Discover Nature

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From Missouri Conservationist: Oct 2015
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To find more events near you, call your regional office, or visit mdc.mo.gov and choose your region.

Adventure Birding

Oct. 10 • Saturday • 8 a.m.–noon Central Region, Runge Conservation Nature Center, Hwy 179, Jefferson City, MO 65109 Registration required, call 573-526-5544 Ages 11 and older, children must be accompanied by an adult.

This will be a birding hike along one of the shorter scenic trails of the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Depending on the weather, we may find winter residents or migrants. Dress for the weather and bring binoculars (or borrow a pair of ours). We will carpool from Runge.

Whitetail Deer From Field to Freezer

Oct. 13 • Tuesday • 6–8 p.m. St. Louis Region, Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, 1100 Antire Road, High Ridge, MO 63049 Registration required, call 636-938-9548 Families, ages 9 and older.

Deer is a healthy, low-cholesterol, lean protein with no added hormones or antibiotics. Come and learn the steps necessary to process your deer meat yourself. Watch as we demonstrate how to skin and butcher a deer in simple easy steps with a minimum amount of equipment. You’ll learn tips on how to make sure your venison is the best quality possible.

Discover Nature — Fishing Lecture Series: Smallmouth Bass Stream Fishing

 Oct. 14 • Wednesday • 7–8 p.m. Southwest Region, Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804 Registration required, call 417-888-4237 Ages 7–adult.

Ozarks streams offer excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Learn what type of tackle to use, places to go, and the current research and management activities surrounding this strong fighting fish from Conservation Department Fisheries Management Biologist Dave Woods. This is the first in a series of monthly indoor programs to prepare you for future fishing trips.

HOWLoween!

Oct. 16 • Friday • 6–9 p.m. Kansas City Region, Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64110 No registration required, call 816-759-7300 for information All ages, families.

HOWLoween is back and we want you to join the fun! Discovering nature’s creepy creatures is just part of the nighttime fun. Take a hike on the Wild Side Walk to get up close with some of Missouri’s nocturnal wildlife. Kids will have a howling good time exploring nature stations like Track or Treat, The Bone Yard, The Bat Cave, and much more. It will be a howling fun, free, and unforgettable event for the entire family.

Fall Festival

Oct. 17 • Saturday • 4–7:30 p.m. Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration required, call 573-290-5218 for information All ages, families.

Meet the magnificent turkey vulture in our live bird presentations at 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30 p.m. Take a stroll on one of our naturalist-led hikes to discover more about wild scavengers. Sit outside and enjoy a fire and a few fall treats or stay inside for crafts. Bring the whole family for the fun!

Whitetail Deer Hunting Clinic

Oct. 24 • Saturday • 8 a.m.–5 p.m. St. Louis Region, Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, 1100 Antire Road, High Ridge, MO 63049 Registration required, call 636-938-9548 Ages 6 and older.

The Beginner’s Whitetail Deer Hunting Clinic is designed for the first-time or novice deer hunter. The clinic will inform and educate first-time hunters about the characteristics of deer, their habits, and behaviors. The clinic will also offer tips and techniques for hunting these incredible animals in various habitats and weather conditions. Youth under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

This Issue's Staff

Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Art Director - Cliff White
Associate Editor - Bonnie Chasteen
Staff Writer - Heather Feeler
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Designer - Stephanie Thurber
Circulation - Laura Scheuler