Missouri Conservationist July 2019

VOLUME 80, ISSUE 7, JULY 2019 MISSOURI SERVING NATURE & YOU CONSERVATIONIST BECOME HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFIED ONLINE TODAY!

Missouri adults 16 and older can complete hunter education training all online. __ Flexibility to learn __ Access __ No in-person skills at your own pace 24/7 session required

The all-online course includes engaging video and animation on hunter safety, firearm safety, ethics, regulations, and wildlife management.

Learn more about MDC’s hunter education program at mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST

JULY 2019 Contents VOLUME 80, ISSUE 7 10 ON THE COVER A bobolink enjoys a caterpillar :: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG 500mm lens +2.0 teleconverter f/8, 1/320 sec, ISO 200

GOVERNOR Michael L. Parson

THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION CHAIR Marilynn J. Bradford VICE CHAIR David W. Murphy SECRETARY Don C. Bedell 16 MEMBER Wm. L. (Barry) Orscheln DIRECTOR Sara Parker Pauley DEPUTY DIRECTORS Mike Hubbard, Aaron Jeffries, Jennifer Battson Warren

MAGAZINE STAFF

EDITOR 22 Angie Daly Morfeld ASSOCIATE EDITOR FEATURES Larry Archer STAFF WRITERS Bonnie Chasteen, Heather Feeler, 10 Kristie Hilgedick, Joe Jerek Helping Landowners CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie Thurber Protect Missouri’s Rare ART DIRECTOR Places and Species Cliff White DESIGNERS Partnerships and funding Les Fortenberry, Marci Porter key to meeting unique PHOTOGRAPHERS ecological challenges. Noppadol Paothong, David Stonner by Bill Graham CIRCULATION MANAGER Laura Scheuler 16 mdc.mo.gov/conmag A Force for Nature DEPARTMENTS Tom and Cathy Aley have spent their lives advancing karst 2 Inbox studies and securing the future 3 Up Front With Sara Parker Pauley of Tumbling Creek Cave. Nature Lab by Bonnie Chasteen 4 5 In Brief 22 28 Get Outside Hunting Snipe and Rail 30 Places To Go Download this A waterfowl hunter’s solution to issue to your the late-summer doldrums. 32 Wild Guide phone or tablet at mdc.mo.gov/mocon. by Danny Brown 33 Outdoor Calendar Blackberries Download for Android Inbox

Letters to the Editor URBAN FISHING Submissions reflect I really enjoyed your article on urban fishing readers’ opinions and [50 Years of Urban Fishing in St. Louis, April, may be edited for length Page 10]. My younger brother and I shared and clarity. Email fond memories of a little pond in Clifton LOVE FROM ACROSS THE POND [email protected] Park. Although I now live in New Jersey, I still Thanks to our dear friends in Warsaw, we receive the or write to us: have family and friends in Missouri and enjoy Conservationist every month. We love your articles and MISSOURI CONSERVATIONIST reading the Missouri Conservationist. wonderful photographs. Missouri certainly seems to lead PO BOX 180 John Burghardt Mullica Hill, NJ the way in conservation. We always pass on the magazines JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65102 to a neighbor here in North Yorkshire. His sister lives in Your article in the April magazine reminded America and as a true countryman from a farming family, me of the many wonderful hours my brothers he loves to read them. We often talk about some of the and I spent fishing the ponds in Forest Park wonderful times we have spent in your lovely state. during the late 1950s. We would stop by the Sue Oswell North Yorkshire, England local grocery store and the butcher would supply us with liver and off we would go with UNUSUAL VISITOR our cane poles in hand. One of the ponds we Early one morning, our doorbell rang. My wife answered, frequented was located next to the Municipal but no one was there. This went on several more times. Opera. Not only were we able to enjoy trying With the help of my walker, I hobbled to the door. I looked to catch a channel cat or a carp, but we could through the screen window and hanging onto the bar next hear the beautiful music that was being to the door was a giant raccoon, staring me in the face rehearsed only a few yards from us. What an as if to say, “Let me in!” I banged on the door a couple experience for a 10-year-old. times, but it didn’t Danny Marshall Steelville seem to bother him. The doorbell kept ringing. WELCOME TO MO FALCON PRIDE I called the Carthage We absolutely At Van Horn High School, we love receiving Police Department and love this the Missouri Conservationist each month an animal control officer publication. As because our biology teachers use it to arrived. By this time the newcomers to supplement their instruction. You can imagine raccoon had given up Missouri, we learn the excitement when we saw a peregrine ringing the doorbell and something new falcon on the cover of the April issue. We are was laying down asleep each month. the home of the Fighting Falcons and it was in front of our door. The Ruthann Rackawack great to learn about our mascot and how they officer had no problem Caulfield are making such a great comeback in our getting the raccoon in a state. Thank you for producing such a great cage. I told the officer it magazine for our students and teachers. Fly to was so friendly and not the sky Falcons! Ka-Ka! afraid. She agreed. Dr. Justin Woods Principal Norman Knight Carthage

Connect With Us! Conservation Headquarters Have a 573-751-4115 | PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 Question for a /moconservation Commissioner? Regional Offices Send a note using @moconservation Southeast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730 Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880 our online Central/Columbia: 573-815-7900 Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100 contact form at @MDC_online Kansas City: 816-622-0900 St. Louis: 636-441-4554 mdc.mo.gov/ Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420 Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161 commissioners.

2 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 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

__ There is such a beauty to community, particularly when in times of need, a community rises to the call. As I think back over the last couple of months with the flooding and storms that have ravaged our state, I’ve witnessed Missourians rally- ing to rescue, reinforce, and rebuild. MDC alone has had more than 180 conservation areas and accesses impacted by recent flooding. While some MDC staff has worked tirelessly to keep floodwaters from impacting 1 hatcheries or other vital infrastructure, conservation agents around the state performed swift water rescues and assisted 1 | Victoria Glades with other emergency response efforts. Conservation Area 2 This round of flooding was even more personal for me. Close by carrico17, to the Missouri River, our community came together to fortify via Instagram our neighbor’s levee in an effort to save his fields, but ulti- 2 | Millstream Gardens mately the river won. Still, it was powerful to see neighbors Conservation Area by path_less_ showing up in a time of need to offer their best efforts. traveled_19, Also, beautiful is a community that comes together for the via Instagram longer haul, such as neighbors working together to nurture 3 | Longear sunfish their land collectively to further the conservation cause. In in the Black River by a state with over 90% of our lands in private ownership, we Monica Laramie, simply cannot protect and connect with nature on public lands via email alone. Aldo Leopold comes to mind when he said, “Conserva- 3 tion can accomplish its objectives only when it springs from an impelling conviction on the part of private landowners.” In this issue, you will read of such conviction on Page 10 and witness again the amazing and persevering power of community.

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 Marilynn David Barry to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Bedell Bradford Murphy Orscheln Washington, D.C. 20240. Printed with soy ink mdc.mo.gov 3 LAB Nature 4 at aGlance Energy Wind and Bats Fall of 2013 of Fall Spring, Summer, and Period Study areas.” conservation MDC to relation in considerations siting provide to also and concern, of conservation species Missouri species, listed federally include “These love,” she said. all we that species wildlife and forest, fish, Missouri’s to impact “reduce the can how they developers advise better to development energy wind to prior State. Show-Me the in development energy wind likely of areas in of bats occupancy the estimate to Service life Wild and Fish U.S. the with working been has Bulliner populations? bat already-stressed harming further without occur can development power of wind-generated level What syndrome. nose white- like diseases devastating and loss habitat of threats the state’s face the bats Missouri, in _ andBats Wind Energy and management. wildlife forest, fish, improve to uses MDC research highlight we month, Each SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN

_ Missouri Conservationist Missouri Their goal is to understand bat species occupancy occupancy species bat understand to is goal Their Womack- Kathryn Ecologist Bat State Missouri As entities consider more wind energy projects projects energy more wind consider entities As – 2017

