Outdoors

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) received several reports earlier this week of dead fish at the Lake of the Ozarks. An investigation into the reports revealed that this was likely a natural fish kill event, and that there is no reason for concern. Fish kill events can occur naturally in Missouri, and they are

The deer slaughter is over! It goes from mid-January to mid-March. Last years extermination project killed more than thirty-seven thousand deer. That number may reach 50 thousand this year. I don’t know how a “Conservation” department could be a part of such meaningless killing of a wild creature of any kind. Conservation is not what

There may be no better fishing to be found in the Ozarks in March than the brown trout fishing on the White River, for many miles below Bull Shoals Dam. Brown trout actually spawn in the White in December into February, and there are some fish there in those waters well over 20 pounds. In

February is the peak of breeding season for coyotes and continues into March. This means we typically see a spike in coyote activity this time of year.  The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) says it’s important to be vigilant of pets right now in areas where coyotes are known to live. “We get reports from

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri hunters and anglers that related annual permits expire at the end of February, including 2024 permits for small game, fishing, trout fishing, and combination hunting and fishing. Annual permits are available for purchase. Permits for spring turkey hunting and some other upcoming hunting seasons will be available

Lane Davis—-An Excerpt from the Book “Life and Times of the Pool Hall Kid.” In the 60’s, Houston Missouri had a weekly newspaper called the Houston Herald. The owner and editor was a man I got to know well. His name was Lane Davis. I started guiding float fishermen at a young age, in an

Several years ago in late February a gentleman called me to tell me he had seen around 200 owls the day before in one small area in the western Ozarks.  He said that on one corral fence there were more than thirty in a group! When you are a grizzled old outdoor veteran like me,

I don’t remember when the old hound wasn’t around. He was that old. Jess called him Outlaw…raised him from a pup. In his day he was a big powerful trailing hound with a voice they talked about all across the county. I remember those nights in the Big Piney River valley when old Outlaw struck

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2025 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/turkey-spring-managed-hunts. 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 12 and 13

Introduction to Winter Bird Identification February 8, 9– 11 a.m. • Registration required. Ages 7+ Have you ever wanted to learn how to identify birds found in your backyard? Join us as we learn the basics of bird identification, how to use binoculars and field guides, and how to attract birds to your own backyard.