Outdoors

Let’s take a moment and think about trees. Trees can easily be taken for granted. If you spend just a moment, you can build quite the impressive list of things they provide or do. On the basic level they provide three of the four vital things for all animals to survive (air, food and shelter).

Many people are discovering that when it comes to flowers and shrubs around their homes, plants that are native to this region have a number of advantages over exotic species from other parts of the world. If you’re interested in adding some native beauty to the flowerbeds and gardens around your house, be sure to

CWD testing efforts continued despite COVID-19 challenges with MDC confirming 44 new cases of the deadly deer disease. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/CWD. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports it has completed its monitoring, management, and testing efforts for its 2020-2021 chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance year. From those efforts, MDC reports it collected more

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Harvey Smith of Sparta for snagging a new state-record white sucker. Smith was fishing March 27 when he snagged the 6-pound, 2-ounce fish from Roark Creek in Taney County. The previous record under alternative methods was a 5-pound, 1-ounce fish caught from Lake Taneycomo. “It’s kind of funny,

It’s taking me awhile to get back into the swing of things, but I’m working at it. Kimball told me a lady called and asked about the fishing at Caplinger Mills. Friday, I called and talked to a gentleman and told him would call back Monday. I just called and talked to a lady named

1. In the spring, scout ahead of season so that you know the areas where gobblers roost. Do not educate the birds by calling to them before season. Pay attention to where they got after they fly down. You may be able to get ahead of him. 2. When you hunt, get to the area

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved Missouri’s second annual elk-hunting season at its March 26 meeting. The Commission approved the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) recommendation of issuing five permits for hunting bull elk for the 2021 season. At least one permit will be for qualifying area landowners with the remainder for the general public. Missouri’s

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Devlin Rich of Williamsville for catching a new state record spotted gar. Rich was fishing with a pole-and-line at Wappapello Lake Feb. 25 when he reeled in the 10-pound, 9-ounce fish. His catch is not only the latest Missouri state record, but it beats the current spotted gar

Free event at MDC’s Andy Dalton Range will have tips on hunting strategies and game care. Squirrel hunting has a long tradition in many parts of the Ozarks. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and provide wild game for the table. People can learn more about the basics of squirrel hunting on April

MDC and A.T. Still University are asking Missourians to save ticks they find and send them to the University for scientific research to learn more about ticks and pathogens they may carry. Most people who have ventured through Missouri woods, fields, yards and other outdoor environments have encountered ticks. These small, creepy crawlers climb on