July 2019 July Dots representDots sites. 120 Sites Study

Chasteen Bonnie by - program and expertise to determine occupancy at a site each night. each asite at occupancy determine to expertise and program ID automated an using calls echolocation bat identified and recorded They season. per nights three least at for occur to likely were bats and suitable, is development energy wind where sites at detectors placedStudy acoustic partners 4,269 Detector Nights of Monitoring of Nights wind the potential process thatprocess projects on on projects impacts of impacts need for a Missouri’s identifies identifies suggests suggests Study bats - energy energy

tial impacts and to focus mitigation efforts.” mitigation focus to and impacts tial poten the understand to risks atlook site-specific to critical is it “Therefore, said. Womack-Bulliner concerns,” wildlife and forest, fish, different has site wind-development “Each turbines. of wind placement for the guidance blanket develop to difficult it making species-specific, are occupancy Missouri. north in at sites 120 monitoring of acoustical nights detector 4,269 conducted data. requires declines bat population cause could area an in bat fatalities Overall, the study found that patterns of bat patterns that found study the Overall, partners gap,study information this To fill turbine-caused wind whether Understanding

• • Species 2 Other • • • • Concern Conservation of Species 4 Missouri • • • 3 Federally Listed Detected 9 Species

Evening bat bat red Eastern Tri-colored bat bat brown Little bat Hoary Silver-haired bat bat long-eared Northern bat Gray Indiana bat

Silver-haired bat -

SILVER-HAIRED BAT: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG; RESEARCH: DAVID STONNER DAVID STONNER 23 meeting. If enacted, the changes will become effective in February 2020. February in effective become will changes the enacted, If 23 meeting. Aug. its at action further for commission the to go then will proposals final and considered, be will received Comments August. early and July during include: changes The input. public wants MDC and 23 May meeting, its at system permit the and permits to changes  WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK ON PERMIT CHANGES News and updates

The Missouri Conservation Commission gave Commission initial approval of Conservation Missouri The The next step in the rulemaking process is a public comment period period comment apublic is process rulemaking the in step next The short.mdc.mo.gov/Z49 visit changes, To proposed the on comment • • • • •

Increasing the prices of annual trout permits and daily trout tags trout daily and permits trout annual of prices the Increasing free for qualify to registry alandowner Implementing and permits landowner free for requirements acreage Adjusting for some deer and discounted turkey permits Offering for nonresidentIncreasing hunting prices and fishingpermits landowner permits 20 acres aproposed to 5acres of aminimum from privileges nonresident landowners

from MDC from

In Brief In . short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxm tags and permits on For more information short.mdc.mo.gov/ZxW permits tochanges nonresident For on more information short.mdc.mo.gov/ZxP landowner permits on For more information A bowhunter takes aim at a deer from from adeer at aim increases to trout trout to increases to changes a tree stand. a tree , visit , visit mdc.mo.gov , visit , visit , visit , visit

. 5 . . In Brief

SHOOTING RANGE PRICES INCREASE Starting July 1, fees at MDC’s five staffed shooting Ask MDC ranges will increase for the first time in nearly 20 Got a Question for Ask MDC? years. The current fee of $3 per hour on the rifle, Send it to [email protected] handgun, patterning, or archery ranges and $3 or call 573-522-4115, ext. 3848. per round on the trap/skeet ranges will increase to $4 per round or hour. The price increase will apply to Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center Q. I found this web at Pickle in Greene County, August A. Busch Memorial Springs Natural Area. Conservation Area Shooting Range and Outdoor What spider made it? Education Center in Saint Charles County, Jay hh The spined micrathena Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education (Micrathena gracilis) is one of Center in Saint Louis County, Lake City Range in three species of Micrathena Jackson County, and Parma Woods Range and spiders found in Missouri that are Training Center in Platte County. also known as spiny orbweavers Learn more about our staffed shooting ranges because of the conical-shaped at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZF. protuberances on their bodies and their ability to spin intricate, Female spined circular webs. micrathena OPEN HOUSES ON BLACK BEARS Because of their small size, MDC invites you to a series of open houses to these spiders are frequently learn more about black bears in Missouri. The overlooked. But if you’ve ever process. Although humans tend to open houses will include information on MDC ran into a spider’s eye-level silk fear spiders, they control insects black bear research projects and management dragline while hiking down a trail, naturally. Additionally, these efforts, our draft black bear management plan, you’ve probably encountered spiders provide some of the sticky potential future hunting opportunities, and how them. webbing hummingbirds use to to handle conflicts with nuisance bears. MDC Males and females mature in build their own nests. staff will also be taking comments on these and early summer and females can be other related topics. found until October. Female spined Q. Shortly after sunset, I heard The meetings will be from 6–8 p.m., with a micrathenas typically are black whistles coming from the presentation at 6 p.m. No registration is required. and white, have five pairs of black woods — short, one-syllable • July 9 — MDC Springfield Conservation conical protuberances encircling sounds that started out loudly Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center their abdomens, and are twice as and faded quickly. The closer Way in Springfield big as males. Males visit females in they were, the raspier. What • July 11 — The Landing, their webs, but their courtship can was making these whistles? 110 Front St. in Van Buren prove fatal, since they are often hh You are hearing young barred • July 18 — First Baptist eaten to provide nourishment to owls calling to their parents. Church, 202 Walnut St. their mates and offspring. To beg for food and make in West Plains These spiders are commonly their parents aware of their • July 30 — MDC Powder found in woodland areas, but they location, these owls emit a one- Valley Conservation also like suburban settings. They note call that can vary from a Nature Center, rarely enter homes and are not melodic whistle to a raspy hiss. 11715 Cragwold Road known to bite people. To hear their begging calls, in St. Louis Like many spiders, they visit allaboutbirds.org/guide/ For more information, capture insects in the sticky Barred_Owl/sounds. contact MDC Public strands of their webs. Once Barred owls don’t migrate, or Involvement Coordinator caught, a dose of venom subdues even move far away. According to

Michele Baumer at Michele. their prey and starts the digestion the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, of SPINED MICRATHENA WEB: CAROLYN CLAY; SPINED MICRATHENA: STURGIS MCKEEVER, GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, BUGWOOD.ORG; BARRED OWL: JIM RATHERT [email protected] or 573-522-4115, ext. 3350. Black bear

6 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 Kyle Clinton CRAWFORD COUNTY CONSERVATION AGENT offers this month’s Juvenile barred owl AGENT 158 birds banded and rediscovered, bird. I have never heard of none had moved more than 6 this. Is this common or a freak ADVICE miles away. So, the juvenile barred phenomenon? owls you are hearing in your hh While not commonly observed, it neighborhood may stay nearby. is not uncommon. Looking for summertime Barred owls often nest in natural Squirrels have an extremely fun? Visit one of MDC’s cavities in mature forests but will varied diet, eating parts of about conservation areas. With so also use human-made nest boxes. 100 different species of plants. many outdoor opportunities To attract a breeding pair, you might Squirrels eat the nuts, twigs, buds, consider putting up a box this fall. flowers, berries, seeds, and wild waiting to be discovered, To learn more, visit nestwatch.org/ fruits of hickory, pecan, oak, walnut, conservation areas are a learn/all-about-birdhouses/birds/ elm, and mulberry trees. They may great way to connect with barred-owl. also occasionally eat eggs and young nature. Whether you have birds. Insects and insect larvae are Q. I recently saw a video of a eaten in small amounts as well, enjoyed an area before or you tree squirrel eating a young mostly in late spring and summer. are exploring a new area, be sure to download the free MO Outdoors app before you go. The app, available through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices, provides easy access to area information, activities, maps, hours, directions, and a What contact number for additional IS it? information. As always, plan Can you your trip ahead of time, bring guess this plenty of water, tell month’s someone where you natural wonder? are going and for The answer is on how long, and have Page 9. the proper permits if your activities require them.

mdc.mo.gov 7 In Brief

Spotlight on WE ARECONSERVATION people and partners Ray Lee Caskey hh Like many anglers, Ray Lee Caskey has enjoyed pulling trout out of the Eleven Point River in and around Oregon County for decades. Unlike most, the former Oregon County Prosecuting Attorney and Circuit Court Judge also spent 50 years helping put many of those same fish in the river. In 2018, Ray, 79, was recognized for his volunteer work with MDC agents stocking the Eleven Point. During his volunteer tenure stocking trout, which began in 1968, the process evolved from dropping large numbers of fish at department river access points to getting on the river with agents and distributing the fish more evenly throughout the river.

Building relationships and understanding challenges “He cherished the outdoors, and he wanted to build on those relationships, especially with our division, with those agents, and understand what they were going through, the challenges of being a conservation agent in Oregon County during that time period,” said Ozark Region Protection Supervisor Gerald Smith, who recognized Ray during his last stocking trip in June 2018. “It was a chance for him to get on the river, have those conversations, and build those relationships as much as anything.”

