Missouri Conservationist December 2020

VOLUME 81, ISSUE 12, DECEMBER 2020 MISSOURI SERVING NATURE & YOU CONSERVATIONIST MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

November/December 2020 January/February 2020 MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

July/August 2020 ANIMAL ASSASSINS THEY AIM FOR PREY

THE BOING INSPIRE SOME ANIMALS TAKE ! LEAPING TO NEW LENGTHS

CHILDREN MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Septem ber/October 2020 FLOWER

BEES STAY BUZZYPOWER GATHERING IN YOUR LIFE POLLEN AND NECTAR TO March/Apri l 2019 MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION GET SAY OUTSIDE WHA ANIMALS DO SOME Ju ly/Au gu st 2 01 9 FUNNY THINGS T?

WINTER IS COMING AND CRITTERS KNOW HOW TO COPE WITH THE COLD NO SHAD Looking for a way to coax your kids ON THEE GLADE LIFE ’S HOT IN MISSOURI to unplug, climb off the couch, and MINI DESERTS ’S get outside? Then check out Xplor, the Conservation Department’s free Don t keep the door magazine for kids and kids at heart. ’ closed any longer. Six times a year, Xplor serves up eye- popping art, photos, and stories about Subscribe online at Missouri’s coolest critters, niftiest natural mdc.mo.gov/xplor. places, and liveliest outdoor activities. The magazine is free to Missouri residents (one subscription per household, please). Out-of-state subscribers pay $5 per year; out-of-country subscribers pay $8.

MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST

DECEMBER 2020 Contents VOLUME 81, ISSUE 12 10 ON THE COVER Bald eagles fly over the Mississippi River : NOPPADOL PAOTHONG 500mm +2.0x teleconverter f/8, 1/640 sec, ISO 800

GOVERNOR Michael L. Parson

THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR Don C. Bedell VICE CHAIR Wm. L. (Barry) Orscheln SECRETARY Mark L. McHenry MEMBER Steven D. Harrison

DIRECTOR 16 Sara Parker Pauley DEPUTY DIRECTORS Mike Hubbard, Aaron Jeffries, Jennifer Battson Warren

MAGAZINE STAFF

MAGAZINE MANAGER 22 Stephanie Thurber EDITOR Angie Daly Morfeld ASSOCIATE EDITOR Larry Archer STAFF WRITERS FEATURES Bonnie Chasteen, Kristie Hilgedick, Joe Jerek ART DIRECTOR 10 Cliff White DESIGNERS Bird’s-Eye View Shawn Carey, Marci Porter A guide to birds and the PHOTOGRAPHERS food they love. Noppadol Paothong, David Stonner CIRCULATION MANAGER 16 Laura Scheuler Seven Wins for Wildlife mdc.mo.gov/conmag With partnerships and DEPARTMENTS careful conservation, these critters have made a strong 2 Inbox comeback in Missouri. Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley by Bonnie Chasteen 3 4 Nature Lab 22 5 In Brief Hunting and Trapping 28 Get Outside Furbearers 30 Places To Go Download this Ample opportunities await hunters issue to your to manage this abundant population. 32 Wild Guide phone or tablet at mdc.mo.gov/mocon. by Scott Sudkamp 33 Outdoor Calendar Eastern Download for cottontail Android Inbox 2 Connect With Us! With Connect Ozark Goodwin Dwaine best! singular the makessubject it core magazine the so much about says that simplicity the excellent, but theof covers are in years. All best cover the is photo 2020 October The YOUGOT COVERED 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 @

moconservation

December 2020 December

article on spiders. I was a bit scared of them until until them of scared abit Iwas on spiders. article for the Conservationist Missouri the thank to I want for the awesome magazines every month. every magazines awesome the for Thankyou theirhomes. of find one to fun be would unusualIt find. to were they Iexpected surprise. no was an none, hour which andfound about for spiders purseweb for hike on searched the we While our hikes near house. our of favorite one Area, Conservation Glassberg and Sonia Myron to I went [ spiders purseweb on redlegged article recent the enjoyed cover. to cover Iespecially from month every us send you magazines the I enjoy reading grade. andin eighth homeschooled I am currently SPIDERS PURSEWEB work. good up again the and keep Thanks public. the andinform entertain to used subjects outdoor of assortment 1947 wonderful the at andam amazed since asubscriber been Ihave articles. and exciting Conservationist Ballet Sky on Blue work great their for Paothong Noppadol photographer incomparable andthe Seek Matt to Kudos father: my 93-year-old of behalf On interesting. more even it made which experience, no andprobably knowledge little have people most Isuspect 16].Page asubject is This [October, excellence high of bar an already raised Ballet Sky Blue stories. the tell to together tied have photos andwonderful words the how of presentation the enjoyed have Ialso but a lot learned only not andIhave many years, for cover to cover Conservationist Missouri the reading been I’ve BALLET SKY BLUE THE Hidden Architects Northeast/Kirksville: Kansas City: Central/Columbia: Girardeau: Southeast/Cape Regional Offices 573-751-4115 Conservation Headquarters continues to outdo itself on timely on timely itself outdo to continues 816-622-0900 , October, Page 11]. Page , October, and mom My

PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 MO City, 180, Box Jefferson House Springs House Jenkins James 573-815-7900 Poplar Bluff Poplar Thacker L. Robert 660-785-2420 via email via Bullman Art by Matt Seek has has Seek Matt by 573-290-5730 . The . The Ozark/West Plains: Ozark/West 636-441-4554 Louis: St. Joseph:Northwest/St. Southwest/Springfield: conservation. Missouri seems to be doing things right. doing things be to seems Missouri conservation. about care all to who adisappointment was This shortfalls. budget andmassive revenues declining our Illinois with did away issues. latest the with home us send in Columbia, they and Grandpa Grandma visit to kids the take we time Every incredible. are photos andthe andwell-written, interesting are articles Conservationist Missouri enjoy the We really CONSERVATIONIST CROSSING BORDERS something I will remember for a long time. along for Iwill remember something was it but there, be to had you Maybe unusual event. this Iwitnessed as joy for leap to seemed heart to. My Mr. that referred Wilder “alive” moments those of one was It graceful! So in motion. slow be to seemed He flew. it that way distinct the from an eagle was it know I asilhouette, was all see Icould line. Although tree the over and Venus moon and disappeared the across right by. flew It close flying eagle a bald lake see to the over andlooked tree, in anearby arustle I heard aflashlight. andIneeded dark, still was It morning. it. to relate readily Icould because masterpiece Conservationist the of your Up FrontI read FRONT UP now. them of scared so andam not creatures these for respect anew Ihave your article. I read I was walking my German Shepherds early one one early Shepherds my German walking I was Outdoor IllinoisOutdoor 417-256-7161 KCMO & Benton County Michelle DiSanto &Benton KCMO 816-271-3100 417-895-6880 magazine a few years ago due to due to ago years afew magazine Cass County, Illinois County, Mike Reynolds Cass article in the October issue issue October in the article [Page 3]. I would call it a a 3]. it [Page call Iwould William Dickinson Jonesburg Dickinson William

female redlegged purseweb spiders

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MALE PURSEWEB SPIDER: DAVID BRUNS; FEMALE PURSEWEB SPIDER: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG Want to see your photos in the Missouri Conservationist? Share your photos on Flickr at Up flickr.com/groups/mdcreaderphotos-2020, email [email protected], or include the hashtag #mdcdiscovernature on your Instagram photos. Front with Sara Parker Pauley

_ Years ago, when traveling through eastern Iowa, I was tempted by the signs on the road directing me to the farm where Field of Dreams was filmed. It has since been developed, but at the time was a simple baseball diamond — not much else. Still, I threw a few pitches, snapped some photos, and muttered the iconic line from the film, “If you build it, he will come.” I thought of that trip recently when touring a western 1 Missouri conservation area in one of our nine priority geographies, the Osage Grasslands, with department staff. 1 | Busch We stood on a high vista overlooking a beautiful landscape Conservation 2 of rolling hills that was once part of a broader network of Area by path_ less_traveled_19, prairies spanning nearly one-third of our state. Our team of via Instagram experts discussed plans underway to restore these precious grassland prairies and thereby secure a home for the wildlife 2 | Busy beaver by Gary that depend upon such habitat. (See Seven Wins for Wildlife, Schwendemann, Page 16.) via email One tool we’re employing is the conversion of crop and 3 | Northern fescue fields using prairies plantings, both on public and cardinal by participating private lands. And the wildlife is responding. Brian Gossnick, Pollinators, such as the monarch butterfly and the regal via Flickr fritillary, are thriving on these restored landscapes. 3 Grassland birds — declining faster than any other — such as the Henslow’s sparrow, the eastern meadowlark, and northern bobwhite now have a place to call home. I delighted at the vision of these restored prairies thriving with grassland creatures and mused, “If you build it, they will come.”

