MDC Reminds Conservation Area Visitors To Observe Physical Distancing And Follow Area Regulations

​by Bill Graham, Missouri Department of Conservation

​     Trees are leafing out, morel mushrooms are emerging, and fish are active as nature’s dynamic spring patterns are unfolding. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to enjoy the outdoors, but MDC also encourages anglers, hikers, and hunters to observe COVID-19 physical distancing health precautions.
     Also, while fishing and turkey hunting seasons are open, the normal regulation and permit requirements apply.
     MDC and partners provide angling opportunities in urban as well as rural areas. But anglers need to have proper fishing permits, Conservation Agent Rachel Webster, who patrols Jackson County said. MDC earlier temporarily waived permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags, but that waiver ended on April 15 and normal fishing regulations now apply.
     Permits can be purchased online. To buy a fishing permit or to check on requirements, visit https://huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/fishing/permits.
MDC conservation areas offer trails or roads to hike upon.
     But visitors are reminded that health officials recommend physical distancing when outdoors as a coronavirus precaution. Also, hikers and morel hunters should be aware that Missouri’s three-week spring turkey hunting season is open through May 10.
     Turkey hunting ends daily at 1 p.m., so hikers are advised to visit conservation areas open to hunting in the afternoons.
Extending courtesy to fellow visitors at public conservation areas is a good idea at all times. MDC’s public lands are a shared resource.
      To find and MDC conservation area with fishing or hiking opportunities near your home, visit https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places.
 

MDC encourages people to enjoy the outdoors, but do so while following guidelines issued by health officials as a precaution against COVID-19. Conservation areas and public fishing lakes are shared resources, so use them with care and courtesy to others.
Photo by Bill Graham, MDC