In his own words “I’ve loved fishing for all my life and have loved the river ever since I’ve been here,” said Ray. “I’ve loved doing it, and really became good friends with all the agents.”

:: by Cliff White

What’s your conservation superpower?

8 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 HUMMINGBIRD: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG state. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxn at more Learn state. in the efforts conservation and wildlife eries, fish forestry, to contributions and lasting tial substan made have who posthumously rians Missou 44 Fame Hall of honors Conservation Trammel, of the addition the With in forestry. andcareer for passion alifelong 78, following Ozarks. Missouri the of heart in is the Forest Pioneer 143,000-acre owned, privately The in April. in Salem barbecue annual community Forest’s Pioneer at during aceremony family Trammel’s to presented was award Fame. The Hall of Conservation ing Missouri him the into induct by Trammel Clint ager posthumously Man Forest longtime Forest’s Pioneer ored hon Commission Conservation the and MDC TRAMMEL INDUCTED INTO INDUCTED TRAMMEL CONSERVATION OF HALL FAME Trammel June 21, died 2018, of age the at ( hummingbird ruby-throated The RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD WHAT they migrate through Missouri. through migrate they in hummer numbers in as August peak a Watch for materials. plant from spider webbingnests and wooded places where builds it other and forests frequents hummingbird ruby-throated The tiny bird also dines on insects. from This feeders and flowers. needlelike nectar bill to extract Archilochus colubris Archilochus

IS 21, 2018 21, 1940–June 30, May Trammel: Clinton E.

IT? ) uses its ) uses its . ------activities. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxh at more Learn activities. education-related conservation and law enforcement including conservation resources, wildlife or forestry, fisheries, state’s the to contributions lasting and substantial made have who tions or organiza universities, agencies, conservation-related of employees and commissioners, MDC hunting heritage.” our of rich continuation andthe education, andconservation environmental management, deer, habitat white-tailed to dedication of decades his of because award the of deserving well very so is “He award. the Pauley, presented Parker who Sara Director wildlife,” for and MDC love said ethic, conservation philosophy,agement strong vital tie to wildlife conservation. wildlife to tie vital a as hunting of proponent astrong also is He education. and research, management, on deer Branson. near Lodge Cedar Big at meeting 23 May commission the at in award the presented 1942. Dr. first received was Woods which award, Conservationist Master 61st the on becoming our of Spring Ph.D., Reeds recipient of Woods, Grant to Congratulations GRANT WOODS RECEIVES MASTER CONSERVATIONIST AWARD MASTER WOODS RECEIVES GRANT The Master Conservationist Award honors living or deceased citizen conservationists, former former conservationists, citizen or deceased living honors Award Conservationist Master The “Dr. Woods exemplifies Missouri’s Show-Me spirit through his comprehensive wildlife-man comprehensive through his spirit Show-Me Missouri’s exemplifies “Dr. Woods authority aleading as andrespected known nationally is who biologist Dr. awildlife is Woods . Parker Pauley. Parker Sara Director MDC David Murphy, and Commissioner Dr. Grant Woods, Bradford, Marilynn Orscheln and Barry L-R: Commissioners Spring. Pictured Reeds of Ph.D., Grant Woods, to May in award Conservationist their Master bestowed andCommission MDC Conservation The Missouri mdc.mo.gov

9 - - HELPING LANDOWNERS

MISSOURI’Sprotectrotec RARE PLACES AND SPECIES

PARTNERSHIPS AND FUNDING KEY TO MEETING UNIQUE ECOLOGICAL CHALLENGES by Bill Graham

10 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 astern collared lizards prance atop granite boulders on sunny daysE in southeastern Missouri glades, while in the state’s northwest corner, prairie- chickens peck for bugs and hide from predators beneath grasses and wildflowers growing on deep soil. While geography separates these unique species, conservation gives them something in common. Prairie- chickens are endangered and eastern collared lizards are a species of conservation concern. But MDC’s partnerships with private landowners for habitat improvements have expanded the supportive range for both species. Their success or failure signals the prospects for many other prairie- or glade-dwelling plants and animals, too. Without projects that keep unique habitats, such as rocky glades, in their natural states, “there are several adapted species that won’t thrive,” said Julie Norris, MDC private land conservationist in St. Francois and Iron counties. “One species that comes to mind is the collared lizard. It doesn’t live A male prairie-chicken performs a mating dance in early spring. Private landowners anywhere but in these glade in the Grand River Grasslands use MDC communities. There’s a lot of expertise and federal RCPP cost-share assistance to help protect this endangered sun-loving plants we wouldn’t species and diversify or improve cattle forage. see, and unique species like PHOTOGRAPH BY NOPPADOL PAOTHONG the glade grasshopper.”

mdc.mo.gov 11 12

Missouri Conservationist Missouri habitat coordinator. habitat priority MDC Frazier, too,” Roger said species, outlying for the habitat of restoring value the discover they then “but habitat, needed. as stages in done be can work so practices, complete the to years three two or have Owners needs. habitat specific the and goals owner’s fit to aproperty tailored be can Programs dwindling. that benefit rare,are species endangered, or specifically but also wildlife all help that improvements habitat with benefits. habitat to add that USDA programs other from or money funds Program Assistance Landowner MDC’s includes plan a landowner Sometimes burns. prescribed or conducting trees, unwanted remove to contractors hiring purchases, seed grass native as such expenses, forpays The program RCPP improvements. implement and plan landowners help to expertise provides MDC profitability. farm cases some in and wildlife, help can that improvements management (RCPP) for land Program Partnership Conservation Regional the under states to opportunities cost-share offers agency The federal habitat. wildlife important provide to potential the with property own who people assists (NRCS), Service Conservation Some landowners initially seek better deer and turkey turkey and deer better seek initially landowners Some assistance receive landowners RCPP grants, the Under USDA’s the Resource with Natural partnership in MDC,

July 2019 July were eligible for RCPP assistance for habitat improvement improvement for habitat for RCPP assistance eligible were counties Wayne and Francois, St. Ste. Genevieve, Shannon, Carter in Landowners program. Species for Threatened Communities Woodland and Glade Restoring the under NRCS from assistance financial species. out other choking thus sunlight, blocking and ture mois hoarding by prairies and glades to invasive harmfully be can they But wildlife. and people for benefits their have and native are cedars Red groves. thick in glades the invade to trees cedar red allowed This fire. suppressing by pattern wildlife. helps that diversity plant the preserving woodlands, and glades the dominating from andshrubs trees kept wildfire Historically, woodlands. open the like turkeys and Deer stones. the among life prefer lizards collared Eastern wildflowers. and grasses native alongside patterns scattered in growing originally trees, support soils deeper slopes, the down Further glades. or hillside hilltops on grow plants unique where on terraces and crevices, cracks, in soils thin left millenniums over matter organic and dust andaccumulated of rock weathering ago. The years billion 1.5 almost eruptions volcanic as originated region Knobs Francois the St. in hills topping and outcrops boulders granite The the Among Granite Glades Restoring mdc.mo.gov/property visit or office MDC local For more and information, call streams. your forests, woodlands, for grasslands, enhancement or restoration for habitat provide that financialprograms assistance and cost-share federal of state a variety with owners property connect can MDC’s land private conservationists Habitat Improvements for Your Land To restore balance, MDC connects landowners with RCPP with landowners connects MDC To restore balance, ecological the changed 1800s the in settlement Human projects. also addressed karst habitat needs in in needs habitat karst addressed also The glade and woodland program program andwoodland glade The , Iron, Madison, Reynolds, Ripley, Reynolds, Madison, , Iron, Perry County. Perry rocks forthemtohideunder. repopulate areas with large Eastern collared lizards will . -

