2021 Hunting Guide by Daily Journal Online

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HUNTING GUIDE 2021

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HUNTING GUIDE 2021

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Deer Camp: For the Bullock brothers, it’s about more than hunting

10 Conservation agent shares insights of his job 13 Important notes for upcoming hunting season 18 Hunter Education Skills Session offered 19 MDC reminds hunters of mandatory CWD sampling Daily Journal President Michael Distelhorst

Creative Staff Rob Barnes

Editorial Staff Teresa Ressel Inserra Sarah Haas

Advertising Staff Michelle Menley Dustin Holland Bryan Ramsey

20 A beginner’s guide to hunting 21 Invest in a hunter safety course 22 23 24 New hunting technology Best rifles of 2021

A surge in new hunters

From the cover: The five Bullock brothers have fond memories of the family cabin from many deer seasons together, both with and without their parents, James C. and Wanda Bullock.

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

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HUNTING GUIDE 2021

DEER CAMP:

For the Bullock brothers, it’s about more than hunting Teresa Ressel Inserra tressel@dailyjournalonline.com

nyone who knows James “Jebo” Bullock would not be surprised to hear he has 20 days on his desk calendar marked off with a highlighter during the month of November. He does this every year. The Desloge police chief always takes off the Tuesday before deer season and doesn’t return until the Monday after Thanksgiving. The majority of that time he will be at deer camp at the Bullock family cabin in rural Madison County. Most people in St. Francois County know Jebo and his siblings. He comes from a family of five brothers and one sister. The oldest sibling is John, who retired from the railroad after 43 years. The next-oldest is the sole sister, Sandy Francis. Then there’s Dan, the St. Francois County

sheriff, then Jebo, then Tim, a former police officer who works for the railroad, and baby brother Chris, who is a lieutenant at Farmington Police Department.

Learning from Dad Hunting has been important to the family since … well, pretty much before they were born. Their father, James, taught them all how to hunt. He bought the family’s cabin in 1956 when John was just 6 years old. John said his dad would rather have been in the woods than in any other place. “Dad was a real hunter,” Jebo said. “He hunted everything. Squirrel. Rabbits. Deer. Turkeys. Quail. Whatever was in season, he hunted. “Me and the (brothers), we all hunted them, too. The rest of them just didn’t go as often as I did.” Dan, Chris and John agreed, Jebo is the most ac-

tive hunter of the brothers. Jebo said his dad was their mentor and teacher, and he could hardly get out of the house without Jebo following behind. Jebo was right around 5 years old the first time he hunted squirrel with his father. He was hooked. “I went every time we got a chance and every time he walked out the door,” he said. “If he’d take me, I went.” John said he probably started hunting as soon as he could walk but his first memory is hunting rabbits and squirrel when he was about 6 years old. When they were boys, squirrel hunting season was the most popular hunting. They’d keep track on a calendar of who killed how many squirrels. They’d have a competition. Jebo remembers clearly where he was when he killed his first squirrel, and his second squirrel. He said the boys would collect squirrel tails since

James C. Bullock passed on a love of hunting to his five boys and many grandchildren.

back then there was a buyer who would give a penny apiece for tails, which were used for fishing lures. Back then, people also bought hides to be used in clothing. Jebo started deer hunting when he was 9. He killed his first deer, a doe, when he was going into the seventh grade. He was hunting north of Bonne Terre in the area that was called Big River Hills, which is now Big River Estates.

“Dad was standing right beside me,” he said. “Dan and John were able to hunt by themselves by then.” He was 8 years old when he started hunting turkey. His dad was right there with him when he bagged his first. Jebo explained turkey hunting isn’t quite the same as when he was a child. Back then, there’d be 100 turkeys for every one you see today. It wasn’t uncommon to see 35-40 turkeys on their

cabin property and they’d gobble all morning to midday, he said. Jebo said he started bow and rifle hunting around the same time. “I killed my first deer with a bow when I was 16-17,” he said. “That turned into my favorite hunt … archery hunting for deer. I would rather archery hunt than any of it.” Sheriff Dan replied, when asked what his favorite type

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Colton Bullock, Jebo’s grandson, is shown hunting when he was about 4 years old.

At the family cabin, Dan Bullock hangs a deer from the same tree they’ve been hanging deer from for more than 50 years.

In 2012, Hunter Francis, then 10 years old, has been hunting with his dad Clay Francis and other family members since he was big enough to hold a gun. He is the grandson of Sandy Francis.

“Deer camp is our biggest tradition. Our time down there is one of the most valuable things we have and it has nothing to do with killing a deer. That’s just a bonus, if you kill a deer.” Jebo Bullock

of hunting was, “Deer, bow or gun, and rabbit — but I like squirrel hunting. “Mainly I like hunting with my family, having good times, whether we kill anything or not,” he added. Chris said it is a close call,

but his favorite would be deer rifle season because that’s when all the brothers are together at deer camp. He also loves to bow hunt. Similarly, Tim definitely prefers bow hunting but looks forward to being with the brothers

during firearms season.

Growing deer population Dan pointed out deer were much less abundant in the mid-1900s. According to the

Please see CAMP, PAGE 6

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In 2019, the Bullock brothers pose for their annual deer camp picture. For that Christmas, Chris Bullock got each sibling a coffee mug with the picture on it so they can always have coffee together even if they are physically apart.

The Bullocks, under the direction of Dan, built the new cabin by hand in 1988. CAMP From Page 5

University of Missouri Extension, before European settlement, deer were thought to be abundant in the state. By 1925, Missouri had an estimated deer population of only 400. This decline led the Missouri Legislature to close deer hunting altogether and strictly enforce regulations to protect and restore the population. By 1944, the deer population had increased to 15,000 and the first deer season (buck-only) was held, with 583 deer harvested. Dan recalled that in

the early 1960s, the deer hunting season was only a couple days. Currently, Missouri’s deer population is estimated to be 1.4 million, and hunters harvest nearly 300,000 deer annually. Dan says his dad made the newspaper and caught stares from residents when he killed a deer around 1959. He’s not sure where the deer was killed, but his dad put it on the hood of his Jeep and drove it home. They have a picture of it at the cabin.

