Letters

Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and might be edited for length and clarity.

Winged Wonders

I just read Always Coming Home in the August issue. I was impressed with everything our state does to help out our feathered friends! Thank you! I also liked the comment toward the end acknowledging that via the birds “We are all connected as distant neighbors.” True.

Throughout autumn and winter I adore feeding these sweethearts. It’s comforting to know that there are gifted professionals working behind the scenes to support their lives in so many ways.

Jen Baechle, via Internet

Every year a swift family would build a nest right by our back door. No matter how often we knocked down their work, they came back and raised a very messy family there. Until this year, that is.

In the spring, the piercing eyes of an owl on the cover of the Conservationist magazine gave me an idea. I taped that cover and another owl photo from the story onto the storm door — right where the swifts built their nest. I watched as they swooped in, saw the owls and abruptly veered away. It’s been all summer now and the birds have stayed away (they moved to the other side of the house where their mess falls into a flower bed). So thanks, Conservationist, for double duty as a great magazine and a great deterrent.

Professor Kit Jenkins, Webster University

From Facebook

I would like to take my hunter safety course so that I can go out with my husband and my sons. They already have theirs. Which course do I sign up for?

Melissa Bridges-Bridgeman

Conservation Department: Here is a link to information on hunter education, including our three options and where to find classes: mdc.mo.gov/node/3722.I took my hunter education course years ago, and I can’t find my card. How do I order a new one or renew?

Grant Venable

Conservation Department:Call our hunter education staff, they will be happy to assist you. You can reach them at 573-522-4115 ext. 3292 or ext. 3256.

Are there any good conservation areas in norhern Missouri to bow hunt?

Russell Dinwiddie

Conservation Department: Pages 38–46 of our Fall Deer and Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet have listings of conservation areas for hunting by region and method. Here is a link: mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/03/fdt2013.pdf

What kind of links or information do you have on coyotes in city limits? I know of one that has been moving around here by my house. What can I do to discourage it from hanging around?

Joel T. Self

Conservation Department: Coyotes are intelligent and opportunistic animals and will go where there is easy food and shelter. You can discourage them by not providing either. Keep garbage secured and do not leave pet food or other food out. They will prey on small dogs and cats. Here are links to more information: mdc.mo.gov/node/4615 and mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/coyote.

Is there a place I can take a fish I caught? I’ve never seen one like it, nor can I find any pictures of one.

Lee McLean

Conservation Department: Here is a link to help ID your fish: mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2010/04/introduction_fish_missouri-02-2011.pdf.