COLLARED LIZARD: JIM RATHERT; O’BRIEN PRESCRIBED BURN: DAVID STONNER Putting Grants to Work Landowner Terry O’Brien (left) saw wildlife and wildflowers Norris studied aerial photos and habitat maps for St. Fran- increase at his St. Francois County farm when he used RCPP cois County to find potential glade restoration sites. She left cost share to restore glade and woodland habitat, including flyers about the RCPP program in mailboxes. Her phone soon this prescribed burn conducted by contractor Brian Towe. began ringing. Terry O’Brien sought help for about 160 acres, mostly woodland, and 15 acres of glades at his Shanahill Farm “They’re everywhere now,” O’Brien said of the foot-long near Park Hills. Norris helped him receive RCPP cost-share lizards with assorted tan, lime-green, and orange colors. money to pay contractors to cut cedar trees off the glades, “They’re fabulous little guys.” conduct prescribed burns, and thin trees in the woodlands. Plus, he’s planning a wildflower plot with For Wildlife and Wildflowers financial assistance from a separate program to Ken Allen of Farmington witnessed a surge in benefit pollinators, like bees and butterflies. wildlife and wildflowers on his small acreage He left several dogwood and redbud trees after getting assistance through the RCPP uncut among the oaks and watches them program. Norris visited the farm, and they bloom in spring. Native warm-season prairie laid out a plan for changes to the overcrowded grasses, like big bluestem, appear in summer. woodland with rocky patches. A native plant seed bank lingering in the soil “There’s a lot of granite out here,” Allen from before the cedar invasion came to life said. when trees were cut and leaf litter burned Under the program, a contractor built fire away. “It’s lanes. Timber was thinned and cedar trees “It looks great, unbelievably great, a remarkable were removed. A small pond to provide water remarkable improvement,” O’Brien said. “It’s what for wildlife was built. A contractor conducted remarkable what prescribed burning can prescribed a prescribed burn. Costs for habitat work vary do. The wildflowers have come back. There burning can according to practices, contractor prices, and are different flowers that I’ve never seen acreages treated. The percentage of costs before. It’s opened up and the view improved do. There covered can vary but can range up to 90 immensely.” are different percent paid by RCPP. For Allen, the RCPP He never saw eastern collared lizards on his flowers that program provided $14,000 for improvements glades before the cedars were removed. The I’ve never seen on 30 acres, and he paid $2,000. The fire lanes lizards will not move to an overgrown glade. before.” he now maintains also double as hiking trails. But they will repopulate areas with large rocks “The wildflowers sprang up, and grasses for them to hide under and where renewed came up we’d never seen before,” Allen said. grasses and wildflowers support insects for −Terry O’Brien “Doves have moved in. We’ve noticed the them to eat. landowner rabbit population increased.”

mdc.mo.gov 13 14

Missouri Conservationist Missouri a private farm. The RCPP program has paid paid has program The RCPP farm. a private on ground, or mating alek, using spring this prairie-chickens found also conservationist, Grasslands. River Grand of the heart the in haven established their Prairie, Ranch Dunn Conservancy’s on The Nature were County. Most Harrison in counted were birds those 33 of spring, This flocks. separate widely two in birds 50 than less to dwindled have prairie-chickens and remnants, tered scat in remains prairie original Missouri’s geography. priority lands Grass River Grand MDC’s in habitat chicken prairie- improve owners property helping in important especially is program But that country. cattle Missouri’s in counties 40 of for parts authorized are ment Initiative Enhance Land Grazing and Bird Grassland Regional NRCS the from funds Statewide, state’s last prairie-chicken flocks survive. one of the helping component in akey projects, Missouri. in prairie-chickens for endangered stronghold a last also are grasslands native or restored remnant counties, neighboring and of Harrison hills rolling the But in world. the feed help that crops and cattle produces now soil That Missouri. northwest in topsoil loamy, in nutrient-rich covered eventually woodlands and prairies lush that base soil aloess created melt, glacial from silt wind-blown 20,000 with 14,000 to along ago, years receding then and south pushing glacier Wisconsin The Stand a Make Prairie-Chickens Helping the newly opened habitat. in increased soon lizards collared Eastern burn. prescribed a 40-acre hosted and of glades 7 acres from removal cedar completed neighbor One woodlands. and glades restore open to program Assistance up for Landowner RCPP or MDC’s signed have landowners where properties other six near is farm Allen The Knobs. Francois St. the in boost wildlife now.”outcome the with happy But she’s not come back. really might wildlife the afraid she was forest her and taking were we that upset leave. to which and take to trees what pick them helped Norris canopy. tree the open to thinning tree extensive required changes The pond. the in croaking frogs to listen and porch front sit on their they night, At Norris said. Norris proximity,” close in are that on farms working by time over results big get potentially can that work do to able are owners But Kendall Coleman, MDC private lands lands private MDC Coleman, But Kendall of one of percent one-tenth than Less RCPP with area the in ranchers connects MDC land acreage smaller of how is a neat representation “This broader far to a is contributing however, project, Their was “She said. Allen on board,” not totally was wife “My he said. more numerous, seem also turkeys wild and Deer

July 2019 July - - -

−Julie Norris time.” over big results get potentially can work that to able do are landowners acreage “Smaller MDC private land land private MDC conservationist - approach that incorporates all four practices of tree or of tree practices four all incorporates that approach aholistic take they if match cost-share percent 90 up to receive can They project. their to practices conservation add landowners when assistance of cost-share percentage the increases that area for his RCPP program innovative an oped devel Coleman improvements. implemented or have ning said. work for them,” Coleman actually might this on acooperator’s land. raised being broods and nesting tracked have biologists past, the In area. that in establishment grass native and cutting for tree He’s currently working with 26 landowners who are plan are who 26 landowners with working He’s currently that prairie-chickens, about better alittle me feel makes “It brush removal, planting native warm-season grasses, grasses, warm-season native planting removal, brush protecting streams, and resting pastures. Not all Not all pastures. resting and streams, protecting practices fit each farm. But for example, cost example, But for farm. each fit practices share provides $358 per acre for native grass grass for native acre per $358 provides share grasses in those pastures. in grasses native with fescue of replacing cost the with him helped assistance RCPP financial grasses. warm-season on native summer late in graze them letting he began went upwhen calves producing cows his rate for conception The profitability. ranch’s his helped has lands grass enhancing that he likes and cattle, grazing and raising is business But his Ranch. Dunn near pastures on his wildlife help to happy is of Eagleville Frank Robin Rancher Cattle With Chickens Mingling Prairie- the changes. the to complete years a few includes flexibility That wildlife. help and goals a landowner’s meet to way affordable an be to flexibility has program But the standards. NRCS meet must practices Conservation used. are tices prac four all when or $680 establishment, - - - -

JULIE NORRIS: DAVID STONNER; PRAIRIE-CHICKEN, FRANK FARM: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG Rancher Robin Frank used RCPP funds to remove unwanted trees from pastures, such as this pile of cedar trees, improving his forage for cattle.

“The conception rates are 10, 15, or even 20 percent better on native grass,” Frank said. “They just do better on that warm-season grass.” The Frank family has also used the RCPP or related The ranch currently doesn’t host a spring lek, Frank said, programs to clear unwanted trees. Those trees inhibit “but we see prairie-chickens on our place all the time.” prairie-chicken movement across the landscape, but they Other landowners in the area are utilizing similar also shade out grass. One example is a program that helped programs to restore grassland ecological functions, which pay a contractor to clear one hillside acreage that was totally is what prairie-chickens and other prairie species need — brush covered. several thousand acres with supportive grasslands that are “The net result for me was we have more open land for interconnected across the landscape. grazing cattle, which is what we do,” Frank said. “The net MDC expertise and programs like RCPP are making habitat cost to me was $100.” work affordable and effective. Coleman has helped Frank install two gravel stream cross- “The incentives interest landowners in doing things ings and fence cattle away from an upland creek. Protecting that have been overlooked in the past,” Coleman said. “Our aquatic species, such as endangered Topeka shiners reintro- ultimate hope is that they like it, that it’s profitable. We’re duced to the Grand River Grasslands, is among the objectives. wanting this to be a partnership that’s mutually beneficial The Franks plan to convert more nonnative fescue to native for landowners and wildlife.” ▲ warm-season prairie grasses. Biologists studying grassland bird populations have noticed good numbers of songbirds, Bill Graham is an MDC media specialist for Kansas City such as bobolinks, meadowlarks, and grasshopper sparrows, and Northwest regions. He’s a lifelong hunter, angler, on the Frank farm. Those birds are in a decline in many and camper. He also enjoys hiking and photographing regions. What helps the prairie-chicken helps other birds, too. Missouri’s best wild places.

mdc.mo.gov 15 16 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 Tom and Cathy Aley have spent their lives advancing karst studies and securing the future of Tumbling Creek Cave a Force for Nature by Bonnie Chasteen • photographs by David Stonner