Deer Camp Jebo suspects the family might have the oldest deer camp still existing around these parts, and he doesn’t anticipate ever losing it. Initially, deer camp consisted of their dad and his buddies. By the 1960s, deer camp consisted of the Bullock brothers, their dad and their friends. Originally, the property was a couple acres. Now it’s just shy of 100. They tore down the original cabin when the roof caved in and the family built a new

James C. Bullock holds Chris Bullock outside the original family cabin while Tim Bullock stands close by.

one in its place in 1988. Chris said they bought a log kit and had someone pour concrete. The family did all the work, building it by hand with Dan heading the project. Chris believes they finished the cabin a night or two before deer season started. With the additional property purchases, they now have a secondary cabin — for overflow — for all

the family and close friends. The females prefer the secondary cabin. It’s a little more modern. Any time during the year, you might find a family member or two hunting, fishing, or just enjoying the peace and solitude at the cabin, but deer season is by far the busiest time. Tim said bow season is the buildup to firearms season and while he prefers bow

hunting, he loves firearms season because that is when everyone is there for a whole week. While Jebo may take the most days off work for deer hunting, all the boys use their vacation days for the firearms season. Tim said he hasn’t missed one since he was 11 or 12 years old. During rifle season, Dan said, you might find 15-20 people there. There are the brothers, grandkids, nieces and nephews, and yes, sometimes wives. Jebo said his daughters, Carolyn and Jamie, like to hunt. Jamie enjoys dove hunting. Carolyn likes to deer hunt with her husband. Granddaughter Autumn, 16, likes deer hunting while grandson Colton, 12, likes rabbit hunting and got his first rabbit last year. But then, most of the Bullocks’ children and grandchildren hunt. Jebo and Dan do most of the cooking during camp but everyone brings in pots of food. Chris said they organize the meals the same way they might be done for a family reunion. He said they have the best breakfasts at the cabin, but no matter what they’re eating, it just tastes so much better when they are down at the cabin. “We always eat a good breakfast and a good supper,” Chris said of deer camp. He added he always ends up a few pounds heavier at the end of the week. Please see CAMP, PAGE 8

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“All my brothers are my heroes. I feel like I have a bit of each one of them in me. There’s nothing like siblings and being close.”

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In 2016, Abby Bullock, then 13, harvests her first deer using a bow.

Chris Bullock

DEER SEASON

Archery: Sept 15-Nov. 12; and Nov. 24-Jan. 15 Youth Firearms: Oct. 30-31, Nov. 26-28 Firearms: Nov. 13-23 Firearms/Antlerless: Dec. 4-12 Firearms/Alternative Methods: Dec. 25-Jan. 4

CAMP From Page 6

They head out at daylight and don’t return to the cabin until dark, so they pack a lunch. If someone shoots a deer, they use the group text to let each other know. They track the downed deer as a group, not stopping until there’s not a drop of blood left or until they find the deer. The same thing goes for if someone gets lost in the woods. On top of the family’s

nearly 100 acres, they also hunt in the neighboring Mark Twain National Forest. “We hunt in the mountains,” Chris said, adding that it’s not uncommon to see a bear, a mountain lion, coyotes or bobcats. He said occasionally there might be an accident or someone loses their way. He said just like they do with tracking a downed deer, they get together and search for

the lost person. Dan said his dad, who died in 2000, had some unwritten rules for the cabin. The first rule is, they don’t kill animals just to kill it; they eat what they kill. Other rules for the cabin include no drinking and no cussing. The cabins are there for family entertainment, Dan said. Chris said his dad had a sign for years that said no

alcohol on the premises. He was a firm believer that guns and alcohol do not mix. The cabin isn’t modern. It doesn’t have running water … per se. But the boys have rigged it with a garden pump so they have running water for the toilet, shower and sink. There is an antenna TV so the brothers can watch the same old Western shows before or after hunting. Chris can be found lounging around in his SpongeBob pajama pants that Tim bought him as a joke. “He wears them around the cabin every deer season,” Tim said. “It started as a joke and he just kind of rode it out.”

Brother time The brothers agree, the hunting is great, but being with family at deer camp is the best part. “Deer camp is our biggest tradition,” Jebo said. “Our time down there is one of the most valuable things we have and it has nothing to do with killing a deer. That’s just a bonus, if you kill a deer… “You know, (my wife) Marsha is gracious enough to allow me to be gone that long … She knows what that means to me to have that time at deer camp and with my brothers. That time alone with them is more important

than anything about killing a deer.” Tim said you can’t ask for anything more perfect than being down at the cabin with the brothers. He said it’s as good as it gets. Memories come flooding back of childhood summers and deer seasons spent at the cabin. A few years ago, Chris got his siblings coffee mugs for Christmas. On the back is a picture of the six siblings gathered for the holidays. On the front is a picture of the five brothers during deer camp, standing in the cabin in one of their annual deer camp poses. That way, even when they are not physically together, they are always drinking coffee together. “Every once in a while someone will do it, but I sent a message the other day to the brothers that I can’t be at the cabin, but I’m still having coffee with my brothers,” Jebo said.

Peck Ranch The Bullock brothers have another hunting tradition outside of their cabin property. Every year, 12 of them fill out two cards for a managed hunt at Peck Ranch Conservation Area for muzzleloader season. “We have a group,” Jebo said. “There’s 12 of us — the brothers and the nephews,

sons-in-law, friends — that we put in for Peck Ranch every year. “And once again, this year, this being like the fourth year in a row, we’ve been denied. Half of us. You can only put six names on a card so we send in two cards. “Well, the bunch of weasels on the other card got drawn and me and Dan and John and Chris and Tim and my nephew, Kevin, we didn’t get drawn.” He insists it’s rigged. “When we do get drawn, it’s a big time and it’s you know, it doesn’t matter whether we kill a deer or not … we go down there and we stay for the weekend and enjoy each other’s friendship and camaraderie.” Chris said when they go to Peck Ranch, they usually stay at a motel and have breakfast together at a restaurant. He said then they hunt all day long. Chris compared their hunting traditions to going on vacation, and then the next year you want to go back to the same place. “All my brothers are my heroes,” Chris said. “I feel like I have a bit of each one of them in me. There’s nothing like siblings and being close. I have friends … but that’s different. I’d do anything for any of them.”

PAGE H9  HUNTING GUIDE 2021

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PARKLAND HUNTING GUIDE

CONSERVATION AGENT SHARES INSIGHTS OF HIS JOB Sarah Haas shaas@dailyjournalonline.com

he Missouri Department of Conservation agent dedicated to St. Francois County, enforcing MDC’s laws and regulations, is Clayton Lewis, who recently shared a bit about himself and his day-today operations. Lewis grew up hunting and fishing on the other side of the state in the Kansas City area. “Some of my first memories of life was me duck hunting with my dad,” he said. “Duck hunting’s my thing. It’s my favorite activity and I got me a pretty yellow lab and I enjoy taking her out. So I’m kind of itching for next season to get here.” Lewis said he began forming the goal to be a conservation agent as early as high school. He got a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in biology from the University of Central Missouri, and also interned with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a park ranger. He formed early conservation experience in MDC’s protection volunteer program. Protection volunteers work with local conserva-

