Missouri Conservationist October 2019

VOLUME 80, ISSUE 10, OCTOBER 2019 MISSOURI SERVING NATURE & YOU CONSERVATIONIST

HUNTERS, HELP US! MANDATORY CWD SAMPLING OF DEER OPENING FIREARMS IN Bring your deer WEEKEND to a sampling 29 COUNTIES station near you. The 29 mandatory CWD sampling counties are: Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington.

NOVEMBER 16–17 Get information on chronic wasting disease and sampling locations at MDC.MO.GOV/CWD, or in the 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet available where permits are sold. MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST

OCTOBER 2019 Contents VOLUME 80, ISSUE 10 11 ON THE COVER Wolf spider Tigrosa georgicola :: DAVID BRUNS Nikon Coolpix S7000 f/3.4, 1/250 sec, ISO 125

GOVERNOR Michael L. Parson

THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR Don C. Bedell VICE CHAIR/SECRETARY Wm. L. (Barry) Orscheln MEMBER Steven D. Harrison 16 MEMBER Mark L. McHenry DIRECTOR Sara Parker Pauley DEPUTY DIRECTORS Mike Hubbard, Aaron Jeffries, Jennifer Battson Warren

MAGAZINE STAFF

MAGAZINE MANAGER Stephanie Thurber EDITOR Angie Daly Morfeld ASSOCIATE EDITOR Larry Archer STAFF WRITERS FEATURES Bonnie Chasteen, Heather Feeler, Kristie Hilgedick, Joe Jerek ART DIRECTOR 11 Cliff White Little Wolves DESIGNERS Les Fortenberry, Marci Porter of Missouri PHOTOGRAPHERS Wolf spiders are distinctive, Noppadol Paothong, David Stonner diverse, and beneficial. 22 CIRCULATION MANAGER Laura Scheuler by David Bruns mdc.mo.gov/conmag 16 DEPARTMENTS Pecans 2 Inbox This native Missouri nut benefits 3 Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley humans, wildlife, and the economy. by Jan Wiese-Fales 4 Nature Lab 5 In Brief 22 28 Get Outside Great horned owl Flight Tracker 30 Places To Go Download this New technology aids in keeping issue to your tabs on migratory birds. 32 Wild Guide phone or tablet at mdc.mo.gov/mocon. by Sarah Kendrick 33 Outdoor Calendar Download for Android Inbox 2 Connect With Us! With Connect than 40 years. 40 than more for reader I have been a Conservationist in the I havebest read 22] one the of Page August, Opossums via email via Steve Anderson [ article I found this OPOSSUMS JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65102 MO CITY, JEFFERSON BOX 180PO CONSERVATIONIST MISSOURI us: to write or [email protected] Email and clarity. length for edited be may readers’ opinions and Submissions reflect Editor the to Letters

Missouri Conservationist Missouri @ /moconservation MDC_online Missouri Missouri @

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October 2019 October

version of the magazine [ magazine the of version kids the read to first the be to and compete my copy steal often they that much so magazine enjoy the kids magazine! My and interesting informative awonderfully producing for you Thank MAGAZINES FOR HOORAY the great work and keep the print issues coming! issues print the and keep work great the up Keep offers. department the that programs the Conservationist support that every month. every that support helps Conservationist Missouri and the nature, Ilove Scout, aBoy As parts. ugly the even matters, nature of part every much how them teach to article publishing this for you thank so them, at like even looking don’t Iknow people well. Many as opossums called are they and why aneighborhood, to are opossums useful how see to eye-opening was It issue. August in the came that Opossums Awesome the especially I read, articles enjoy the Ialways month. mail each the in come that magazines awesome the for Thanks them. for respect new this Ihave that now I’m them love Iwill to sure grow better. lot whole like Isure a but them yet, them love I may not mammal. this about Iknew little How ones. good Conservationist in the read ever Ihave best the probably was article The creatures. amazing are really They vermin. as again them think and will of never opossums, our native about learn to surprised pleasantly Iwas articles. wonderful the from much so learn andwe magazine, this andIlove husband My MORE AWESOME OPOSSUMS Northeast/Kirksville: Kansas City: Central/Columbia: Girardeau: Southeast/Cape Regional Offices 573-751-4115 Conservation Headquarters has made me more aware of all all of aware more me made has 816-622-0900

Andrea Mockridge Higginsville PO , and you have put out some some out put have , andyou Alexander Ficken Maplewood Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 MO City, 180, Box Jefferson 573-815-7900 Xplor Terry Thompson Terry 660-785-2420 Missouri Missouri The ]. 573-290-5730 via email via Ozark/West Plains: Ozark/West 636-441-4554 Louis: St. Joseph:Northwest/St. Southwest/Springfield: about the great things that the department is doing. is department the that things great the about read can others so in public it places Ileave magazine, the I’m with done When pictures. at andlook read while we me of side on either my kids having I love me just from looking at the August cover. August the at looking from just me world. the of on top andthink were we trees of tops the across out our look lunch, eat rock, on that We sit would Sunshine Rock. called was It small cave. a with ahigh to us ledge lead would cover. trail The like your woods the hikeinto would we deep where aplace to andoff packed, lunches and Ion our bikes, days. in those like Daniel Ifelt Boone hunt. mushroom to similar path a follow land, would we same the On then. my dad with going fishing Iloved How it. anduse come to allowed up were we and tied rowboat an kept old river. He the above woods in the back cabin in log an old dad’s lived my of relative Adistant Otterville. at River Lamine the fish in to like cover the just apath walk andIwould dad 8–12, of ages the 1950s. my in the childhood Between my to back me took immediately Your cover August FORTHANKS THE MEMORIES There is simply no replacement for print magazines. magazines. print for replacement no simply is There Thank you for bringing those long ago years back to to back years ago long those bringing for you Thank 10–12, ages friends Between find would my you 417-256-7161 816-271-3100 417-895-6880 St. Charles St. Grzina Dan Ramona Allen Sedalia Allen Ramona

Opossum commissioners mdc.mo.gov/ at form contact online our using anote Send Commissioner? a for Question a Have

OPOSSUM: DAVID CAPPAERT, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG Want to see your photos in the Missouri Conservationist? Share your photos on Flickr at Up flickr.com/groups/mdcreaderphotos-2019, email [email protected], or include the hashtag #mdcdiscovernature on your Instagram photos. Front with Sara Parker Pauley

__ I recently read a letter a dear friend wrote to his young grandchildren. It was a literary masterpiece. If my grandparents had penned something similar, I would treasure it beyond measure. It was a charge to take the long view — and included an indictment of the world today with its frequent focus on temporary gain regardless of future cost. He opined on their obligation to care for nature in all its forms, to steward our resources wisely as our lives depend upon their safekeeping. 1 One of the challenges of my job is to remember that the mission I am charged to uphold requires taking the long view, despite the immediate demands of the day. Yes, the mission 1 | Wood duck includes providing ample opportunities to use and enjoy our by Garrett Derr, resources today, but not at the expense of their long-term via Instagram health and sustainability. And every day I am privileged to wit- 2 | Emery ness MDC staff and our partners applying their expertise and fishing by talents to ensure we deliver on that mission for the long-term. Marshall Basham, (Read about new tools State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick is via email using to track migratory birds on Page 22.) 3 | Tall thistle by Another famous grandfather gave a similar charge to the William Allen, via Flickr public, though generations ago. Teddy Roosevelt said, “Here 2 is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred 3 heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

SARA PARKER PAULEY, DIRECTOR [email protected]

The Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the official monthly publication of the Missouri Department of Conservation, 2901 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO (Mailing address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102.) SUBSCRIPTIONS: Visit mdc.mo.gov/conmag, or call 573-522- MISSOURI CONSERVATION COMMISSIONERS 4115, ext. 3856 or 3249. Free to adult Missouri residents (one per household); out of state $7 per year; out of country $10 per year. Notification of address change must include both old and new address (send mailing label with the subscriber number on it) with 60-day notice. Preferred periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, Missouri, and at additional entry offices.POSTMASTER : Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: 573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright © 2019 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri. Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Department of Conserva- tion is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. Questions should be directed to the Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or Don Steven Mark Barry to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Bedell Harrison McHenry Orscheln Washington, D.C. 20240.