“Do you think it could have been a short-faced bear?” In the light of our headlamps, we saw two sets of deep claw marks on the cave wall, maybe 2 yards apart. Tom Aley considered his answer. Eleven thousand years ago, the short-faced bear was the most common ursid in North America. It was also enormous, possibly the largest meat-eating land mammal that ever lived. A big one weighed nearly a ton and stood 6 feet high at the shoulder, able to look a tall man like Tom right in the eye. It’s not hard to imagine the big bears holing up here in Tumbling Creek Cave, formerly known as Bear Cave. “It could have been a short-faced bear,” Tom says. “But I think it was a black bear.” Tom’s wife, Cathy, a tall person herself, shot him a look. For nearly 50 years, they’ve led field trips through this cave, which they own, and they’ve no doubt had a version of this conversation more times than either of them can remember. “Oh,” she says, “I didn’t know you’d decided that.” They laugh. The Aleys are both scientists. He’s a longtime cave enthusiast and a forester-turned- hydrologist. She’s a limnologist, someone who studies the ecological systems of fresh- Tom and Cathy water lakes and other inland waterways. As fellow scientists and business partners, Aley share a laugh they are collaborative and mutually supportive. And, like most long-married couples, inside Tumbling they keep each other honest. Creek Cave’s Each is a force of nature, and together they’re a force for nature, especially the part natural entrance. most people don’t often see — a mostly hidden landform known as karst.

mdc.mo.gov 17 18 in 1974. in (OUL) Lab Underground Tom joined Ozark Cathy at his since avocation and vocation Aleys’ the been has them protecting and them, about people educating them, out trace how to figuring systems, karst Studying cavesnail. Creek Tumbling endangered federally the like lifeforms, endangered most and rarest for of some Earth’s habitat essential as serves It also groundwater. vital releases and stores, it receives, and tica, Antarc except on Earth continent on every It occurs bedrock. soluble other and limestone in develops karst sinkholes, and 170 feetbelow thesurface. The BigRoom of Tumbling Creek Cave is60feethigh, andthefloor lies

Characterized by underground drainage systems with caves caves with systems drainage underground by Characterized Missouri Conservationist Missouri

July 2019 July - their headlamps for the last time. last for the headlamps their up hung they’ve after long endures legacy their ensure to doing they’re what and worldwide, efforts conservation on karst ence influ their Aleys, the about is story But this extinction. from cavesnail endemic save to its efforts and Mississippi, of the west cave diverse biologically most the Cave, Creek Tumbling about does all the work, and he gets all the credit. But he’s serious But he’s serious credit. the all he gets and work, the all does Cathy that of humor, quip Tom to sense for his Famous likes Village Global A A lot has been written, in the the in written, been A lot has with the Aleys for conducting dye traces traces dye for conducting Aleys the with contracted all have MDC and Service, now. practice standard become have that procedures many instituted and method this at improving hard worked Tom connected. fact, in are, points two if determine to atracer as dye add ogists “Hydrol he said. ground,” the below and above both connected is system how the understanding is of hydrology aspects techniques. dye-tracing advancing role in Aleys’ the he recognizes and OUL, from services contracted Blanchard Paul world.” the over all do we which work, tracing and a lot of consulting to led of dye,” Tomamounts “This said. small very it with “doing and of water volumes large with for dealing strategies developed Aleys the methods, tracing groundwater- their test to Cave Creek Tumbling Using people. nine employ a lot of effort.” and a lotpeople of require efforts vation us,” Tom “Great conser with joined said. have who villagers the all appreciate entrance. cave’sthe natural at bat gate massive the build to teered volun staff MDC and Cavers ones. new three naming and describing species, cave’s the identified taxonomists many and cave, of the map a detailed produced Cavers clan. extended Aleys’ 1966 in cave the Tom sold who agent estate real the — even enthusiasts caving and tists, theyears. over trips field conduct and business groundwater-tracing and campus their develop them helped have who people many the recognizing about “The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Park National Service, Forest U.S. “The fundamental most of the “One Coordinator Program Stream MDC they lab, underground To their run greatly we and avillage, taken has “It scien teachers, professors, Family, and elsewhere, elsewhere, and Conservationist — b — ecame part of the of the part ecame - - - - -

DYE TRACING COURTESY TOM ALEY Tom Aley uses a special dye to trace the flow of creek water through the porous karst landscape.

Ozark Underground Lab technicians chart the test results of water samples sent from karst regions around the world. cavesnail’s downturn, they viewed the listing as a blessing. With it came funding and support to help find and fix the problems that were driving the snail’s decline: erosion from overgrazing, related to critically important springs, caves, streams, and their sewage from a local school, and the invading native ringed cray- dependent biota,” Blanchard said. fish from Bull Shoals Lake. The Aleys see their business and their outreach efforts as Tom said they’ve done very well by managing the cavesnail mutually supportive. “All the company’s income over the years and its listing as an asset, not a liability. “The community has has gone into supporting the cave’s conservation needs,” Tom done well,” he said. With a new sewer system, “the school is still said. there serving the neighborhood.” A New View of Endangered Species Studying the Surface One of the many villagers the Aleys attracted to their opera- The Aleys lead field trippers into the cave to reveal what happens tion is Dr. David Ashley. He was teaching biology at Missouri when land is mismanaged. Western State University in the early 1990s when he took his “We’ve taken about 40,000 people on our daylong trips to first cave biology class down to Protem for an OUL field trip. help them better understand interactions between the surface “The trip was such an incredible success,” Ashley said. “Every- and subsurface in cave country,” Tom said, “Most have been thing Tom talked about related to our cave biology class, but college students.” it was all new to me. It was such a major learning experience.” Field trips begin on land known as the recharge area that lies Ashley became a regular visitor, bringing student groups to over the cave. According to OUL’s flow records, about 50 percent the cave on an annual basis. When the Aleys noticed a sharp of all the runoff water from this 9-square-mile area sinks into dip in their cavesnail numbers in the mid-1990s, the U.S. Fish the ground and ultimately flows through Tumbling Creek Cave. and Wildlife Service (USFWS) asked Ashley to collect data to When Tom first bought the cave, he didn’t own much of the determine what was happening. His monitoring confirmed recharge area’s 5,800 acres. But after the cavesnail’s decline their observations. pointed to problems like sedimentation from overgrazed land, “In the mid-1970s, we knew we had a population of about he and Cathy started buying up recharge-area acres. 15,000,” Tom said. “By 2000, the population had dropped to 150.” To date, the Aleys have bought and restored more than 3,500 In 2002, USFWS listed the Tumbling Creek cavesnail as acres of land. Restoration activities included stabilizing stream endangered. Although the Aleys were distressed about the banks, repairing erosion gullies, and planting 75,000 trees.

1966 1967 1973 1974 Tom buys Tumbling Creek Local real estate agent, Cavesnail Cathy The Aleys’ Cave to establish the Ozark Deb Walley, discovers the population accepts field Conservation Underground Laboratory (OUL) cavesnail while helping estimated biologist job Timeline and research field station build the cave trail at 15,000 with OUL

mdc.mo.gov 19 h butterfll arc y on M

d r a z i l d re lla co Eastern

S r c e iss h or atc -tailed fllyc

Cathy and Tom Aley enjoy identifying plants, Tom Aley awaits the evening flight of gray bats. like this Palafoxia callosa, that have reappeared More than 40,000 gray bats, a federally endangered on their restored prairie. species, spend the summer in Tumbling Creek Cave.

lamander sa ve a C

Gray bat

l i

a n s e v a c k ee Tumbling Cr

1975 1981 1996 2001 2002 Tom and With 115 identified cave Missouri Western State The Tumbling Monitoring finds no Cathy marry species, Tumbling Creek University biology professor Creek Cavesnail snails in survey area; Cave becomes a National Dr. David Ashley starts Working Group USFWS adds cavesnail to Natural Landmark monitoring the cavesnail forms endangered species list

