News and Almanac

APPLY EARLY FOR ANY-DEER PERMITS

The Conservation Department's new computerized permit system allows you to apply for any-deer permits where and when you buy your deer hunting permits.

A new point-of-sale system allows vendors to send any-deer permit requests directly to Conservation Department computers. Previously, applicants had to mail in forms during the month of August.

1996 deer hunting permits are on sale now, and hunters can apply for any-deer permits through Aug. 31. Hunters must specify the units for which they want any-deer permits and bonus permits. A computer printout, which serves as a list of permits purchased, will include information that an any-deer permit has been requested. Successful applicants will be notified by mail in late October.

The application process for landowner any-deer privileges remains the same. Landowners must have at least 75 acres in one contiguous tract to qualify for free any-deer permits.

Landowners who request any-deer permits for the first time must pick up an application form from a vendor and mail it to: Any-Deer Permits, Missouri Conservation Department, P.O. Box 3337, Jefferson City, 65102-3337. Landowners who received any-deer permits last year will receive a renewal form by mail.

GAME COOKS SQUARE OFF AT STATE FAIR

The Missouri Conservation Agents Association is hosting a Wild Game, Fish & Nature's Harvest Cook-Off Aug. 18 at the Missouri State Fair. Dishes must be prepared using wild game, fish or wild edibles (nuts, berries, mushrooms, etc.) legally obtained in Missouri and legally possessed. Recipes must accompany entries.

Prizes of $75, $35 or $20 plus souvenir apparel will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in the categories of Wild Meat or Fish and Wild Edibles. Judging will begin at 2 p.m. in the Home Economics Building. All competitors must preregister. Closing date for registration is July 20. Registration forms can be found in the Missouri State Fair Book. For additional entry forms, write Entry Department, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, 65301, or call (816) 530-5605.

SOCIETY HOLDS POWWOW IN VANDALIA

The Thunderbird Society, which is devoted to preserving Native American culture, holds its Annual Powwow at the Vandalia Fairgrounds Aug. 9-11. The event includes authentic Native American arts and crafts, horse events, longbow demonstrations and dancing. For more information, call Bonnie Stewart at (573) 221-2966.

NEW CENTER FOR BOTANICAL GARDEN

Work has begun on the Missouri Botanical Garden's new $19.4 million research center that will serve as an international resource of scientific information The environmentally friendly building also will host the Garden's priceless herbarium and library.

CHANGE IN MANAGED HUNT APPLICATIONS

Managed deer hunts will be held on selected areas statewide from October through January.

Applications for all managed hunts must be submitted between July 15 and Aug. 15. Only successful applicants will be charged a $3 processing fee. Look for descriptions of the hunts, including modern firearms, archery and muzzleloading hunts, in the 1996 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Information leaflet, available from permit vendors, and on application cards available at Conservation Department offices in Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia, as well as at sites where the hunts will be conducted.

Hunters permanently confined to wheelchairs will automatically be allowed to participate in hunts at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Shaw Arboretum, James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, Burr Oak Woods, August A. Busch, Caney Mountain, Drury-Mincy, Forest 44, Peck Ranch, Weldon Spring and Whetstone Creek conservation areas. Applicants must fill out a separate application, attach a supporting licensed physician's statement and include the $3 processing fee.

Hunting opportunities for people with disabilities also are being offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smithville ((816) 532 0174), Mark Twain ((573) 735-4097) and Truman ((816) 438-7317) lakes and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge ((816) 856-3323). Contact areas for more information.

WORKSHOP TARGETS OUTDOOR WRITERS

Aspiring or experienced outdoor writers will find inspiration and instruction at the Missouri Conservationist's Outdoor Writing Workshop Sept. 22-27 at Potosi.

The workshop focuses on outdoor writing for a variety of markets. Genres covered include essay, natural history, memoir and children's nature writing. Fiction and poetry will not be addressed.

Workshop instructors include Ann C. Cooper, an award-winning author of children's books; Sue Hubbell, whose books include A Country Year, Book of Bees, Broadsides from the Other Orders and Far-Flung Hubbell; and Joel Vance, a long-time news and magazine writer and a popular contributor to the Missouri Conservationist. Workshop participants will stay at Trout Lodge at the YMCA of the Ozarks, located near Potosi. The facility also offers hiking, tennis, canoeing, swimming and fishing.

The workshop costs $600, which includes tuition, five nights in a private room with bath, all meals and access to YMCA facilities. Enrollment is limited to 30 people. For registration information, write Missouri Conservationist's Outdoor Writing Workshop, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102, or call (573) 751-4115, ext. 247.

ETHICS LEAD TO SAFER BOATING

More boaters on Missouri waters will lead to conflicts, collisions and casualties, unless boaters become more cautious and considerate. The Izaak Walton League of America suggests that boaters adhere to all laws and to a set of personal boating ethics, which include the following:

• Wear PFDs, especially non-swimmers and children.
• Stay sober.
• Learn water safety rules and obey signs and markers.
• Respect other people.
• Don't pollute or litter.
• Keep your boat shipshape.
• Don't hazard bad weather.
• Tell others where you are going and when you expect to return.