tion agents by helping with programs, group patrols, surveys, and ride-alongs as conservation agents enforce the Wildlife Code of Missouri throughout their assigned county. “It allowed me to get experience and network with conservation agents and our conservation employees,” he said. “With the combined experience of Missouri Department of Conservation and Army Corps of Engineers, I applied for a conservation agent training class and I was accepted into the 2016 class.” He went through six months of training academy. “The academy’s 1,000 POST hours is similar to the highway patrol, but ours is all the law enforcement stuff, plus it crams on top of that all the fish, forest, and wildlife enforcement training,” he said. “I learned how to I.D. ducks, how to operate a boat, all sorts of things.” Upon graduating from the academy, he was stationed in Madison County as a fullfledged conservation agent. He served there three years, and has been in St. Francois County for close to three years, as well. One of his duties carries a certain amount of symmetry. “I am also the southeast

region’s protection volunteer coordinator. So that means I am in charge of recruitment and volunteers. I’m the one who trains them and arranges ride-alongs,” he said, adding that the conservation department is always looking for people interested in becoming conservation agents. “It’s nice to help them get experience like I was given years ago, with ride-alongs, public speaking, networking,” he said. “So we’re always looking for applicants for that volunteer program. And a lot of schools also count it as an internship as well.” Lewis said to participate in the protection volunteer program, an individual has to be at least 18 years old, pass a background check and be either enrolled in college while working toward becoming a conservation agent, or graduated from college but still working toward becoming a conservation agent. The lucky few who see the program through get to experience a career filled with variety. “I wear many different hats in a day, seems like, but my primary job is to enforce the fish, forests and wildlife laws of the state of Missouri,” Lewis said, by way of summarizing his job. “I am

“Duck hunting’s my thing. It’s my favorite activity and I got me a pretty yellow lab and I enjoy taking her out. So I’m kind of itching for next season to get here.” Conservation Agent Clayton Lewis

a law enforcement officer, so while I do have statewide jurisdiction, I’m dedicated to St. Francois County. “I also help out, like, if I was to see someone with drugs or they have a warrant out for their arrest, I can take them to jail. I’m just like any other state law enforcement officer. I also deal with doing wildlife surveys and helping out with nuisance wildlife and things like that. I do school programs, teach hunter education, do radio shows, newspaper articles, all sorts of stuff. So, just depends on the day, what hat I need to put on next.” There are other conservation-connected employees in the area. “We do have staff who

work at the USDA office there in Farmington, like our resource techs who are in charge of mowing conservation areas, doing wildlife management, and fisheries biologists assigned to St. Francois County to make sure there’s fish in all of our little agreement lakes, like Engler Park, Bismarck, Mineral Area College,” Lewis said. “We have a guy who helps out with making sure the trout are stocked in the winter, or doing fish surveys for Bismarck or things like that. “So we do have other MDC staff, but they work on the resource side of things or the outreach side of things. I’m the only law enforcement officer with conservation in

St. Francois County.” As a law enforcement officer, he’s had some “intense” moments on the job. “It’s not the wildlife, it usually involves people. I responded to a drowning when I was in Madison County, which was a difficult thing to deal with. And I respond to arson fires and things like,” he said. “I’ve responded to law enforcement being assaulted before, that was when I was in Madison County, I’ve responded to car accidents and things like that. Sometimes I’m first on a scene.” Although St. Francois County is slotted for two conservation agents, Lewis is the sole person working his role. “And a lot of times where Please see JOB, PAGE 12

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WILDLIFE FACTS: • Missouri deer hunting generates more than $1 billion. • Wild animals don’t make good pets, and it is illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit. If you encounter young wildlife, leave it where you find it. • Baby animals are rarely abandoned. The wildlife parent is afraid of people and will retreat when you approach. If the baby animal is left alone, the parent will usually return. In addition, parent animals cannot constantly attend their young. Often they spend many hours each day gathering food.

What do I do if I see a sick or dead animal? Monitoring possible disease outbreaks is critical to protecting the health of wildlife in Missouri. Please report observations of the following:

JOB From Page 10

I work, my nearest backup is 45 minutes away, I’m in the middle of the woods, and a lot of the time and I have almost zero cell service. Sometimes my radio doesn’t even work because I’m far out there, in the woods and middle of nowhere,” he said. “Some of the more intense parts of the job come when you are, for the most part, by yourself and your nearest backup’s 45 minutes away a lot of the time.” Still, he wouldn’t trade his career for another, he

said. He enjoys the freedom too much. “With my work schedule, I have days on duty and off duty. But if I want to work four hours on Monday, I can work 12 hours the next day. I have the freedom and flexibility in my schedule, as long as I get 40 hours in a work week,” he said. “If I want to work days, I can work days, if I want to work nights, I can work nights, so the best part of this job is the freedom and flexibility to work as I see fit. “So the freedom is the

best part of this job. And of course, I get to work outside, I get to talk to hunters and fishermen all day, I get to work with wildlife and, make sure there’s resources for everyone to enjoy for future generations. It’s a very rewarding career.” And he gets to do it all against the backdrop of one of the most beautiful regions of in the state. “I like this area so I’m not leaving,” he said, repeating, “I’m not leaving Southeast Missouri.”

• Single deer that appear sick, especially deer that are skinny and acting oddly • Three or more sick or dead mammals • Five or more sick or dead birds • Groups of sick and dead amphibians or reptiles • Report any observations of sick or dead wildlife that meet these criteria to WildlifeHealth@mdc.mo.gov • Avoid handling sick or dead wildlife. • If you must handle a dead animal, always wear gloves and wash your hands after. • Any mammal can carry rabies — be cautious of any mammal that is acting strangely.

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PARKLAND HUNTING GUIDE

Sarah Haas shaas@dailyjournalonline.com

issouri Department of Conservation’s agent for St. Francois County, Clayton Lewis, recently highlighted dates and points of information regarding the upcoming hunting seasons. “Okay, so just a quick-reminder date. Oct. 9, 8:30 to 12:30 at the Farmington Elks Lodge, is hunter education, and the registration closes Oct. 7,” he said. “It’s an important part of hunting season. The youth hunting season is Oct. 30-31, by the way.” For the hunter education class, register online at http://my.register-ed. com/ or by going to mdc. mo.gov or contact Lewis at 573-330-8038 for additional information. Lewis said he’s looking to share the latest information on deer, duck and the first-ever bear season.

