January 2002
Hunting, fishing permits all new March 1
Thursday, January 31, 2002
Folding lets hunters and anglers fit the new, more substantial permits into wallets.
JEFFERSON CITY -- In Missouri's hunting and fishing worlds, March 1 is the time to ring in the new year. The new permit year, that is.
Most 2001 permits expire Feb. 28. Trapping and Missouri Migratory Bird Hunting permits are the only permits that remain valid beyond February. Trapping permits can be used through April 10. The 2001-2002 Migratory Bird Hunting permit remains valid through June 30.
Outdoors enthusiasts will notice a new style of permit this year. The 2002 permits are printed on bright yellow paper with easy-to-read print. Deer and turkey permits will include detachable transportation tags. The built-in tags are designed to make poaching more difficult. The Missouri Department of Conservation changed the style of the permit in response to preferences expressed by hunters and anglers.
The new permits also are larger than the cash-register type permits of recent years. To reduce permit bulk, peel off the backing and fold the permit back on itself. Additional folding makes permits small enough to fit in the protective envelopes available at permit vending locations. Do not peel and stick turkey or deer permits, as this would make it impossible to attach the built-in tags after taking your game.
Anglers who want fish on opening day at trout parks are advised to purchase permits early. Missouri anglers ages 16 to 65 and nonresidents need valid fishing permits to cast lines in the trout parks. Anglers may use a Daily Fishing Permit ($5), a Resident Fishing Permit ($11) or a $19 Resident Hunting and Fishing permit. Annual Nonresident Fishing Permits cost $35. All anglers must buy daily trout tags to fish in the parks. The tags, sold only in the parks, cost $3 for adults and $2 for children under age 16.
Fishing and hunting permits are available at Conservation Department service centers and nature centers and from private vendors throughout the state.
- Arleasha Mays -
State fish art contest entries due March 31
Thursday, January 31, 2002
Kids can win national recognition for artworks portraying Missouri's state fish, the channel catfish.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Young wildlife artists can compete for prizes in the State-Fish Art Contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever of Minnetonka, Minn.
The contest, designed to promote conservation education, is open to students in grades four through 12. All artwork must be the contestant's original, handmade creation. Eligible media include scratch-board, chalk, charcoal, dry brush, watercolor, crosshatch, lead, collage, linoleum printing or crayon. The artwork must be presented horizontally on 8.5- by 11-inch paper without a mat, frame, cover sheet or border. Only one entry per child will be accepted.
Entries must be accompanied by official entry forms and a one-page, typed composition on the characteristics of the state fish, its habitat, behavior, or efforts to conserve the fish. Submissions must be postmarked by March 31.
For contest rules and entry forms visit the Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest website at: www.state.fishart.com or call toll-free 877/347-4278.
Contest winners will be announced on Earth Day, April 22. Winning entries will be displayed at the Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minn., at the State-Fish Art Expo June 1-3. Winning designs also will be presented online at: www.statefishart.com and America Online. All contestants will receive certificates of participation.
- Arleasha Mays -
Fishing regulations changes take effect in March
Thursday, January 31, 2002
More liberal limits on spotted bass on the Meramec River and simplified regulations on the Mississippi River are among the changes effective March 1.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Whether you prefer throwing crankbaits to bass in the Meramec River or lobbing doughbait at catfish in the Mighty Mississippi, you will want to read through the 2002 Summary of Fishing Regulations from the Missouri Department of Conservation. The booklet explains fishing regulation changes that go into effect March 1.
Anglers who fancy a mess of bass in the skillet will be pleased to learn that the daily limit for spotted bass on the Meramec River and its tributaries is increasing from six to 12. The possession limit will still be 12 spotted bass. Furthermore, there is no 12-inch minimum length limit on spotted bass on these waters.
The more liberal harvest regulations on spotted bass in the Meramec River won't be any practical use to anglers until May 25. That's when the season for black bass opens on streams in southern Missouri.
By allowing anglers to keep more spotted bass of any size on the Meramec River, the Conservation Department hopes to help smallmouth bass, which have been under increasing pressure from the invading spotted bass in recent years.
Anglers who ply the Mississippi River between Missouri and Tennessee will be glad to learn that 2002 fishing regulations make it easier to comply with both states' fishing regulations. The Missouri Department of Conservation has entered into a reciprocal agreement that allows an angler with a valid permit from either state to fish in the free-flowing waters of the Mississippi River on either side of the river. Furthermore, an angler with a valid Tennessee or Missouri fishing permit can fish in either state's adjacent backwaters and shared oxbow lakes. Fishing from either bank is allowed, too.
The key is to abide by the most restrictive of the two states' fishing regulations. To do this, you need to get a copy of both states' fishing regulations.
Other changes in 2002 fishing regulations include:
--A prohibition against possessing paddlefish on the Little Platte River between Smithville Dam and U.S. Highway 169.
--A provision allowing Missouri residents with cerebral palsy or mental retardation that prevents them from fishing alone to fish without a fishing permit if accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
--A prohibition against possessing fish traps other than legal minnow traps or crayfish traps on waters in Missouri or on adjacent banks.
--A requirement that unanchored jug lines be personally attended at all times
--Reduced lifetime permit fees.
