Missouri Department of Conservation

Efforts To Restore Missouri Elk Herd Succeeding

Véronique LaCapra — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:09:46 +0000

Efforts to reestablish an elk population in southeastern Missouri are now in their third year, and the Missouri Department of Conservation considers the project a success.

There are close to 70 elk now living in parts of Carter, Shannon and Reynolds counties, with another 50 arriving in May.

A number of calves have been born at Peck Ranch, including this 2011 newborn.

Drought Helps Bobwhites And Other Birds

Marshall Griffin — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 13:30:41 +0000

While this summer’s drought and heat wave ravaged crops in Missouri, it actually benefitted some of the bird species within the state, especially bobwhite quail.

Fall Colors Expected Despite Stress Of Summer

Marshall Griffin — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 21:19:41 +0000

Recent rain showers across Missouri may salvage the state’s fall foliage, according to state conservation officials.

A Late Night Frog Gig

Suzanne Hogan — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 22:01:00 +0000

In Missouri, the bull and green frog harvest season starts on the night of June 30th and lasts through the end of October. Waiting until complete darkness falls, a spot light is used to scope the edges of water banks to find the frogs by the glare of their eyes. The frogs are blinded by the shining light and freeze in place. This makes it easier to get close enough to use a gig, a fork like hook on a poll, to stab them. Jeremy Soucy of the Missouri Department of Conservation and KCUR’s Suzanne Hogan ended up waist deep in muddy waters in the Amarugia Highlands Conservation Area about an hour south on 71 highway past Harrisonville.

Wind Ahead Of Rain? Fuel For Forest Fires

Stephen Steigman and Steve Kraske — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:17:39 +0000

You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who wouldn't welcome a rain shower after weeks of heat and drought in the region.

Endangered Beetles Hit the Dirt

Charlie Upchurch — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:26:59 +0000

For the first time ever, an endangered species has been released back into Missouri prairies. The American Burying Beetle may be back on its way to thriving, though in this beetle's world, thriving means living underground and feasting on meatballs.

Firewood Could Spread Invasive Beetle

Jacob McCleland — Tue, 29 May 2012 13:07:56 +0000

Conservation agents are urging Missourians to not transport firewood. It’s part of an effort to control the emerald ash borer from spreading throughout the state.