LLOYD GROTJAN OF FULL SPECTRUM PHOTO Printed with soy ink mdc.mo.gov 3 LAB Nature 4 at aGlance Turkey Numbers that needs further investigation and research.” and investigation further needs that something certainly is “This he said. turkeys,” young for those rates survival low such causing was what sure study. “We’re of the but not one year exactly all in poor was survival poult said, Isabelle years, most ing reports. preparing and data analyzing is team 2019, now the and spring in ended Fieldwork young. rearing and at were nesting they how successful ters, researchers monitored to birds the determine radio-transmit with them fitting and them, banding supervisor. program cervid MDC’s Isabelle, Jason said properties,” their to access us allowed who landowners of Missouri of hundreds graciousness the without possible been not have it would and lands, private counties. Missouri north four in turkeys of wild reproduction and survival the study to of Washington University and of Montana, University of Missouri, University at the researchers with working _ Turkey Trapping and management. wildlife forest, fish, improve to uses MDC research highlight we month, Each WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

_ Missouri Conservationist Missouri Although nesting success was reasonably good dur good reasonably was success nesting Although winter, the during turkeys wild capturing After on exclusively almost research the conducted “We For the past five years, MDC biologists have been havebeen biologists MDC years, five past For the 11 nest turkey awild in eggs of number Average

October 2019 October their eggs incubating turkeys spend days hen number of Approximate 28

Chasteen Bonnie by 1954 began Missouri in restoration Year turkey - - 390,000 reproductive shape future rates to help to rates survival andsurvival Study yields regulations regulations monitoring population population size in Missouri in size turkey population wild Estimated harvest harvest 1960 season started season turkey hunting spring modern Year Missouri’s and and Browse more research topics at at topics research more Browse monitor trends in their population,” Isabelle said. Isabelle population,” their in trends monitor and numbers turkey estimate we that way primary the become will models “These models. population season. hunting fall the during harvested were project the during banded hens of the percent 1 than less that indicates data Preliminary jakes.” for lower considerably were rates — harvest season hunting spring the during harvested was gobblers adult banded four one in about low. average, “On relatively was seasons hunting the during harvested Researchers will use the study’s data to build build to data study’s the use will Researchers turkey of banded percentage the that said Isabelle the project. helped fund Turkey Federation National Wild the of Chapter State Missouri the from grants and FundsRestoration in Wildlife Aid Federal Project Funding tagged wild turkey. previously locate to antenna and areceiver uses A technician research.mdc.mo.gov

DAVID STONNER JIM RATHERT News and updates REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS HIGHLIGHTED CHANGES CHANGES HIGHLIGHTED ACREAGE, DISCOUNTED LANDOWNER REGISTRY LANDOWNER LANDOWNER INCLUDE INCREASED INCREASED INCLUDE CHANGING CHANGING PERMITS, AND A PERMITS

from MDC from FOR FOR Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMh at more Learn year.each violations related hundred several find state the around agents Conservation privileges. and permits landowner of misuse eliminate help to needed is registry The permits. landowner discounted obtain to landowners nonresident for and permits turkey and deer free obtain to landowners resources. wildlife state to benefits significant provide can efforts those and properties their on work habitat wildlife provide landowners nonresident Many tract. 75 with for nonresident landowners or acres more in a contiguous permits apermit. without properties qualifying their on trap and state, the of waters on fish game, small hunt still can households immediate their of members and acres more or five with landowners Resident hunting. turkey and deer for permits free receive to households immediate their of members and landowners resident for to acres five 20 from 

Starting in 2020, MDC will increase the minimum acreage requirement requirement acreage minimum the in 2020, increase will MDC Starting MDC will also implement a landowner registry starting in 2020 for resident 2020 in resident for starting registry alandowner implement also will MDC hunting turkey and deer discounted 2020, in offer will MDC starting Also In Brief In . mdc.mo.gov

5 In Brief

NONRESIDENT HUNTING AND FISHING PERMITS GOING UP MDC will increase the prices for some nonresident hunt- Ask MDC ing and fishing permits starting in 2020. Permit prices Got a Question for Ask MDC? have not been raised in over a decade and adjustments Send it to [email protected] are needed to help keep up with increasing costs of pro- or call 573-522-4115, ext. 3848. viding conservation work and services around the state. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMn.

USE AUTO-RENEWAL FOR Q: We found this mushroom ONLINE PERMITS on our property. Could Renewing Missouri hunting, fishing, and trapping per- you help us identify it? mits is now easier and more convenient through our new hh This appears to be a young online permit auto-renewal service. It allows online per- puffball in the genus Calvatia, mit buyers to automatically renew their permits prior to possibly Calvatia craniiformis. the start of the next season or permit year so they never Craniiformis are medium have an expired permit when they need it most. to large puffballs that often Participation in auto-renewal is voluntary, and the develop distinctive, skull-like service can only be activated by the permit buyer. Enroll- shapes as they mature. When ment in auto-renewal can be done during an online per- sliced open, this mushroom’s mit purchase or by using the “Manage Your Account” flesh is initially white but Puffball feature. There are no additional fees for the service. Auto- changes to olive-yellow as it renewal will automatically charge permit buyers for their matures. their nourishment from dead, enrolled permits. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMs. This species is also thought organic matter, and are usually to be a choice edible when found growing singly. Look for TROUT PERMITS AND TAGS GOING UP, immature. Use caution when them on the ground in grassy AND WE’RE TRYING SOMETHING NEW ingesting them because other areas or in open woods. After 20 years, MDC will raise the prices of annual trout types of white mushrooms — permits and daily trout tags starting in 2020 to better such as the poisonous Q: Where and when should cover costs of running trout hatcheries and providing destroying angel (Amanita you put up a wood duck more than a million trout each year for public fishing. bisporigera) — have stages in nest box in Missouri? Starting in 2020, the cost of an annual trout permit which they could be mistaken hh Since natural cavities can be will go from $7 to $10 for anglers 16 years of age and for a puffball. Be sure to cut scarce, wood ducks readily use older and from $3.50 to $5 for anglers ages 15 and through any puffball from top nest boxes. Sites near wetlands, younger. Also starting in 2020, the cost of a daily trout to bottom to confirm it is pure rivers, and lakes are preferred. tag to fish at three of Missouri’s four trout parks— Ben- white inside, like a marshmallow, Boxes can be installed on posts nett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring with no sign of a cap or stem. in the water, at least 3 feet River State Park — will go from $3 to $4 for adults and Craniiformis are saprobic, above the high-water mark,

from $2 to $3 for those 15 years of age and younger. meaning they live in and derive facing south or west. If installing GRAHAM DAVID TARANTULA: PRESTI; EVAN MUSHROOM: MDC will begin a pilot program at Maramec Spring Park next year where the daily limit will be raised from four to five trout and the cost of a daily trout tag will go from $3 to $5 for adult anglers and from $2 to $3 for those 15 years of age and younger. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZM7. GIGGERS GET 15 MORE DAYS WILD WEBCAST ON ELK, ELK HUNTING MDC extended the fish gigging season by 15 days. This year’s season will run Sept. Join us Oct. 9 from noon to 1 p.m. for a Wild Webcast on 15 through Feb. 15, 2020. The move to lengthen the season was based on feedback elk and elk hunting in Missouri. Get information on see- we received through an online survey conducted last year. ing wild elk in Missouri and on our upcoming elk hunting Gigging is a type of spearfishing where participants use a long forklike spear, season, possibly starting in 2020. Our experts will share or gig. Fish harvested by gigging are known generally as “suckers.” It is primarily a information, and participants can post questions through- nighttime activity and is most effective in shallow, clear water. For more information, out the webcast. Register at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMb. visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4f.

6 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019 on land, choose a site within 100 feet from the water with no branches around the entrance hole and point the nest box toward the water. Predator guards should be installed. Wood ducks pair up in January. It’s a good idea to put nest boxes up Texas brown tarantula well before the launch of breeding season, which starts in early April As mature tarantulas approach the and continues through August. end of their lives, often in the autumn Building a wood duck nesting box of their seventh year, they leave their is sure be a rewarding experience. home territories in search of females. Featuring brightly hued plumage, By this time of their lives, the urge to Mark Skelton male wood ducks are one of procreate is so strong that even when BUTLER COUNTY Missouri’s most-beautiful breeding presented with food, they rarely take CONSERVATION AGENT residents. Females’ feathers are the opportunity to eat. offers this month’s more subdued, but a distinguishing After a few weeks of wandering, characteristic is the white eye ring the males have either found mates or that tapers to a point behind the eye. have exhausted themselves trying. AGENT For building plans, visit short. These spiders prefer dry, rocky mdc.mo.gov/ZMJ. glades where they live in silk-lined burrows in natural cavities such as ADVICE Q: I found this tarantula dead in rodent or reptile burrows. Shy and late September, perfectly intact. unaggressive, they prefer quiet and Early season for Canada geese What might have killed it? peaceful settings far away from and brant opens statewide hh This tarantula (Aphonopelma people. But in late summer, they are hentzi) is a male, and it probably died commonly seen crossing roads in Oct. 5. Get out early and scout while wandering in search of a mate. southern Missouri. the birds prior to hunting. Visit the agriculture fields they tend to frequent and get a sense of their behavior patterns. Birds can see color, so camouflage is key during this season. Blinds are useful, but natural cover works just as well. To hunt Canada geese What and brant, you will need a IS it? Small Game Hunting Permit, Can you a Migratory Bird Hunting guess this Permit, and a Federal Duck month’s Stamp. For more information natural wonder? on the early season for The answer is on Canada geese and brant, Page 8. check out Page 16 of the Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2019–2020.

mdc.mo.gov 7 In Brief

HOMEMADE CANDIED PECANS Missouri pecans are smaller than southern varieties, but don’t let their size fool you. Most pecan enthusiasts find Missouri pecans rival others in sweetness and flavor. And due to a higher oil content, Missouri pecans are perfect for ice cream and candy making. Try this simple pecan recipe. It’s perfect for a last- minute gathering or just a go-to snack.