Regulation guides explaining these changes and other 2002 fishing regulations are available at permit vendors or Conservation Department regional offices statewide.
- Jim Low -
New books explore Missouri birds
Friday, January 25, 2002
Bird enthusiasts of every stripe will find something to suit their needs in these two lavishly illustrated volumes.
JEFFERSON CITY -- The birds of Missouri are the subject of two new books, one from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the other from a biology professor and recent Conservation Department retiree.
"Birds in Missouri" is a comprehensive treatment of the subject, providing information about the habits, distribution, seasonal occurrence and life histories of more than 300 birds commonly found in Missouri. The 375-page book was assembled by Conservation Department Wildlife Ecologist Brad Jacobs. The large-format book also includes information about less common birds, tips about birdwatching and a checklist of Missouri birds. Hundreds of color illustrations help readers place bird species in their typical habitats and identify them.
"Birds in Missouri" is available in soft cover only for $30 plus postage and handling on mail orders. Order forms are available from the Nature Shop, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, 877/521-8632, or you can order online through the Conservation Department e-commerce site, www.mdcnatureshop.com.
"Common Birds of North America – Midwest Edition" was written by James D. Wilson, retired Conservation Department ornithologist. At 176 pages, this knapsack-sized book is well suited for use in the field. It answers commonly asked questions about 90 of the most common bird species. This simplified approach covers most of the birds you are likely to see in Missouri. Also included are dramatic color illustrations, seasonal distribution maps, identification tips and hints for enjoying birds and attracting them to feeders. It sells for $22.50 at bookstores throughout Missouri or from internet book suppliers.
- Jim Low -
Innovations boost Share the Harvest yield
Friday, January 25, 2002
The Conservation Federation of Missouri is finding new ways to encourage deer hunters to donate meat to the needy.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Innovative programs sponsored by the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) and Shelter Insurance Company have helped the Share the Harvest program rack up venison donations during the 2001-2002 deer season.
In November and December the conservation organization and the Columbia-based insurance company provided financial assistance that enabled hunters to donate 465 deer to the needy. The funds from CFM and Shelter reduced or eliminated the meat processing fees for hunters who donated whole deer to Share the Harvest, a venison donation program established in 1992 to give hunters an easy way to give deer meat to the needy.
CFM made it possible for hunters to donate 107 deer to the program by providing processing services in the Moberly area. Lack of a local commercial meat processor had prevented the area from conducting a Share the Harvest program. CFM provided a refrigerated semi truck to transport donated deer to a meat processor in Centralia. The processing services were provided free of charge to hunters who donated whole deer.
"Since the inception of Share the Harvest, hunters have very generously responded to help those in need," says CFM Executive Director Denny Ballard. "So we were confident that given the opportunity, hunters in Randolph County would donate to the program. During the first few hours of the season seven deer were donated. As word spread that hunters could provide meat for distribution in their community, donations began to pour in. In only two days of operation 107 deer were donated to the program."
Temporary donation stations may be the key to expanding the Share the Harvest program. Ballard says encouraging communities without meat lockers to use temporary stations is among the CFM projects planned to promote the venison donation program. He says the organization also will seek community and corporate support for a fund to subsidize processing fees.
Shelter Insurance is a good example of how companies can help. The company's Processing Payback coupon program helped 358 hunters donate deer. The coupon program, launched in 1988, pays $20 toward the processing of deer when the entire carcass is donated to charity.
Hunters who are willing to donate whole deer to the program request Processing Payback coupons from participating processors. Hunters present coupons and receipts from meat processors at Shelter Insurance offices, and Shelter mails checks for $20 to the hunters. Processing typically costs $40 to $50, so the offer covers about half a hunter's processing cost.
Shelter Insurance's subsidy accomplishes several things. Besides helping the needy, the Processing Payback program is designed to help reduce deaths, injuries and property damage that result from deer/automobile collisions.
When deer and cars collide, you have problems with people getting hurt, concerns about damage to property and the cost of repairs," says Shelter Director of Advertising Anna Hargis. "We want to reduce those problems. When an insurance company finds a way to reduce its costs and claims, that helps bring down insurance rates."
Although Share the Harvest is a statewide program, it is organized and operated at the local level. A Share the Harvest project typically begins with a civic club or sporting group. The first step is to find at least one deer processor and one charitable agency – perhaps a Salvation Army community center – to participate in the program.
Then the organizing group contacts the local conservation agent. The agent provides information and advice and ensures that both the packing house and charitable organization are reliable.
After receiving the agent's written approval, the organizing group can begin soliciting venison donations. This usually is done by contacting local news media and by approaching hunters when they bring deer to the packing house to be processed. Most donations come during the firearms deer season, since that is when most deer are bagged. The success of local Share the Harvest programs depends on how well they are publicized and the cooperation of the deer processor.
- Arleasha Mays -
Conference to focus on Missouri River management
Friday, January 25, 2002
People who are concerned about the river's natural assets will gather in Nebraska to discuss the future of Missouri's namesake river.
SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. -- When the Sixth Annual Missouri River Natural Resources Conference convenes in this river town, private and government conservationists from across the United States will have more to talk about than ever. The Conference, April 21 through 24, will tackle the challenge of understanding the processes of a large, dynamic river system.
American Rivers, a citizen conservation group, placed the Missouri River on its list of "endangered" rivers in 1994, and rated it the nation's most endangered river in 1997 and 2001. The National Research Council says the Missouri River will suffer irreversible damage unless the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allows the river to return to a more natural seasonal flow pattern.
Releasing the results of a two-year study, the council, which is a division of the National Academy of Sciences, said the nation's longest river already has lost much of its original wildlife habitat. This habitat loss has extirpated many animal species from the river, and extinctions will continue unless the Corps of Engineers takes remedial action.
Every year new research adds previously missing pieces to the river management puzzle. Papers, posters and exhibits focus on management of the river itself as well as bordering land and water resources and how these new scientific insights affect resource managers' understanding of river management.
This year's keynote speakers include David Galat, associate professor of ecology at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He will talk about how human needs and ecosystem health can be blended, and how to measure the effectiveness of river rehabilitation efforts.
The conference also will highlight a unique section of the river at the upstream end of the 735-mile channelized portion of the Missouri River. Field trips are planned to Yankton, S.D. to see Gavin's Point Dam and Lewis and Clark Lake. The Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery, where endangered pallid sturgeon are reared, also is on the tour itinerary. Research boats will take conference attendees to see habitats of the endangered interior least tern and the threatened piping plover on the 59-mile Missouri National Recreational River below the dam. Others will tour habitat restoration projects and sites visited by Meriwether Lewis's and William Clark's Corps of Discovery nearly 200 years ago.
More information about the conference is available at http://infolink.cr.usgs.gov/events/02.htm or call 573/876-1876.
- Jim Low -
2001-2002 deer harvest sets a record
Friday, January 18, 2002
The January Extension harvest only topped last year's figure by 12, but the December muzzleloader harvest boomed.
JEFFERSON CITY -- An unexpectedly large muzzleloader deer harvest helped push Missouri's 2001-2002 firearms deer harvest well above last year's record level. Best of all, the Missouri Department of Conservation recorded only one hunting accident during the December and January hunts
Hunters brought 8,662 deer to check stations during the muzzleloader segment of firearms deer season Dec. 1 through Dec. 9. That is up 3,847 from the previous year, an 80 percent increase. Conservation Department Wildlife Research Biologist Lonnie Hansen said he wasn't surprised to see the muzzleloader deer harvest increase, but the size of the increase did catch him off guard.
The January deer harvest increased, too, but just barely. This year's January Extension deer kill was 14,668, just 12 more than in 2001.
The December and January hunts bring the 2001-2002 firearms deer harvest to 229,197. That is up 8,662 from 2000-2001's record-setting deer kill of 220,535.
"As always, the weather played a big part in producing this record harvest," said Hansen. "Most hunters consider warm weather during deer season less than ideal, but the fact is that when their fingers and toes get numb, they go back to the hearth or the campfire. Warm weather means staying in the woods longer, and that's how you kill deer."
Hansen said the state's strong deer population also was an essential factor in the large deer harvest. He estimated the size of the deer herd at about a million animals. Deer numbers are stable in most areas, though local populations may be increasing or decreasingly slightly in some counties.
Hansen admitted that the size of the muzzleloader deer harvest was unexpected.
"The number of deer taken with black-powder rifles has increased every year since we instituted the muzzleloader season in 1988," Hansen said. "The popularity of hunting with muzzle-loading firearms is increasing nationwide, and as more people are exposed to this type of hunting and buy black-powder rifles, participation in the December segment has grown. But an 80 percent increase in muzzleloader harvest in one season is unprecedented."
Hansen attributed the increase in part to the fact that 2001-2002 was the third deer season in which hunters didn't have to choose between hunting with modern firearms or muzzleloaders. Prior to the 1999-2000 season, hunters bought either a modern firearms deer hunting permit or a muzzleloader permit. Those with muzzleloader permits were allowed to hunt during the November segment of deer season, but they had to use black-powder rifles. Those who elected to buy modern firearms deer permits couldn't take part in the December muzzleloader hunt.
Then three seasons ago the Conservation Department did away with the muzzleloader permit. This allowed any hunter to use a modern firearm during the November hunt and switch to a muzzleloader in December.
That change gave hunters a lot more flexibility, and opened the December muzzleloader up to an enormous pool of hunters who weren't willing to give up their center-fire rifles during the November hunt," said Hansen. "I think what we're seeing now is a groundswell of interest in muzzleloader hunting, based on the added opportunity. It just took a couple of years for it to build."
Howell County led the state in muzzleloader harvest, with 230 deer checked. Maries County was second with 195, and neighboring Osage County came in third with 181. Regional harvest totals were northeast 1,355, west-central 1,330, east-central 1,147, Ozark 985, northwest 932, central 925, southwest 902, southeast 701, St. Louis 232 and Kansas City 153.
Macon County led county deer harvest totals in January with 702 deer checked. Boone County was second with 679, and Pike County was close behind with 671.
