Get Outside

A Rare Treat Boom! That’s the sound you will hear from the greater prairie-chicken through mid- April. To catch a glimpse of this rare bird, you will have to take a trip to certain northwest, southwest, and north-central portions of the state. It’s worth the trip — there are fewer than 500 of these birds remaining. For more information, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZGu.
Bear-y Hungry Solitary black bears and females with 1-year-old cubs are out of their dens and searching for food. If you live in bear country, be bear aware. Never feed a bear — accidentally or on purpose. Don’t leave pet food sitting outside. Store garbage, recyclables, and compost inside or in a bear-proof container. Keep grills and smokers clean and stored inside. For more tips, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zky.
Southeast Region: Native Plant & Garden Seminar Saturday, March 9 • 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 Registration required. Call 573-290-5218 Ages 14 and older Native plants can be the main staple of your garden or property. They benefit wildlife, the environment, and gardeners so much. Workshops will include information on naturescaping best practices, propagating native plants, safe use of chemicals in the garden, creating a wildlife habitat, and the importance of pollinators. Gardeners and property owners alike will learn new things.
Northeast Region: Basics of Fly Tying Saturday, March 16 • 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Mark Twain Lake — M.W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center 21629 Highway J, Perry, MO 63462 Registration required. Call 888-283-0364 by March 15 Ages 10 and older (15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult) If you have ever wanted to learn about tying flies but never had the opportunity, now is your chance. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation for a fun-filled morning learning the basics of tying flies. Three flies will be tied and more if time allows. All supplies will be provided, except reading glasses. Please bring those if needed.
Burning Daylight Daylight saving time begins March 10. How will you use your extra daylight to get out and discover nature? If you need inspiration, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZSJ. Southwest Region: Spring Turkey Hunting Basics Saturday, March 30 • 8:30–11:30 a.m. Andy Dalton Shooting Range 4897 N. Farm Road 61 Ash Grove, MO 65604 Registration required. Call 888-283-0364 by March 30 • All ages Join us to discover the basics of turkey hunting in the spring. We will cover safety, scouting, calling, proper setup, shotgun ballistics, and much more.
Southwest Region: Spring Turkey Hunting Basics Saturday, March 30 • 8:30–11:30 a.m. Andy Dalton Shooting Range 4897 N. Farm Road 61 Ash Grove, MO 65604 Registration required. Call 888-283-0364 by March 30 • All ages Join us to discover the basics of turkey hunting in the spring. We will cover safety, scouting, calling, proper setup, shotgun ballistics, and much more.

Natural Events to See This Month

Here’s what’s going on in the natural world.

Female armadillos give birth to identical quadruplets
White bass begin spawning
Redbuds begin blooming
Badgers bear young through April
Spotted skunks breed through April

Looking for new places for youth hunting, fishing, and outdoor fun?

Check out the new Missouri Outdoor Recreational Access Program (MRAP) properties offering hunting and fishing opportunities just for youth 16 and younger. The MRAP Youth-Only properties are located on private land and are dedicated to providing outdoor experiences for kids under the age of 16.

To learn more about MRAP, including the rules and regulations, locations of MRAP properties, and to download property maps, visit mdc.mo.gov/mrap.

Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events