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 © 2020 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. Printed with soy ink mdc.mo.gov 3 LAB Nature 4 at aGlance Eagle Watch Program • • • Objectives bald eagle trends population and productivity Missouri’s monitor to scientists Train citizen Purpose ongoing.” is development energy wind where state, of the part northwest the in more especially help, need we so nests, active 500 over “we have “But,” she said, nests. 285 monitoring teers volun 89 she has Currently, online. documents and said. she on staff,” demands competing reduce as well nests. eagle itor local mon to volunteers training were states other that ing said. Haslerig populations,” eagle bald their monitor to asked were states delisting, “After list. cies spe endangered federal the from bird the removed Service Wildlife and Fish U.S. the after 2007, shortly in begun effort annual an program, monitoring eagle bald Missouri’s leads She 2018. in Haslerig Janet tist Scien MDC by started Watch Program, Eagle souri’s it,” in get lost hejust said. “I them. watching Sunday and Saturday every almost spends Wilson Jonathon auto mechanic area, field _ Program Watch Eagle and management. wildlife forest, fish, improve to uses MDC research highlight we month, Each WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Missouri Conservationist Missouri Locate new nests and verify and update status of existing nests existing of status update and verify and nests new Locate Educate volunteers about eagle biology nesting and monitoring techniques the bald eagle’s continued recovery Increase public awareness and education to ensure To train volunteers quickly, Haslerig posted videos videos posted Haslerig quickly, volunteers To train as involved get people to way agood like seemed “It not task, this with for help need the felt soon She Mis with volunteering Wilson’syear second is This When bald eagles begin nesting in the Marsh the in nesting begin eagles bald When

December 2020 December

Chasteen Bonnie by ------conservation effort needs effort information information volunteers volunteers necessary necessary to collect for bald bald for Citizen- science science eagle eagle Eagle Watch volunteers monitor known bald eagle nests [email protected] 3198 or ext. at 573-522-4115, Haslerig Janet tact he said. back,” come never they sometimes and eagle, an spook to “It’s easy correctly. howmonitor to learn to tant it’s impor that grow, emphasized numbers eagle she said. threats,” local immediate, detecting in defense of line first efforts,”said. Haslerig reduction of these progress the document help can monitors local and eagles, nesting to disturbance potential reduce to accommodations make can ers To sign up for the Eagle Watch program, con Watch program, To Eagle upfor the sign state’s the bald watching enjoys who Wilson, our “is volunteers dedicated trained, Having develop energy wind planning, project “During to help MDC track the bird’s recovery statewide. recovery bird’s the track MDC help to Volunteers are needed in the state's fourcorners Learn more at research.mdc.mo.gov at more Learn • • • Used is Info How Monitoring

may be needed action conservation Determine where and to distribution the public Compile for data publication Heritage Database Natural the in information Populate and update . - - -

DICK MORRIS News and updates from MDC In Brief GIVE NATURE- THEMED HOLIDAY GIFTS MDC’S ONLINE NATURE SHOP MAKES HOLIDAY SHOPPING A BREEZE  Have any nature lovers on your holiday gift list? Visit MDC’s Cooking Wildin Missouri online Nature Shop for all your Bernadette Dryden nature-themed gift-giving needs. Offerings include the ever- popular Natural Events Calendar, plus a variety of books and more for all ages. savoring the Show-Me State’s game, fish, nuts, Holiday shoppers can also skip fruits and mushrooms long lines at retail stores and visit one of our nature centers, located around the state in Kirkwood, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Kansas City, Blue Springs, and Jefferson City. There you’ll find an array of reasonably priced, nature- themed holiday gifts. (Masks are required, and other COVID-19 health precautions are in place at these locations.) Offerings include:

❄ 2021 Natural Events Calendar ($9) has amazing images of native animals, plants, and places, along with phases of the moon, holidays and days of recognition, daily notes about natural events, and more.

❄ Cooking Wild in Missouri cookbook ($16) features more than ❄ Missouri’s Wild Mushrooms book ($16) is a great guide for hunting, 100 recipes for native game, fish, identifying, and cooking the state’s most common mushrooms. fruits, nuts, and mushrooms. ❄ Missouri Wildflowers book ($16) has colorful pictures arranged by flower ❄ Trees of Missouri ($8) field guide color and blooming time with descriptions covering plant characteristics, can help identify more than 170 habitat, and range. tree species by leaf arrangement and shape, with easy-to-understand Buy these and other items at MDC nature centers, through our descriptions, range maps, and full- online Nature Shop at mdcnatureshop.com, or by calling 877-521-8632. color illustrations. Applicable tax, shipping and handling costs apply. ❄ A Paddlers Guide to Missouri Give the gift of hunting and fishing permits for hunters and anglers ($8) makes a great gift for canoeists, on your list. Buy permits from vendors around the state, online at kayakers, and floaters with color mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through our free mobile apps, MO Hunting photos, maps, and descriptions of 58 and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android rivers and streams. devices or the App Store for Apple devices.

mdc.mo.gov 5 In Brief

Ask MDC Got a Question for Ask MDC? Send it to [email protected] or call 573-522-4115, ext. 3848.

Q: How do raccoons survive the winter? h Raccoons do not excavate their own dens. However, they do create dens in a variety of eclectic places, including hollow trees, caves, crevices in rocky DISCOVER NATURE AT EAGLE DAYS ledges, cavities beneath tree Did you know thousands of bald eagles visit Mis- roots, stands of slough grass, or souri each winter, and eagle watching in Missouri even abandoned farm buildings. Raccoon can be spectacular? From late December through They also repurpose dens and early February, watch for eagles perched in large nests abandoned by other trees along rivers, streams, and lakes. mammals, such as woodchucks Q: How did the 2019 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, MDC and muskrats. Missouri River flood impact will not be hosting Eagle Days events this year, but They don’t hibernate, but the movement of waterfowl? we encourage you to look for eagles on your own. during periods of snow and I didn’t see or hear geese Get out early in the morning to see eagles flying ice, raccoons usually den up flying over the following and fishing. Here are some MDC suggestions for for a few days, either singly November and December? winter eagle watching: or in groups of up to 23. h While local Canada geese • Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access, This includes both sexes and often use the same water bodies east of Bagnell all ages. Adults seemingly to roost each night, they will fly • Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K, appear to lead solitary lives, to different places in search of southwest of Columbia but may use communal dens food. In years when Missouri • Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville during unusually severe experiences flooding on major • Lock & Dam 25, east of Winfield weather, in periods of high rivers, many farmers are unable • Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, northwest population, or in places with to plant their corn and soybean of Puxico an abundant food supply. crops. Since geese have adapted • Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270, off In the fall, raccoons eat to take advantage of grain Riverview Drive, St. Louis great quantities of food and residue left in those fields after • Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, east of put on considerable body fat. harvest, their typical daily flights West Alton This supply of fat is the major in search of food can change in a • Schell-Osage Conservation Area, north of El source of energy during the flood year and this may be what Dorado Springs winter. By late winter, they may you noticed last winter. • Smithville Lake, north of Kansas City lose as much as 50 percent Geese are primarily • Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, south of their autumn weight. They vegetarians, and snow geese, of Mound City may venture out in mid- Ross’s geese, and Canada • Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, south winter to search for food, geese are all known to eat of Sumner which is why it is important domesticated grains. However, • Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills to keep garbage receptacles, both local geese and migrating Fish Hatchery, southwest of Branson pet food bowls, and other geese seek out other food

• Truman Reservoir, west of Warsaw potential sources secured. sources. Throughout the year, PAOTHONG NOPPADOL (BOTTOM) WHALEY, FRED (TOP) RING-BILLED GULLS: STONNER; DAVID RACCOON: PAOTHONG; NOPPADOL BALD EAGLE: Get more information on Eagle Days, including related MDC online events, at short.mdc.mo.gov/ ZG7.

