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Letters to the Editor

Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity. Email Magazine@mdc.mo.gov or write to us:

Missouri Conservationist
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Trees and Animals

I really enjoyed the October magazine. Very informative! Love the trees and animal pictures. Keep up the good work.

Mary Ginter, Salisbury

Birds of a Feather

A neighbor called us to see a large owl that was in a tree outside her window. It was a rare opportunity. My daughter, a volunteer for a local wildlife rescue organization, identified the owl as a barred owl.

A blue jay was squawking at the owl who in turn seemed to be saying, “Whatever, oh hum.” It just so happened, that afternoon the November Missouri Conservationist arrived in the mail. I was surprised to see the barred owl on the back cover. Just a strange coincidence. I am always amazed at the high-quality photos in each issue. Thanks for doing a great job!

Ron Hartmann, Affton

I always thoroughly enjoy the Missouri Conservationist. I learn a lot from the articles and Ask MDC. I found the answer about bluebirds very informative [November, Page 6]. One of our winter enjoyments is watching the bluebirds. One of the best photos I ever got of a male and female eastern bluebird was in January 2014. I watched as bluebirds came to enjoy the dried mealworms at our kitchen window. A male and female bluebird perched on top of the shepherd’s hook. She kept trying to get his attention. Initially, he wanted nothing to do with her. Then he turned towards her and the two shared an intimate moment gazing at each other. I was able to capture this moment.

Mike Conley via email

I am reading your recent magazine and see a story about Trumpeter Swans [Thriving Private Wetlands for Wildlife, November, Page 15], and I am excited to share that we have those swans here in our little Arrowhead Lakes every year. I am amazed at how many birds stop by our lake in the spring and fall. I always wondered about the swans and now I know how truly special they are. Thank you for a great
story I could truly relate to.
Susan DeMuria, via email

Deer in the City

I read the article on deer in the November issue [White-Tailed Deer and the Wild Places]. It describes almost exactly what the deer have done to my yard and plantings. The deer come down the access road by the highway and directly across my lawn. They make a path, and they definitely fertilize the lawn. Tulips are a thing of the past as are hostas, daylilies, and even a Knock Out™ Rose. The deer are destroying a young hard maple by rutting and have destroyed a forsythia bush and a young dogwood tree by the same method. In the spring, our neighborhood is a deer nursery. Three fawns were dropped in our neighborhood this last spring and twin fawns the year before. Deer do shape wild places, but it’s not only the wild places that they shape.

Nancy Lange, Fenton

A number of special managed deer hunts are held in urban areas on state, county, and city properties where deer populations are high. Some governments allow the use of hunting equipment within their boundaries to manage deer populations. In addition, MDC biologists have worked with cities to change their ordinances to allow bowhunting. Before hunting in an urban area, search that city’s local ordinances and visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zwm for more information.

–the editors

Thankful for Conservation

My friend Tyler and I recently took a day off work to explore our wonderful state. We shared a thermos of hot cocoa and many stories as we took dozens of pictures of the breathtaking and diverse landscapes our state has to offer. How fortunate we are to live in such a magical and vibrant state. The special memories of this trip will last us for many years. Thanks to MDC for helping preserve Missouri’s amazing and unique natural beauty.

Jason R., Kansas City

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