January 22, 2025
Missouri’s 2024-2025 deer-hunting season ended Jan. 15 with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reporting a preliminary total deer harvest for the season of 276,262. Of the deer harvested, 129,252 were antlered bucks, 23,842 were button bucks, and 123,168 were does. Top harvest counties for the overall deer season were Franklin with 6,208, Jefferson with
2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Wilderness Act of 1964, establishing the National Wilderness Preservation System and authorizing Congress to designate wilderness areas across the nation. To celebrate that anniversary, on Dec. 31, 2024, Bryant Creek Hills Wild Area became the 13th designated wild area in the Missouri State Parks system.
If I were a graduating kid today I would get rich and never work for anyone. First I would find five or ten acres off a main highway close to town and erect a metal building at the front. Then I’d find me the very finest pair of auto mechanics and a pair of the
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) had an assortment of notable news during 2024 including new leadership, new state records, awards, renovations, regulation changes, and more. See the news highlights below and follow the links for more information and images. Farewell and welcomes MDC Director Sara Parker Pauley announced her retirement in January (effective July
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 10,071 deer during the alternative methods portion of firearms deer season, Dec. 28 – Jan. 7. Of the 10,071 deer harvested, 2,765 were antlered bucks, 1,072 were button bucks, and 6,234 were does. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 223
During the archery season in September, a hunter killed a young buck just west of Highway 63 between Houston and Licking Missouri. It looked healthy but testing showed it to be infected with TSE, (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy). That is the disease where disfigured proteins riddle the brain. Thousands of humans have died from those proteins,
My Dad’s birthday was this week. He died at the age of 84 in 2011. I miss him most when I am on the river, where we spent so much time together. Dad was several inches taller than me at 6’ 3”. He was strong and quiet, hard working and dedicated to his church and
Winter hiking is an exhilarating and fun activity that offers a unique way to experience the great outdoors. The snowy landscape can look like a beautiful winter wonderland, and the crips cold air energizes you, making each step feel refreshing. Everything is quiet and peaceful, and you can really connect with nature. The snow-covered trails
As the holiday season closes, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking you to donate your live Christmas tree to fish and wildlife in your area as a natural, year-round shelter. Salvador Mondragon, MDC Fisheries Biologist, said live Christmas trees can easily be used to improve habitat in ponds, lakes, or even a backyard.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is monitoring reports of sick and dead waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, across the state. The Department is actively collecting birds to determine the cause of illness but suspects highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to be the cause. Other states, including Kansas and Iowa, are experiencing similar occurrences.