6 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 they eat plants such as grasses, sedges, rushes, forbs, horsetails, cottongrass shoots, willow, roots and tubers, and even berries.

Q: These gulls appear every fall and winter, diving behind Chad Gray the tractor as we till the soil OSAGE COUNTY near Canton. They appear CONSERVATION AGENT to be eating worms and offers this month’s insects, but I don’t see any. What are they eating? Ring-billed gulls h Ring-billed gulls are common AGENT and abundant in Missouri, particularly near our large rivers and other bodies of water, said MDC ADVICE Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick. They are the most common inland gull and December is here, and if you can be found near reservoirs, lakes, ponds, streams, landfills, parking did not bag a deer yet this lots, and shopping malls. Most ring- season, there is still time. billed gulls nest in the interior of the The alternative methods continent, near freshwater. portion of the firearms deer These opportunistic omnivores seeing are likely feasting on the predominately eat fish and worms, arthropods, and even small season opens statewide invertebrates, but they dine on rodents plowed up by the disc. Dec. 26 and runs through anything they can get their bills Learn more about this adaptable Jan. 5, 2021. Permitted on, including grain and leftover species at allaboutbirds.org/guide/ methods include atlatl, human food. The gulls you are Ring-billed_Gull. permitted archery methods, muzzleloaders, centerfire handguns, and air rifles. If using handguns, review the definition that became effective on Aug. 30. Be sure you have the correct permit before going afield. Also, be aware of county specific What antler point restrictions IS it? and antlerless permit limits. Can you Only two antlered deer may guess this be taken during the archery month’s and firearms deer hunting natural seasons combined. wonder? The answer is on FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE Page 9. THE 2020 FALL DEER AND TURKEY HUNTING REGULATIONS AND INFORMATION BOOKLET, AVAILABLE WHERE PERMITS ARE SOLD OR AT SHORT.MDC.MO.GOV/ZXV.

mdc.mo.gov 7 In Brief

INVASIVE SPECIES MISSOURI’S LEAST WANTED

Invasive nonnative species destroy habitat and compete with native plants and animals. Please do what you can to control invasive species when you landscape, farm, hunt, fish, camp, or explore nature.

Heavenly Bamboo Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) is an evergreen shrub with lacy-looking leaves and sprays of red berries that persist through the winter. Its multi-stemmed, canelike clumps resemble true bamboo. Except in the coldest temperatures, the leaves don’t drop. They stay green all winter and are often tinged with red. Its berries contain Native to Asia, heavenly bamboo high levels of cyanide was introduced to America in the and can poison birds early 1800s as an ornamental. and other animals, including pets. The ever-present leaves Why It’s Bad shade out native Given its effects on native wildflowers. plants and animals, heavenly bamboo is hardly “heavenly.” It can form thickets, and its ever- present leaves shade out native wildflowers. All parts of the plant are toxic. The berries contain high levels of cyanide and can poison wild birds and other animals, including pets. It has few pests or diseases to control it. How to Control It Researchers have been tracking the spread of heavenly bamboo. So far in Missouri, the outbreaks are minimal, but are occurring in the Ozarks, and it seems only a matter of time before heavenly bamboo becomes a big problem in Alternative woodlands and other natural areas. Native Plants Heavenly bamboo is an invasive shrub from Asia that Early detection and elimination are has negative effects on our native plants and animals. ✔ American beautyberry key to minimizing the impact of this ✔ Virginia sweet-spire invasive species. Heavenly bamboo ✔ Carolina allspice spreads vigorously from its roots burning the top of an established heavenly bamboo plant results in its ✔ New Jersey tea (much like true bamboo). If you try resprouting from the stump. Herbicides typically work best on small ✔ Wahoo to pull up a plant and even a small plants or on young resprouts. Depending on the situation, controlling ✔ Black chokeberry piece of root remains in the soil, this plant can include a combination of prescribed burning, hand ✔ Fragrant sumac it can resprout. Cutting down or pulling of seedlings, cutting, and herbicide treatments. ✔ Ninebark

For more information visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Z6w

8 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 HEAVENLY BAMBOO: JOHN RUTER, UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, BUGWOOD.ORG; MASTER CONSERVATIONIST: MDC; TROUT FISHING: DAVID STONNER; COCKLEBUR: JAN SAMANEK, PHYTOSANITARY ADMINISTRATION, BUGWOOD.ORG Those who can be considered for either honor are: honor either for considered be can who Those individuals. deceased FameHall of recognizes Conservation Missouri while the citizens deceased or living honors Award Conservationist Master Fame. Hall of The Conservation Missouri the and Award Conservationist Master their for nominations accepting are and conservation, to contributions make who outstanding citizens recognize MDC and Commission Conservation Missouri The CONTRIBUTED TO CONSERVATION MISSOURIANSHONOR WHO mdc.mo.gov/Zxh final approval. conveying Commission Conservation the with nominees, annually consider to meets director MDC the by appointed committee biography. Ascreening abrief and nee’s accomplishments mdc.mo.gov 65102-0180, MO City, to or emailed 180, Box Julie PO Jefferson Love, Attention short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxn visit form, tion • • Get more information on the Master Conservationist Award and nomination form at at and nomination form Award Conservationist Master on the information more Get nomi the describing astatement include should which anomination, submit can Anyone Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 1, 2021, to Missouri Department of Conservation, Conservation, of Jan. 1, by 2021, Department submitted be Missouri to must Nominations

or wildlife conservation in Missouri. conservation or wildlife forestry, in fisheries, major progress produced time an over extended service dedicated or whose acts outstanding performed who agencies conservation-related of Employees in Missouri. conservation or wildlife forestry, in fisheries, major progress produced time an over extended service dedicated whose or acts outstanding performed who Citizens sand, so it growssand, it so easily. clay to dry moist from ranging conditions, soil of is tolerant of avariety Rough cocklebur livestock. and to clothing, pets, stick which burs, spine-covered through these disperses people. This annual plant a nuisance by most cocklebur cocklebur of arough fruit The COCKLEBUR ROUGH WHAT prickles prickles hooked stout, with hard, bur woody covered . . For more information on the Missouri Conservation Hall of Fame Hall of andnomina Conservation Missouri on the information more . For — are considered are considered — a brown, brown, a

IT? . at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZLWat story their of more Get award. Conservationist Master MDC the of recipients latest the are County Taney of Tom Aley and Cathy Julie.Love@ . short. - - our free mobile app app mobile our free online mdc.mo.gov/buypermits at permit. trout aMissouri have must allof ages anglers To trout, keep permit. afishing have 15 age over must nonresidents All ing permit. 15 afish have age over must 65 and under age residents Missouri All limit. length no with trout mdc.mo.gov/ZoH at 1. Feb. until locations Find release catch-and- are while others stocked, are they as soon as trout harvest to allow anglers areas these Manyof fishing. trout winter for state the around lakes urban-area 30 than in more trout rainbow 73,000 about stocked have staff MDC devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Apple for Store App or the devices Android for Play Google through download for ENJOY WINTER TROUT FISHING TROUT ENJOY WINTER Buy permits from vendors around the state, state, the around vendors from permits Buy four is catch-and-keep limit daily for The . — MO Fishing Fishing MO mdc.mo.gov , or through , or through — available available short.

9 - Northern cardinal

Purple finch

American American goldfinch goldfinches Bird’s-Eye

Blue jay View But First, Make A GUIDE TO BIRDS AND THE FOOD THEY LOVE This Field Guide irds are truly our feathered friends. Many of them over- ❶ Cut out the next two pages winter in Missouri, braving bitter cold days to provide along the dotted lines. endless hours of entertainment for birdwatchers. If you are interested in attracting more birds to your ❷ Fold each cut-out down the middle. home to while away a winter’s day, it’s easy to do. You ❸ Stack the cut-outs so the pages are canB simply scatter a smorgasbord of seed on the ground and in numerical order. watch the feathers flock. If you want something fancier, you can make a variety of feeders to place around your home (see ❹ Staple the cut-outs together along Page 15). Once the stage is set, sit back and watch the show. the middle between pages 8 and 9. This guide will help you identify your visitors and the best feed to keep them coming back for more. You can also visit ❺ Sit with this field guide where you short.mdc.mo.gov/Z28 for more information. can see birds.