Deer Season “It’ll be important to remember the CWD (chronic wasting disease) mandatory sampling for the opening

weekend of firearms deer season, which is Nov. 13-14,” he said. “Last year it was optional due to COVID, but we’ve went back to mandatory and the two CWD sampling stations for that weekend in St. Francois County are DD Highway at Klug (Transport) and at Mineral Area College.” As far as positives CWD cases in St. Francois County, none have been confirmed, same as Madison, Iron and Bollinger counties. “But with that said, there are more cases popping up in Ste. Genevieve County and Jefferson County,” Lewis said. “Again, it seems like they’re creeping closer and closer to the county line.” Lewis said if someone in a different part of the deer season – such as during archery, antlerless or alternative season – wants to voluntarily send in a deer head to be sampled, the USDA office in Farmington has a freezer where they can drop off the head or they can go to a taxidermist that’s participating in MDC sampling. The list of CWD testing sites and participants can be found at MDC.mo.gov/CWD. “Region-wide, I know a lot

Inaugural bear season

“It’s important for people to be aware, hey, there could be a bear around and they need to be bear aware.” Conservation Agent Clayton Lewis

of people from St. Francois County go on hunts in Reynolds County and Stoddard County. I just wanted to let them know that a there’s been one firearms antlerless permit added to Reynolds and Stoddard County,” he said. “Another important thing to note is St. Francois County is a part of that antlerless season. And that season’s been extended from a three-day season to nine days and that season’s Dec. 4 through Dec. 12.” Lewis said some of the most common problems they run into while checking deer hunters or hunters in general, are those who forget to purchase permits

before hunting. “It’s a good idea to look into the automatic renewal for hunting permits. Use our hunting app which allows you to purchase permits and has the legal shooting hours, regulations and allows you to notch and telecheck your permit if you happen to harvest a deer, and remember that notching permits has to be done immediately,” Lewis said. “If you harvest a deer then telecheck that deer prior to 10 p.m. That’s where most of my violations are found, regarding the telechecking of deer.”

Duck Hunting Lewis is an avid duck

hunter, and said he knows a lot of people in St. Francois County like to duck hunt at the aptly-named Duck Creek, Otter Slew, or 10Mile Pond. “Right now our waterfowl draw system is expected to be normal,” he said. “Last year it was online pretty much because of COVID. But this year, our waterfowl draw system will be normal. “As a side note, one common violation I come across with duck hunters is, remember that the electronic stamps expire 45 days after purchase. And after that 45 days, they need to carry a signed physical copy of their Duck Stamp.”

There are three bear zones in the southern half of the state, and Lewis said St. Francois County is located in the sizable Zone 2. He said he knows some people in St. Francois County were drawn for Missouri’s first-ever black bear hunt. “If they were drawn, they would have applied in May and would have heard about it in July, and they should already be aware the bear season’s Oct. 18-27. Then they can harvest a bear in St. Francois County – if they happen to find one,” he said, “because we are in Zone 2, and there are 150 permits in this zone, but a quota of 15 bears, and Zone 2 is a big zone, kind of like the southeastern part of the state.” Hunters must call in before they hunt to see whether the 15-bear quota has already been made. If the quota has been met, the hunt in Zone 2 is over. “A lot of people have concerns about bears, but, in this season, we’re not allowing baiting the bears, we are not allowing people to use dogs to take bears – which are common methods you see out West – so it means it will Please see NOTES, PAGE 14

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR UPCOMING HUNTING SEASON

PAGE H14 

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

Last month, Agent Clayton Lewis received an Operation Game Thief tip of deer poaching near Bonne Terre. Lewis, along with help from the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Office, responded and located suspects with a freshly harvested deer. Charges were then filed for taking deer in a closed season and taking deer from a public roadway. If you have information regarding wildlife violations, contact your local agent or call the OGT Hotline at 1-800-392-1111.

NOTES From Page 13

be a very challenging hunt to find a bear and be able to harvest it,” Lewis said. “We have a lot of regulations in place, the bear on the scene has to be solitary, it cannot have cubs, you can’t force them out dens.” Lewis said Missouri has

about 500 bears, a population that’s expected to grow quite a bit in the next couple of years. “According to the PowerPoints, things I’ve seen like that, our bear population is going to be growing, we’re at that tipping point where it’s

about ready to take off. So another thing to mention, we are watching for bears, I’ve had reports of bears in St. Francois County, and when I was in Madison County, I’ve confirmed several bear sightings before,” he said. “It’s important for people to

be aware, hey, there could be a bear around and they need to be bear aware, so putting up their trash, making sure they’re not leaving cat food out and understand, hey, it is very likely even if you’re out deer hunting, now you can see a bear, so not to panic and

things like that.” Lewis also wanted to remind everyone that that baiting or feeding wildlife is, for the most part, illegal, except within 100 yards of a residence or occupied building and only for viewing – never hunting –purposes.

“You’re not even supposed to throw out food near a game camera, and especially not under a tree stand,” he said. Calling in violations of MDC laws and regulations is crucial to the department’s mission to promote responsible hunting and wildlife management, Lewis said. “I’m sure you guys saw that closed-season deer case last month in St. Francois County that was made by someone who called Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111,” Lewis said. Finally, Lewis is encouraging people who have a smartphone to download MDC’s deer hunting pamphlets or waterfowl pamphlets. “You can get those downloaded to your iBooks or the Android equivalent, and they have all the regulations, they’re on your phone,” he said. “That’s big. So that’s how I check them a lot of the time anymore. And you can still get paper copies at our permanent vendors such as Walmart or Rural King. But you can get the regulations electronically on your phone, which is pretty handy.”

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PARKLAND HUNTING GUIDE

SEASONS Turkey

Fall Archery: Sept. 15-Nov. 12, Nov. 24-Jan. 15 Fall Firearms: Oct. 1-31 Spring Youth: April 10-11 Spring: April 19-May 9

Waterfowl

Teal: Sept. 11-26 Brant Geese: Oct. 2-10, Nov. 11-Feb. 6

Ducks, Coots and Geese

Youth Middle and North Zone: Oct. 23-24 South Zone: Nov. 20-21

Ducks and Coots

North Zone: Oct. 30-Dec. 28 Middle Zone: Nov. 6-14, Nov. 20-Jan. 9 South Zone: Nov. 25-28 and Dec. 7-Jan. 31 Ducks, Coots, and Mergansers: Falconry: Feb. 10-March 10 Greater White-Fronted Geese: Nov. 11-Feb. 6 Brant Geese: Oct. 2-10 Nov. 11-Feb. 6 Light Geese: Nov. 11-Feb. 6 Canada Geese: Oct. 2-10, Nov. 11-Feb. 6 Light Goose Conservation Order: Feb. 7-April 30 Badger: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Bear: Oct. 18-27 Beaver and Nutria: Nov. 15-March 31 Bobcat: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Coyote: Jan. 1-Dec. 31 Coyote trapping: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Crow: Nov. 1-March 3 Dove/Falconry: Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Dove Hunting: Sept. 1-Nov. 29 Elk: Oct. 16-24 Elk Hunting/Firearms: Dec. 11-19 Fox (red/gray) hunting/trapping: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Frog (green or bull): June 30-Oct. 31 Groundhog: May 10-Dec. 15 Mink: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Otter and Muskrat Trapping: Nov. 15-Feb. 20 Opossum: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Pheasant: Nov. 1-Jan. 15 Pheasant Youth: Oct. 30-31 Quail: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Quail Youth: Oct. 30-31 Rabbit: Oct. 1-Feb. 15 Rabbit trapping: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Raccoon hunting/trapping: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Sora and Virginia Rails: Sept. 1-Nov. 9 Squirrel: May 22-Feb. 15 Striped Skunk: Nov. 15-Jan. 31 Wilson’s Snipe: Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Woodcock: Oct. 15-Nov. 28

Hunter Education Skills session offered

he Missouri Department of Conservation will be hosting a Hunter Education Skills session on Oct. 9. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Elks Lodge. They will be following COVID-19 protocols which are listed on the signup page for the class. Register online at http://my.registered.com/ or by going to MDC.MO.GOV or contact Conservation Agent Clayton Lewis at (573-330-8038) for additional information.