Three quarters of the January firearms deer harvest took place in two of the six regions with deer management units open to hunting. Hunters checked 5,802 deer in the 16-county Northeast Region and 4,560 in the 19-county Northwest Region. Other regional totals were: Central, 3,451; St. Louis, 405; Kansas City, 348; and West-Central, 102.
This is the sixth year that the Conservation Department has offered a January firearms deer hunt for antlerless deer only. The extension took place in 23 of 57 deer management zones, primarily in the northern half of the state. The January Extension began in 1997 as a two-day event, when hunters killed 7,691 deer. The Conservation Department expanded the January Extension to four days in 1999.
- Jim Low -
Cave and Karst Roundtable planned for resource conference
Friday, January 18, 2002
The management of caves and their inhabitants will be the focus of discussions Jan. 31 at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference.
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. –- Missourians who own caves, who have an interest in cave management or who are just fascinated with the eerie landscape that underlies much of southern Missouri will want to attend the Cave and Karst Roundtable Jan. 31.
The open forum discussion is part of the 2002 Missouri Natural Resources Conference at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Jan. 30 through Feb. 1. The cave discussion, which is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Academy of Science, Speleology Section, will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 31 in the Parasol I room.
A panel of private, university and government cave experts will be on hand to provide technical expertise and moderate the discussion, but organizer Bill Elliott says the emphasis will be on audience participation.
"Our primary goal is to generate interest in the state's cave resources and how to protect them," said Elliott, who is the Missouri Department of Conservation's cave biologist. "Everyone from conservation agents and professional biologists to cavers will find this event interesting."
The theme of the 2002 Natural Resources Conference is "Streams – Uniting and Dividing the Landscape." Conference sessions will explore research into how streams work, management strategies to maximize stream health and human benefits and ways of involving all stream stakeholders in management solutions.
On-site conference registration will open at 1 p.m. Jan. 30 and continue through 8 p.m. Exhibits of art and commercial equipment will begin at noon and run through 11 p.m. The conference will kick off with a student job fair at 5 p.m. Jan. 30, followed by a mixer at 6:30 p.m.
Conference registration is $25 before Jan. 7 and $50 thereafter. Student registration is $10 before Jan. 7 and $20 after that date. The conference agenda, registration forms and other information are available online at www.mnrc.org/ or contact Duane Chapman, 4200 New Haven Road, Columbia, MO 65201, 573/876-1866.
For lodging, contact Tan-Tar-A, P.O. Box 188TT, State Road KK, Osage Beach, MO 65065, 800/826-8272, www.tan-tar-a.com.
The conference is sponsored by the Missouri chapters of The Wildlife Society, the American Fisheries Society, the Soil and Water Conservation Society and the Society of American Foresters in cooperation with the Missouri departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, the University of Missouri School of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest and Natural Resources Conservation services.
- Jim Low -
Conservation education workshops offer college credit
Friday, January 18, 2002
Bringing nature into other curriculum areas can help make learning fun.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Teachers looking for innovative ways to include lessons about the birds, bees, mammals and fish in their curriculum can find them at Missouri Department of Conservation education workshops. The Conservation Department offers dozens of courses that can help educators bring the outdoor world into the classroom.
The courses range from one to five days in length, and most entitle participants to one or two hours of graduate or undergraduate college credit.
The following are just a few of the courses offered:
-- Outdoor Classrooms: Show-Me How; Show-Me Why; Show-Me... provides information on how to fund and design outdoor classrooms.
-- Wetlands & Waterfowl enables educators to discover the importance of wetlands and the connection that habitat has to waterfowl.
-- The Art and Language of Nature in the Outdoor Classroom provides guidance in utilizing the outdoor classroom to teach fine arts and communications.
-- Amphibians & Reptiles provides information on how to use lizards, turtles, frogs, salamander and snakes in the classroom to enhance lessons on reptiles and amphibians.
-- Missouri River Conservation and Culture focuses on the habitat and history of the lower Missouri River with emphasis on the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
-- WILD About Bats is a hands-on workshop that will help teachers encourage students to develop critical thinking skills while investigating the natural world.
For a complete listing of workshops with course descriptions, credit available and class dates and locations, visit the MDC website at www.conservation.state.mo.us.
- Arleasha Mays -
Chariton River is an outdoor Mecca
Friday, January 11, 2002
In spite of channelization, this river continues to offer hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational opportunities in northeast Missouri.
LIVONIA, MO -- The Chariton River valley has been home to such notables as generals Sterling Price, John "Blackjack" Pershing and Omar Bradley. Their exploits during the Civil War, World War I and World War II, respectively, are well known. The early history of the Chariton River, like its waters, is a little less clear.
Accounts vary concerning how the river became known as the Chariton. Most references agree that the stream was named for a French fur trapper. Reports mention several names, with the most likely candidates being John Chariton or perhaps Joseph Chorette. The latter was reported to have drowned in the late eighteenth century in the stream that now bears a name similar to his.
While the stream's presettlement history may be vague, not so its modern-day outdoor appeal. Hunters and anglers, hikers and nature watchers, boaters and campers have no problem experiencing their favorite activities within the boundaries of the Chariton's watershed.