10 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 Backyard

Male Birds Female northern northern cardinal cardinal

Black-capped chickadee

mdc.mo.gov A Mini Field Guide to the Feathered Foragers at Your Feeder 16 1

Frequent Fliers … A Few Others to Watch for

Pine Siskin Dried kernels of corn Pine siskins show up in are prized by blue jays. Missouri when seeds get Cracked corn is eaten scarce in northern forests by doves and sparrows. where the birds usually live.

American Goldfinch Peanuts are treasured by nuthatches, woodpeckers, American goldfinches titmice, and blue jays. are active, acrobatic little birds that sometimes hang upside down to feed.

Peanut butter and suet Red-Bellied (animal fat) attracts Woodpecker woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and occasionally warblers. Red-bellied woodpeckers aren’t well-named. Although the red on their heads stands out, the If you forget to fill your feeder, don’t worry. Birds are blush on their bellies is resourceful and will find food elsewhere. But to keep hard to see. the birds coming back, keep your feeders stocked.

14 3 Treats for Tweets Birds of a feather may flock together, but that doesn’t mean they have the same tastes. Here’s European Starling a list of treats that’s sure to have a variety of European starlings were birds tweeting at your feeder. brought to New York City from Europe in the 1890s. They are now one of the Black-oil sunflower most common birds in seeds attract the the U.S. Nonnative widest variety of birds. Cardinals especially love them. House Sparrow Like the white-crowned sparrow, house sparrows Doves, juncos, sparrows, and other also have a pecking order. ground-feeding birds prefer white Males with the biggest black patches on their millet. Scatter it on the ground, Nonnative underneath a feeder stocked throats get to eat first. with black-oil sunflower seeds. Cooper’s Hawk Cooper’s hawks sometimes swoop in to pluck Nyjer seed (also called songbirds from feeders. thistle) attracts finches That is nature’s way. Hawks and pine siskins. have to eat, too. Juvenile 2 15

At the Feeder: Sunflower seeds At the Feeder: Millet, thistle, cracked corn In the Wild: Seeds, berries, small insects In the Wild: Weed and grass seeds, insects, berries Northern Cardinal Northern

There’s a pecking White-crowned Female cardinals Cardinals are wary order when it sparrows often are the same size birds, often flicking comes to sparrows. hop backward then and shape as their tails and Those with the forward, dragging White-Crowned Sparrow White-Crowned males but aren’t whistling a sharp brightest colors on both feet on the as colorful. “chip” to show their heads get to ground, where they they’re agitated. eat first. Sparrows prefer to feed. This with duller plumage fancy footwork are sent to the back helps turn over of the line, forced to leaves to expose wait their turn. hidden seeds. 4 13 Blue Jay Blue House Finch House

At the Feeder: Sunflower seeds, thistle, millet At the Feeder: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, In the Wild: Seeds, berries cracked corn In the Wild: Acorns, insects, berries, small Flocks of finches Purple finches look a lot animals, bird eggs may stay at like house finches. To tell feeders a long the birds apart, look at Blue jays are known as Jays often shriek time, gobbling the streaks on their sides. the bullies of the bird “Thief! Thief!” tons of seeds and Male house finches have feeder. You can tell a blue before swooping preventing other brown streaks; male purple jay’s mood by looking at into a feeder. birds from eating. finches have rosy streaks. the crest of feathers on The call scares top of its head. A calm away other birds, Male house finches come in many shades, jay keeps its crest down. leaving the feeder from yellow to orange to red. They get their When a jay is agitated, its competition free. color from pigments in the wild seeds they crest comes up. 12 eat. Female house finches are brown. 5

At the Feeder: Sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet At the Feeder: Millet, sunflower seeds, cracked corn

In the Wild: Insects, spiders Junco Dark-Eyed In the Wild: Mostly weed seeds, but a few insects

When a chickadee Chickadees are bold, The “boss” bird in Juncos often scratch spots danger, it curious birds. With a flock of juncos around in feeders, kicking gives an alarm call — lots of patience and feeds in the center seed over the edge to chickadee-dee-dee — a steady hand, you where it’s safest. birds below, where they

Black-Capped Chickadee Black-Capped to warn other birds. can coax a chickadee You might see prefer to feast. The more dees, the to eat seeds from juncos lunge at bigger the danger. your palm. each other and Juncos are nicknamed flick open their “snowbirds” because they Chickadees hide most of the seeds they take for later. tails. This is how appear in Missouri during Even with a brain smaller than a raisin, the little birds can they figure out late fall and winter. In spring, remember the precise location of thousands of seeds. who is in charge. they migrate north to nest. 10 7 Mourning Dove Mourning At the Feeder: Cracked corn, millet, sunflower seeds At the Feeder: Suet, peanuts, sunflower seeds In the Wild: Weed and grass seeds In the Wild: Insects, acorns Downy Woodpecker When a downy If a male woodpecker is threatened spots danger Doves quickly gobble by another bird, it fans when he’s When a mourning seeds, storing them out its tail and swings alone, he dove takes flight, in a pouch in their its beak like a sword. keeps quiet. its wings make a throat called a crop. But when he’s whistling sound. Once a dove has Male downies keep females with a female, topped off its crop, it from feeding in the best he gives an flies to a safe perch to spots. When males arrive at alarm call to digest the meal. a feeder, females often fly alert her of away to hide in a nearby tree. the threat. 6 11

Tufted Titmouse Tufted At the Feeder: Sunflower seeds, peanuts At the Feeder: Suet, sunflower seeds, peanuts In the Wild: Mainly insects in summer; acorns In the Wild: Insects, acorns, seeds and seeds in fall and winter Though small, nuthatches Nuthatches love Titmice flit down to Tufted titmice couples are feisty. They often swing to swipe peanuts a feeder, grab the defend their territories their long, sharp beaks like and stash them largest seed they year-round. That’s why swords to drive away other away to eat see, and dash away. you usually see only birds. When this happens, before bedtime. At a safe perch, they one or two titmice at Nuthatch White-Breasted only woodpeckers hold Seeds with shells hold the seed with your feeder at once. If their ground. require too much their feet and peck you see more, they’re effort to crack it open. Many seeds likely young joining Called the upside-down birds, right before are hidden in trees mom and dad for a nuthatches have an interesting bed, so they are for a later snack. family dinner. way of walking down tree trunks, usually eaten on branches, and feeder perches. the spot. 8 9 Feeders Suet Birds are on the hunt Feeder for food all winter, Homemade suet should be used but by February, wild in very cold weather so it does pickings are slim. not melt and spoil. Wait until at Give your feathered least December to use it because friends a hand by suet can attract bears and other making a bird feeder. animals if put out too early. • 2 parts melted fat (beef fat or lard) • 2 parts yellow cornmeal • 1 part natural peanut butter