4 cups (1 pound) pecan halves 1 large egg white 1 tablespoon water 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon salt

PLACE pecans into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg white and water. Pour mixture onto the pecans and stir until the pecans are fully coated. Set aside.

In another bowl, WHISK together sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until completely coated.

SPREAD them onto a parchment paper-lined For more baking sheet in an even layer. information on BAKE for about 45 minutes at 300 degrees. To ensure Missouri’s pecans, they bake evenly, stir every 15 minutes. Once you see Page 16. take them out of the oven, let them cool completely.

Recipe courtesy livewellbakeoften.com

WHAT IS IT? SNOW FUNGUS Snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis), also known as white jelly mushroom, is part of a group of jelly fungus that grows mostly on dead deciduous trees. Its irregular shape is composed of firm, gelatinous lobes. The translucent white fungus can reach up to 7 cm across and 4 cm high. Common in tropical and subtropical climates, it can also be found in Missouri, Indiana, and Kansas. CANDIED PECANS, MUSHROOM: DAVID STONNERCANDIED DAVID PECANS, MUSHROOM:

8 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019

Info to Know for the CWD: 2019–2020 Deer Season

Atchison Worth Schuyler Putnam Clark Nodaway Harrison Scotland Mercer Sullivan Gentry Grundy Holt Adair Lewis Knox Andrew Daviess Chronic wasting disease DeKalb Macon Linn Shelby Marion

(CWD) is a deadly, Caldwell Livingston Buchanan Clinton Chariton Ralls Monroe infectious disease in Carroll Platte Ray Pike

Clay Randolph Audrain white-tailed deer and other Saline Howard Lafayette Lincoln members of the deer family Jackson Boone Cooper Callaway

Montgomery Warren Johnson Pettis that eventually kills all Cass Moniteau St. Louis St.Charles St. Louis City Cole Osage animals it infects. There is Morgan Henry Franklin Bates Benton Gasconade Miller no vaccine or cure. CWD is Maries Jefferson

St. Clair Hickory Camden spread from deer to deer and Phelps Crawford Vernon Ste. Perry Pulaski Washington

Cedar Genevieve

Polk St. Francois Dallas Laclede Iron through the environment. Dent Cape Barton Girardeau Dade Madison MDC has found 116 cases of CWD in Missouri Texas Reynolds Greene Webster Wright Jasper Bollinger since 2012 out of more than 100,000 deer sam- Shannon Wayne pled, so the disease remains relatively rare in the Lawrence Scott Carter Newton Douglas Stoddard Christian Howell state. There have been no reported cases of CWD Oregon Stone Butler

Barry Ozark Mississippi infecting people, but the Centers for Disease Con- Taney Ripley New trol and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends McDonald Madrid having deer tested for CWD if harvested in an area known to have the disease. The CDC also recom-

 Pemiscot CWD Management Zone. In these counties, if you Dunklin mends not eating meat from animals that test harvest a deer during Nov. 16–17, 2019, you must take it positive for CWD. For more information on CWD, (or the head with at least 6 inches of neck attached) on the visit mdc.mo.gov/cwd. day of harvest to a designated CWD sampling station. MDC is continuing its efforts to limit the spread of CWD in Missouri by finding new cases and slow-  Sampling station location ing its spread to more deer and more areas. CWD Management Zone MDC’s CWD Management Zone consists of counties in or near where CWD has been found. The 29 counties in the CWD Management Zone for this season (Nov. 16 and 17) are required to take their harvested deer (or the season are: Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Crawford, Franklin, head with at least 6 inches of neck attached) on the day of harvest to one of Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Ore- MDC’s numerous CWD sampling stations throughout the zone. Sampling gon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. and test results are free. Hunters who harvest deer in counties no longer Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. part of the zone are not required to participate in sampling. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd under Mandatory CWD Sampling, or Mandatory CWD Sampling Nov. 16 and 17 from MDC’s 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Informa- Hunters who harvest deer in any counties in the CWD Management Zone tion booklet, available where permits are sold and online at short.mdc. during opening weekend of the November portion of fall firearms deer mo.gov/ZMP. Voluntary CWD Sampling All Season Statewide Carcass Disposal MDC is offering free voluntary CWD sampling and testing of deer Carcasses or remains of CWD-infected deer can expose other deer to the harvested anywhere in Missouri throughout the entire deer hunting disease. Process deer as close as possible to their harvest location. Place season (Sept. 15 through Jan. 15, 2020) at all MDC regional offices remaining carcass parts in trash bags and properly dispose of them in the during regular business hours and through participating taxidermists trash or a landfill. If necessary, bury or leave remains at the harvest site. and meat processors within the CWD Management Zone. Get locations Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd under Carcass Disposal. New regulations and more information at mdc.mo.gov/cwd under Voluntary Sampling. on carcass movement and disposal will go into effect in 2020. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZM8. Before Having Deer Sampled • Field dress and Telecheck deer before arrival at a sampling Share the Harvest station. Missouri’s Share the Harvest program helps deer hunters donate venison • Bring the carcass or just the head with at least 6 inches of the to those in need. To participate, take harvested deer to an approved meat neck attached. processor and let the processor know how much venison is to be donated. • Capes may be removed in preparation for taxidermy before Learn more and find participating processors at mdc.mo.gov/share. going to a sampling station. Deer harvested within the CWD Management Zone may only be donated • The person who harvested the deer must be present. to approved processors in the Share the Harvest CWD Testing Program located • The hunter’s conservation number will be required, along with within or directly adjacent to the CWD Management Zone. Processors not specific location of harvest. participating in the Share the Harvest CWD Testing Program cannot accept • If using a paper permit, have it detached from the deer for deer from CWD Management Zone counties. Deer harvested outside of the easy access. CWD Management Zone may be donated to any Share the Harvest processor. • If using the MO Hunting app, have permit and Telecheck For deer sampled for CWD before being taken to an approved processor information available. for donation, present the CWD barcode number provided at the sampling • Position deer in vehicles with head and neck easily accessible. station to the processor as proof of sampling. If a sample has not been collected before donation, the processor will collect the sample or remove the CWD Test Results head and submit it to MDC for sampling. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd Get test results for CWD-sampled deer online at mdc.mo.gov/ under Share the Harvest. CWDTestResults. Results are free and will be available within four weeks after the sampling date. Feeding Ban in CWD Management Zone Feeding deer or placing minerals for deer unnaturally concentrates the animals and can help spread CWD. The Wildlife Code of Missouri prohibits the placement of grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable natural and manufactured products used to attract deer year-round within counties in the CWD Management Zone. Exceptions are feed placed within 100 feet of any residence or occupied building, feed placed in such a manner to reasonably exclude access by deer, and feed and minerals present for nor- mal agricultural or forest management, or crop and wildlife food production practices. The feeding ban does not apply to food plots or other agricultural practices. The feeding ban no longer applies to counties removed from the CWD Management Zone. Antler-Point Restriction Counties within the CWD Management Zone do not have an antler-point restriction (APR). Protecting young bucks from being harvested in areas where CWD has been found can increase the spread of the disease. The APR has been reinstated for some counties removed from the zone. Learn more from MDC’s 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMP. Firearms Antlerless Permits The increased availability of firearms antlerless permits for some counties in the CWD Management Zone can help prevent undesired population increases in local deer numbers around where CWD has been found. Learn more from MDC’s 2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold and online at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMP. Little Wolves OF MISSOURI

WOLF SPIDERS ARE DISTINCTIVE, DIVERSE, AND BENEFICIAL story and photographs by David Bruns

n the tree-dappled moonlight not far from your home, a predator is hunting. It moves quietly among the leaves and plants of Look closely to see the the undergrowth. Spotting prey nearby, young of this dotted it waits — then leaps, grasping the insect in wolf spider hitching a I ride on her back. its jaws. A little wolf spider enjoys her meal.

mdc.mo.gov 11 Setae Four larger eyes forming a box above a row of four smaller eyes is distinctive to the wolf spider family. While the two back eyes can watch for predators, the other two large eyes are oriented forward for hunting. Abdomen Eyes Cephalothorax (head)

HARMLESS TO HUMANS Bites from wolf spiders are Rabid wolf spider extremely rare. The venom of Chelicera wolf spiders is not medically significant, resulting in no more Wolf spiders are among the most than a few minutes of discomfort familiar type of spider in Missouri. They at the site of the bite. They are essentially harmless to humans. are distinctive, abundant, and impor- Tigrosa georgicola tant wildlife elements in Missouri’s Pedipalps ecosystems.