In the early days, the Chariton was a string of looping river bends teeming with fish, furbearers, waterfowl and other wildlife. Today the river has been shortened and straightened through channelization.Channelized reaches of the river have lost most of their sport fish, but anglers and hunters still can find occasional reaches of highly desirable fish and wildlife habitat.
Changes to the stream channel don't mean anglers should mark the Chariton off their list. Anglers interested in cooling their fishing fever will find no problem with stream access on the river's upper and middle stretches. Additional accesses are planned for the lower stream in the future.
Set lines and pole and line methods can produce fast fishing action. The Chariton's finned quarry – catfish and carp – find live bait, stink bait, liver, worms, corn and dough bait to their liking.
The Chariton River forms the boundary between Putnam and Schuyler counties as it enters Missouri from Iowa. It splits Rebel's Cove Conservation Area (CA) as it winds south through rolling, wooded hills in a near-natural state. This outdoorsman's paradise features two boat ramps and has nearly 10 miles of river frontage. This is nearly half the portion of the Chariton River that remains unchannelized. An energetic soul can make a mile trek back from the lower boat ramp to the launch point and not have to bother with two vehicles. If time and hunting seasons allow, retrieving the vehicle may provide the opportunity to add rabbits, squirrels, quail and pheasants to the day's harvest.
Rebel's Cove to Archangel Access (on Highway 136) is approximately a 10-mile float. A brand-new boat ramp at Archangel will greatly facilitate launching and loading canoes or small, flat-bottomed boats.
Archangel is the line of demarcation for unaltered stream habitat. Upon entering Adair County the meandering stream abruptly becomes a relatively straight, man-made waterway designed to move water quickly and efficiently across the farmland of Macon and Chariton counties, emptying its contents into the Missouri River near the Dalton Bottoms Public Fishing Access. This downstream portion of the river is surrounded by crop land and pecan groves.
Several Conservation Department accesses provide bank fishing opportunities along the Chariton; Henry Truitt Access on Highway 6 at Novinger and Elmer Cook Access on Highway 11 are two such locations. The previously mentioned Dalton Bottoms access, near the confluence of the Chariton and Missouri, offers bank fishing in the Missouri River.
If a boat ramp is a requirement, try Mullanix Ford Access off the end of Highway K in Adair County, or Dodd Access at the end of Highway UU in Macon County.
Hunters make good use of the many conservation areas in the Chariton's watershed during spring turkey season and deer season. Waterfowl and upland game are also available and popular. Rebel's Cove CA has a complex of wetlands that are particularly important to duck hunters in north-central Missouri.
Many conservation areas in the Chariton River's watershed are vast and rugged. West of the Chariton, Union Ridge CA sprawls across parts of three counties, offering more than 8,200 acres of prairie, woodland and old fields. Deer, turkey, upland game and songbirds are available to hunters and nature viewers, and with a tract that size there is plenty of room to roam. Three streams run through the area, and it also contains Dark Hollow Natural Area, known for its diversity of unique plants.
At half the size of Union Ridge, Atlanta CA is still a large tract, with 4,474 acres. Nearby Mussel Fork CA adds 2,500 acres to the region's nature viewing, fishing and hunting possibilities. This area has a reach of largely unaltered wade-fishing stream that is home to the only known population of spotted bass in northern Missouri.
Several other conservation areas are scattered throughout the watershed, as are several large public lakes, state parks and historical sites. Thomas Hill Reservoir and Long Branch Lake are premier sites for campers with an itch to fish. For information on state park locations call Department of Natural Resources at 800/334-6946, or visit their web site, www.mostateparks.com/.
Details about conservation areas and public fishing accesses can be found at the Conservation Atlas portion of the Places to Go page on the Conservation Department Web site, www.conservation.state.mo.us/.
The Chariton River has changed during each of the generations of the previously mentioned military heros, but it's still flowing with plenty of outdoor potential for those willing to explore its boundaries.
- Ken Drenon -
FAVORITE FISH SPECIES ON THE CHARITON RIVER
Channel Catfish – Cut shad and dead minnows in the early spring, and worms, stink bait, frogs and chicken liver in the summer are good choices for this bewhiskered resident of the Chariton. The river supports good numbers of catfish but they are concentrated in and around areas of cover. Dip-type and regular stink baits are popular. Anglers can't go wrong with worms and other live baits such as minnows and frogs. Remember, look for cover and current, and you should find channel catfish.
Flathead Catfish – When you find dense woody cover, deep holes and swift current nearby, you may want to consider set-line fishing for this Chariton River favorite. Most serious flathead anglers use goldfish or green sunfish for bait and use trotlines and limb lines to subdue their quarry.
Carp – There are many favorite dough bait recipes used by carp anglers. Here's one version: Mix 1-1/4 cups flour, 1-1/2 cups yellow cornmeal, two tablespoons sugar and one teaspoon salt together. Set aside. Boil 1-1/2 cups water; turn heat down to simmer. Add a small package strawberry gelatin and a tablespoon of vanilla, stir. Using a wooden spoon, add dry ingredient mixture on top of the gelatin water until surface is covered. When the water bubbles up through the dry mixture, continue adding mixture. Stir dough or take out of pan and knead for two minutes. (Be careful, mixture will be hot!) Dough bait will be very stiff. Store in refrigerator in plastic bag until ready to use.