Wreath Feeder 1. Melt the fat in a saucepan until completely liquid. Items you’ll need: Remove from heat and let sit for several minutes. • Bundt cake pan (Use mini Bundt cake molds if you 2. Stir in the remaining ingredients and cook for a want to make multiple wreath feeders) few minutes. • 4 cups bird seed (Choose seed that attracts birds 3. Pour into small containers (tuna fish cans are you’re interested in) good), and refrigerate until they start to harden • Cranberries (optional) and then store them in the freezer until ready • 1 ½ packets of unflavored gelatin for use. • ½ cup warm water 4. Mixture can also be stuffed into 1-inch holes • 1/3 cup corn starch drilled in small logs to hang from trees. • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup • Thick ribbon * As an alternative in warmer temperatures, • Kitchen items: drying rack, medium-sized sauce replace suet (animal fat) with peanut butter. pan, spatula, and measuring utensils Mix 1 part peanut butter with 5 parts corn • Nonstick cooking spray meal. The mixture can be stuffed in crevices of pinecones or 1-inch holes drilled in small logs. 1. Spray the Bundt pan mold liberally with nonstick cooking spray. Place the cranberries in the pan how you would like them to look on the front of the wreath. Set aside. 2. Measure 4 cups of bird seed in an easy-to-pour container. Set aside. 3. Whisk together the packets of unflavored gelatin and Pinecone Feeder warm water in a medium-sized sauce pan on medium 1. Gather a bunch of heat until it is dissolved. pine cones. Tie yarn 4. Add in corn starch and light corn syrup. Whisk until there or twine around the are no lumps of cornstarch left. The mixture will start to top of each one. form a thick paste. The paste should be smooth and thick. 2. Cover the cones with 5. Remove the pan from the heat once the paste is formed peanut butter. Fill all and stir in the 4 cups of bird seed. Tip: spray your spatula the little spaces. with nonstick cooking spray before mixing together. 3. Pour birdseed 6. Add the combined mixture into the Bundt pan mold, into a small tub packing it down and keeping the cranberries in place. or cake pan. Roll Evenly distribute the mixture so the wreath will be the cones through balanced when it sets. the seed. Press firmly so plenty 7. Place the pan in the fridge. Remove it from the fridge of seed sticks to when it’s hard to the touch. This should take no longer the peanut butter. than an hour. Keep rolling until 8. Take it out of the fridge once hardened and gently each pine cone is remove the wreath from the pan by flipping it upside completely covered. down onto a cooling rack. Let it dry 12–24 hours before 4. Tie your pine cones to sturdy branches where adding ribbon or handling it too much. you can keep an eye on them. When your pine 9. Tie a thick ribbon around the wreath and carefully cones are picked clean, reuse them to make hang it where the birds will see it. new bird feeders.

mdc.mo.gov 15 16 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 7

CANVASBACK: © BRIAN E KUSHNER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM 7 count as wins for conservation in Missouri. in for conservation wins as count thriving. and secure are wildlife of native kinds other many and turkey, deer, efforts, conservation private State. Show-Me the in rare quite were they ago, long But not geese. that of Canada a pair or turkeys, wild of deer, aflock white-tailed it’s see to common of Missouri, parts most In Chasteen by Bonnie COMEBACKA STRONG THESE CRITTERS HAVE MADE CAREFUL CONSERVATION, PARTNERSHIPSWITH AND Wildlife for Wins Show-Me State. falcon were oncerarely seeninthe tailed deer, andtheperegrine elk, blackbear, wildturkey, white- The baldeagle, mostwaterfowl, Let’s take a closer look at seven critters we we critters at look seven acloser take Let’s and of public decades to Today, thanks mdc.mo.gov

17 18 Private Lands Deer Biologist Kevyn Wiskirchen. Kevyn Biologist Deer Lands Private year,” MDC of the rest said the throughout disease of the spread the deer season closes. after culling targeted winter in participating by CWD fighting also are landowners Many population. thedeer on effect and spread its limit can we so exists disease the where shows sampling Annual programs. control CWD- nation’s one of the effective most has MDC Fortunately, fatal. always is deer, CWD between shared Easily 2012. in Missouri in appeared (CWD) disease wasting Chronic emerged. has threat alone. season firearms November the 100,000 during more deer than check commonly hunters and Missouri, in free roam whitetails Today, a million over much-needed habitat. restore to agencies resource-management natural other and MDC season. firearms buck-only fork-horn, 15,000,to a two-day held MDC and grown herd had the 1944, By populations. remnant with of Missouri parts from them relocated and states other from deer white-tailed in brought agents conservation years, following the In illegal. hunting deer made Commission 1937,In Conservation formed newly the herd. the depleted had destruction habitat and hunting unregulated 1800s, late the but by Missouri, pre-settlement in abundant been had Whitetails Missouri. in remained deer 400 about 1925,In only 1. White-Tailed Deer 1.

“These efforts remove additional CWD-positive animals and slow slow and animals CWD-positive additional remove efforts “These for CWD. deer 150,000 white-tailed nearly tested has MDC anew landscape, on Missouri’s now secure is whitetail the While hunting. deer of modern 75 years 2019,In celebrated MDC with working recovery, this aided landowners years, the Over Missouri Conservationist Missouri 2. Eastern Wild Eastern Turkey2.

December 2020 December permits, and they harvested 94 turkeys. 94 harvested they and permits, bought 700 hunters Nearly 14 in counties. season athree-day with season turkey-hunting amodern launched of 1960, Missouri spring the In turkeys. wild raising started also (CA). Area Conservation 23,761-acre Ranch Peck the become would that Ozarks the in deep area wild alarge bought MDC population, turkey state’s the wild of restoring process the To gobblers. begin wild of Missouri’s but 2,500 about all 1937, But by killed had people turkeys. domestic raising bother even didn’t homesteaders that plentiful so were turkeys wild Missouri, to came settlers When wild turkey is available, and often abundant, in every one of Missouri’s 114 counties. one of Missouri’s every in abundant, often and available, is turkey wild eastern state.Now, the the around birds wild the and protect relocate to efforts staff MDC habitat.” marginal into moving eventually and habitat of good areas many the filling birds with exponentially, grew populations and for turkeys, perfect was environment “Missouri’s As former MDC Turkey Biologist Tom Dailey wrote in the April 2010 April the in wrote Tom Turkey MDC Biologist Dailey former As They CA. Ranch from Peck turkeys and relocating trapping started staff MDC 1954, In Landowners eagerly helped with Missouri’s wild turkey restoration program, supporting supporting program, restoration turkey wild Missouri’s with helped eagerly Landowners Wildlife Restoration Pays Periodic surveys show that that show surveys Periodic than dollars. recreation their with provide efforts these opportunities outdoor other and angling, hunting, the for vote regularly Missourians state. the in rare very currently are or lived once that animals restore to efforts MDC’s support $3 billion to Missouri’s economy every year. every economy Missouri’s to billion $3 of impact an make fishing and hunting Overall, $1.7 of impact billion. economic an create watchers wildlife and activity, economic in $1 over million generated tourism related elk- that A2016 showed annually. study Deer hunting, for example, more generates $1 billion in economic activity 76% of Missourians Missourians of Conservationist,

TURKEY, DEER, WOOD DUCK: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG; ELK: AARON HILDRETH 3. Waterfowl

The sound of Canada geese honking overhead can mean the beginning of spring or fall migration. But Missouri nearly lost the sounds of migrating geese and other waterfowl. One reason was the widespread loss of our continent’s wetlands. These are marshy places that geese and ducks need to survive. In 1989, the North American Wetlands Conser- vation Act provided funding for wetland restoration, encouraging people to restore their historic wetlands from Canada down through the U.S. and deep into Mexico. Breeding-habitat programs, which restore and/or protect wetlands and adjoining grassland habitat that are essential for nesting, also helped waterfowl grow their numbers. Today, federal funds are available for wetland easements and improvements via the NRCS Agriculture Conservation Easement Program — Wetland Reserve Easements, the Continuous Conserva- tion Reserve Program, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program. MDC also provides cost-share funds through the Landowner Assistance Program. Thanks to these private and public efforts, hunters and bird- Wood duck watchers alike flock to Missouri’s public wetlands, where millions of migrating ducks, geese, and shorebirds stop to feed and rest. “These partnerships have been a tremendous boost for wetland resources in the state,” said MDC Wetland Services Biologist Mike McClure. 4. Elk

These big grazers are related to deer and moose, and they once roamed throughout most of North America. But by 1886, Missouri’s elk had disappeared into stewpots and local meat markets. Over the years, a few elk wandered in from other states like Kansas and Arkansas, but no herd ever took hold in the Show-Me State during the 20th century. In 2011, MDC began a collaboration with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to move 108 elk to Missouri over a three-year period. The elk were released in the 346-square-mile restoration zone centered around Peck Ranch CA in Carter, Reynolds, and Shannon counties. The following benchmarks were established to determine when an elk hunting season could be held: population of at least 200 elk; annual population growth rate of at least 10 percent; and a ratio of at least one bull to four cows. This fall, Missouri reached that benchmark and offered its first-ever regulated elk hunt, beginning with a nine-day archery season in October and a nine-day firearms season in December. “The elk herd has settled into its new home in Missouri and is doing well,” said MDC Deer and Elk Biologist Aaron Hildreth. “We’re excited about having elk back on the landscape. We’re also looking forward to starting the tradition of elk hunting in Missouri.”

