Letters

Hunting buddies

I am interested in learning more about the breed of dog pictured in Tim Ripperger’s Conservation Vision article in the October issue.

After 16 hunting seasons, our Brittany passed last year. We found her invaluable in a variety of Missouri upland and waterfowl conditions, save for late “Lab season” icy retrieves.

I’m now looking for my next pup, probably another type of spaniel, and one adept in water retrieves. A dog like the one pictured might just fit the bill.

Thanks for all the hard work the Department does, the vision for our future, and especially for bringing back our quail.

David Ammons, St. Louis

Editors’ note: Deputy Director Tim Ripperger’s dog, Indy, is a fieldbred English cocker spaniel.

To bright futures

Even as a life-long hunter, I am delighted to see the nonconsumptive, family depiction of conservation on the back cover of the October Conservationist [I Am Conservation]. I envision those handsome youngsters looking through their binoculars not only for elk, but also into a bright future for Missouri wildlife.

John Erkmann, Anchorage, Alaska

MDC atlas updates

Some family, friends and I just enjoyed a squirrel hunting trip to a conservation area. We had a great weekend, and we really appreciated all the work the Department put into the area. Also, the online atlas is a great tool [mdc.mo.gov]. One suggestion: Has the Department considered including the USGS 1:24,000 quadrant that an area is in? That would make finding extremely detailed maps of an area much easier.

Christopher Speck, via Internet

Ombudsman’s Note: We are in the process of producing an upgraded mapping of conservation areas that will make the online conservation atlas more useful. Instead of just the standard area maps that you find there now, there will be a more detailed, interactive tool that will allow you to add various layers, including aerial photography, parking lots and topography. Then you will have the information similar to what is on the 7.5 minute USGS quad maps without having to locate those hard-copy maps. The problem with just listing the topo quads that cover each area is that some conservation areas are large enough that the list of quad maps would be long. With a list, you wouldn’t know which one applied to the particular area where you planned to hike. Another issue is that those USGS quad maps are often outdated and contain errors such as conservation area boundaries that are out-of-date.—Tim Smith

From Facebook

Can I remove antlers from a deer that has been struck by a car?

Gary Ragan

MDC: You must first call the conservation agent for that county. Use the “Who’s My Local Contact?” feature on the right-hand side of the website at mdc.mo.gov to find the agent.

Is it illegal to field dress and/or butcher your deer in the woods and leave the remains? I hunt on a big conservation area out at Meramac Spring, by Steelville, and it is a long way to drag out a deer. I would like to carry out the meat and leave the rest in the woods.

Justin Turnbough

MDC: It is legal to field dress your deer before dragging it out of the woods. However, if you intend to butcher the deer in the woods, you must first call and Telecheck the deer.

Reader Photo: Icebound

Jessica Corgan of St. Louis took this photo of icebound wild hydrangea at Pickle Springs Natural Area. “I was out for a winter hike with my friend Maggie when I took this picture,” said Corgan. “It was my first trip to Pickle Springs. I have hiked many trails in Missouri, but my favorite trail is always the new one just because I haven’t seen it before.” Corgan says she enjoys anything to do with the outdoors, including backpacking, kayaking, and mountain biking.