old, will be at the MDC Northeast Regional Office on the evening of November 2nd from 5:30 to 8:30. The program will cover the field dressing process […]
Missouri Department of Conservation survey shows slight improvement in turkey production
This year’s annual wild turkey brood survey by the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that turkey production was slightly better on the statewide scale this year and some regions saw significant improvements in productivity. MDC’s statewide poult-to-hen ratio (PHR) for this year was 1.0, which was 11% greater than the 2019 PHR and equal to […]
Missouri Department of Conservation announces COVID-19 procedural levels for waterfowl managed hunts
Earlier this year, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) made the decision to modify the 2020-2021 waterfowl managed hunt process to assure the safety of hunters and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the first managed hunt application period set to open on Oct. 20, MDC has determined procedural levels for the start of the […]
Missouri Department of Conservation to hold wingshooting workshop near Kirksville
The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a free basic shotgun wingshooting workshop near Kirksville. Hunters at least 14 years old are invited to the program outside at the Big Creek Conservation Area October 27th at 4:30. The workshop will help new shooters and migratory and upland bird hunters improve their hunting skills. Topics to […]
Missouri Department of Conservation expands program providing outdoor recreation on private lands
The Missouri Department of Conservation is accepting applications through Nov. 13 for the Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP). The MRAP program provides incentive payments and habitat improvement help to private landowners who open their properties to the public for walk-in hunting, fishing, or wildlife viewing. The recreation allowed on each property varies according to […]
Missouri Department of Conservation changes November 14-15 mandatory CWD sampling to voluntary
The Missouri Department of Conservation announces it has changed its mandatory sampling requirements for chronic wasting disease to voluntary sampling in 30 counties during the opening weekend of this year’s November firearms portion of deer season. The change was prompted by ongoing cases and public-health concerns in Missouri regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The change will […]
Missouri Department of Conservation to host 34th annual Poosey Conservation Area fall tour October 18
With a few modifications, the 34th annual fall driving tour at the Poosey Conservation Area will occur from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has changed the format slightly as a precaution against COVID-19. But the annual driving tour uphill and down on winding gravel roads through […]
Missouri Department of Conservation awards grant funding for community forest improvements
The Missouri Department of Conservation recently awarded $366,446 to Missouri communities through its Tree Resource Improvement and Maintenance (TRIM) grant program. TRIM grants offer cost-share funding for government agencies, schools, and nonprofit groups to manage, improve or conserve trees on public lands. “TRIM grants help communities with tree management-related activities that help keep neighborhood trees […]
Missouri Department of Conservation reports hemorrhagic disease in Missouri deer
The Missouri Department of Conservation reports low levels of hemorrhagic disease (HD) in deer around the state. HD is a naturally occurring virus that infects deer through the bite of a native midge fly. It is common in Missouri between July and October when the insect that spreads it is most active. Hemorrhagic disease in […]
Firearms turkey hunting expected to be similar to recent seasons
With fall firearms turkey season running Oct. 1 – 31 and archery turkey season underway, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) advises turkey hunters it could be another challenging season. According to MDC, turkey production in Missouri steadily increased during the 1990s before declining during the 2000s. While production began to increase throughout much of […]
Anglers should take note of regulation change regarding the use of live bait
The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds anglers that a definition for “invasive fish” has been added to the Wildlife Code of Missouri and effects what type of fish is allowed for use as live bait. The definition includes a list of bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp, and common carp. “Invasive fish are not native […]
Hunter education class to be held in Chillicothe
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a hunter education skills class in two sessions at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center of Chillicothe. Participants will be able to complete requirements for their hunter education certificate during the sessions the afternoon and evening of October 13th from 4 to 8 o’clock and 5:30 to 9:30. The […]
Department of Conservation will to offer free cane pole workshop at Spencer Lake in Lancaster
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a free outdoor cane pole fishing workshop at Spencer Lake in Lancaster. Participants will learn how to make and use cane poles at the event on the afternoon of Thursday, September 24th at 4 o’clock. The workshop is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by […]
Turkey Hunters: Missouri Department of Conservation wants fall feathers
The Missouri Department of Conservation is asking Missouri turkey hunters to save and share feathers from birds they harvest this fall for part of a new research project to help improve wild turkey management in Missouri. MDC will send participating hunters materials needed to submit feathers, including a postage-paid envelope for feather submissions. The materials […]
Department of Conservation to hold hunter education class at Barton Farm Campus
The Missouri Department of Conservation will hold a hunter education class on the North Central Missouri College Barton Farm Campus in Trenton. Skills sessions will be in the Lager Building the afternoon and evening of September 21st from 4 to 8 o’clock or 5:30 to 9:30. Students will have to complete the knowledge session on […]
Missouri Department of Conservation offering hunter education certification online
The Missouri Department of Conservation reminds Missourians ages 16 and older they may obtain their hunter-education certification through an all-online format. The online option allows Missourians ages 16 and older to complete their certification at their convenience at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The all-online format is available at https://www.hunter-ed.com/missouri/. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person […]
Hunting clinic for youth with terminal or chronic illness to be held east of Unionville
The Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the Missouri Disabled Sportsmen and Outdoor Dream Foundation to offer an opportunity for youth with terminal or chronic illness to participate in a hunting clinic and mentored deer hunt east of Unionville. The clinic for youth ages six to 15 will begin at the Rest Inn Him […]
Missouri Department of Conservation revises regulations regarding coyote hunting and invasive species control
The Missouri Department of Conservation updated regulations to the Wildlife Code of Missouri regarding coyote hunting and feral hog control at its Sept. 4 Conservation Commission meeting in Jefferson City. The change comes in response to citizen requests to the Regulations Committee to use night vision, infrared, thermal imagery equipment, or artificial light to hunt […]
Free kayak clinics to be offered north of Kirksville
The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer two free clinics north of Kirksville to teach the basics of kayaking to individuals at least 10 years old. The clinics will be at the Hazel Creek Lake on Peaceful Front Road the evenings of September 30th and October 1st from 4:30 to 6:30. Participants will learn basic […]