mdc.mo.gov 19 5. Bald Eagle

Did you know America adopted the bald eagle as its symbol in 1782? Sadly, this big bird of prey wasn’t strong enough to survive habitat loss and pesticides. Chemicals like DDT poisoned the bird’s food and weakened its eggs, making it nearly impossible for healthy chicks to hatch. In 1963, with only 487 nesting pairs of bald eagles left, the United States listed it as endangered, making it illegal to shoot the birds. In 1972, a ban on DDT helped improve nesting success. Here in Missouri, MDC cooperated with USFWS and the Dick- erson Park Zoo in Springfield to release 74 young bald eagles. From 1981 to 1990, the eaglets were obtained from captive breeding facilities or healthy wild populations and released in good nesting habitat at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Schell-Osage CA. Thanks to many local efforts across the United States, the bald eagle started to recover nationally by the mid-1980s. As a result, the USFWS removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list on June 28, 2007. However, the bald eagle remains protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection acts, and it continues to be a species of conservation concern in Missouri. “In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of active bald eagle nests and as well as individuals reporting them,” said MDC Resource Scientist Janet Haslerig, who heads up Missouri’s bald eagle monitoring program. “In 2006, there were 123 active nests, and today we have approximately 500 active nests.” In part, Haslerig credits the increase in reports to Missouri’s citizen-science Eagle Watch Program, which she started in 2018 (see Nature Lab, Page 4). To participate, email [email protected].

Watch Falcon Cams The Habitat Connection Keep tabs on the world’s fastest birds of prey as they raise MDC has been working with public and private partners their young. Visit the Kansas City and St. Louis web cameras to restore our state’s missing or declining wildlife for more at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZJ. than 80 years. “Although the peregrine falcon is an exception, where habitat has been restored in Missouri, wildlife restoration Help Wildlife Where You Are Follow these tips to protect and conserve wildlife where has generally followed,” said MDC Natural Community you live and recreate: Ecologist Mike Leahy. “Especially tough cases are species like greater prairie-chickens that need large-scale, open • Don’t litter, and help pick up litter when you native-grassland landscapes to survive and thrive. hunt, hike, fish, or float. Discarded fishing line can “Others, like the collared lizard, for example, have tangle, strangle, and hang fishing birds like osprey, done well in scattered pockets of glade and woodland kingfishers, and eagles. restoration in the Ozarks,” Leahy said. • Don’t dump your bait or unwanted aquarium pets. Going further into the 21st century, the Missouri State Releasing nonnative fish, frogs, and other critters into Wildlife Action Plan will help the state keep common the water can hurt Missouri native fish. species common while at the same time restoring species that used to live here and can thrive in smaller-scale natural • Make room for wildlife in your yard. Birds and communities. butterflies need native flowers, shrubs, and trees. Visit the Missouri State Wildlife Action Plan at Frogs, toads, and turtles need a small wild area with short.mdc.mo.gov/ZqN. some water, if possible. Cottontails will use a little, out- of-the way brush pile, and squirrels need nut-bearing trees like oaks, hickories, walnuts, and pecans.

20 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 6. Black Bear

Missouri was once home to an abundant bear population. But by the early 1900s, habitat loss and unregulated harvest had driven bear numbers so low that people thought they were gone. Then, in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission reintroduced bears into their state. As Arkansas bear population grew, sightings became more common in Missouri. Over the last 50 years, Missouri’s bear population, which is connected to a larger population in Arkansas and Oklahoma, has grown and expanded in range. Bear sightings are now becoming more common north of I-44. In 2010, MDC began an extensive bear study with research partners from New York and Mississippi, and it has continued through 2020. Over the course of this study, which will inform MDC’s black bear management for the foreseeable future, researchers were able to calculate how quickly Missouri’s bear population was growing. “We determined that there were approximately 540–840 black bears in the state in 2019, and the population was growing at about 9 percent annually,” said Laura Conlee, MDC’s lead black bear researcher. “At this growth rate, the population would be expected to double in about 10 years.” To learn more about black bears, MDC’s Black Bear Management Plan, being bear aware, and a potential future black bear hunting season, visit mdc.mo.gov/bears. 7. Peregrine Falcon

Like the bald eagle, this bird of prey disappeared from Missouri in the mid- 1900s — another victim of pesticides. Unlike the bald eagle, the peregrine falcon’s restoration story has depended more on human-made structures than on natural habitat, and in 1999, the USFWS removed it from the endangered species list. “Peregrine falcons are attracted to skyscrapers and smoke stacks,” said MDC Urban Wildlife Biologist Joe DeBold, who leads Missouri’s peregrine falcon restoration program. “These sites give them easy access to lots of pigeons, waterfowl, and other birds, which they hunt.” Today, several nest boxes appear atop tall buildings or on smokestacks in Kansas City and St. Louis. In the past seven years, biologists have banded 196 young falcons hatched in those nests. “Partnerships are the reason we can do this,” DeBold said. “Without our partners like American Century Investments and Evergy in Kansas City and the World Bird Sanctuary and Ameren Missouri in St. Louis, the nest sites would not be available.” DeBold noted that two natural-habitat nest sites have been documented on the Mississippi River bluffs on the Illinois side of the river. “However,” he said, “at 14 pairs, we’ve got the highest population ever documented in Missouri.” A proposal for removing the bird from Missouri’s endangered species list is underway, “but we want to keep the peregrine listed as a species of conservation concern,” DeBold said. ▲

Staff writer and editor Bonnie Chasteen enjoys writing about nature and the

BALD EAGLE, PEREGRINE FALCON: JIM RATHERT; BLACK BEAR: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG people who protect it.

mdc.mo.gov 21 Hunting & Trapping Furbearers AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT HUNTERS TO MANAGE THIS ABUNDANT POPULATION

by Scott Sudkamp

While historic fur harvests were much higher than today, there are still many opportunities to participate in this age-old tradition.

22 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 MAIN: MDC ARCHIVES; INSET: DAVID STONNER be forbe you. may furbearers trapping and hunting then woodsmanship, and ecology, nature, you about teach will that activity an in engage populations. game healthy ensure still and endeavors these support to management and science of sound plenty with trapping, and for hunting opportunity ample is there that is for Missourians news good the time, over mammals of these harvest the reduced have factors sociological and economic many While years. 25 past the over populations or stable increasing exhibited —have bobcats and beavers, skunks, striped coyotes, opossums, —raccoons, furbearers common most our suggest estimates population and numbers survey fact, In furbearers. pelts. 808,500 2017–2018 the more by than eclipses harvest number This records. Missouri’s in harvest fur highest the T

If you’re looking for opportunities to get outdoors more and more get to outdoors and you’re for opportunities If looking of Missouri’s levels population with do to nothing It has adecline? such cause to happened What the Show-Me State harvested 834,935 pelts — — pelts 834,935 harvested State Show-Me the in trappers fur winter, and fall that And Europe. through steamrolled Germany as anxiously $2.70. watched back you set would gas America of gallons 15 10 and cents, was of bread A loaf gallon. per 52 cents cost 1940. Milk was he year mdc.mo.gov