DOWN THE CHARITON RIVER
(Average stream gradient approximately 2 feet per mile.)
RIVER MILE 112.5--Missouri/Iowa state line.
RIVER MILE 105.2--Boat ramp at Rebel's Cove CA. Hwy. N 1.25 miles west.
RIVER MILE 104.2--Foot bridge at Rebel's Cove CA.
RIVER MILE 100--Boat ramp at Rebel's Cove CA. Hwy. N 1 mile west.
RIVER MILE 92--Archangel Public Fishing Access at bridge on Hwy. 136. Boat ramp. Livonia just west of bridge.
RIVER MILE 89.1--Bridge on Schuyler County road. No access. Hwy. H 1.25 miles east.
RIVER MILE 87--Bridge at Hwy. W. Queen City 5.5 miles
RIVER MILE 81.5-- Bridge on Schuyler County road off the end of Hwy. K. Greentop 6 miles east.
RIVER MILE 81.4--Boat ramp at Mullanix Ford Access.
RIVER MILE 79.2--Bridge on Adair County road 19A. No access. Hwy. B 2 miles east.
RIVER MILE 76.4-- Bridge on Adair County road 157A. No access. Hwy. 149 1 mile west.
RIVER MILE 73.5-- Henry Truitt Access at Hwy. 6 bridge. No boat ramp. Novinger is one mile west.
RIVER MILE 69--Adair County road 224C.* Hwy. K less than 1 mile west.
RIVER MILE 65-- Elmer Cook Access at Hwy. 11 bridge. No boat ramp.
RIVER MILE 62.5--Bridge on Hwy. N. Clubhouses. Private access.
RIVER MILE 57.3--Bridge on Hwy. 156. No access. South Gifford .25 miles east
RIVER MILE 53--Bridge on Fountain Road. No access. Elmer 2.5 miles east.
RIVER MILE 51.2--Bridge on Hwy. J. No access. Elmer 1 mile east.
RIVER MILE 50.8--Railroad trestle.
RIVER MILE 47 --Bridge on Emerald Road. No access. Hwy. HH 2.5 miles east. Ethel 3 miles west.
RIVER MILE 42.7--Dodd Access. Boat ramp. End of Hwy. UU 1 mile south. End of Hwy. EE 1 mile north.
RIVER MILE 38.5--Railroad trestle.
RIVER MILE 37.2 --Bridge on Hwy. 36. No access.
RIVER MILE 30--Bridge on Chariton County road 312. Hwy. P 2 miles west Hwy. 3 1.5 miles east on Falcon road.*
RIVER MILE 19.6--Bridge on Hwy. 129. No access. Salisbury 8 miles south.
RIVER MILE 17.2 --Bridge on Chariton County road 338. No access. Hwy 129 1 mile east.
RIVER MILE 14 --Bridge on Chariton County road 346. No Access. Hwy. 129 3.5 miles east.
RIVER MILE 12--Bridge on Chariton County road 305 off end of Hwy. UU to the west. No access.
RIVER MILE 8.8--Bridge on Hwy. 24. Future site of Keytesville Access. Keytesville 2 miles west.
RIVER MILE 6.8--Bridge on Hwy. VV. Future site of Price Bridge Access.
RIVER MILE 0--Confluence of Chariton and Missouri River. Dalton Bottoms Access, off the end of Hwy. WW south of Dalton, fronts the Missouri River upstream from the mouth of the Chariton. No boat ramp.
*State and county roads crossing the stream. Access is questionable. As a matter of courtesy, permission should be obtained from landowners to gain access to the stream bank at these locations.
CANOE OUTFITTERS
(As listed in the Division of Tourism's Missouri 2001 Vacation Planner.)
Chariton River Outfitters Canoe Rental
Macon, MO
660/226-5391
For more information on outfitters and streams Visit www.thetent.com/arcadia
JOIN A STREAM TEAM
Missourians take great pride in their streams. Stream Teams are citizen groups dedicated to the stewardship of Missouri's streams. Stream Teams are supported by the Missouri Departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Conservation Federation of Missouri. Stream Teams, with the consent and help of stream side landowners, adopt specific stretches of streams and conduct trash pick-ups, stream maintenance and water-quality monitoring.
At present, there are 4 Stream Teams on the Chariton River and its tributaries. For information on joining or creating a Stream Team contact: Streams Unit, Mo. Dept. of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, 800/781-1989 or Conservation Federation of Missouri 800/575-2322.
Maps of some MDC areas mentioned may be obtained by writing or calling the Conservation Department's Northeast Regional Office, 2500 S. Halliburton, Kirksville, MO 63501, phone 660/785-2420 .
River basin maps of selected streams available at: www.conservation.state.mo.us/atlas/rbasin/rbasin.html.
Conservation areas are open daily from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m. unless otherwise designated. Purchase and development of some of the areas mentioned were made possible by the use of federal funds obtained through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Acts.
- Ken Drenon -
Register now for outdoor skills workshops
Friday, January 11, 2002
The Conservation Department offers entry-level training in everything from turkey hunting to Dutch-oven cookery.
