The Conservation Commission met May 29 and 30 at Conservation Department Headquarters in Jefferson City.
Commissioners present were:
- William F. “Chip” McGeehan, Marshfield,
- Chairman Lowell Mohler, Jefferson City,
- Vice-chairman Don R. Johnson, Festus,
- Secretary Becky L. Plattner, Grand Pass, Member
The Conservation Commission set its next meeting for June 25 and 26 at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, St. Charles. Commission meetings are open to the public. Those wishing to be placed on the agenda for a presentation or other business must send a written request to Director, Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, or FAX 573/751-4467, at least 10 working days before the meeting date. The deadline for the next meeting is June 11.
AWARDS
The Conservation Commission presented 2,000-hour service awards to Runge Conservation Nature Center volunteers Terry Blank, Gretchen Hanna, Ken Christgen and Jim Smith.
ADMINISTRATION
The Conservation Commission:
- Approved the Conservation Department's Fiscal Year 2009 internal budget request.
- Approved proposed responses to resolutions adopted by the Conservation Federation of Missouri at its annual meeting Feb. 22-24.
REGULATIONS
The Commission approved recommendations from the Regulations Committee for early migratory bird seasons and for 2009 year hunting regulations.
2008 Early Migratory Bird Seasons Dates:
- Sora and Virginia rails, Sept. 1-Nov. 9, 2008,
- Wilson's (common) snipe, Sept. 1-Dec. 16,
- American Woodcock, Oct. 15-Nov. 28,
- Mourning doves, Eurasian collared doves and white-winged doves, Sept. 1-Nov. 9, 2008,
- Blue-winged, green-winged and cinnamon teal: If the blue-winged teal breeding population index is 4.7 million or greater, a 16-day season, Sept. 6-21, is recommended. If the blue winged teal breeding population index is at least 3.3 million but less than 4.7 million, a nine day season, Sept. 13-21, is recommended. If the blue-winged teal breeding population index is below 3.3 million, the season will be closed.
2009 Firearms Deer Season Dates:
- Urban Portion, October 9-12.
- Youth Portion
- Early segment, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, late segment Jan. 2-3
- November Portion, Nov. 14-24.
- Antlerless Portion. Nov. 25-Dec. 6.
- Muzzleloader Portion, Dec. 19-29
The Conservation Commission approved revised urban deer zones established for the Kansas City, Columbia-Jefferson City, St. Louis and Springfield metro areas. Details can be found at www.mdc.mo.gov/hunt. Other 2009 deer-hunting regulations will be set at a future date.
ADMINISTRATION
The Conservation Commission also approved:
- A donation of 84 acres as an addition to Millstream Gardens Conservation Area (CA) in Madison County.
- The sale of 3 acres of Twin Pines CA in Shannon County to Mt. Zion Cemetery Association. --The purchase of 481 acres as an addition to James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Jackson County.
- Suspending hunting and/or fishing privileges of 15 people for Wildlife Code violations. Those whose privileges were suspended are:
| Christopher J. Bates | Moberly | 3 years | all sport privileges |
| Danny J. Bright, | East Prairie | 3 additional years, | all sport privileges & taxidermy |
| Ray E. Chaney | Birch Tree | 1 year | all sport privileges |
| Wyat P. Gann | Houston | 1 year, | all sport privileges. |
| Travis D. Hayes | Houston | 1 year | all sport privileges. |
| Joshua J. Hebblethwaite | Raymondville | 1 year | all sport privileges. |
| David R. Hensley | Salem | 1 year, | all sport privileges |
| Harold J. Kirkpatrick | Eldon | 1 year | all sport privileges |
| Jamie W. Loucks | Gallatin | 3 years | all sport privileges |
| Brady L. Lucas | Patoka Ill | 1 year | all sport & commercial privileges |
| James R. McCubbin | Excelsior Springs | 6 months, | all sport privileges. |
| Michael M. Roscoe | Kansas City | 1 year, | all sport privileges |
| Scott L. Smith | Mendon. | 1 year | all sport privileges |
| Wayne C. Smith | Milan | 1 year | all sport privileges. |
| Ricky J. Woods | Salem | 1 year | all sport privileges |
- Suspending or revoking all hunting and fishing privileges of 169 Missouri residents and one nonresident who are not in compliance with applicable child support laws.
- Suspending hunting and fishing privileges of 388 people under the provisions of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
- Reinstated the fishing privileges of two Missouri residents.