DISTINCTIVE Spiders have two main body parts — eye rows. Tiny fangs are rarely seen since The comparison of some types of spiders the head, which is known as the cepha- they are nested in grooves until the to little wolves dates back to descrip- lothorax, and the abdomen. They have spider needs them to capture its prey. tions of certain spiders made by the eight legs, which are attached at the As with other spiders, small, jointed, Greek philosopher, Aristotle, more than base of the cephalothorax. Wolf spiders leglike appendages known as pedipalps 2,000 years ago. Rather than spinning can be distinguished from other types extend in front of the chelicera. The webs to catch their prey, wolf spiders are of spiders by their unique eye arrange- spider’s mouth is located behind the active hunters that stalk and pounce. ment. All wolf spiders have eight eyes. chelicera at the base of the pedipalps. Although these spiders do not move in Four large eyes form the corners of a a coordinated pack as wolves do, their box-shape as seen from above. Below DIVERSE grayish color, furry appearance, hunting there is a row of four more smaller eyes. More than 40 species of wolf spider have behavior, and nocturnal habits also Wolf spider mouth parts, called been documented in Missouri. At first seem wolflike. Wolf spiders make up the chelicera, include two stout, basal glance, they all appear to be brown, tan, Lycosidae family, which gets its name segments that make up a prominent and gray. This cryptic coloration helps from lycos, the Greek word for wolf. feature of the spider’s face below the them hide from predators and avoid

Tiger wolf spider Gladicosa pulchra Tigrosa georgicola Allocosa funerea

12 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019 This lance wolf spider is producing “draglines” as it climbs on a plant. Lance wolf spiders can be found in prairies and savannas as well as fields and lawns.

NOT A WOLF SPIDER: The dark fishing spider is frequently mistaken for a large wolf spider. Unlike wolf spiders, fishing spiders have all eight eyes nearly equal in size. Lance wolf spider detection by all but the most observant Some of the larger and more familiar some wolf spiders are known to spin silk people. The hairs seen on spiders are wolf spiders have common names, “draglines” containing pheromones, known as setae. Upon closer examina- while most wolf spider species are special chemical messages for mating tion, wolf spiders can also have a wide known only by their scientific names. purposes that the male can follow. Wolf variety of stripes, bands, and spots of One reason for this is that distin- spiders use other interesting tactics orange, black, and white on their head, guishing between wolf spider species including “singing” and “dancing” to abdomen, and legs. Different wolf can be technical and difficult. Most can attract a mate. The males of some wolf spider species also vary in size. Pirate be confidently identified only through spiders, including species of brush- wolf spiders are tiny, less than 1/8 inch examining their reproductive structures legged wolf spiders, stridulate — measured from the front of the head with a microscope. This aspect of spider creating sound vibrations that attract to the back tip of the abdomen (not study can be a real challenge. females. Unlike crickets and cicadas, including legs). Large wolf spiders, these sounds are barely loud enough such as tiger wolf spiders, may be FASCINATING for humans to hear without special more than ¾ inch long, while their Even though wolf spiders do not use amplification equipment. The males legs cause them to appear even larger. webs to catch their food as other kinds of other wolf spider species, such as Size and color patterns are helpful of spiders do, they can produce silk the shore spider, can be observed for identification and to distinguish from a set of six spinnerets positioned waving their front legs and palps to between different species. at the end of their abdomen. Females of attract a female.

Brush-legged wolf spider Varacosa avara Pirate wolf spider Trochosa sepulchralis

mdc.mo.gov 13 Tigrosa georgicola with young

Left, a shore spider’s egg sac attaches to her spinnerets, allowing this wolf spider to protect her eggs while continuing to hunt. Above, a wolf spider’s Shore spider with egg sac recently hatched spiderlings cling to her abdomen for protection.

After mating occurs, female wolf final instar. October is a great month to insects eaten by each spider per year. spiders lay eggs, wrapping them in find and observe wolf spiders since they Wolf spiders are a particularly abun- silk, and creating a round egg sac. In are very active, and most species are at dant family of spiders in Missouri. Their a behavior distinctive to wolf spiders, their subadult and adult life stages. population numbers in the tens of thou- the females then protect their egg sac, Many wolf spiders, including Vara- sands per acre of meadow and in the leaf carrying it attached to the spinnerets. cosa avara, are active throughout the litter of forested habitats. When this is This enables them to guard their eggs winter, particularly during warm spells multiplied by the quantity of insects even while continuing to move and when the temperature rises above consumed, the role they play in control- hunt. If the egg sac becomes separated, 45 F. When the temperature dips ling insect populations is substantial. the female will work to reattach it. below freezing, they become dormant. When the eggs hatch, often with the Naturally occurring liquid glycols accu- assistance of the mother opening it with mulated in the blood act as antifreeze, her mouth parts, the tiny wolf spider- preventing them from freezing to death. lings climb onto the upper part of the When wolf spiders are not active, they mother’s abdomen. Female wolf spiders shelter inside a retreat constructed from have specially shaped hairs there that plant debris held together with silk. help the young spiderlings hold on. Spid- Some wolf spiders, including the tiger erlings may climb off and then back onto wolf spiders, are known to dig burrows. their mother. While the mother spider does not feed or provide direct care to BENEFICIAL the young, giving them a ride provides Wolf spiders are important predators. protection from predators, including Contrary to the myth that spiders other spiders. The young disperse after simply suck the juice from their prey, several days. wolf spiders usually consume the entire Wolf spiders are known to live from insect after softening it with digestive one to several years. Like other arthro- saliva. Wolf spiders, in turn, serve as pods (insects, for example), wolf spiders food for birds, small mammals, snakes, molt their exoskeleton in stages, known lizards, frogs, toads, wasps, and other as instars, as they grow. Spiderlings grow spiders. It is estimated that spiders A wolf spider (Gladicosa gulosa) sits from immature and subadult stages, eat 10 percent of their body weight of near its recently shed exoskeleton. finally molting into an adult with fully insects and other small arthropods Adults of this species can be found from functioning reproductive organs at their each day, amounting to thousands of fall to spring in forests and woodlands.

14 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019 In addition to food crops that humans depend on, wolf spiders protect the overall health of grasslands, trees, and October is a forests through controlling insects. great month to Many biologists include spiders as indi- cators of the ecological health of natural find and observe ecosystems. wolf spiders Like so many other wildlife species, wolf spider diversity and populations are since they are impacted by habitat loss. For this reason, very active, and wolf spiders benefit from thoughtful natural resource stewardship practices. most species are For example, planting trees for birds and at their subadult native perennials for pollinating insects undoubtedly benefits spiders as well. and adult life stages. FUN TO FIND AND STUDY In the tree-dappled moonlight, a family wearing bright headlamps walks slowly. “There’s one!” a child shouts. The family approaches together, crouching down for them into the opening of a jar or other organism seen in a certain location at a a better look at the little wolfie revealed small, clear container. Since wolf spiders specific date and time. Frequently, other in the light of their headlamps. do not have gripping foot tufts found in contributors help with identification Eye-shining for wolf spiders is other types of spiders, they are not able and share additional information for becoming an increasingly popular to climb smooth surfaces and can easily photo submissions. These sites provide evening activity among nature enthusi- be contained within a jar or bowl. opportunities, not only to review photo asts. This activity is still often referred documentation of the richness of life to as “spider sniffing,” a term that origi- IT’S EASY TO BE A around us, including wolf spiders, but nated as a prank. A guide would convince CITIZEN-SCIENTIST also to contribute valuable information inexperienced and astounded followers Many details about wolf spider diver- that can be accessed by scientists from that the spiders were being located by sity, populations, range distributions, around the world. odor (and the guide’s supernatural sense habitat preferences, seasonality, life Powder Valley, Burr Oak Woods, of smell). The trick works because of a history, and ecological impact are Springfield, and Cape Girardeau nature well-developed reflective layer inside the still largely unknown. This is actually centers have dedicated projects docu- wolf spider’s eyes known as the tapetum, exciting news for nature enthusiasts menting the biodiversity of these areas which aids in night vision. When you with an interest in these “little wolves.” on iNaturalist.org. use a bright light close to your own eyes, Advances in computers and digital In the tree-dappled moonlight not such as with a headlamp, the distinctive, technology over the past few decades far from your home, a family like yours bright, pale-green eyeshine is reflected have expanded our ability to study collects a little wolf spider — photo- from the wolf spider’s eyes. Often, the and document elements of the natural graphically. Within a few minutes, they wolfie will remain still long enough to world, including wolf spiders. Even take several good images with a camera be approached, observed, photographed, affordable hand-held digital cameras and a smartphone. and possibly collected. have macro-photography functions and “This is a really neat one,” says one To find wolf spiders during the day, can take high-resolution pictures. The of the kids. look under stones and woody debris. capabilities of cellphone cameras are “OK, it’s time to let it go,” says a Another method is to toss leaf litter improving every year. This has resulted parent. onto a light-colored sheet where the in a boom of people participating in “I think I see another one!” calls out spiders can be easily located while the citizen-science efforts to document another young citizen-scientist. ▲ leaves are picked through and removed. nature. Pitfall traps are also used by arachnolo- Citizen-science websites, such as David Bruns studies and photo- gists to collect these ground-dwelling iNaturalist.org and Bugguide.net, documents many types of spiders spiders. Whether found in the day or enable people to participate in mean- in Missouri. He also works as an at night, wolf spiders can be gently ingful science efforts. Each submitted MDC conservation education collected for observation by coaxing image serves to document an individual consultant in the St. Louis area.

