Outdoors

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.

It began to rain, lightly at first. But from the dark clouds building to the northwest I knew what was coming. I pulled my johnboat up on a shallow gravel bar due to that promise of coming bad weather, just minutes away. The temperature was in the low thirties, cold and wet. I picked up

Winter is the favorite time of year for many people. Between the holiday festivities, watching snowflakes fall, and toasty evenings by the fireplace, it’s easy to see why many consider winter to be the best time of the year. However, when it comes to our wildlife, this time of year comes with many more challenges.