20 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 E

t e

r n

c o l la r ed li zard

MONARCH, COLLARED LIZARD, SCISSOR-TAILED FLYCATCHER, CAVESNAIL: NOPPADOL PAOTHONG; GRAY BAT: JIM RATHERT 2003 Brewer. Shannon student zoology invertebrate MWSU was one up. picked and water the into reached Tom monitoring, cavesnail with help to tiles ceramic laid have students his and Ashley where chamber got we to the When surfaces. various from up to bubble floor,the or appearing up from rising ceiling, the from dripping eternally them, calls Cathy “cave as decorations,” speleothems, revealed headlamps pathway. Our thecemented floor, cave we followed on the Once trippers,” said. Tom field to access easy locked. —and armored —almost enclosed is that entrance an through Cave Creek enter Tumbling trippers field Most Cave the Exploring said. recover,she can wildflowers and grasses native the so moved are they then of time, periods for short land of the areas community. natural prairie’s the maintain helps and owner cattle a local benefits This pastureland. and prairie of their acres on 1,300 that.” like something do to love I would and there, doing were they what loved really “I she said. watershed,” the impacting overgrazing with through prairie. Aleys’ the to visit first her recalled She students. former of Ashley’s one of MWSU, agraduate is Swindler Leah work. restoration things.” beautiful of the some of crushing for door fear front out the walk to afraid were Tom weeds,” other and said. thistles invasive removed he had of recovery. seeds the on sowing focused work prairie Oesch’s on snails, expert an Although prairie. restore their helping with 2012, in died who of pollinators. species other and countless butterflies, bees, with it buzzed and wildflowers, and grasses tall with abloom was prairie summer late the restoration, careful their But with bones. cattle with gullies erosion and pastures of told degraded Cathy September, recovery plan recovery cavesnail approves USFWS One of the students Ashley trained to help with monitoring monitoring with help to trained Ashley students of the One don’t today.” “I any see “Nope,” he said. water. with flowing some chambers, large through We passed stairs. twisting narrow, descend to heads our We ducked relatively but it provides wildlife, and out vandals keeps “It on small only allowed are cattle grazing, rest-rotation With grazing rest-rotation now permit they out that points Cathy go to had they that process arduous the “Tom explained Aleys’ the with impressed were they said trippers field Past we “that said, Cathy snails,” land many so “And he identified where spots bare on the seeds plant native scatter would “Ron Oesch, Ron malacologist Tom and renowned Cathy credit last pastureland and prairie Aleys’ the Ivisited When

2004 established is (TCCF) Foundation Cave Tumbling Creek

2005 crayfish out of the cave the of out crayfish ringed invasive keep and land area recharge and restore acquireTCCF and partners – present

students.” to influential pretty him story, make agood tell to ability and expertise his to addition in of person, sense his Ithink that. like are people you.’ Not many teach now, but I’ll right busy ‘I’m pretty He said, mapping. recharge some need we said and him at OSU, too. Icalled my career in that “He’s like been said. impression. abig left Aleys the from learning and monitoring with experience Her Management. and Ecology Resources of Natural Department the in University State at professor Oklahoma She’s now Dr. assistant Brewer, an and the people who protect it. protect who people the and nature about writing enjoys Chasteen Bonnie writer Staff said. itself,” Ashley cave the as well as savanna, or arestored habitat glade a pristine experience groups management. financial and biology, geology, in expertise have plan, recovery federal its as well as listing emergency cavesnail’s for the rule the wrote who McKenzie, resources,” he said. karst to relate that activities on education focus the keep to intend assets.” our all receive will foundation “The said. it,” in Cathy animals the and cave of the care taking go into energy our all and thought “Every Foundation. Cave Creek Tumbling established have Aleys the gone, they’re after long caretakers dedicated have community —time. Cave Creek Tumbling to threat biggest of the aware keenly also they’re operations, daily in involved still both they’re while And friends. and students, peers, clients, of their minds the in giants vation conser become have 70. is Tom they Clearly, Cathy and 80 is Legacy Lasting A “Tom has always been receptive to helping students,” she students,” helping to receptive been always “Tom has “There’s a lot that can be done in the future to help visiting visiting to help future the in donebe can that a “There’s lot Paul ecologist USFWS retired including members, Board “We of directors. foundation’s board on the serves Ashley natural its and area, recharge its cave, the To that ensure they will ever know.” ever will they than life on my influence abigger had have They apurpose. with life living of example ultimate the is To that me, features. natural amazing most Missouri’s and one to of safeguard karst about people their livesdedicated and livelihoods to educate have “They Woods. Dave Biologist Fisheries MDC said apurpose,” with life live Aleys “The A Life With Purpose 2017 the survey area survey the in cavesnails 900 estimates May monitoring

▲ 2019 OUL property adjoining forestland prime of acres 640 TCCF acquires mdc.mo.gov

21 - Hunting Snipe and Rail A WATERFOWL HUNTER’S SOLUTION TO THE LATE-SUMMER DOLDRUMS by Danny Brown

y late-summer, Missouri duck hunters are getting antsy for some fall action, even though the waterfowl opener is months away. Sure, the early teal season lures some afield to hone their shotgunning skills and exercise their retrievers, but that only lasts for about two weeks. A Bhandful of hunters have found a more long-term solution to their pre-waterfowl melancholy in the form of snipe and rail hunting.

22 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 Dave Mayers and his dog, Java, start the day early hunting snipe and rail.

mdc.mo.gov 23 Yes, the snipe, more specifically the Wilson’s snipe, is an actual game bird, even though many think it’s a mythical crea- ture, hunted with a flashlight and a bag by gullible summer campers. Many Missourians, including myself, have fallen victim to this practical joke, which goes all the way back to the mid- 1800s. Sometimes, the make-believe snipe to be pursued isn’t even a bird, but instead a furry critter from the imagination of the tormentor-in-charge. This story is about a hunt for real snipe, those sneaky little marshland game birds that use superb camouflage and erratic flight patterns to elude the most experienced hunter. Any discussion of hunting snipe usually includes two other marsh birds, both rails — the sora and the Virginia rail. Scoping the Quarry Wilson’s snipe Snipe Wilson’s snipe (Gallinago delicata), one of North America’s most widespread shorebirds, is about the size of a killdeer but stouter, and with a very long bill. Although snipe are somewhat similar to other sandpipers, especially the dowitchers, they are easily identified by the stripes along their backs, striped heads, and barred flanks. Their distinct appearance, along with the scraip sound they make when flushed, is important to hunters because they are often found near other nongame shorebirds. Snipe are most common in Missouri during their spring and fall migrations. They are found statewide during their migra- tion. Hunters look for snipe in moist grassy areas, swamps, shallow marshes, or in drainage ditches. Many hunters seek snipe on the same MDC wetland areas where they hunt waterfowl. Snipe forage mostly for larval aquatic insects like flies and beetles, but they will also take other invertebrates like earth- worms, freshwater shrimp, and small crayfish if they encounter them. Sora As they poke their bills repeatedly into the mud, probing for invertebrates, their bobbing heads look something like a sewing machine. Their bills have a sensitive, flexible tip that can open to grip food while the rest of the bill remains closed. Snipe are often confused with American woodcock, a closely related species that has a similar shape and bill but different coloration and markings. Also, woodcock are typically found in wooded areas. Snipe have a zig-zagging flight pattern when flushed, and this makes them a challenge to harvest. Worse, snipe often flush at a great distance because the position of their eyes allows them to detect predators from all directions. This includes hunting dogs, which can’t get close enough to detect the birds by scent.

Sora and Rail Sora (Porzana carolina) and the Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) typically visit Missouri during their spring and fall migrations. Both have statewide distribution, but the sora is more Virginia rail commonly found.

24 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 Lynn Schrader and Dave Mayers trudge through a dense stand of millet in search of secretive sora. Java wears canine goggles to protect her eyes from irritating millet seeds.