Before attending, students must complete one of the following: Online course: Learn the information online through a computer or mobile device. The online course includes audio, video, images, graphs, and interactive animation to enhance the learning experience. Simply log on to mdc.mo.gov and search for Hunter Education. Self-study manual: Students can learn at their own pace by getting a student manual, complete with colorful pictures and graphs, from MDC’s Cape Girardeau office by calling 573-290-5730, visiting online at mdc.mo.gov, or by calling the USDA Office in Farmington at 573-756-6488. Classroom session: Register and attend a four-hour classroom session with a Hunter Education instructor.

The class includes lecture, discussion and videos. To gain admission to the skills session, students must present a completed Hunter Education manual with all the review questions completed or provide a certificate of completion from the online course or classroom session. No admission will be granted without proof of completion. Youth less than 16 years of age do not need Hunter Education as long as they are hunting with a qualified adult parent or mentor. MDC’s Apprentice Hunter Authorization lets people 16 years of age and older try hunting before taking Hunter Education as long as they hunt with a qualified adult mentor. MDC requires that hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1967, and who are 16 or older, successfully complete an approved Hunter Education course to buy firearms hunting permits and participate in managed hunts. Certain exemptions apply. Hunters who have completed an approved Hunter-Education course in another state, and have proof of completion, are not required to take Missouri’s Hunter Education course. Those who are 16 and older may now obtain Hunter Education with the all online course. This new course allows users to take Hunter Education at their own pace and eliminates the need for attending the skills session. There is a processing fee associated with this course.

ith deer hunting in Missouri having opened for archery season on Sept. 15 and for firearms portions in the coming months, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants hunters to know key information about chronic wasting disease (CWD). MDC will be holding mandatory CWD sampling during opening weekend of firearms season and voluntary CWD sampling all season for hunters who harvest deer in MDC CWD Management Zone counties. CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in deer and other members of the deer family (cervids) that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is spread from deer to deer and through the environment. CWD was first detected in Missouri’s free-ranging deer population in 2012 and has since been found in 18 counties. The disease remains relatively rare in the state, being detected in 206 deer out of more than 152,300 tested by MDC since 2012. MDC is working hard to keep it that way, and hunters

play a critical role in helping MDC manage the disease by having their deer tested and following the carcass-movement restrictions.

CWD Management Zone MDC designates counties within 10 miles of where a positive case of CWD has been found as part of its CWD Management Zone. The CWD Management Zone counties are Adair, Barry, Camden, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Clark, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Laclede, Linn, Macon, McDonald, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Pulaski, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. Camden, Laclede, McDonald, and Pulaski counties were added to the CWD Management Zone this year. Related CWD regulations prohibit the placement of feed or minerals for deer in counties of the CWD Management Zone. For exceptions, see the 2021 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and on MDC’s website.

Voluntary CWD Sampling All Season Statewide MDC will again offer statewide voluntary CWD sampling and testing of harvested deer during the entire deer season at select locations throughout the state. Locations include select MDC offices during regular business hours, cooperating taxidermists and meat processors (hours vary), and self-service freezers where hunters can leave deer heads for sampling and testing. Mandatory CWD Sampling Nov. 13-14 Hunters who harvest deer in any counties in the CWD Management Zone during opening weekend of the November portion of firearms deer season (Nov. 13-14) are required to take their harvested deer or the head on the day of harvest to one of MDC’s numerous CWD mandatory sampling stations located throughout the zone. Sampling and test results are free. Hunters must present their deer to a CWD mandatory sampling station within the county of harvest, with a few exceptions. Deer that will end up being delivered to a licensed meat processor or taxidermist within 48 hours, or deer heads that will be left

at the MDC CWD mandatory sampling station for disposal after sampling, may be transported to a sampling station in any county. CWD sampling takes only a few minutes and consists of MDC staff cutting an incision across the throat of harvested deer to remove lymph nodes for testing. Tissue samples are sent to an independent lab for testing. Hunters will be given a card with information on getting free test results for their deer after samples are processed. Hunters can get their CWD test results for free online at mdc.mo.gov/ cwdResults. Results are usually available within three weeks or less from the time of sampling. Hunters presenting bucks bound for taxidermy should inform MDC staff. Staff will complete paperwork and inform the hunters about participating taxidermists taking CWD tissue samples. The cape may also be removed from the animal prior to being taken to a sampling station.

Before arriving at a CWD mandatory sampling station: • Field dress and Telecheck deer. • Bring the carcass or just

the head. • Capes may be removed in preparation for taxidermy. • Position deer in vehicles with head and neck easily accessible. • Be sure the person who harvested the deer is present. • Have the hunter’s conservation ID number ready. • Be prepared to find the location of harvest on a map. • If using a paper permit, have it detached from the deer for easy access. • If using the MO Hunting app, have permit and Telecheck information available. Mandatory CWD sampling dramatically increases the number of tissue samples MDC can collect in a brief period of time. The increased number of samples gives MDC scientists a much better understanding of the distribution and prevalence of the disease — where it is and how many deer may have it. It can also help find new cases in new areas. Opening weekend of the firearms deer season is the most popular two hunting days for most deer hunters. Hunters take about a third of the state’s total annual

deer harvest during those two days. Focusing on this key weekend gives MDC the best opportunity to collect the most tissue samples during a very concentrated time period. For more on CWD and regulations, visit the MDC website.

Share the Harvest MDC encourages deer hunters to share their harvest. Missouri’s Share the Harvest program helps deer hunters donate venison to those in need. To participate, take harvested deer to an approved meat processor and let the processor know how much venison is to be donated. Deer harvested within the CWD Management Zone may only be donated to approved processors in the Share the Harvest CWD Testing Program. Deer harvested outside of the CWD Management Zone may be donated to any Share the Harvest processor. Area processors include Bloomsdale Meat Processing in Bloomsdale; Brewer and Sons Custom Meat LLC in Cadet; Oberle Meats in Ste. Genevieve; Rubles Meat Market in Arcadia; and Walker’s Meat Processing in Fredericktown.