23 Missouri’s Furbearer History A key driver of European Americans’ early westward expansion into the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains was North America’s largest rodent — the beaver. By the mid-18th century, demand for beaver pelts to supply the European markets showed no signs of slowing down. The unique qualities of beaver fur made it an ideal material for conversion to felt, which was then shaped and molded into hats and other items of fashion. The western reaches of the Louisiana Territory had plenty of beaver, while eastern populations were becoming scarce. Native American tribes were happy to trade furs in exchange for manufactured goods, and it became apparent that the easiest means of trans- port for the tens of thousands of pelts they sold were America’s two largest rivers — the Missouri and Mississippi. Frenchmen Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau recognized the importance of a trade center near the junction of these rivers, and in 1764 a settlement and trading post was organized and named St. Louis. Over the course of the next century, St. Louis would establish itself as a hub of the fur trade. But during that same period, in an era with no regulations to govern harvest, beaver populations plummeted. Likewise, other species such as elk, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and Canada geese experienced significant population declines due to unregulated hunting. Predators, such as the gray wolf and black bear that were once common throughout much of Above: Ethics and game laws have always required trappers Missouri, were extirpated from most counties in the state by to check their traps regularly. Those laws remain in place, regardless of the weather or conditions. citizens eager to protect livestock. By the early 1900s, many citizens had become concerned with Below: Historically, landowners have allowed hunting and the declining populations of many wildlife species, prompting trapping of predators, such as coyotes. Today, that tradition the establishment of fish and game agencies across the nation continues to control furbearer populations. and wildlife management as a science and practice. In Missouri, voters approved the formation of a state Conservation Commis- sion in 1936. Furbearing mammals were an important resource for many citizens, and through a program of research and harvest regulation, many species that had undergone population declines began to rebound. In fact, there is not a species of game in North America that has gone extinct under modern science-based management, and many are more common now than at any time in the past 100 years. Most of the game animals hunted and trapped today have made remarkable population recoveries under the protections afforded by game laws. Furbearers Today: What to Expect There are several reasons to consider hunting or trapping predators and other furbearers. Most of Missouri’s furbearers are abundant and widespread. Some, like the red fox and gray fox, have declining populations, but that is due more to the terri- torial nature of coyotes and their intolerance of other canids than anything caused by regulated harvest. Many others, like raccoons, opossums, and beaver, exhibit a growth trend over the past 30 years, according to sign station surveys and the Archer’s Index, two methods used by MDC to independently track statewide furbearer populations. Burgeoning populations of many popular species makes trapping fun, especially for novice hunters and trappers. For predators, their robust populations often create opportunity

24 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 OPPOSITE PAGE: MDC ARCHIVES; THIS PAGE: DAVID STONNER opossums. This is not an unusual situation, and it serves to and serves it situation, unusual an is not This opossums. three just was day for the take total our when surprised was before. I So, day out set the he’d traps of the not all, if most, in acatch have to Iexpected knowledge, and skill much so With veteran. aseasoned observe to chance at the I jumped so season, last traps his check to me along invited Karl lures. and scents approach how they and travel, they where interact, they how behavior, — their furbearers and predators about edge of knowl volume atremendous he’s time, amassed that During years. 30 for more than atrapper been has Householder Karl Myths Dispelling appealing. especially is closed are seasons other when at atime species these with wits match to chance the women, and outdoorsmen For many season. deer during tions regula special afew with months, winter the during time any at hunted be can Coyotes of end March. the through extends season trapping beaver and February, late into trapped be can otters and Muskrats species. popular for several framework them. pursue to permission grant to happy even and willing often are and aservice as beavers and raccoons, coyotes, as such of species removal see landowners Many at all. or not permitted more be restricted may turkey, and deer as such game, other of pursuit where lands on private trapping and for hunting attract theattention hisquarry. of Karl Householderprepares apocket setto Many hunters and trappers appreciate the long season season long the appreciate trappers and hunters Many - - less gratifying. less be surely it were easy, it and would process, of the part just is work hard the it, love it and live who But those to sale. fur the for shape top in they’re ensure to hides drying and stretching, thinning, fleshing, —skinning, captured animals for the caring of properly the business There’salso traps. checking with stop work doesn’t hard the And work or before school. line their run to sunrise before well arise trappers Many or freezing. snowing, it’s raining, whether true holds still that and daily, checked be traps most that law, requires Missouri as well as Ethics, bit a luck. of maybe good and of effort, plenty and discipline, study, requires trapping Successful disappointed. be to bound it’s when is convenient them check just then and there and right. task the do to required of effort degree the account into takes that astandard against judged often is reward of the measure the life, in lessons many so But like thing. not it nor easy, asure is is cagey and wary inherently are that animals trapping and hunting that highlight A beginner who thinks they’ll just toss out a few traps here here out traps afew toss just they’ll thinks who A beginner the fun. is part of anticipation thing. Butthe from asure a catch isfar properly set, Even when hidden. carefully it mustbe and bedded, trap isset Once the to detail. attention careful requires trapping Effective mdc.mo.gov

25 Traps come in lots of shapes and sizes. Methods and Techniques Experience will teach you which ones If you think hunting and trapping furbearers is something you are best for a particular application. would like to try, it’s important to understand the different styles of traps and methods used. Many folks are familiar with the concept of foothold traps, but many fallacies and miscon- ceptions surround their use and function. While Hollywood and cartoons have perpetuated the mental image of traps with razor sharp serrated jaws, in reality, modern traps are designed to prevent damage to fur and minimize discomfort to the catch. Features such as padded and laminated jaws are commonly used by many trappers, and animals can often be released if desired. Another style of trap commonly used is the bodygrip trap. In Missouri, bodygrip traps must be set underwater or, with some sizes, 6 feet or more above ground. They are often triggered as the target swims through them. Due to the necessity of water- only sets, bodygrips are used for species such as beaver, otter, muskrat, and mink. In addition to trapping, many predator hunters enjoy the challenge of calling and using visual lures to attract the attention of nearby species, such as coyotes and bobcats. Hunters engaged in calling may use mouth calls to attract their quarry, or electronic calls operated by remote control can be employed to focus the predator’s attention away from the hunter and offer a shot opportunity.

26 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 DAVID STONNER coyote orbobcat sneaking intotheircalls. a watch forthe telltale movementof JD Crews andGrady andhissonsGriff habitat on his farm. his on habitat wildlife the enhancing and hunting enjoys and County Texas. and Vernon in lives He Missouri in 20 years for biologist awildlife as worked Sudkamp Scott furs. prime some even maybe and friends, new memories, great come with away You’ll furbearers. trapping and hunting to consideration some give past, the with or connect afield, more enjoy time nature, with interact askillset, build to for you’re away whether So, looking of satisfaction. deal great and a opportunity, abundant solitude, of plenty offers right. ajob of doing importance the work and hard of value the learning were boys these afield, spent time invaluable to addition In value. its maximize would that a way in for sale pelt the prepare and coyote the skin how properly to on get instruction would boys home, the at their back night, that Later truck. the to back way on the ashoulder over slung coyote of abig visions the forget and never they’ll a memory sharing boys his and dad of a fives high and smiles the by only gun. predator .223 his shot with a great made Grady out as later, ashot rang Seconds out. yards 15 just caller, at the straight in trotting coyote alarge see to over glanced and vision my peripheral in movement Icaught times, a few sequence call the changing After speakers. the from emanated distress in of arabbit sound the and remote control, on his the buttons front us. He punched of in hayfield grassy the in out caller electronic the he placed while aditch along brush the into tuck to us J.D. instructed fast, fading daylight With Vernon County. in hunt predator Grady, evening and on an Griff sons, his 2020, and J.D. Ijoined Crews January early In Home It Bringing Whatever your motivations, furbearer hunting and trapping trapping and hunting furbearer motivations, your Whatever eclipsed was sunset winter Missouri western of a beauty The ▲

Regulations consult more, and limits, required, permits seasons, trapping Permits and Seasons: missouritrappers.com and our nation. Forstate more information, visit our of resources natural all of utilization and conservation the as well as trapping of skills and heritage the of preservation the to dedicated been (MTA) has Association Trappers 1958, Missouri the Missouri Trappers Association: short.mdc.mo.gov/ZpG visit area, your in clinics and started get to how Trapping: more short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4q information, visit For Missouri. in permit hunting afirearms purchase Hunter Education: How toGetStarted A Summary of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Trapping and Hunting Missouri of A Summary To learn more including trapping, about at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZhQ at Hunter education is required to to required is education Hunter For a complete list of of list acomplete For . . in in creation its Since populations. ensure healthy regulated to monitored and are carefully and trapping market. Hunting to prepare itfor process thefur will skinand Grady Crews hunt, and Griff a successful Below: After mdc.mo.gov . .

27 Get

Outsidein Ways to connect DECEMBER with nature

Pecan bark Otter tracks Winter Wonderland Don’t let the cold temperatures keep you indoors. Head out and see what nature has to offer:

If there is snow on the ground, look for animal tracks. For tips that will help you on your trek, visit short.mdc. mo.gov/ZJm. As you are tracking, if you come upon what looks like blood, chances are you’ve come upon an eastern cottontail trail. Their urine can be orange or reddish due to their diet this time of year and can be mistaken for blood. Without their leaves, trees are more challenging to identify. You must examine twigs, buds, bark, nuts, and other clues. Learning this skill is fun, and it’s an excuse to get outdoors. For help with your ID, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zuv.

