Local News
MDC Encourages Turkey Hunters to Think Safety While Hunting This Spring
April 17th 2018 by Dee Loflin
MDC encourages turkey hunters to think safety while hunting this spring
Be aware of all surroundings while hunting this time of year because the woods are full of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages hunters to think safety while in the woods turkey hunting. Youth spring turkey hunting season is April 7-8 and regular spring turkey hunting season begins April 16 and runs through May 6. Shooting hours for regular turkey season are from a half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.
MDC Protection Field Chief Randy Doman stresses that the most common cause of a turkey hunting incident is a hunter being mistaken for game.
“Each year, most turkey hunting incidents involve hunters who shoot at sound, color, or movement,” Doman said. “It’s very important to always identify your target and know what’s beyond it before aiming the gun at it and squeezing the trigger.”
The popular fad of fanning turkeys is catching on and could be dangerous. The fanning technique involves someone hiding behind a turkey fan of tail feathers and moving it around to attract other turkeys.
“The fanning technique is not recommended because you could potentially be mistaken for a gobbler and become a victim of a hunting incident,” MDC Hunter Education and Shooting Coordinator Kyle Lairmore said.
Lairmore encourages turkey hunters to wear hunter orange while moving throughout the woods.
“Wearing hunter orange lets other hunters know that you’re in the area,” he said. “It’s also important to remember to never carry a harvested turkey in the open. Be sure to cover them with a hunter orange vest or put them in a game bag.”
Lairmore added anyone in the woods during turkey hunting season should also wear hunter orange.
“This time of year we also have mushroom hunters, hikers, birders, and others sharing the woods with turkey hunters,” he said. “It is a good safety measure for these other outdoor enthusiasts to make themselves clearly visible to hunters.”
MDC also offers the following safety tips for spring turkey hunting:
Identify a turkey’s head and beard before aiming.
Never shoot at sound or movement. Assume it is another hunter until you can clearly see a turkey’s head or beard.
Wear hunter orange when walking through the woods.
Use hunter orange to identify your hunting location.
Wrap a bagged turkey or decoy in hunter orange when transporting it.
Dress defensively. Never wear red, white, blue, or black clothing because it resembles a turkey.
Be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
Never follow the sound of a gobbling turkey or attempt to sneak up on turkeys. Always call turkeys to you.
Sit against a large tree or other natural barrier to shield yourself from hunters approaching from the rear.
Shout “STOP” when another hunter approaches. Don’t move, wave, whistle, or make turkey calls to get their attention.
Last Updated on April 17th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/va90/MDC-Encourages-Turkey-Hunters-to-Think-Safety-While-Hunting-This-Spring
MDC Encourages People to be BEAR AWARE in Missouri
March 16th 2018 by Dee Loflin
MDC encourages people to Be Bear Aware!
Don’t feed bears. Avoid encounters. React right. Report sightings.
Jefferson City, Missouri - As blossoms and buds emerge each spring, so do Missouri's estimated 350 native black bears. As they leave their winter dens this time of year, finding food is their main focus. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people to "Be Bear Aware" by not feeding bears and not providing potential sources of food.
“As black bears become active in the spring, they are on a mission to find food,” said Laura Conlee, a resource scientist and black-bear researcher with MDC. “It is very important for Missourians to recognize potential food attractants in their area. Things such as bird feeders, trash, barbecue grills, and food waste left out at camp sites can all serve as huge attractions for bears. Keeping our areas free of attractants, and letting bears find natural foods is in everyone’s best interest. If you see a bear, enjoy the sighting, let the bear be, and be sure you don’t offer it any food. Most importantly, never intentionally feed them.”
Conlee added feeding bears makes them comfortable around people, which can also make them dangerous.
A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR
"When bears lose their fear of people, they may approach people in search of food or may defend the food sources or territory they associate with people, which can make them dangerous," Conlee said. "When this happens, the bear has to be destroyed. A fed bear is a dead bear."
She added a fed bear that becomes a problem in one place cannot be relocated to another.
“Once a bear learns that people can provide food, they will seek out other places such as camp sites, residential areas, and farms in search of food,” she explained. “Bears also have an excellent memory and will often return year after year to places where they were provided food.”
AVOID ATTRACTING BLACK BEARS
MDC offers these tips for avoiding attracting black bears to possible food sources:
Don't leave pet food sitting outside. Feed pets a portion they'll eat at each meal and remove the empty containers.
Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container until the day of trash pick-up.
Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.