mdc.mo.gov 15 Pecans

THIS NATIVE MISSOURI NUT BENEFITS HUMANS, WILDLIFE, AND THE ECONOMY by Jan Wiese-Fales photographs by David Stonner

16 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019 ong before humans set foot in North America, pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis) flourished in Missouri. The tree’s presence Lplayed a key role in the development of the flood plain forest community in which it took root, an influence that continues today. Our native nut’s early ancestors originally enjoyed widespread distribution in North America, Europe, and Asia. But the pecan as we know it took permanent hold only in the moist, loamy soils of the Mississippi River Valley and its wetlands — from Illinois to Texas and into Mexico. “There are still native stands of pecans in Missouri,” said MDC Natural Areas Coordinator Mike Leahy. “There are stands at Donaldson Point Conservation Area (CA), near New Madrid, and by Brunswick in Chariton County. The Four Rivers Conservation Area in Bates and Vernon counties is also a huge area with native pecans. “Horton Bottoms Natural Area (NA) in Four Rivers is pretty unique,” Leahy said. “Three rivers come together, so there is a pretty large flood plain with the alluvial soils that pecans prefer. Flood plain systems not converted to agriculture are important to native pecan stands.”

mdc.mo.gov 17 18 carried away from parent trees by floodwaters. by trees parent from away carried be to likely are more they means which float, Pecans nuts. black-shelled and brown smooth, the exposing sections, four in open splits shuck the ripe, When resistance. and insect disease in aids diversity Such conditions. local changing to well-adapted are typically and trees parent both from benefitfromtation, seedlings nativegenes pecan adap of this Because nut production. and pollination for neighbors their on rely pecans times, different bloom attree each on flowers female and male the Because flowers. female and male both produce soils. plain flood of 20 in feet adepth reach can tree of amature roots anchor large numerous the but surface, of the 2 feet within are roots absorptive tree’s pecan flood-tolerant of the Most trees. young as sun enough given when species plain flood other or longer, out-competing 200 upto years live frequently and 70 100 to tall feet grow can trees pecan Sun-loving Adaptation

Pecan nuts are encased in a thin husk, called a shuck. ashuck. called husk, athin in encased nuts are Pecan that species awind-pollinated are trees Pecan Missouri Conservationist Missouri

October 2019 October -

Prothonotary

warbler seedlings. mdc.mo.gov/ website at on theMDC Licking and Nursery near State Forest O. White MDC’s George through are available seedlings Pecan form hollow open spaces for cavity nesting,” he said. nesting,” for cavity spaces open hollow form species. warbler prothonotary the like species bird for native habitat important hatchlings. their and birds for meals providing insects, and moths for many tree are a host also trees The winter. survive to nutrition aforest system. within diversity genetic increased and distribution pecan expanded an in results movement this squirrels, and “Pecan trees offer birds a broad canopy and also also and canopy abroad birds offer trees “Pecan an is NA Bottoms Horton Leahy, to According crucial provide which pecans, eat animals Many birds by relocated those with combined When Native Man and Native Nut Cross Paths Cross Nut Native Americans made important use of use important made Americans Native calories, 9.7 grams of protein, 2.4 grams of 2.4 9.7 of protein, grams calories, grams of years. for thousands diets their in pecans Two handfuls of shelled pecans provide 718 718 provide pecans of shelled Two handfuls as well as many migratory migratory many as well as

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG Pecan twigs and shucks Pecan nut within the shuck

fiber, 74 grams of fat, and significant doses of critical micronutrients — excellent nutritional value in return for a small amount of labor. In addition to being a healthy, high protein, high carbohydrate food source for Native Americans, pecans also were portable and could be stored for up to a year in a cool dry place. “Indians primarily ate pecans whole — in many ways this was the food’s greatest allure,” wrote James McWilliams in his book, A History of America’s Native Pecan nuts Nut, adding that the nuts also were pounded into a powder, added to corn gruel and bread, and nut meal was worked into bison meat. He also noted evidence that Mississippian Indians used pecans for trade with other Indian groups whose migratory paths By the end of the 18th century, settlers had joined intersected their own. early and notable horticulturists George Washington “There’s a lot of anecdotal information about Native and Thomas Jefferson in successfully planting pecan Americans using and moving pecans,” Leahy said. Pecan trees east of the Appalachians beyond their native “The Osage Village Historic Site is 6 air miles from the Macros range. Horton Bottoms NA within Four Rivers. The Osage Most native pecan trees don’t produce a depend- Serving undoubtedly utilized pecans.” size is two able crop of pecans every year because of masting, handfuls a process through which trees produce very large Pecans “Discovered” and Assimilated crops of thin-shelled nuts every few years, thus over- The words pecan and hickory originated as Native 718 whelming the likelihood of people and animals eating American words that meant “nuts cracked by a rock.” calories every nut. However, as a result of the pecan’s genetic • Pecan’s scientific designation, illinoinensis, refers to 9.7g diversity, some trees in the forest produce more nuts the region where American and English explorers first protein with more dependability. “discovered” the nuts. Don Kurz, author of MDC’s • Locating more nut-producing wild trees and Trees of Missouri, wrote that pecans were first referred 2.4g improving grafting techniques first developed in the to as “Illinois nuts” or “Mississippi nuts.” American fiber early 1800s boosted nascent nut commercialization traders and fur trappers returned with pecans from • efforts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. the “Illinois Country,” the area around the Mississippi 74g Pecan wood is an attractive hardwood, used to fat and Ohio rivers that now encompasses Ohio, Indiana, make such things as furniture, tool handles, and Illinois, and parts of Kentucky. Spanish and French flooring. However, because it is more difficult to work explorers and settlers had known of pecans for two with than many other hardwoods, pecan trees in later centuries before. years were left standing by loggers.

mdc.mo.gov 19 Missouri’s Pecan Economy Up to 95 percent of the world’s pecans are grown in this country. Texas and Georgia — the latter with no Joe Wilson (left), the native trees — are the top producers. general manager of the According to USDA National Agricultural Statis- Missouri Northern Pecan tics Service 2017, Missouri contributed 0.4 percent Growers, gives a tour of to total U.S. pecan production in 2015. That year, his organic Rich Hill pecan pecans ranked 24th in Missouri’s total commodity farm to botany students cash receipts at slightly more than $2.4 million. from Cottey College. A tree shaker (center) is used to Native trees — rather than grafted varieties — get the pecans from the tree, account for more than 80 percent of Missouri’s total while a nut rake (bottom) bearing and nonbearing production pecan grove scoops pecans off the acreage. Vernon, Bates, and Chariton counties domi- ground and separates the nate production. nut from leaves and twigs. Certified Missouri organic pecan growers Paul and Peggy Droz have a 100-acre pecan farm in Bates County near Rich Hill where Paul grew up. “I’d go to my grandparents as a boy and pick up pecans with them. Now my son has a home in that area, and I pick up pecans with my grandchildren,” Droz said. “I think that’s pretty neat.” Pecan trees are an alternate bearing species, which means the mast, or nut production, is heavy one year and light the next. There is no consensus on why this occurs. “In 1955 and 1956, when I was a kid, there were two back-to-back bumper crops in Bates and Vernon counties,” Droz said. “That’s when they started to be a real commodity here. That really got people’s attention.” Droz said most of his best pecans are natives but he also does what he calls “top work,” or grafting. “When grafting, you want to use the best varieties you can find because that tree might be there for 150 years — generations,” Droz said. “Grafting guaran- tees the variety of pecan that will grow on that tree; cloning if you will. I’ve found that some varieties I’ve grafted over my lifetime do better in the uplands; some do better in the flood plain. That just comes with trial and error.”