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

MDC reminds hunters of mandatory CWD sampling

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PARKLAND HUNTING GUIDE

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HUNTING GUIDE 2021

HUNTING GUIDE | LEARNING TO HUNT

A Beginner’s Guide to Hunting You don’t have to be the son of a family of hunters to be a hunter. Picking the sport up in adulthood is doable. OutsideOnline.com provides a few tips. CARVE OUT A LOT OF TIME

Hunting requires a big time commitment, so you’ll need to decide if you’re up for such an investment. Each hunting season is set by a government entity. Hunts such as big game bow hunting on public land can be time-consuming. You’ll also need to spend considerable time preparing for hunting, including practicing and familiarizing yourself with your weapon, and getting to know the area where you’ll be hunting. Consider the fact that other hobbies will likely need to go on the back burner.

ASK YOURSELF IF YOU’RE READY TO SUFFER

Hunting can take you into some pretty inhospitable territory. The conditions in hunting stands and blinds can be less than stellar, whether hot, cold, wet or secluded. Consider the kind of hunting you’ll be doing and what the conditions will actually be like, and be sure you know what you’re getting into.

PICK YOUR ANIMAL

Harvest rates vary widely by species and state, but in many states the percentage ratio of harvested animals to total hunters are in the teens, writes OutsideOnline.com. That means you’ll spend a relatively small amount of time actually making a kill and harvesting meat. Choose an

animal whose habitat you can see yourself spending a lot of time in, even if you don’t make a kill.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

The type of weapon you hunt with will have a major impact on your hunting experience. You weapon will determine

how close you need to get to the animal you’re hunting. You need to be much closer when hunting with a bow and arrow than a rifle. That kind of hunting requires years of experience.

FIND A MENTOR

As with any new endeavor, you’ll serve yourself well to

find an experienced hunter to take you under his wing. “Hunting knowledge is often hard-won and kept close to the chest,” writes OutsideOnline.com. “Always ask questions, but be humble and grateful when you’re given keys to the kingdom or even little breadcrumbs of knowledge.”

Even for an experienced hunter, a hunter safety course is always good preparation for the season. Regulations change every year, and it’s never a bad idea to brush up on firearms and ammunition handling, safety tips, hunting techniques, field dressing, wildlife identification, basic first-aid and more. You can take a class in person or online. If you think you might have questions and want to discuss course material with the instructor, opt for an in-person class. If you’re looking for a come-as-you-are dress code and convenience to take the course on your own schedule, look into online options.

WHAT IS COVERED?

A hunter safety course will cover everything you need to know to hunt safely. This includes not just the basics of weapon safety but things like first aid, ethics, habitat conservation, hunting laws and regulations, wilderness survival skills, shot placement, field dressing of animal and more.

FIREARMS SAFETY

The most important reason to take a hunter’s safety course is firearms safety. The incident rate is on a steady decline. In 1988, when the course became mandatory,

the incident rate was reduced by almost half and the fatality rate was reduced by almost 75%, according to ApprovedCourse.com. The website offers these four rules to remember; • Always point your muzzle

in a safe direction. • Always treat every gun as if it’s loaded and check the chamber first. • Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Avoid rocks and metal, which could cause a ricochet.

• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Your finger should be outside the trigger guard unless you’re firing.

PLAY BY THE RULES

Know the legal hunting

requirements for the type, gender and number of animals you may take and at what times, according to your local authorities. Also, know the paperwork you’ll need to hunt legally, such as a valid hunting license and tags.

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

Invest in a Hunter Safety Course

PAGE H21 

HUNTING GUIDE | EDUCATION

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HUNTING GUIDE 2021

HUNTING GUIDE | TRENDS

New Hunting Technology Hunting and technology have a complicated relationship. While it’s only natural that new technologies are eventually applied to hunting, there comes a point at which the concept of a fair hunt is challenged. “Where do we draw the line?” asks Outsider.com. “When does technology make hunting unethical?” Weapons such as advanced powder “capsules” used in muzzleloaders and crossbows with automatic loading have blurred the lines between ethical sportsmanship and an unfair hunt. Each sportsmen must make up his own mind about where the line is drawn. “I believe there certainly is a point where technology surpasses what certain hunting seasons were meant to be,” writes Tyler Freel for OutdoorLife. com. If you’re comfortable with a bit of technology in your hunt, here are some of the latest products to come on the market. Pnuma Iconx Heated Core Vest. This lightweight vest, worn as a base layer, has electronically heated carbon-fiber elements to keep you warm on a cold morning. It has

three heat settings, and an additional battery and charger are available. Trophy Scan. Visit a location of Texas-based outfitter Los Cazadores, where they will scan your trophy kill using 3-D technology. Then use the data to make mementos such as jewelry, 3-D-printed replicas, quarter-size mounts and bronze replicas. Los Cazadores, will keep your scan file in storage,

so you can recreate your prized game anytime. Spartan GoLive Camera. Billed by the manufacturer as a “next-generation cellular scouting camera,” the Spartan GoLive Camera allows you to live stream at the touch of a button. You can take HD photos remotely, schedule filming times, take motion-triggered and time-lapse videos. It also has a GPS anti-theft feature that functions even when the

batteries are removed. Wildgame Innovations ZeroTrace PUREION Field Generator. Intended to safely reduce human scent to help hunters get closer to their game, this product uses a flow of ion molecules to bind to odor molecules and neutralize them. HuntStand App. “The HuntStand hunting and land management mobile device app combines advanced map-

ping tools with powerful map layers to allow users to create and share the best hunting maps possible,” writes DeerandDeerHunting.com. Its 3-D mode helps you get a more accurate lay of the land, and you can make your own custom maps with boundaries, landmarks and other data. An offline mode even lets you access your map data when you’re out of cell range and even GPS.

PAGE H23 

HUNTING GUIDE | WEAPONS

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

Best Rifles of 2021 Field and Stream examined 2021’s best new lightweight rifles. Here is a selected summary of what they found in lightweight and long-range rifles.

BROWNING X-BOLT MOUNTAIN PRO

A new carbon-fiber stock, spiral-fluted bolt, and spiral-fluted, lapped sporter-contour barrel keeps the rifle under 6 pounds, and Browning added its new Recoil Hawg muzzle brake, which reduces recoil up to 77% to take the sting out of shooting high-power rounds in such a lightweight rifle. Starts at $2,399.

NOSLER M48 MOUNTAIN CARBON RIFLE IN 6.5 PRC AND .280 ACKLEY IMPROVED

For 2021, the company has added two new chamberings for the rifle: the 6.5 PRC and .280 Ackley Improved. Mountain Carbon rifles are built around Nosler’s Model 48 Action and feature a 24-inch Light Sendero Contour, carbon-fiber-wrapped, cut-rifled barrel that is glass and aluminum pillar bedded into a carbon-fiber aramid-reinforced Mountain Hunter Stock. This goes for $3,235.