JEFFERSON CITY – Master the skills it take to survive the wilds of Missouri or just survive a weekend camping trip with your family by attending Missouri Department of Conservation outdoor skills training programs.
The Hands-On Outdoor Training (HOOT), Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) and Beyond Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BBOW) programs introduce participants to a wide variety of outdoor experiences in a friendly social atmosphere.
"We are fortunate to live in a state that has a wealth of beautiful natural resources," said Outdoor Skills Coordinator Mariah Hughes. "Our outdoor skills programs are designed to give Missourians a basic understanding of conservation and provide them with the skills needed to use and enjoy nature."
All courses are designed for beginners and offer training that ranges from how to hunt and fish to how to keep a nature journal. HOOT programs are designed for men, women and children, though some subjects have age restrictions. Upcoming HOOT offerings include:
April 6 – Shotgun sports workshop for men and women 18 and older at River
Hills Sporting Clays, Boonville;
April 19-21 – Family HOOT event with workshops on canoeing, kayaking, wilderness survival, cave exploring, map and compass, horseback riding, archery, Dutch oven cooking, fishing and more at YMCA of the Ozarks, Potosi;
Aug. 11-13 – River Fun Weekend for children ages 10 to 16 accompanied by parents or guardians at the Presley Education Center on the Current River in Shannon County;
Nov. 2 – Shotgun sports workshop for men and women 18 and older at the St. Louis Trap and Skeet Club.
BOW workshops are designed for women 18 and older, but are open to anyone. These also offer participants the opportunity to sample several outdoor activities during a weekend. This year's BOW events are scheduled for May 17 through 19 at YMCA of the Ozarks, Potosi, and Sept. 13 through 15 at Conception Abbey, Conception.
BBOW events give participants a chance to use skills acquired at earlier workshops, but prior BOW experience isn't required. This year's events include:
April 26-28 – Fly fishing at the Presley Center;
May 3-5 – Turkey hunting at University Forest Conservation Area, Wappapello;
May 25-26 – Warm-water fly fishing in the Kansas City area;
May 31-June 2 – Smallmouth bass fishing by canoe on the Big River at Washington State Park;
Oct. 4-6 – Shotgun sports at the Ozark Shooters Complex, Walnut Shade;
Oct. 18-20 – Deer hunting at University Forest CA;
Nov. 1-3 – Deer hunting at Charles W. Green CA, Ashland.
For information on available courses, program fees and registration, contact Outdoor Skills Coordinator, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, 573/751-4115, ext. 3189, hughem@mail.conservation.state.mo.us.
- Arleasha Mays -
Cash available to conservation-minded collegians
Friday, January 11, 2002
Several organizations offer scholarships.
JEFFERSON CITY –High school and college students considering careers in conservation can get assistance in their quest from one of several conservation professional organizations offering scholarships.
The Missouri Conservation Agent's Association is accepting applications for two college scholarships. Any Missouri college undergraduate or high school student entering college may apply. Application forms are available from high school counselors, college financial aid advisors or from:
--John Hart, P.O. Box 501, Osceola, MO 64776, 417/646-5563;
--Marsha Jones, P.O. Box 1072, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660/785-2424, ext. 401;
--Steve Lenz, 3385 Waggoner Woods, Festus, MO 63028, 636/931-2021.
Other scholarship opportunities available to those seeking careers in conservation-related fields include:
--The Charles P. Bell Conservation Scholarship Fund, sponsored by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust, 728 Wes Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101-1534. Available to students in natural resources fields.
--The Buck Rogers Memorial scholarship program sponsored by the Missouri Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
Applications are available from Ross Braun, 601 Business Loop 70 West, Parkade Center No, 250, Columbia, MO 65203. For students pursuing studies related to soil and resource management.
--The Bodie McDowell Scholarships sponsored by the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Schools must request scholarship participating questionnaires from Cara Howell, 121 Hickory St., Ste. 1, Missoula, MT 59801, available to students interested in careers in outdoor communications.
- Arleasha Mays -
Plan aims to produce bigger bluegill
Thursday, January 03, 2002
Knowledge gained on small public lakes will be useful to farm pond owners.
JEFFERSON CITY–If you love catching bluegill, you will be glad to know that the Missouri Department of Conservation is launching a plan to improve your favorite kind of fishing. When the project is complete, the Conservation Department and private pond owners will know more about how to produce quality bluegill fishing.
Scrappy, widespread and prolific, the bluegill is the classic panfish. According to Conservation Department studies, anglers catch more bluegills than any other fish in impoundments of 10 to 1,000 acres. Though they aren't considered "game fish" under the Missouri Wildlife Code, surveys show that more than 300,000 people pursue bluegill and other panfish each year. Altogether, they spend more than 3 million days a year dunking worms, jigs and other bait trying to land their favorite fish. That makes panfish the third-most-sought-after fish, after bass and catfish.
Conservation Department Fisheries Management Biologist Joe Bonneau says a good deal already is known about bluegill population dynamics. Until now, however, active management of the species has taken a back seat to higher-profile species like trout, bass, crappie and catfish. But he said the 10-year bluegill management plan is aimed at developing strategies for ponds and lakes where bluegill fishing is the primary goal.