Pecans are sorted, shelled, and cleaned in the Missouri Northern Pecan Growers processing plant in Nevada, Missouri.

20 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019 PECAN SCAB: RUDINEI DE MARCO, BUGWOOD.ORG; PECAN WEEVIL: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY— USDA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SLIDE SERIES, BUGWOOD.ORG that puncture immature nuts to feed on developing on developing nuts feed to immature puncture that pest.” thebiggest is weevil pecan “The said. weevils. pecan and worms, shuck hickory girdlers, twig including insects, breeze.” a there’s where uplands the in —not much so humidity more much have you where bottoms river the in and years, wet in more prevalent is “Scab Droz. it,” protects said shuck the and shuck the worthless. crop the rendering shucks, the destroys that afungus scab, pecan to subject are pecans harvest, for the of wildlife avariety with competing to addition In fall. the in mature to time nutshave the before and spring the in flowers damaging potentially frosts with range pecan native of the edge northern at the is Missouri challenges. its not without nuts is pecan Growing and Weevils Shuckworms, Girdlers, out.” shell the pick to you have some, — with nutmeat the in grooves the nitty-gritty, the to down And characteristics. cracking have good someand more flavorful, are nutssome more disease-resistant, are trees Some sound. structurally and physically is one that tion, produc good shows that tree a native, best your find “You go out and he said. list,” on the down is size consideration. into things several he takes agraft, in use —to of aplant twig Pecan weevils are hard-shelled little beetles beetles little hard-shelled are weevils Pecan Droz significant,” be can damage “Insect of for anumber food afavored are Pecans from of nutrients its all gets pecan “The Nut characteristics. own their have pecans “All shoot or — a young wood for scion looking When - -

weevil

Pecan

scab that is7feettalland12long. Missouri’s biggestpecan:a12,000-poundreplica events, visitorscanviewandposeforphotoswith since 1980. Inadditiontootherattractions and been heldinBrunswickthefirstweekend inOctober Missouriin1972.of An annualPecan Festival has Brunswick wasofficially declared The Pecan Capital trees and forests healthy. healthy. forests and trees pecan keep to future the in important very be could CA Rivers Four like at places trees pecan of native Protection pests. insect and disease future overcome to diversity of genetic reservoirs are forests pecan native more Perhaps important, producers. pecan tant Commercial orchard growers prefer grafted varieties.” grafted prefer growers orchard Commercial seed. native from seedlings market these start “We he said. parks,” in and communities by for planting and restoration, bottomland reforestation, vation: nuts fit the trend,” Lovelace said. Lovelace trend,”the nuts fit other and persimmons, pawpaws, pecans, like plants native Missouri and eat they what about particular year. last pawpaws by surpassed being until crop one specialty number nursery’s plant native the been had pecans that said Elsberry, in Nursery destroy needed seeds to reproduce new trees. to animals and pests of insect ability the overwhelm of pecans numbers large with years Mast said. Droz no crop,” is crop A small size. its what no matter harvest. after discovered be to only nuts, healthy on otherwise feed kernels formed newly within laid eggs from hatched larvae weevil Additionally, nuts prematurely. the drop and black, turn shrivel, to them causing kernels in Missouri’s wild outdoors. wild Missouri’s in photographing and floating, hiking, camping, enjoys and County Howard in lives who writer afreelance is Wiese-Fales Jan Native pecan forests and groves can be very impor very be can groves and forests pecan Native “Most of our work with pecans has been for conser been has pecans work with of our “Most more are getting people that is trend now “The Keeling of president Forrest Lovelace, Wayne crop of the amount “You’re same the lose to going ▲ mdc.mo.gov

21 - - Flight

NEW TECHNOLOGYTracker AIDS IN KEEPING TABS ON MIGRATORY BIRDS by Sarah Kendrick

n 2015, Colombian ornithologist Camila Gómez led a team of Colombian, Canadian, and U.S. researchers working in the lush, tropical forests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia to learn more about the area’sI role as a stop-over site for birds during spring migration. Researchers tagged over 100 gray-cheeked thrushes and tracked their 2,000-mile migration over the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean to their breeding grounds in the boreal forests of Canada. Through this study, Gómez and the others learned that gray-cheeked thrushes’ final leg of spring migration can range from three to 40 days, depending on their fat content and body condition. One individual flew over 2,000 miles in three days, only stopping for a few hours along the way.

22 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019 Neotropical migrants like this common yellowthroat breed across Canada and the U.S. and overwinter from southern Texas through Central America and the Caribbean. New lightweight tracking technology is allowing researchers to learn more about the migratory routes of long- distance migrants and what threats they may face along the way.

PHOTOGRAPH BY NOPPADOL PAOTHONG

mdc.mo.gov 23 24 warblers weigh between 10 and 20 grams; larger warblers or warblers larger 10 20 grams; and between weigh warblers migrant Missouri-breeding of our Many grounds. wintering the from and to ayear twice 1,000 miles over travel that birds song Neotropical for small of research area upthis opening are which “nanotags,” light incredibly producing are technology in Advances migrants. Neotropical for small heavy too are mitters trans most as track, can researchers species bird the limited has transmitters of weight The migration. bird tracking are researchers way the revolutionizing are technology in Advances Birds Tracking Small in Missouri. or breed through pass that species of migrant understanding our improve to promises that research the conducting in used technology the it was grounds, breeding American North their homes to winter American South and Central their from songbirds of Neotropical migration the in plays habitat landscape. the to changes of effects or negative positive potential or study them for habitat provide best can managers how land informs also but behavior), and use, habitat success, breeding size, territory (survival, history natural animal’s an more about us teaches not only of wildlife movements the Tracking scales. large and at it, small around space the with interacts animal how an learn

As insightful as Gómez’s research is to the important role important the to is Gómez’s as research insightful As researchers helps these as such projects with wildlife Tracking Missouri Conservationist Missouri

October 2019 October - - middle of the continent. of the middle the through or migrate in breed that of birds movements and timing migratory more the about learn to Midwest the across and Missouri in technology of this scope the broaden to working are Service Wildlife and Fish U.S. the and Foundation migration. tracking in for study candidates now are species of these smallest the tags, lightweight new of these Because grams. 60 and 50 between thrushes migratory bird’s unique signal is detected and stored. and detected is signal unique bird’s route, that migratory their along receiver Motus of any range within passes bird aMotus-tagged If frequency. same the to set world, the across 880 and alone, Hemisphere Western the in receivers 400 Motus over are There recorded. and detected is signal tag’s of unique sight), the line aclear with way each (about km 15 receiver of the range within or bat passes bird tagged the When receivers. Motus all as frequency same the to set and on birds placed 0.2–2.6 are from grams, ranging tags, Motus Tiny frequency. radio same the to set —all landscape on the placed antennas, to hooked computers or mini receivers, of passive anetwork and nanotags — the components on two based is 2014. network in The Motus began that University, Acadia with partnership in Canada, Studies of Bird program is a revolutionary (Motus) System Tracking Wildlife The Motus Operandi “Motus” MDC and partners like the Missouri Conservation Heritage Heritage Conservation Missouri the like partners and MDC This cerulean warblerbreeds in for thisthreatened species. small tobetter informconservation work migration research possibleonabird this timing. Motusnanotagtechnologymakes is knownabouttheirmigratory routes or overwinters inSouth America, butlittle theeasternriparian forests U.S. of and

CERULEAN WARBLER: © GALE VERHAGUE | DREAMSTIME.COM; BIRD BANDING, RADIO ANTENNA: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG; TURKEY TRANSMITTER: DAVID STONNER; BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER: BETHANY THURBER; BOBOLINK: JOEL SARTORE/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK Bird Tracking Basics

Bird Banding Bird banding is the oldest method of tracking birds and likely the one that most are familiar with. The U.S. Geological Survey’s Bird Banding Lab is the sole source for small, lightweight aluminum bands with a unique number combination that are placed on a bird’s leg or foot. The Banding Lab distributes and tracks all bird bands, so when a band is placed on a bird, details for that bird are recorded and reported back to the Banding Lab. If the bird is recaptured later in its life, the unique number on the band is reported again, giving researchers details of the bird (age or sex, body condition) and locations of previous captures. While bird bands can be very useful and give us exact locations of a bird in its life (if it is recaptured after its initial banding), this method doesn’t provide information on where the bird has been in between those two points in time.

Radio Telemetry Radio telemetry is the most commonly used method to track the movements of wildlife, including birds. A transmitter, or tag, is attached to a bird and emits a unique signal on a set frequency. The tag’s signal is picked up by an antenna and receiver carried by the researcher and tuned to the same frequency as the tags. By logging the specific locations of the various individuals in a study over a period of weeks or months, the researcher can later map out individuals’ This black-throated movements, behavior, habitat A wild turkey is outfitted blue warbler is fitted use, or other metrics that with a radio transmitter. with a Motus tag. answer their research questions.