Turkey tracks River birch bark

A Gift to Nature Once the holidays are over, there is still one gift you can give — to nature. If you decorated your home with a real tree, return that tree back to nature. You can put it in your backyard and it can become a nesting spot for birds or cover for rabbits and other animals. You can also put it in a nearby body of water where it can be enjoyed by aquatic life. It is the gift that keeps on giving all year long.

December Missouri’s is the Snowy owls Natural Events rainbow onset occasionally to See This Month trout of gray visit spawn Here’s what’s going on squirrel Missouri in in Ozark in the natural world. mating winter streams season

28 Missouri Conservationist | December 2020 Winter is Aflutter Mourning cloak butterflies overwinter as adults and may be seen flying on warm winter days. They need a body temperature of GET about 65 F to be able to fly. Most butterflies bask in sunlight to raise their body temperature, but mourning cloaks can truly shiver, rapidly contracting muscles with only minimal wing movement. This can raise their temperature 15–20 degrees in just a few minutes. NATURE YOUR WAY Frigid Fishing your Anglers know Missouri is a great place to fish all year around. There is never a time to give your fishing pole and tackle a rest. There are plenty of species ready to be hooked in winter, including bass, crappie, trout, walleye, and catfish.

Flowers in Winter In December, some wildflowers leave Putty root behind clues of their summer glory. Here are a couple of examples: p Look for Adam and Eve orchid, also called putty root. It appears as a green-and-white-striped, pleated leaf lying flat upon the dead leaves on the forest floor. Check back in May to see this native orchid’s flowers. Get your FREE Missouri Conservationist at p Dittany is a shrublike perennial with tufts of lavender to purple mdc.mo.gov/conservationist flowers that bloom through November. During the first hard freeze of the season, ribbons of frozen sap, called frost flowers, Wolfner Services will form at the base of this plant. Wolfner Library is a free library service for Missourians who are unable to use standard

Dittany print materials due to a visual or physical Putty root leaf disability. Materials are mailed to and from library patrons at their homes, postage paid. There is no charge, whatsoever, to the patron. Visit sos.mo.gov/wolfner to learn more.

mdc.mo.gov 29 Places to Go 30 hunting opportunities, he said. opportunities, hunting waterfowl offer that ponds and more. even opportunities biking and hiking the expanding Park, State Trail Katy and Area Conservation Memorial Busch A. August 6,951-acre adjacent the to opportunity.”an it provides is, level skill your ever “What said. body,” Wesselschmidt biking. to open also are that 21 miles include and gravel) surface, natural (paved, surface trail and difficulty in vary trails The of trails. miles of 35 atotal has CA Weldon County, Spring Charles meals.” holiday big of some those after of exercise bit get alittle and hiking, some do get out, to opportunity agreat ple peo gives “It manager. CA Spring Weldon and supervisor district get out,”to Wesselschmidt, said heft. holiday the off fight help to ability its in gym any against (CA) Area Conservation Weldon Spring stack would Wesselschmidt but Raenhard ers, watch weight and buffs fitness for challenging particularly being for areputation has gatherings, family large and parties holiday _ Archer Larry by maintenance fitness holiday for ideal Trail network Area Conservation Weldon Spring ST. LOUIS REGION LOUIS ST.

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December 2020 December - - - -

NOPPADOL PAOTHONG VISIT YOU WHEN FOR LOOK TO WHAT

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Beaver WELDON SPRING CONSERVATION AREA consists of 8,398 acres in St. Charles County. It is accessible from several parking areas along Highway 94, south of Interstate 64.

38.7059, -90.7052 short.mdc.mo.gov/Zut 636-441-4554

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU VISIT

Birdwatching Included in the National Audubon Society’s Busch/Weldon/Howell Conservation Area Complex-21 Important Bird Area (short. mdc.mo.gov/Zuy). Included in the Great Missouri Birding Trail (short.mdc.mo.gov/ZuC). The eBird list of birds recorded at Weldon Spring CA is available at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZuF.

Fishing Catfish, crappie, sunfish, black bass, white bass

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

Trails A total of 35 miles of trails of various surface types and difficulty, including 21.5 miles of multipurpose (hiking and biking) trails.

Trapping Special-use permit required.

Waterfowl Hunting Open hunting. Please refer to the Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest for current regulations.

DISCOVER MO OUTDOORS Users can quickly and easily find outdoor activities close to home, work, or even while traveling with our free mobile app, MO Outdoors. Available in Android or iPhone platforms at mdc.mo.gov/mooutdoors.

Beaver Yellow-bellied Cedar waxwing sapsucker

mdc.mo.gov 31 32 A G Wild Rare Status Crowley’s Ridge in Missouri, southeastern where grows it on that Ilex opaca American Holly is rare in Missouri’s wild. hundreds But of cultivated varieties are ridge’s lower slopes in sandy-gravelly soils that remain from moist requirements and loss of such habitat in our this state, species seepage. you If are planting holly American as an ornamental, keep native habitat in its mind, and provide well- moist, with it planted by landscapers. To find American holly thein wild,visit drained of sandy soils room sun. plenty with for and partial growth

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JIM RATHERT 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, Most streams south of the Missouri River: Missouri the of south streams Most year all Open Nov. 15, 2020 Rabbits Nov. 15, 2020 Muskrats Otters, Nov. 15, 2020 Furbearers Other Nov. 15, 2020 Beaver, Nutria Nov. 13, 2020 Catch-and-Release: Trout Parks 15 Sept. River: Mississippi the On Paddlefish 15, 2020 Sept. midnight: to sunrise Waters, Impounded and Streams Nongame Fish Gigging non and waters Impounded Black Bass 573 call For more information, make great gifts! Lifetime permits [email protected] Î Î

Catch-and-Release: Catch-and-Keep: Open all year all Open 23, 2020 May Outdoor Calendar Outdoor – short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZf Dec. 15, 2020 Dec. TRAPPING - at 522 FISHING – – – – – – short.mdc.mo.gov/Zib Jan. 31,Jan. 2021 31,Jan. 2021 Feb. 20, 2021 Feb. 31,March 2021 Feb. 8, 2021 8, Feb. Feb. 15,Feb. 2021 - –

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- Ozark streams: streams: Ozark . Wildlife Wildlife

. MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Firearms: Nov. 25, 2020 Dec. 12 Dec. Firearms: Elk Archery: Deer Nov. 1, 2020 Crow year all Open season, and firearmsdeer season. turkey spring April, during apply Restrictions Coyote May 11 May Groundhog (woodchuck) at at more Learn fall. this starting inseason history modern elk-hunting first state’s the Missourians MDC offered New ElkHuntingSeason Î Î short.mdc.mo.gov/Znd

Alternative Methods Portion: Portion: Methods Alternative only): (open areas Portion Antlerless Dec. 26, 2020 Dec. 4 Dec. – –

Dec. 15, 2020 Dec. 20, 2020 – – 6, 2020 6, – March 3, 2021 3, March Jan. 15,Jan. 2021 – Jan. 5, 2021 Jan. 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

Pheasant Nov. 15, 2020 Furbearers Other Sept. 1 Sept. Wilson’s (Common) Snipe short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZx visit or Digest Hunting the See Waterfowl Nov. 25, 2020 Archery: Turkey 23, 2020 May Squirrel 1, 2020 Oct. Rabbit Regular: Quail Nov. 1, 2020 Regular: Nov. 1, 2020 more information. – Migratory Bird and Waterfowl and Bird Waterfowl Migratory Dec. 16, 2020 Dec.

– – – – Feb. 15,Feb. 2021 – – Jan. 15,Jan. 2021 15,Jan. 2021 Feb. 15,Feb. 2021 Jan. 31,Jan. 2021 Jan. 15,Jan. 2021 . for

ILLUSTRATION: MARK RAITHEL Follow us on Instagram @moconservation

Don’t let a little snow keep you indoors. This furbearer doesn’t. Virginia opossums are active during the winter, and you can be, too. Get out there and be a winter scavenger. What will you discover?

by Noppadol Paothong

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