J.P. SAUER S404 SYNCHRO XTC CAMO GREEN CARBON FIBER RIFLE

J. P. Sauer & Sohn, Germany’s

oldest manufacturer of hunting firearms, updates its flagship series with the introduction of the S404 Synchro XTC Carbon Fiber rifle in camouflage-green. The hand-laid carbon-fiber stock has a thumbhole grip, adjustable comb, and a new finish that helps it disappear into the landscape. You can have it for a little more than $8,100.

SAVAGE 110 ULTRALIGHT One Savage’s several stand-

outs in 2021 is the new 110 Ultralight, which combines a carbon-wrapped, stainless-steel Proof Research barrel to a skeletonized, blueprinted 110 receiver with spiral-fluted bolt. The result is a mountain rifle that weighs about 6 pounds, depending on the model. Like all 110s, the Ultralight has the user-adjustable AccuTrigger and AccuStock with adjustable comb pieces and length-of-pull shims.

Retails for $1,599.

BROWNING X-BOLT WESTERN HUNTER LONG RANGE

To build the new Western Hunter Long Range, Browning attached a heavy sporter-contour barrel to the tried-andtrue X-Bolt action. The free-floating barrel is bedded at the front and rear of the action for stability and to help maintain barrel-to-stock spacing for consistent accuracy. It’s

more than manageable at only 7.7 pounds. Cost is $1,099.99.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY MODEL 2020 WAYPOINT

This is a custom-quality bolt-action hunting rifle with a .75-MOA accuracy guarantee. There are many options in the Waypoint series, starting with the barrel. You can choose from an all-steel version, or one that wraps the fluted 416 stainless-steel tube in a carbon-fiber jacket. It retails for $1,699.

PAGE H24 

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

HUNTING GUIDE | TRENDS

A Surge in New Hunters The number of people hunting in the U.S has been declining for years, leaving wildlife officials and conservationists grappling with the dropoff. COVID might have changed that, according to Pew Trusts. In many states, the pandemic brought a surge in hunting licenses, suggesting the outdoors was the only outlet for many.

GROWING NUMBERS

Pew reports that many states saw a dramatic rise in residents taking hunter safety classes for the first time. Young, female and first-time hunters saw growth in numbers. These demographics have been targeted by hunting advocates for years to help expand the sport. Gun sales also saw a dramatic spike in 2020, with industry leaders citing both hunting and concerns about social unrest as the reasons, according to Pew. For example, in Michigan, there was a 67% hike in new hunting license buyers in 2020 compared with 2019, a 15% increase in female hunters and moderate growth in many younger age brackets, Pew reports. The state also sold 46% more apprentice licenses, a discounted option that

allows new hunters to give the sport a try under the supervision of a mentor. “The groups that we’ve been wanting to get engaged with hunting for years and years are the groups we’re seeing now,” Dustin Isenhoff, marketing specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, told Pew. “We have over 100,000 new hunting customers this year. That’s a big

opportunity for us to work with those folks to keep them involved.”

THE ALARMING FOOD CHAIN INTERRUPTIONS

As supply chain issues hit retailers during the pandemic, combined with a growing interest in local food sourcing and financial hardships, more people are interested in hunting for their own food.

Many states signed off on online-only hunting safety courses to get new hunters in the field during COVID-related shutdowns. The convenience of online training might have drawn in some new hunters, according to Pew. “COVID-19 has shown us that there are more people aside from that traditional hunter who want to get involved,” Ashley Sanchez, a

public information officer with the Nevada Department of Wildlife, told Pew. Pew also notes that new, non-traditional hunters are interested in modern issues such as conservation and obtaining ethically sourced protein, writing, “Advocates want to do more to make hunting accessible and culturally relevant to broader populations.”

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Timber harvests are also an important part of habitat management; they produce forage and cover for forest wildlife.

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Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri © 09/16

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

PAGE H25 

Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River in Bollinger and Madison counties. Evelyn and Ellsworth Amidon donated a portion of the area to the Conservation Department; other tracts were acquired from private landowners and the U.S. Forest Service.

AMIDON MEMORIAL CONSERVATION AREA

PAGE H26 

BISMARCK CONSERVATION AREA

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

IRON, ST. FRANCOIS, & WASHINGTON COUNTIES 1188 ACRES Road

Grider

SCALE 1/16

1/8

1/4 Mile

Lakeview

Road

Washington Co. Iron Co.

Bismarck Conservation Area is a 1,188-acre tract sitting in St. Francois, Iron, and Washington counties. The area surrounds 210-acre DiSalvo Lake (formerly Bismarck Lake), which was constructed in 1944 by the Hanna Mining Co. to serve as a water reservoir for nearby mining operations. The Department of Conservation purchased the property from Hanna in 1981. In addition to forestland, there is a glade and savanna which is currently being restored, and 50 acres of wet bottomland forest.

Carl DiSalvo Lake

VICINITY MAP U M Bismarck 32

Site

67 B N

Doe Run

W U 21

Iron Co. St. Francois Co.

GPS coordinates: N37*43.790',W090*38.609' LEGEND

Site

DiSalvo Lake, which serves as the headwaters of the St. Francis River, contains good numbers of bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappies. Hunting is available for deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit and waterfowl.

Boundary Paved Road Gravel Road Drainage Area Access Trail Parking Lot Privy Fishing Jetty Boat Ramp Disabled Accessible Primitive Camping Area Forest Topography Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri © 09/08

BOLLINGER COUNTY 9,579 ACRES

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

Trace Creek Camping Area

CASTOR RIVER CONSERVATION AREA

PAGE H27 

ee Cr

C.R. 822

VICINITY MAP

Castor River Conservation Area sits near the community of Grassy in Bollinger County. The area comprises 9,579 mostly wooded acres.

Marble Hill

FF 51

ra ss y

Cr .

WALK IN AREA

MM Fishing Lake

C.R

. 82 0

Castor

Hunting is allowed with the following exceptions: Only portable tree stands are allowed and only from Sept. 1 through Jan. 31.

H 34

LEGEND

Boundary Paved Road Gravel Road Service Road Drainage Multi-Use Trail Parking Lot Privy Primitive Camping Area Wildlife Water Hole Disabled Accessible Forest

River

Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or Conservation Number, of the owner. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited.

SCALE 0

KEY MAP

Site

1/2

2 Mile

nd Po

Also, furbearer trapping is permitted by special use permit.

Wayne Co.

It is home to Blue Pond Natural Area. Blue Pond is the deepest natural pond in the state. Facilities and features include primitive camping, numerous intermittent streams and one permanent stream.