Data Loggers and Satellite Tags Data-logging tags, sometimes called light-level geolocators, are different in that they don’t emit real-time signals but store a bird’s location data within the tag. These tags turn on a few times per day to record light and dark time and are used to calculate latitude and longitude to determine location. One challenge of this approach is that researchers have to recapture the bird the following year and scan the tag to retrieve the data. Many songbirds return to the same breeding areas year after year, but even these site-faithful birds face many threats throughout the year and not all return. The rates of recapture for geolocator-tagged birds are fairly low, about one in five. Although researchers may not recover most of the tags they deploy, the data they are able collect from returning birds is amazing. The tags map the birds’ general pathway and record how long the journey takes, both ways. Larger and more expensive satellite transmitters ping satellites in space and can either store the data in the tag or provide real-time data on the movements of birds large enough to carry them — mostly raptors, large shorebirds, seabirds, and waterfowl. Batteries are the limiting factor when it comes to attaching tags to birds. To avoid impacting the bird’s ability to fly, federal regulations state the total weight of the This bobolink is sporting a transmitter and battery must be limited to about 3 percent of the bird’s total weight. geolocator that calculates Some satellite transmitters have their own mini solar panels, but this is only feasible if latitude and longitude and stores the bird weighs enough to carry the transmitter. the bird’s location in the tag.

mdc.mo.gov 25 Motus Wildlife Tracking System: By the Numbers

195 Species tagged

Countries with Motus receiver 28 stations

These yellow dots represent active Motus receivers across the world as of August 2019.

This map shows one current These two horizontal antennas hooked up to a Motus receiver Motus receiver in Jefferson were fitted to an existing tower at MDC Headquarters in City (red), the proposed Jefferson City last fall with support from the U.S. Fish and “digital fence” of Motus Wildlife Service. Placing Motus equipment on existing receivers across the Missouri MDC communications towers in a latitudinal array across Ozarks (blue), and receivers that will be funded through southern Missouri will allow any Motus-tagged bird (or bat) the federal grant (yellow). to be detected entering or leaving the Ozarks. This May, the Jefferson City Motus receiver detected a Swainson’s thrush that was fitted with a Motus tag at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge on the Louisiana coast in late April. That bird was detected 12 days later by a Motus receiver in Saskatchewan. All three of these detections helped track this bird on spring migration north to its breeding grounds in the boreal forests of Canada. MDC and its partners, including the Illinois Natural History Survey, the St. Louis Zoo, and American Bird Conservancy, were recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand the Motus network across Missouri, Illinois, and on the wintering grounds in Guatemala.

26 Missouri Conservationist | October 2019 By the Numbers the By Tracking System: Motus Wildlife 631 the eastern U.S. migration, andwinteringsitesin migratory stagingareas along breeding grounds inCanada, a studyinvestigating shorebird tag inQuebecwasmarked for being released withaMotus the Motusnetwork. This red knot insects havebeentracked using Birds, bats, and evenlarge 278 20,136 and collaborators Motus partners Projects todate 4 869 Animals tagged Continents Motus receiver stations

ANTENNA: KEVIN MUENKS; RED KNOT: YVES AUBRY Neotropical migrant songbirds, there is still much to learn. to much still is there songbirds, migrant Neotropical for many habitat nesting abundant provides state of the part this that it’s known While season. breeding the during young their and themselves or sustain to travel up for migratory fuel to migrants long-distance hungry feed that of insects abundance an produce tracts forest extensive These forest. pine of oak-hickory-shortleaf swaths large these in or breed on migration over stop songbirds migrant Neotropical Many forest. Ozark Missouri our through passes that 60, acorridor Highway U.S. along fence roughly digital overlapping an place to is goal first The detected. be will state the through moving animal any Motus-tagged that means This state. the across fence” a “digital to create diameters detection overlapping with towers, or fire communication MDC as such infrastructure, Flyway. Mississippi the called south, and north the to migrants many for thoroughfare major a as acts region but this detection, hole” for Motus a “black largely still is Midwest The of Missouri. east and Superior Lake of coast the along mostly Midwest, the in are dozen afew only Hemisphere, Western the in receivers 400 over are there While Missouri Motus in state. the across receivers place to working is Missouri why is which insects, large and bats, of birds, patterns migratory the about learn can we of what horizons the expands Motus size. of any birds migratory about learn can we of what scope the broadens greatly receivers of those network the expanding 283), (currently projects of research number unlimited on an birds Motus-tagged detect to together work receivers Motus all Since benefit. research for asmall funds and ment of time invest large in a resulting one project, that to specific were receivers These range. within fly would birds tagged their hoping path, amigratory along receivers own their placed birds of small movements studying researchers Previously, Division. She has a master’s degree in avian in ecology. degree has She amaster’s Division. Wildlife the in ornithologist state the is Kendrick Sarah story. annual of their one part just here is spent time birds’ these —that picture bigger at the aglimpse and conservation improved to leads understanding Further cycles. life their in play habitats Missouri roles what learn us help but also bats, and birds of migratory movements long-distance the into deeper delve to continue to partners its for tagged opportunity additional an provides placed receiver Each birds. migratory aboutmore to learn effort hemispheric a support Midwest the across receivers Motus Additional Research the Driving birds of research projects to the north and south of us to be be to of us south and north the to projects of research birds The plan for Missouri is to place Motus receivers on existing existing on receivers Motus to place is Missouri for plan The changer. game the real is of Motus nature collaborative The detected and studied. More Motus coverage in Missouri will will Missouri in coverage More Motus studied. and detected also attract new research to the state. Not surprisingly, Not surprisingly, state. the to research new attract also to this lack of infrastructure. Motus will allow MDC and and MDC allow will Motus of infrastructure. lack this to due Midwest the in projects research Motus few are there ▲ mdc.mo.gov

27 - Outside 28 in the natural world. natural the in on going what’s Here’s Month This See to Natural Events excellent fish bait. fish excellent

nocturnal insects insects nocturnal chirping signifies signifies chirping in are common and Their distinctive distinctive Their grassy areas and and areas grassy can be found can in Missouri Conservationist Missouri crickets us. They make make They us. Listen forListen the calm autumn autumn calm in the woods. woods. the in field of field trill evenings to evenings Trilling OCTOBER How How Get . These.

October 2019 October

woodpecker

Red-bellied Bird-O’-Feeder probably a few squirrels) that will feast at your your at feast will that squirrels) afew probably (and birds different many the enjoy Then eat. to birds the for easier it make to openings the Enlarge bottom. the along birdseed of inches afew Put feeders. bird Turn into them them. pitch just Don’t Halloween? after pumpkins carved those with do to what Wondering bloom on on bloom gentians prairies Downy Downy jack-o’-lantern bird-o’-feeder. turned

Aromatic

sumac or regular duck season. duck regular or youth the during sometime hunt waterfowl to invited be will participants Clinic strategies. hunting and calling, duck shooting, wing include will Activities 11–15 Ages For more information, call 660-885-6981. at online Registration required. Call 888-283-0364 or register 64788 MO 14243, Urich, Road 13633 County NE Duck Horn Lodge p.m. 13 • 8 a.m.–2 Oct. Sunday, Clinic Hunt and Youth Waterfowl KANSAS CITY REGION CITY KANSAS with nature with connect Ways to hibernating short.mdc.mo.gov/ZMS Bullfrogs begin begin

Northern cardinal and purple finch

White-throated

sparrow by Oct. 6. Oct. by wintering wintering sparrows sparrows arrive Early

CRICKET: JOSEPH BERGER, BUGWOOD.ORG; PUMPKIN: © PRYZMAT | DREAMSTIME.COM; DOWNY GENTIAN: ALEX KATOVICH, BUGWOOD.ORG Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events Discover Elk, Fall Colors, Naturewith the and Driving Tours Fall colors are at their 22020020 peak this time of year in Missouri. MDC has driving Natural Events tours where you can not only Calendar bask in the colors of fall, but catch a glimpse of elk and so Our ever-popular calendar keeps you in touch much more. Plan your tour at with the year’s seasonal changes. Each month short.mdc.mo.gov/ZcT. offers a reminder of the state’s natural treasures. Daily notes keep you posted on what’s blooming or nesting and myriad other natural phenomena.

10 x 14 inches when folded SOUTHEAST REGION 20 x 14 inches when open for full display Fall Festival $9 Saturday, Oct. 19 • 4–8 p.m. Cape Girardeau Riverfront Park Water Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 No registration required. Call 573-290-5218 for information. All ages Come out for a cornucopia of fun at the Fall Festival. We’ll celebrate the bounty that Missouri has to offer in the fall both through human and wild animal eyes. Taste a few fall treats, enjoy a campfire, try out crafts and games, or join us for a hike. There’s so much to do at our festival.

