MDC REPORTS MORE THAN 7,700 DEER HARVESTED DURING ANTLERLESS PORTION

By Lucas Bond

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 7,728 deer during the antlerless portion of the fall firearms deer season, which ran Dec. 1-3. Top harvest counties were Callaway with 250, Macon with 212, and Pike with 205 deer checked. Last year’s harvest total was 6,503.

MDC reduced the length of the antlerless portion of fall firearms deer season starting in 2016 from 12 to three days so harvest numbers prior to 2016 are not comparable to this season.

For the latest preliminary deer harvest totals by county and portion, visit MDC’s website at http://on.mo.gov/1jjz7Ew.

Archery deer hunting continues through Jan. 15, 2018. Up next for deer hunting in Missouri is the alternative methods portion, which will run Dec. 23- Jan. 2, 2018.

Get more information on deer hunting in Missouri through MDC’s free 2017 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available where permits are sold, from MDC regional offices and nature centers, and online athuntfish.mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/ files/downloads/2017FDT.pdf.

Preliminary data from MDC shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 7,728 deer during the antlerless portion. Top counties for the fall firearms antlerless were Callaway with 250, Macon with 212, and Pike with 205. Triston Dugger, 14 years old of Bartonville, harvested his 1st buck with his bow, a nice 10 pointer in Fulton County, Illinois . . . broken ankle and all! Nice job Triston!!!

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Sydney Lascelles, 18 years old from IPAVA, IL harvested here first deer during the 2017 Firearms Season amidst a down pour of rain on November 18th. The 11 point buck weighed 230 pounds.

MDC ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES

By Lucas Bond

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds people that strong winds, low humidity, and dry conditions this time of year means extra caution is needed to avoid unexpected wildfires. According to MDC’s Forestry Division, the main cause of wildfires is improper burning of debris such as leaves or brush piles.

“It’s been drier and warmer than usual, which means fires could get out of control very quickly,” said Forestry Field Program Supervisor Ben Webster. “We want everyone to check the weather and be extremely careful if they plan to burn leaves or debris.”

Each year, MDC staff work with fire departments around the state to help suppress numerous wildfires that can consume thousands of acres. MDC urges landowners, hunters, campers, and others in the outdoors to help prevent wildfires and offers the following tips.

OUTDOOR BURNING

• Do not conduct outdoor burning during times when grasses, brush and other fire fuel are very dry, humidity is low and weather is windy. Dry fuel -- combined with high temperatures, low humidity and high winds -- makes fire nearly impossible to control. • Check with local fire departments regarding local burn ordinances or burn bans that may be in place. • A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause. • Done properly, prescribed fire can be a beneficial tool to improve land for wildlife habitat and grazing. For more information on using prescribed fire as a land-management tool, visit mdc. mo.gov and search “Prescribed Fire.”

DRIVING OFF ROAD

• Wildfires can start when fine, dry fuel such as grass comes in contact with catalytic converters on motor vehicles. • Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. • Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. • When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent. • Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. • Check for the presence of spark arresters on ATV exhausts.

MAKING A CAMPFIRE

• Clear a generous zone around fire rings.

When humidity is low and wind is high, debris can become tinder for a stray spark or ember. • Store unused firewood a good distance from the fire. • Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. • Keep campfires small and controllable. • Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel and bucket of water, close by. • Never leave a campfire unattended!

Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even for a few moments.

Smokers: Practice Extra Caution

• Extinguish cigarettes completely and safely, and dispose of butts responsibly.

Don’t Delay Calling For Help!

• Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

Report Forest Arson

• Many wildfires are set by vandals. • Help stop arson by calling Operation

Forest Arson at 800-392-1111. Callers will remain anonymous and rewards are possible.

For more information on preventing wildfires, go online to mdc.mo.gov/yourproperty/fire/wildfire-prevention.

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