Among the things that biologists already know about bluegill is that they need lots of predators to keep their numbers under control. Lakes with an abundance of small largemouth bass tend to have very good bluegill fishing. That is because the hungry bass eat most of the small bluegill. Thinning the bluegill ranks guarantees that the few panfish that grow too large for the bass to eat will have plenty of food. As a result, they grow much faster and larger than bluegills in lakes where there are only a few large bass.
Bonneau said biologists also have documented a connection between certain habitat conditions and the quality of bluegill fishing. Clear water and a moderate amount of submerged vegetation favor robust panfish populations.
Finally, fish experts have noticed that bluegill do best in lakes and ponds with fairly simple fish populations. The best bluegill fishing is found in lakes without common carp or gizzard shad.
With these factors in mind, the Conservation Department plans to identify lakes with the best bluegill management potential and test different harvest regulations to see which produces the best fishing.
Under current regulations, anglers can keep up to 50 nongame fish, including bluegills, taken by pole and line daily in most waters of the state. Regulations at some public lakes restrict anglers to 20 panfish daily. The bluegill management plan will test the theory that reducing the daily limit on sunfish will allow more of the fish to reach larger sizes.
At present, only 3 percent of Missouri's small impoundments have even a few bluegills measuring 9 inches or longer. Only one in three has bluegill 8 inches or longer. To change this situation in a few heavily fished lakes, the Conservation Department plans to use a combination of smaller daily limits and minimum length limits to protect bluegill until they reach a target length of 8 inches.
The Conservation Department will evaluate regulations on a few, heavily-fished lakes statewide that already have good habitat, enough predator fish, and a lack of undesirable fishes. Bonneau said that in many cases, good bluegill fishing can be achieved without regulation changes by improving habitat, maintaining predator densities and keeping undesirable fishes out.
To increase the chances of success, the Conservation Department will test the new creel limits and other bluegill management strategies on lakes with clear water and plenty of submerged vegetation. In some cases, mud may be dredged from lake bottoms. Erosion control in lake watersheds may be necessary in other areas, or shorelines may need protection to keep the water clear.
Biologists will look for lakes without gizzard shad or common carp. Bass management will be part of the strategy, too. Regulations at lakes being managed for bluegill will aim at producing an abundance of small bass. This is the opposite of what is done at lakes where quality bass fishing is the primary goal.
Bonneau said the Conservation Department expects to begin seeing results from the bluegill management plan within a few years. It will collect data on catch rates, fish numbers and sizes and issue progress reports in 2004, 2007 and 2010. Summarizing their findings every three years will allow biologists to fine-tune regulations at bluegill lakes throughout the study.
"The knowledge we gain in developing bluegill management strategies for public lakes will be useful to private pond owners, too," said Bonneau. "The work we are doing now should one day yield enormous benefits on thousands upon thousands of acres of the best fishing water in the state."
- Jim Low -
Two mollusks join Missouri's endangered list
Thursday, January 03, 2002
A snail known only from one cave and a mussel whose range has shrunk drastically are the two newest additions.
JEFFERSON CITY –The Missouri Department of Conservation recently approved adding two mollusks to the state's list of endangered species.
The Tumbling Creek Cave snail, Antrobia culveri is known to inhabit only one cave in southern Missouri and nowhere else in the world. It was discovered in 1969, and its population was estimated at 15,000 in 1973. Monitoring of the population in 1996 indicated the species' numbers were declining. By March 2001 the number of individuals had plummeted to 40, and by August 2001 only one individual could be found. The cause of its decline is not known, but experts suspect a change in water quality could be responsible.
The scaleshell mussel, Leptodea leptodon, inhabits parts of the Meramec, Big, Bourbeuse, Osage and Gasconade rivers. Its current range also includes Arkansas and Oklahoma. Its numbers have decreased drastically since the 1950s, and it no longer is found in 10 other states whose rivers once harbored the small brown shell fish.
The two biggest causes of the mussel's decline have been slow poisoning by water pollution and smothering by silt eroded from surrounding land. Channelization of rivers, which reduces areas of shallow, slow-moving water, also has taken its toll.
The scale shell mussel's situation isn't hopeless. The Missouri streams it inhabits still are in relatively good condition, and problems they face here and elsewhere are solvable.
Plants and animals are classified as endangered when they are in danger of extinction.
- Jim Low -
Commission to meet Jan. 29-30 at Tan-Tar-A Resort
Thursday, January 03, 2002
OSAGE BEACH –The Missouri Conservation Commission will meet Jan. 29 and 30 at Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach. The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Jan. 29 and adjourn for a closed session at 3 p.m. The Commission will reconvene at 8 a.m. Jan. 30.
Commission meetings are open to the public. Items to be placed on the agenda for presentations or other business should be sent in writing to: Director, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180; fax 573/751-4467. Requests must be received by Jan. 15. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements at the same address, or by phone at 573/751-4115.
Commission officers are: Anita B. Gorman, Kansas City, chairman; Howard L. Wood, Bonne Terre, vice chairman, Stephen C. Bradford, Cape Girardeau, Secretary, and Cynthia Metcalfe, St. Louis, member.
- Jim Low -
