Outdoors

MDC finds suspect in Carter County elk poaching case

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports that a Scott County woman has been charged with illegally shooting a cow elk in Carter County in November 2019 and abandoning the carcass with no meat or other parts of the animal taken. Based on a lengthy investigation by conservation agents, which culminated in interviews with the

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MDC reports 9,965 deer taken during alternative-methods portion

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 9,965 deer during the alternative-methods portion of the firearms deer season, Dec. 25 – Jan. 4. Top harvest counties were Osage with 223 deer harvested, Franklin with 211, and Callaway with 201. The harvest total for last year’s alternative-methods

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Pond Ducks, New Memories

What happened to the ducks this fall? Well we had far too little water here in the lower Midwest, but the big problem was the lack of water in northern breeding grounds of Canada and the Dakotas. Way less than normal in the spring and summer. Last year’s photo of Bolt, who is blind, with

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January Flowers and Publication News

I wonder sometimes if common sense in our nation is a thing of the past. At a meeting of outdoor writers some greatly admired turkey hunter who worked for the Forest Products Institute told them all that today there are more trees growing in America today than ever before. I guess he gets paid for

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MDC Notable News for 2021

Several hunting “firsts” and numerous fishing records broken The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) had an assortment exciting news over 2021, including the state’s first black-bear-hunting season, the state’s first elk harvested with archery equipment, numerous fishing records broken, new “four-legged” and “two-legged” conservation agents, a new commissioner and more. January Renovation completed at MDC’s

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People can learn about owls at Springfield Nature Center

Indoor and outdoor activities will provide opportunities to see and listen for owls. Owls are infrequently seen because of their nocturnal lifestyles. But that doesn’t mean they’re not appreciated. Because they hunt mice, rats and other rodents that can be pests for humans; these fascinating creatures are a beneficial part of Missouri’s outdoors. People can

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MDC virtual program to focus on attracting birds to your backyard

Bird-feeding is a popular hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages, but the first key to bird feeding enjoyment is to be able to attract birds to your backyard. People can get tips on attracting birds to feeders in winter at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Attracting Winter Birds.” This online

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MDC reminds deer hunters of voluntary CWD testing options

Although the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) mandatory sample collection for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing has ended for this year, hunters still have opportunities to get harvested deer tested for CWD. CWD is present in the state throughout the year – not just the two days in November when MDC staffs mandatory collection sites

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MDC foresters urge caution in removing downed tree limbs

Many residents in the Kansas City and St. Joseph areas are dealing with damaged trees and downed limbs following the strong winds from the storm front that moved through on Dec. 15. Foresters for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urge caution as people begin to assess and remove the damage. Any damaged trees or

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