by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation

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Learn how to clean and prepare rainbow trout for cooking at a free class offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The Pond to Plate class will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs.

MDC has stocked rainbow trout in several Kansas City area lakes to provide anglers with an additional winter fishing opportunity. Trout are not native to Missouri. But cold winter water temperatures enable trout raised in MDC fish hatcheries to be stocked in ponds and lakes.

The Pond to Plate class will help newcomers to trout fishing learn how to easily clean and prepare their catch for cooking. Participants will get a chance to clean a trout. Instructors will cook the fish using favored recipes in the Burr Oak Woods kitchen for participants to sample.

This class is open to participants ages 8 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z7f. To find a lake near you stocked for winter trout fishing, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZF3.

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation


As the autumn hunting seasons unfold, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering free classes during October in the Kansas City area that can help newcomers to the shooting sports understand firearms and make them more accurate.

The Lake City Shooting Range near Blue Springs will offer a Know Your Gun workshop from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22. Instructors will address topics such as why different brands of ammunition perform differently, the importance of using hunting ammunition when sighting in rifles, and why fired bullets sometimes rise in their trajectory. Instructors can answer questions about hunting rifles. This class does not involve shooting time on the range. Registration is not required. Participants may simply walk in to attend the session.

For more information about the class, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZS3.

MDC’s Parma Woods Shooting Range near Parkville will offer a class on Firearm Optics from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24. This class will cover how to select, mount, and sight in hunting scopes. The class is open to participants ages 11 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit http://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZTB.

​Parma Woods staff will offer free assistance sighting in a rifle from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25. This is designed to help newcomers to deer hunting or those with new equipment adjust hunting scopes for accuracy. The assistance is available by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the range at 816-891-9941.

by Joe Jerek, Missouri Department of Conservation

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is seeking input from turkey hunters and others on possible changes to spring and fall wild turkey hunting seasons, including all-day spring hunting and reduced harvest limits for fall seasons.
“In the nearly 20 years since the last significant regulations change for turkey hunting, much has changed for both hunters and wild turkeys,” explained MDC Wild Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley. “Turkey populations across the country and in Missouri have declined, predictably, after a post-restoration boom. Turkey hunting participation, over time, has also declined.”
According to MDC, Missouri’s spring turkey hunting season, specifically the start date, was designed to take place after the peak in turkey breeding had occurred. Additionally, MDC research indicates that the current season structure, combined with the reproductive ecology of turkeys, has resulted in relatively low harvest rates on juvenile and adult gobblers over the years.
“This means that a small increase in the total number of the males harvested each spring would be sustainable,” explained Oakley. “Extending shooting hours during the spring season may expand the opportunity for individuals to take up turkey hunting or offer more time for others to return to the field while maintaining a healthy turkey population.”
Oakley added that MDC is considering changes to fall turkey hunting regulations that aim to balance the wellbeing of the turkey population while trying to maximize hunting opportunities.
“Considering the increase in stakeholder concern over hen harvest in the fall, we are considering several possibilities that may reduce hen harvest while maintaining as much of the fall hunting tradition as possible,” he said. “Information gathered during this input period will be used by MDC as we consider ways to reverse declining hunter participation.”
MDC encourages turkey hunters and others to go online to mdc.mo.gov/turkey-regs for more information on potential regulation changes and to provide comment. The comment period closes Oct. 6. The webpage also has information on the history and structure of Missouri turkey hunting and possible effects of regulation changes on turkey numbers and hunter opportunities.  

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation

Celebrate the outdoors and connect with nature at the free Get MO Wild Fall Fest on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and partners from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for exhibits, demonstrations, food trucks, and a chance to try outdoor skills such as rock wall climbing and archery. Experts will assist visitors and MDC will provide all the equipment needed for all activities.

MDC will have activity stations set up around the Reed Area. Fishing will be offered at one of the Reed Area’s lakes, with fishing tackle and bait provided. MDC staff and volunteers will assist new anglers with fishing and handling the fish they catch. Experts will coach newcomers to shooting sports at a target archery ranch and a pellet gun target range. Visitors can throw the atlatl dart, a primitive but effective hunting tool.

Activities for children such as games and face painting will be offered. Food trucks will be available for snacks and lunch. Visitors will also have a chance to talk with MDC conservation agents and biologists about hunting and fishing opportunities in autumn. Meet Korra, a Lab canine member of MDC’s K-9 Unit along with agent handler Cpl. Justin Pyburn.

More than a dozen conservation partners will have exhibits, activities, and demonstrations. Ducks Unlimited (DU) will give free Greenwing memberships to youngsters. Nature exhibits or wildlife displays will be provided by groups such as the Missouri River Bird Observatory, Burroughs Audubon Society, and Wild Souls Animal Rehab. Nathan’s Catch will give away free rods and reels and tackle boxes to children at the fishing activity.

​All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event. The Reed Area is at 12405 S.E. Ranson Road, on the eastern edge of Lee’s Summit. This is a walk-in event, no registration required. For more information, call MDC’s Kansas City Regional Office at 816-622-0900.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer the Nature Venture Squad, a special series of nature and outdoor skills programs for youths from Sept. 6 to Sept. 30 at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. Nature Venture Squad is for youths ages 10-18. This is an immersive program about conservation, captive animal care, wildlife science, and outdoor activities.
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Participants must complete and submit a qualification form to pre-register by Aug. 30. During the three-week program, they must commit to attending a minimum of one weeknight per week and at least one of the two Saturday sessions.
Activities will include:

• Live Animals and Future Careers from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, or from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7.
• No activities the week of September 10-16.
• Indoor Air Rifles and Animal Care from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, or from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21.
• Archery, Kayaking, and S’mores from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 23.
• Special Event Activity Planning/Prep and Live Animals from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, or from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28.
• Special Event: Activity Stations at Get MO Wild Fall Fest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit.