Adult sora have a stubby, yellow bill and black face. They are accepted. After I explained that I would be carrying a camera quite small, a few inches shorter than snipe. The cheeks and instead of a shotgun, Lynn suggested we ask our friend Dave breast are gray, and the belly is barred black and white. The back Mayers to join us. Later that day, Mayers, an avid woodcock is dark brown mixed with reddish tan and streaked with white. hunter who had never hunted snipe or rail, replied to my offer Immature birds are brown and lack the black face and chest. as expected: “Sounds fun — I’m in!” Sora live in marshes, swamps, wet pastures, and flooded fields. Preferred habitats have dense vegetation flooded with Preparing for the Hunt shallow water. The sora’s strong legs and long toes help it walk We made plans to hunt B.K. Leach Memorial Conservation on floating vegetation and mud. Its body is compressed side-to- Area (CA) in Lincoln County soon after the start of the season side, making it “thin as a rail,” allowing it to slip easily among in early September. Lynn explained that the first hunt might emergent marsh vegetation such as cattails. Sora forage on seeds, snails, and aquatic invertebrates. Although seldom seen until they flush, sora are often heard. Don’t Shoot King and When entering a marsh, you’re more likely to detect sora by Yellow Rails! listening for a variety of calls, including ker-wee or sor-ee, Hunters occasionally run across wheep, and quink-quink-quink. two other rails that are quite The Virginia rail is less common than snipe and sora. Virginia uncommon and protected from rails have blackish backs with rusty wing patches and a gray harvest in Missouri. These are face. The long, reddish bill is slightly curved, much different the king rail (Rallus elegans), from the sora’s short, yellow bill. which is state endangered and much larger than other rails, and the tiny yellow rail (Coturnicops Rounding up the Hunters noveboracensis), which shows When I asked my friend, Lynn Schrader, if he would take me on distinctive white wing patches a snipe hunt, he paused for a few seconds to make sure I wasn’t when flushed. King rail

KING RAIL: JIM RATHERT trying to be funny. Once he realized I was on the level, he gladly

mdc.mo.gov 25 Java retrieves her first sora of the day.

end up as a scouting trip because both snipe and rail are migratory, and their numbers would depend not only on weather conditions at the time of the hunt but moisture on the area as well. Dave and I had a ton of questions about the hunt, but first and foremost for Dave was whether he should bring his pointing dog, Java. Lynn said that Java would be very helpful, at least for rail hunting, because it is extremely difficult to find a downed sora in dense, flooded vegetation without a dog. But there was a catch involving the preferred vegetation of rails at Leach CA — millet seeds! Millet, an annual native at Leach, provides excellent cover and food for sora. Unfortunately, the same millet seeds that sora consume often become lodged under the eyelids of hunting dogs. After making two expensive visits to the veterinarian to extract pesky millet seeds from pups, Lynn was reluctant to invite Java along for the hunt. Dave was initially crestfallen, but his mind quickly went to work, as usual. He would fit Java with goggles customized for canine use and get her used to wearing them a few weeks before the hunt. 20-gauge over-and-under. We took a moment for high-fives all around and continued our march. Hunting Snipe and Rail It had been unseasonably warm and dry before the hunt, and The morning of the hunt finally arrived, and Lynn and Dave we only saw one or two snipe all morning, both flushing at a began trudging through a field of flooded millet and smartweed great distance. At Leach, snipe are often found probing freshly at sunrise. Java was in the lead, buried somewhere in the thick disked, moist-soil areas for invertebrates. We covered all of the vegetation. disked areas that we could find to no avail. Finally, Lynn and It wasn’t long before Java made her first point. A few seconds I began making plans to return after the next cold front with later, a bird flushed, and Dave bagged his first sora with his a good rain. The rest of the morning would be devoted to sora hunting. By midmorning, the duo had harvested several sora, but we Know the Seasons and Regulations never saw a Virginia rail. Finally, steaming in the summerlike humidity, we decided to call it quits. Even Java’s goggles fogged Missouri’s snipe season typically runs more than three months. In 2019, opening day is Sept. 1, and the season up at one point, but, otherwise, they had worked like a charm. closes Dec. 16. Hunters can pursue sora and Virginia We headed back to the truck, happy to have bagged some birds. rail from Sept. 1 through Nov. 9. A few weeks later, a cold front with rain came during the Remember, on conservation areas that have night, so Lynn and I headed back out the next morning. Our managed waterfowl hunts (such as B.K. Leach CA), plan was to walk a disked patch of cattails, about 5 acres in size hunting of wildlife other than waterfowl is prohibited, and flooded with sheet water. except in designated areas, from Oct. 15 through the We began a few minutes after sunrise and immediately saw prescribed waterfowl season. Always consult the Migratory Bird and Waterfowl a group of six snipe flushing 100 yards out. It was as if they Hunting Digest for seasons, bag limits, and area had materialized with the cold rain. We marked some of the requirements for nontoxic shot. Find it at short.mdc. singles and headed their way. Lynn missed the first bird, which mo.gov/ZpP or wherever hunting permits are sold. flushed with the classic, erratic trajectory, apparently zigging just as Lynn’s barrel zagged. The next two birds weren’t as lucky.

26 Missouri Conservationist | July 2019 By hunting a field of disked cattails and an adjacent stand of millet, Schrader harvests both snipe and sora.

Later, Lynn killed several sora as we skirted the millet and smartweed through which we had bushwhacked a few weeks earlier. After a couple more hours, we started back to the truck, happy to have both snipe and sora in the bag. manager for suggestions. Schrader recommends the shotgun Managing Snipe and Rail in Missouri gauge of your choice, loaded with No. 7 to No. 8 nontoxic shot. Gary Calvert, wildlife management biologist and Leach CA When hunting rail, you’ll need at least a pair of hip boots, manager, said he starts early when managing for snipe and but Schrader prefers chest waders to fend off the millet and rail, well before the teal season. Crews disturb about a third smartweed seeds that find their way into anything shorter. of the area by disking and mowing, and then flood those areas If you are just hunting snipe, a pair of hip boots or even knee with sheet water for snipe, other shorebirds, and rail. boots will suffice. Typically, they disk areas in moist soil covered with peren- nial vegetation such as cattails, nut sedge, and bulrush. Cooking Your Harvest Disturbing those areas results in the production of native Snipe have been described as tender and rich in flavor, best millet, smartweed, and other annuals that provide exceptional prepared medium-rare. I’m sure there are dozens of recipes for food and cover, especially for rails. Snipe frequent the freshly snipe, but as with most gamebirds, I prefer to just cook them disked areas where they find plenty of moist mud to probe for on the grill over charcoal. Most hunters don’t feel the need to invertebrates. marinate snipe beforehand as they often do with waterfowl. Each year brings its own set of challenges regarding weather Finding interesting ways to prepare the snipe and rail you and moisture, Calvert said. Timing is everything, and some harvest will be a bonus to a satisfying outdoor experience. years are better than others for snipe and rail hunting. Hunting snipe requires stamina and shooting skill, but the rewards are satisfying, in the field and at the table.▲ Getting Started It’s always wise to scout your wetland conservation area of Danny Brown is a freelance wildlife photographer and choice before the season. Don’t hesitate to contact the area writer. He and his wife live on a farm in Union.

mdc.mo.gov 27 Outside 28 to See This Month This See to in the natural world. natural the in on going what’s Here’s Natural Events What’s That? That? What’s Up in the Trees! stick to expose the caterpillars inside. caterpillars the to expose stick accessible along websopen easily with To enemies, rip natural these assist enemies to reduceof natural populations. webworms have trees. Fall dozens damage unsightly,Though these webs do not are most common targets. willow and poplar, redbud, maple, ash, oak, sweetgum, persimmon, trees. Walnut, hickory, pecan, ( webwormFall caterpillars Hyphantria cunea Hyphantria

in Missouri Conservationist Missouri JULY Get

) begin building webs in building ) begin |

July 2019 July with nature with Ways connect to Susans bloom Black- eyed eyed Berry PickingBerry Birds and wildlife also enjoy these juicy, sweet wild fruits. wild sweet juicy, these enjoy also wildlife and Birds hurry! Better patch. blackberry nearest the to atrip plan and your and friends family are Gather ripening. Blackberries equipment will be provided, but you may bring your own. your bring may you but provided, be will equipment All license. fishing avalid have must 16 older and students All fish. and Creek Shoal to down go portion, classroom the after and Center Conservation Creek Shoal at meet will We bass. of species different catch to how and regulations, and rules equipment, strategies, fish, to locations about talk will We waterways. local our in species bass for fishing on focus will clinic fishing river This outdoors. the enjoy and fish to opportunities of lots offers Missouri Southwest ages All 12. July by 888-283-0364 Call required. Registration 64804 MO Joplin, Drive, 201 W. Riviera Education Center Shoal Creek Conservation p.m. 13 • 9 a.m.–2 July Saturday, Fishing River SKILLS: FISHING SOUTHWEST REGION SOUTHWEST

