Outdoors

Deep diggers

Devil crayfish are big-league burrowers. To reach underground water, the clawsome crustaceans dig tunnels that can be more than 15 feet deep.

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MDC says make eagle spotting a winter activity

Migrating bald eagles appear near rivers and lakes in winter months One outdoor activity _ eagle spotting _ requires only watchful eyes. Though a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope can come in handy, too. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers tips for families seeking eagles, an activity that is doable for all

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MDC reports 15,425 deer harvested during antlerless portion

Archery season continues through Jan. 15, alternative methods runs Dec. 26 – Jan. 5. Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 15,425 deer during the antlerless portion of the firearms deer season, Dec. 4-6. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 438 deer harvested, Morgan with 377,

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Registration open for landowners seeking free and discounted permits

Register online or contact MDC offices for applications for landowner deer and turkey hunting permits The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds landowners that registration is now open for landowners seeking free or discounted deer and turkey hunting permits. Applications can be completed and submitted online, or printed applications can be picked up at MDC

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December Missouri Conservationist available online

The Missouri Conservationist is available for viewing and/or download at mdc.mo.gov/conmag. This month’s features: Bird’s-Eye View A guide to birds and the food they love. Seven Wins for Wildlife With partnerships and careful conservation, these critters have made a strong comeback in Missouri. Hunting and Trapping Furbearers Ample opportunities await hunters to manage this abundant

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MDC reports young hunters took 3,899 deer during late youth portion

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that young hunters ages 6 through 15 harvested 3,899 deer during Missouri’s late youth portion of the 2020 deer hunting season, Nov. 27-29. Of the 3,899 deer harvested, 1,433 were antlered bucks, 520 were button bucks, and 1,946 were does. Top counties for the late

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Missouri increases feral hog elimination efforts

The Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership (the Partnership) eliminated 10,495 feral hogs from Missouri in 2019 and will increase efforts in 2020 as multiple agencies work together to eliminate feral hogs from the state. Partnership members participating in on-the-ground trapping efforts include the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), USDA APHIS Wildlife

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MDC reports 12,000 deer taken during alternative-methods portion

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 12,002 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the fall firearms deer season, Dec. 28 – Jan. 7. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 315 deer harvested, Franklin with 297, and Pike with 261. The harvest total for last season’s

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MDC reports November firearms deer harvest ends with 176,604

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 176,604 deer during the November portion of firearms deer season, Nov. 14-24. Of the 176,604 deer harvested, 95,654 were antlered bucks, 16,045 were button bucks, and 64,905 were does. Top harvest counties were Howell with 3,496 deer harvested, Franklin

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Missouri Deer Harvest Down

The deer kill during the November gun season in Missouri was about 179 thousand, compared to 201 thousand in 2018. The Missouri Department of Conservation has made some mistakes in the past few years that they will regret, and one of them involves changing the landowners permit situation. I believe it is showing up now

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