Don't use birdfeeders from April through November in bear country, or hang them at least 10 feet high and 4 feet away from any structure.
Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.
Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees. Do not burn or bury garbage or food waste.
AVOID ENCOUNTERS AND REACT RIGHT
While close encounters are uncommon, MDC offers this advice when outdoors in black-bear country:
Make noise while walking or hiking to prevent surprising a bear. Clap, sing, or talk loudly.
Travel in a group if possible.
Pay attention to the surroundings and watch for bear sign, such as tracks or claw or bite marks on trees.
Keep dogs leashed.
Leave a bear alone! Do not approach it. Make sure it has an escape route.
If encountering a bear up close, back away slowly with arms raised to look larger. Speak in a calm, loud voice. Do not turn away from the bear. Back away slowly. Do not run.
A native to Missouri, black bears were abundant until the late 1800s when they were nearly wiped out from unregulated killing and from habitat loss when Ozark forests were logged. MDC research shows that a small number of native black bears survived. Over time, their numbers increased and continue to do so. Results of ongoing black-bear research by MDC staff and others show that the animals have been sighted in about half the counties in Missouri, primarily south of the Missouri River, with most bears located in the southern third of the state in the Missouri Ozarks.
Black bears are a protected species in Missouri. MDC anticipates a limited hunting season as a population-management method once black bear numbers reach a population estimate of about 500 animals. The current estimate is about 350. No details regarding the anticipated future hunting season have been developed.
Last Updated on March 16th 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v9va/MDC-Encourages-People-to-be-BEAR-AWARE-in-Missouri
Punxsutawney Phil Predicts 6 More Weeks of Winter
February 02nd 2018 by Dee Loflin
The Groundhog has spoken! 6 more weeks of winter weather! Every February 2, all eyes turn to Gobbler's knob, a small Pennsylvania town as winter-weary Northeasterners await weather guidance from the predictive rodent.
It's a 132-year-old tradition that is held every year and conducted by top hat-donning members of the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, according to the official Pennsylvania tourism website. The idea is, the groundhog wakes up from hibernation on the 2nd, and if it sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it doesn't, warmer weather is just around the corner.
This tradition started in Europe as Candlemas Day, an early Christian holiday involving candles. Germans who settled in Pennsylvania in the 1700s brought the custom to America.
Pennsylvania's Punxsutawney Phil is the most well known, but more than a dozen states celebrate with their own groundhogs, such as Georgia's General Beauregard Lee and Buckeye Chuck in Ohio.
Our own 69 year old box turtle, Murtle the Turtle, said it was still too cold to come out, but predicted that winter has not left Stoddard County just yet.
Last Updated on February 02nd 2018 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v9ms/Punxsutawney-Phil-Predicts-6-More-Weeks-of-Winter
MDC Encourages People to Help Prevent Wildfires
December 06th 2017 by Dee Loflin
MDC encourages people to help prevent wildfires
The main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as trash and brush piles.
Missouri- The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people that strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions this time of year means extra caution is needed to avoid unexpected wildfires. According to MDC’s Forestry Division, the main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as leaves or brush piles.
“It’s been drier and warmer than usual, which means fires could get out of control very quickly,” said Forestry Field Program Supervisor Ben Webster. “We want everyone to check the weather and be extremely careful if they plan to burn leaves or debris.”
Each year, MDC staff work with fire departments around the state to help suppress numerous wildfires that can consume thousands of acres. MDC urges landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors to help prevent wildfires and offers the following tips.
OUTDOOR BURNING
Do not conduct outdoor burning during times when grasses, brush and other fire fuel are very dry, humidity is low and weather is windy. Dry fuel -- combined with high temperatures, low humidity and high winds -- makes fire nearly impossible to control.
Check with local fire departments regarding local burn ordinances or burn bans that may be in place.
A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause.
Done properly, prescribed fire can be a beneficial tool to improve land for wildlife habitat and grazing. For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visit mdc.mo.gov and search "Prescribed Fire."
DRIVING OFF ROAD
Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel such as grass comes in contact with catalytic converters on motor vehicles.
Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field.
Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle.
When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent.
Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road.
Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.
MAKING A CAMPFIRE
Clear a generous zone around fire rings. When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember.
Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire.
Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire.
Keep campfires small and controllable.
Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by.
Never leave a campfire unattended! Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even for a few moments.
SMOKERS: PRACTICE EXTRA CAUTION
Extinguish cigarettes completely and safely, and dispose of butts responsibly.