Hen Hunt Head out to the woods on a hen hunt. No, not the feathered kind. During this hunt, you’ll be looking for hen of the woods, an edible mushroom. It grows in a large cluster at the base of oak trees or stumps. Get your copy today at It often comes back to the same tree year after mdcnatureshop.com year. For more information on Missouri mushrooms, visit or call 877-521-8632 short.mdc.mo.gov/ZNf.

mdc.mo.gov 29 Places to Go 30 and three natural areas. natural three and range, a shooting trail, ing-only hik a1-mile has area the trail, equestrian a9.5-mile to tion addi In watchers. nature and hikers, for equestrians, tunity oppor upfor in it makes metry, CA. Angeline through accessible are rivers both property, Service Parks National U.S. is rivers the along of way right the Although Fork rivers. Jack’s and Current routes of the the along east and south the to area the ders bor which Riverways, Scenic National Ozark the to proximity its is boundaries area’s irregular County. Shannon in located CA, Angeline 40,000-acre nearly the create to forests state Rock Flat and Spring, Clow, Alley the with combined was Corporation Kerr-McGee the from 1995 forest.” state old ofsome it was company, then and a private was which before, land McGee Kerr- of it was “Some Eck. Eileen Forester Resource said parcels,” alot of different from together ent pieces. differ of many a combination of result the is area the because it’s likely puzzle, jigsaw ished unfin of an think you makes (CA) Area Conservation line _ Archer Larry by opportunity in extraordinary Irregular in shape; Area Conservation Angeline SOUTHEAST REGION SOUTHEAST

_ What the area lacks in sym in lacks area the What the to contributing Also in purchased acreage The pieced been has “Angeline If an outline map of Ange map outline an If Missouri Conservationist Missouri

October 2019 October ------wilderness.” of chunk big is apretty “Angeline — Resource Forester Eileen Eck

NOPPADOL PAOTHONG ANGELINE CONSERVATION AREA consists of 39,582 acres in Shannon County. From Eminence, go north on Missouri Highway 19 or west on Highway 106.

N37° 09’ 47.16” | W91° 21’ 15.12” short.mdc.mo.gov/Zg7 573-226-3616

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU VISIT

Bird-Watching Included in the National Audubon Society’s Current/Jack’s Fork Watershed Important Bird Area (short.mdc. mo.gov/ZcC). Included in the Great Missouri Birding Trail (short.mdc.mo.gov/Zg8). The eBird list of birds recorded at Angeline CA is available at ebird.org/hotspot/L352394.

Camping Designated camping areas available. Backpacking or float-in open camping allowed.

Fishing Black bass, rock bass, sunfish

Hiking 1-mile hiking-only loop

Horseback Riding 9.5-mile equestrian trail system

Hunting Deer and turkey Deer and turkey regulations are subject to annual changes. Please refer to the Spring Turkey or Fall Deer and Turkey booklets for current regulations. Also dove, quail, rabbit, and squirrel

Shooting Range Firearms range with 50-, 100-, and 200-yard targets.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN YOU VISIT Black bear Prairie lizard Eastern hog-nosed snake American woodcock

mdc.mo.gov 31 T 32 G Wild Not edible Not Status as animals. Later, they were considered Later, considered were animals. they as the texture of toothpaste, will ooze out. Lycogala epidendrum Slime)(Toothpaste Slime Wolf’s-Milk to protozoa and and by studied botanists molds, funguslike organisms once regarded regarded once organisms funguslike molds, mycologists. You find can them in large groups If youIf pop one, a pinkish-orange substance, studies, slimestudies, molds are believed to closer be plants andplants then fungi. Now, due to DNA on dead June wood and between November.

Missouri Conservationist Missouri ui They belong to agroup called slime rolled around the scientific community. hese little round,hese little reddish-pink balls, called wolf’s-milk slime, have certainly certainly have slime, wolf’s-milk called 1/ Size 3 – 5 / 8 inch inch d

| Statewide Distribution

e October 2019 October

cycle all over again. cycle the starting elsewhere, to awayfloat reproduce spores stage, funguslike more second, the At fungi. and yeasts, bacteria, engulfing and digesting plantalong material, dead unnoticed asthey creep amoeba go single-celled huge, stage, first the During andplasmodium sporangia. two life-cycle stages life-cycle two Wolf’s-milk slime has  Discover more nature at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide at nature more Discover LIFE CYCLE —

and small insects. as fungi, nematodes, such organisms, other by consumed is It wood. materials, like rotting decaying on fungi and yeasts, bacteria, on Wolf’s-milk slime feeds  CONNECTIONS ECOSYSTEM The Blob The as such movies, science-fiction have even inspired and fascination of a source long-been Slime molds have Know? YouDid in 1958. in

MAIN: JOLANDA AALBERS / SHUTTERSTOCK; INSETS: NK-55 / SHUTTERSTOCK, BOGDAN IONESCU / SHUTTERSTOCK or online at booklets are available from local permit vendors Current hunting, trapping, and fishing regulation MissouriCode of methods, and restrictions, consult the For complete information about seasons, limits, May 25, 2019–Feb. 29, 25, 2019–Feb. May 2020 River: Missouri the of south streams Most year all Open Nov. 15, 2019–Jan. 31, 2020 Rabbits Nov. 15, 20, 2020 2019–Feb. Muskrats Otters, Nov. 15, 2019–Jan. 31, 2020 Furbearers Other Nov. 15, 31, 2019–March 2020 Beaver, Nutria 10, 2019–Feb. Nov. 8, 2020 Catch-and-Release: 31, 2019 1–Oct. March Catch-and-Keep: Trout Parks 15, 2019 15–Dec. Sept. River: Mississippi the On Paddlefish 15, 15, 2019–Feb. Sept. 2020 midnight: to sunrise Waters, Impounded and Streams Nongame Fish Gigging 31, 2019 sunset–Oct. at 30 June Frogs Bullfrogs, Green non and waters Impounded Black Bass Outdoor Calendar Outdoor short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZf TRAPPING at FISHING short.mdc.mo.gov/Zib

- . Ozark streams: streams: Ozark Wildlife Wildlife . MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Firearms: Nov. 27, 2019–Jan 15, 2020 15, 15–Nov. 2019Sept. Archery: Deer 2020 3, Nov. 1, 2019–March Crow year all Open season, and firearmsdeer season. turkey spring April, during apply Restrictions Coyote 31, 2019 sunset–Oct. at 30 June Frogs Bullfrogs, Green Nov. 1, 2019–Jan. 15, 2020 Regular: 26–27, 2019Oct. 6–15): (ages Youth Pheasant Nov. 15, 2019–Jan. 31, 2020 Furbearers Other 15, 2019 6–Dec. May Groundhog (woodchuck) 29, 1–Nov. 2019Sept. Dove Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Alternative Methods Portion: Portion: Methods Alternative only): (open areas Portion Antlerless 6–15): (ages Portion Youth Late Portion: November 6–15): (ages Portion Youth Early Dec. 28, 2019–Jan. 7, 28, Dec. 2020 2019 6–8, Dec. 1, 2019 Nov. 29–Dec. Nov. 16–26, 2019 Nov. 2019 2–3,

or iPhone platforms at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zi2 at platforms iPhone or Android in both Get catch. your ID and fish, to places great find permits, buy you lets Fishing MO harvest. notch them, and Telecheckelectronically your permits, buy to easy it makes Hunting MO Free MOHuntingandFishing Apps HUNTING

Regular: 26–27, 2019Oct. 6–15): (ages Youth Quail Nov. 1, 2019–Jan. 15, 2020 Oct. 15–Nov. 28, 2019 28, 15–Nov. Oct. Woodcock 16, 2019 1–Dec. Sept. Wilson’s (Common) Snipe short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZx the See Waterfowl Firearms: Nov. 27, 2019–Jan. 15, 2020 15, 15–Nov. 2019Sept. Archery: Turkey 15, 25, 2019–Feb. May 2020 Squirrel 9, 1–Nov. 2019Sept. Rails Virginia Sora, 1, 15, 2019–Feb. 2020 Oct. Rabbit Î Î Fall: or visit visit or Digest Hunting Waterfowl

Oct. 1–31, 2019 Oct.

for more information. .

ILLUSTRATION: MARK RAITHEL Follow us on Instagram @moconservation

This Ouachita map turtle (pronounced WAH-shi-tah) is enjoying an early autumn swim. Ouachita map turtles are active from late March through early October. They overwinter in the muddy bottoms of the water they inhabit. Get out and discover Missouri turtles. For more information, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZM2.

by Noppadol Paothong

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