Madison Co. DD

Bollinger Co.

c Tra

7 R.

ee Cr

To get there: From Marble Hill take Highway 34 west 12 miles. Continue west to access campgrounds, trails and range, take Route Y south from Highway 34.

Blue Pond Natural Area

R. 7

Shooting Range & Safety Zone

Gate (Road Closed Seasonally)

C.R. 708 Hwy. H 2 Miles

Horse Camping Area (Trail Head)

. 736

C.R

or st Rive

700

900

nd Po

800

k ee

Big

St. Francis

700

River

700

143 0 70

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

IRON AND WAYNE COUNTIES 3,027 ACRES

0 60

Creek

LEGEND 600 800

Boundary Paved Road Gravel Road Drainage Parking Lot Wildlife Water Hole Forest Topography

St .F ra nc is

(Contours - 20 Foot Interval)

00 10 1100 1200

900

00 900

600

River

600

1000

10 0

800

0 90

600

100

700

VICINITY MAP

7 80 00 0 49

Coldwater

143

Vulcan

Des Arc

KEY MAP

143

800

ello

ap pp Wa

Site N

DD 34

Patterson Piedmont

Site

700

1100 1200

1000

e Lak

34 Silva

Greenville

900

PAGE H28

800

ad Gl



GRAVES MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION AREA

WAPPAPELLO LAKE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

SCALE 00 10 900

1/4

1/2

1 Mile

800

600

Graves Mountain Conservation Area spans portions of Iron and Wayne counties. The 3.027 acres making up the designated area is mostly forested with three intermittent streams. Deer hunting is permitted. Portable tree stands may be placed and used between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a durable material with the full name and address, or conservation number, of the owner and be removed from the area before Feb. 1. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any

material or method that would damage the tree is prohibited. Additionally, furbearer trapping is permitted by special use permit in the conservation area. To reach the area from U.S. 67 take Hwy. 34 toward Patterson and Piedmont, then turn right on State Route 143 toward Sam A. Baker State Park. Pass through the park and continue on 143 north to the conservation area's main tract. Watch for a sign. GPS 90*30'35.501"W 37*17'59.205'N

MAGNOLIA HOLLOW CONSERVATION AREA

Hwy. V 5 Miles

me n

400

d Roa

500

0 50

RIV

500 40 0

PRIVATE

50 0

600

500 0 50

400

700

600

700

Locked Gate No Public Access 500

600

The area is closed to firearms deer hunting during the urban and antlerless portions of the firearms deer season. All other statewide deer seasons and limits apply.

GPS coordinates: N38*02.365', W090*08.743'

Es tab lis h

600

S hite ands

As for fall hunting, antlered or antlerless deer may be taken on an Archer’s Hunting Permit. Only antlered deer may be taken during the youth, November, and alternative methods portions of the firearms deer season with a Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit. No archery antlerless or firearm antlerless permits may be used.

To get there from nearby Bloomsdale take Highway 61 south, then Route V east 1 mile, then White Sands County Gravel Road north to the area.

SIP SIS MIS

600

Management of Magnolia Hollow and Establishment Creek corridors is minimal and is designed to protect the steep and sensitive watersheds.

Portable tree stands may be used and only between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31. Stands must be identified with the name and address, or conservation number, of the user. Screw-in steps or other materials that would damage the tree are prohibited.

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

STE.GENEVIEVE COUNTY 1740 ACRES

The rugged 1,740-acre area is bordered by Establishment Creek and Schmidt's Island, alongside the Mississippi River. The area features steep bluffs and scenic river views. Eagles are commonly sighted along the river. The forest at Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area is mixed hardwoods and cedar glades. Wildlife management practices have included creating watering ponds, planting fields to serve as food sources, and harvesting timber, which provides improved forage and cover for wildlife.

PAGE H29 

Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area sits in Ste. Genevieve County some 10 miles north of the city of Ste. Genevieve along the Mississippi River.

700

500

600

500 500

LEGEND Boundary Gravel Road Drainage Hiking Trail Disabled Accessible Trail Area Access Trail Parking Lot Wildlife Water Hole Archery Range Clay Pigeon Range Woodland Food Plot Viewing Platform Primitive Camping Area Picnic Area Disabled Accessible Forest Topography Brickey Hills Natural Area

VICINITY MAP e

Sit

Ste. Genevieve 61 32

Site

55 St. Marys

KEY MAP

SCALE 0

1/4

1/2

1 Mile

Spa

LEGEND

Clai

Rd.

Me ram ec

nish

ne x

FIFE BOTTOM

Cop per

Hollo w

Roussin Rd.

Sand Ford Access

Ri ve r

FRANKLIN COUNTY 4,045 ACRES

To St. Clair

rial Memo

Boundary Paved Road Gravel Road Drainage Parking Lot Scenic Overlook Privy Disabled Accessible Forest Topography (100') Hiking Trail Multi-Use Trail Disabled Accessible Trail No Shooting Zone Wildlife Refuge

yne He

Horse Trailer Parking

VICINITY MAP St. Clair 185

Sit e

30 PP K

Sullivan

r ve

Si te

Meramec Work Station

To Sullivan

185

er am

Historic Site

PAGE H30 

HUNTING GUIDE 2021

MERAMEC CONSERVATION AREA AND ARTHUR G. HEYNE MEMORIAL ANNEX

1/4

1/2

1 Mile

Only portable tree stands are allowed and only from Sept. 1 Meramec Conservation Area consists of 4,045 acres located in Franklin County. Much of the land for the forest was purchased by through Jan. 31. Unattended stands must be plainly labeled on a the state between 1925 and 1930. In 1980, 166 additional acres durable material with the full name and address, or Conservation Number, of the owner and be removed from the area before Feb. were donated. 1. Use of nails, screw-in steps, and any material or method that Sheer cliffs along the Meramec River form the western border of would damage the tree is prohibited. the area. The area contains six caves, a great blue heron rookery, Additionally, furbearer trapping is permitted by special-use perabundant wildlife and hardwoods and softwoods, including an area mit. which previously served as the state’s first tree nursery. To get there from I-44 near Sullivan take Highway 185 south 5 Hunting and trapping are not allowed in the wildlife refuge. The miles to the area sign. rest of the area is open to hunting.

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HUNTING GUIDE 2021

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PAGE H31 

Pettus Automotive • Pettus Automotive • Pettus Automotive • Pettus Automotive • Pettus Automotive

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pettuS automotive and

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PAGE H32 

Pettus Automotive Pettus Automotive Pettus Automotive Pettus Automotive

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HUNTING GUIDE 2021

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2021 Hunting Guide

Articles inside

Best rifles of 2021

New hunting technology

Hunter Education Skills Session offered

MDC reminds hunters of mandatory CWD sampling

Important notes for upcoming hunting season