DON'T DELAY CALLING FOR HELP!
Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.
REPORT FOREST ARSON
Many wildfires are set by vandals.
Help stop arson by calling Operation Forest Arson at 800-392-1111. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.
Last Updated on December 06th 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v979/MDC-Encourages-People-to-Help-Prevent-Wildfires
MDC Reminder: Don't Feed Bears
September 19th 2017 by Dee Loflin
MDC reminder: Don’t feed bears
MDC reminds people to “Be Bear Aware” by not feeding bears and providing potential sources of food.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – As summer turns to fall, Missouri's estimated 350 native black bears enter a phase called hyperphagiain which they eat heavily, accumulating a layer of fat that results in a 30 percent weight gain preparing them for hibernation. In preparation for hibernation, bears eat a wide variety of food including grasses and forbs, berries, ants, bees and wasps, beetles, crickets, fish, frogs, small rodents and other small animals. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people to "Be Bear Aware" by not feeding bears and providing potential sources of food.
“A fed bear is a dead bear,” said MDC Wildlife Management Coordinator Alan Leary. “Feeding bears makes them comfortable around people and the places they associate with food from people, such as campsites, yards, and trash containers. When bears lose their fear of people by being fed, they may defend these food sources or territory. This can make them dangerous. When this happens, the bear has to be destroyed.”
Leary added a fed bear that becomes a problem in one place cannot be relocated to another.
"Once a bear associates people with food, its life is ruined,” Leary said. “Even if it is relocated, it will go in search of other places to get food from people, such as homes, residential areas, farms, and campsites. Common temptations include pet food or trash left outdoors, dirty grills or smokers, birdseed or other food at wildlife feeders, food at campsites, and gardens and orchards."
Avoid Attracting Black Bears
MDC offers these tips to avoid attracting black bears to possible food sources:
- Don't leave pet food sitting outside. Feed pets a portion they'll eat at each meal and remove the empty containers.
- Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside a secure building or in a bear-proof container until the day of trash pick-up.
- Keep grills and smokers clean and store them inside.
- When camping be sure to keep cooking and cleaning areas separate from sleeping areas.
- Only use birdfeeders in bear country (which is primarily south of the Missouri River) when bears are typically hibernating -- from early December through early March -- or hang them at least 10 feet high and four feet away from any structure.
- Use electric fencing to keep bears away from beehives, chicken coops, vegetable gardens, orchards, and other potential food sources.
- Keep campsites clean and store all food, toiletries and trash in a secure vehicle or strung high between two trees. Do not burn or bury garbage or food waste.
- Report bear sightings by calling MDC at 573-522-4115, ext. 3080 or online at http://bit.ly/2ya2lhe.
Avoid Encounters and React Right
While close encounters with bears are uncommon in Missouri, MDC offers this advice when outdoors in black-bear country:
- Make noise while walking or hiking to prevent surprising a bear. Clap, sing, or talk loudly.
- Travel in a group if possible.
- Pay attention to the surroundings and watch for bear sign, such as tracks or claw or bite marks on trees.
- Keep dogs leashed.
- Leave a bear alone! Do not approach it. Make sure it has an escape route.
- If encountering a bear up close, back away slowly with arms raised to look larger. Speak in a calm, loud voice. Do not turn away from the bear. Back away slowly. Do not run.
- Report bear sightings by calling MDC at 573-522-4115, ext. 3080 or online at http://bit.ly/2ya2lhe.
When Hunting and Fishing
MDC offers this advice when hunting or fishing in bear country:
- Process or remove fish and game as quickly as possible, and alert others that there is game residue in the area.
- Keep a clean camp and store attractants where bears can’t access them.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings while hunting or fishing.
- Report bear sightings by calling MDC at 573-522-4115, ext. 3080 or online at http://bit.ly/2ya2lhe.
A native of Missouri, black bears were abundant throughout the state until the late 1800s when they were nearly wiped out from unregulated killing and from habitat loss when Ozark forests were logged. MDC research shows that a small number of native black bears survived and others from Arkansas moved north into Missouri. Over time, their numbers increased and continue to do so. Results of ongoing black-bear research by MDC staff and others show that the animals have been sighted in about half the counties in Missouri, primarily south of the Missouri River, with most bears located in the southern third of the state in the Missouri Ozarks.
Last Updated on September 19th 2017 by Dee Loflin
https://showmetimes.com/Blogpost/v8hm/MDC-Reminder-Dont-Feed-Bears