For more information or to obtain a qualification form, visit Burr Oak Woods, or call 816-228-3766, or send an email to burr.oak@mdc.mo.gov. Space is limited. Positions will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list will be available.
For more information about Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods.

Ponds can be managed to improve fishing and to reduce problems from nuisance aquatic vegetation. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a pond management workshop from 10 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Powell Gardens. The botanical gardens are east of Kansas City and west of Warrensburg off U.S. 50 in Johnson County.

Austin Worth, MDC private land conservationist, will provide information on managing fish populations and aquatic vegetation in ponds. Controlling nuisance aquatic plants will be among the topics covered. Pond owners can ask questions and get specific information about dealing with problems at their pond. Participants are also asked to bring plant samples or photographs of any plants causing problems in their pond. Biologists can identify the plants and recommend options for control. Participants will also learn about aquatic plant identification.

Some native aquatic plants are beneficial. But ponds can also become infested with non-native, invasive plant species that can harm fishing and aesthetics. Solutions are available.
The MDC workshop is free. But Powell Gardens does have a $12 admission fee. Participants are encouraged to tour the garden’s rich floral displays and scenic ponds before and after the workshop.

Registration is required. To register, visit the Powell Gardens webpage at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4s5.
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For MDC’s online information about pond management, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZNa.

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation


The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will offer free classes during August in the Kansas City area that teach basic fishing skills as well as specialized methods for catching catfish. At these classes, instructors will mix instruction with time helping participants go fishing. MDC will provide all necessary equipment and bait.
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• MDC will offer Discover Nature — Fishing lesson one and lesson two on August 14th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center in Blue Springs. The instructor will discuss fishing tackle, methods, and demonstrate techniques such as casting bait will a rod and reel. Then participants will go fishing at the center’s education pond with help from MDC staff and volunteers. This class is suitable for individuals and families ages 7 and older. Children ages 7 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants do not need a fishing permit. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4me.
• MDC will offer Discover Nature — Fishing lessons three and four from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Platte Falls Conservation Area east of Platte City. Instructors will demonstrate more advanced fishing techniques, such as using artificial fishing lures, and go into more detail about fish ecology and habits. Participants must already have taken lesson one and two. The class is open to ages 7 and older, but children 7 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult. A fishing permit is not required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Pv.
• A Learn to Catch Catfish on Rod and Reel class will be offered from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17, at the education pond at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Participants will learn how to fish for catfish. At the session’s conclusion, there will be a demonstration on how to clean catfish to prepare for cooking. This class is open to participants ages 8 and older. Those 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4mn.
• A Family Fishing event will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center education pond. Instructor John Rittel will demonstrate basic tackle handling and fishing techniques, then participants will go fishing with assistance. All tackle and bait are provided. A fishing permit is not required. Children will be entered in a drawing at the end of summer for a new fishing pole and tackle box. This event is open to all ages. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4mh.
• MDC will offer Discover Nature — Fishing lessons 3 and 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, at the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center education pond. These lessons give participants the knowledge to go fishing and catch fish with confidence. A fishing permit is not required. For ages 7 and older, while those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4m7.

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Missouri offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities, including public ponds and lakes in urban communities. For more information about fishing, and for places to go near you, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z9N.

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation


Applications for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) managed deer hunts are open through July 31. MDC’s Burr Oak Woods Nature Center staff and regional staff are hosting two of the hunts in the Kansas City area.

A mentored hunt for participants ages 18 and older will be offered Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22, at the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area. This hunt is open to adults who have never harvested a deer before. Mentors provided by Burr Oak Woods will assist hunters in the field. The hunting will be in forest and woodlands in some of the area’s 1,071 acres, not near the nature center building. Only 15 hunters will be allowed. Only shotguns with shotgun slug ammunition will be allowed.

A mentored deer hunt for youths ages 11 to 15 will be offered Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, at Smithville Lake. Hunters may use firearms including rifles. Two different hunts will be offered at the lake.
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Hunters must attend orientation sessions prior to the hunts. For more information and to apply for the hunts, visit MDC’s managed deer hunts page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Wm. 

by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation


The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer several free programs useful to firearms owners during July at the Lake City Shooting Range near Blue Springs. That includes a free shooting day on July 15. The staffed range provides safe target shooting opportunities on rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery ranges.
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• An Introduction to Bore Sighting & Firearms Optics class will be offered from 8 to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 15. Instructors will discuss choosing the right scope for your hunting purposes, how to mount a scope, and using the bore sighting method to zero it in for maximum accuracy. This class is open to participants ages 11 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4WT.
• Enjoy a Free Day at the Range from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15. Visitors can shoot for free at the ranges. Bring firearms or archery equipment of choice and ammunition. Registration is not required.
• A Firearm Restoration – Bluing class will teach how to prevent rust and improve looks by restoring the bluing coating on the outside of barrels and receivers. The class meets from 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 22. Instructors will teach ways of bluing a firearm, the pros and cons of bluing an older gun, and the materials needed for stripping old bluing and replacing with new. This class is open to participants ages 18 and older. Registration is required. To register, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Wq.

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For more information about MDC’s Lake City Shooting Range, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4k9.