hummingbirds feeders

Young visit

—

Bass

raccoons B

Young A

leave leave dens S S

DRAGONFLY LAYING EGGS: DONNA BRUNET; LARGEMOUTH BASS, CRAPPIE: LANCE MERRY Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events Conservation LUN A M OT H N OZARK REGION ature Nature at Night Centers Thursday, July 25 • 8–9:30 p.m. Twin Pines Conservation Education Center Rt. 1, Box 1998, Winona, MO 65588 Registration required. Call 888-283-0364 or visit Discover nature mdc.mo.gov/twinpines by July 20. For more information, call 573-325-1381. with us. All ages This program starts just before dark at Twin Pines, which is the best time to explore nature’s “night shift.” What is the Cape Girardeau “night shift?” It is more than owls and bats. Many animals are 2289 County Park Drive active only at night. Learn what you can expect to see and Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 hear, then we will head out on the trail to enjoy the Missouri 573-290-5218 Ozarks after dark. Suitable shoes are recommended. mdc.mo.gov/capecnc Runge 330 Commerce Drive Fungus Among Us Jefferson City, MO 65109 Look for chanterelle mushrooms now through August. Though maybe not 573-526-5544 quite as well-known as morels, mdc.mo.gov/runge chanterelles are growing in popularity. Chanterelles are Springfield bright orange or yellow, 4601 S. Nature Center Way although one, the black Springfield, MO 65804 trumpet chanterelle, is blackish-brown. They are 417-888-4237 funnel- or trumpet-shaped, mdc.mo.gov/springfieldcnc with wavy cap edges, and are found in the same places Powder Valley as morels. For more on 11715 Cragwold Road Missouri’s edible mushrooms, Kirkwood, MO 63122 visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZNf. 314-301-1500 mdc.mo.gov/powdervalley Burr Oak Woods Fishing in the Dark 1401 NW Park Road Beat the summer heat. Try night fishing for Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-228-3766 crappie. All you need is a flashlight, mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods a pole, some bait, and a good fishing hole. Browse places to C Twin Pines fish at mdc.mo.gov/atlas. RA PP Route 1, Box 1998 IE Winona, MO 65588 573-325-1381 mdc.mo.gov/twinpines Dragonflies lay eggs Rattlesnakes in ponds, hunt mostly Discovery Center streams, at night and 4750 Troost Ave. wetlands Kansas City, MO 64110 816-759-7300 mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter Places to Go 30 those grassland areas.” grassland those utilize that butterflies and birds with along of them pictures take come out “People to said. Bredesen presence. flower awild and species bird grassland many including state, of the much once covered that grasslands prairie of the more reminiscent is third lower the while area, of the thirds two- northern the in located are he said. outdoors, get to opportunity an find all can equestrians and bicyclists, nearly hikers, 20 miles, period,”time Bredesen said. this during area for the one activity manager. WA Memorial Reed and biologist management Bredesen, wildlife Rick said aline, for casting spot summer apopular area the making acres, 42 1to from ranging lakes, outdoor experience. for the looking of those needs the meet should that variety WA offers Memorial Reed County, Jackson in Lee’s Summit get to outdoors. ing wish those for diversity that offers (WA) Area Wildlife Memorial Reed A. James residents, area City Kansas for Fortunately recreation. and in dining, shopping, entertainment, of options range a wide expect to tend _ Archer Larry by more in suburban Kansas City Fishing, hiking, biking, and Area Wildlife Memorial Reed A. James KANSAS CITY REGION CITY KANSAS

_ “Flowers are blooming in July,” in blooming are “Flowers lakes fishing the of majority The totaling network a trail With number the probably is “Fishing 12 are landscape the in Included of south acres on 3,084 Located Residents of metropolitan areas areas of metropolitan Residents Missouri Conservationist Missouri

July 2019 July - -

DAVID STONNER VISIT YOU WHEN FOR LOOK TO WHAT

Red-tailed hawk JAMES A. REED MEMORIAL WILDLIFE AREA consists of 3,084 acres in Jackson County. From Lee’s Summit, take Highway 50 east 1 mile, then SE Ranson Road (Route RA) south 0.75 mile to the area entrance.

N38° 53’ 26.16” | W94° 20’ 25.44” short.mdc.mo.gov/ZxU 816-622-0900

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU VISIT

Bird-Watching Included in the Great Missouri Birding Trail (short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxw). The eBird list of birds recorded at James A. Reed Memorial WA is available at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zxi.

Boat Rentals Rentals available on Gopher Lake. Privately owned boats or other floating aids (belly boats, tubes, etc.) are not allowed.

Camping Youth group only; special-use permit required.

Dog Training and Field Trials Special-use permit required for field trials.

Fishing Black bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and trout East Branch Big Creek cuts through the oak woodlands Hunting Deer by managed hunt of James A. Reed Memorial Regulations are subject to annual changes. WA. The creek runs along and Please refer to the Fall Deer and Turkey crosses the 3-mile Shawnee booklet for current regulations. Trace Trail. The area’s 12 Also dove, rabbit, and squirrel lakes offer plentiful fishing opportunities (inset). Shooting Range 28-point walking archery course; six static targets.

Trails 15 miles of multi-use trails (hiking, biking, and horseback); 3 miles of hiking only.

Trapping Special-use permit required.

Prairie kingsnake Grasshopper sparrow Upland sandpiper White-tailed deer

mdc.mo.gov 31 T 32 G Wild yellow markings. Males often for the cicadas they hunt. trees and shrubs for cicadas. around searching and tunnels Common Status speciosus Sphecius Cicada Killer Wasp nests of one of morenests females. Males, however, are incapable Females also cruise around, cruise also Females looking for good places to dig bothered) their reserve stinging of stinging, and females (unless defend territories around the

Missouri Conservationist Missouri ui an exceptionally large large exceptionally an wings and black-and- species, with rusty clear species, rusty with he cicada killer wasp is Length: can exceed 1½ inches exceed can Length: Size d

e July 2019 July

Statewide Distribution month, then emerge as adults. as emerge then month, a about for pupate they spring, In cocoon, and overwinter. protective a form growing, finish larvae the amonth, Within cicadas. the eating start and days afew in hatch larvae the and cicadas, the on egg an lay Females nest. the into them transporting cicadas, and paralyze sting, hunt, Females pastures. and lawns as such areas, open in cells 10 or nine of tunnels nest digging and begin emerge females singing. Then and start emerge cicadas dog-day time same the about territories establish Males  LIFE CYCLE Discover more nature at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide at nature more Discover a nest cell. When a cicada killer wasp pupates, pupates, wasp killer acicada When cell. a nest in egg an lays and tunnel wasp’s killer cicada a into sneaks ant velvet Afemale ant. velvet the called awasp by upon preyed are wasps killer cicada cicadas, on prey they Although cicadas. the on feed larvae killer Cicada cell. per cicadas two or one with nests their stock then them, paralyze to stings their using cicadas, dog-day hunt killers cicada female young, the for food To provide juices. plant sweet other and nectar on feed wasps killer cicada Adult the velvet ant larva eats the pupa. the eats larva ant velvet the  ECOSYSTEM CONNECTIONS ECOSYSTEM FOODS rainwater soak in. soak rainwater the soil and helps aerates behavior This to lawns. beneficial are tendencies wasp’s tunneling killer A cicada YouDid Know?

TOP: © SEASHELL317 | DREAMSTIME.COM; INSET: DAVID CAPPAERT, BUGWOOD.ORG 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 Apps MO Fishing Hunting and Nov. 8, 2019–Feb. 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, 2019–Jan. 31,Sept. 2020 midnight: to sunrise Waters, Impounded and Streams 14, 2019 1–Sept. Feb. sunset: to sunrise Waters, Impounded Nongame Fish Gigging 31, 2019 sunset–Oct. at 30 June Frogs Bullfrogs, Green non and waters Impounded Black Bass 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 Telecheck your electronically permits, buy to easy it makes Hunting MO Free MO Outdoor Calendar Outdoor short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZf 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 15, 2019 6–Dec. May Groundhog (woodchuck) 29, 1–Nov. 2019Sept. Dove Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î Î November Portion: Portion: November 6–15): (ages Portion Youth Early Alternative Methods Portion: Portion: Methods Alternative only): (open areas Portion Antlerless 6–15): (ages Portion Youth Late Nov. 16–26, 2019 Nov. 2019 2–3, Dec. 28, 2019–Jan. 7, 28, Dec. 2020 2019 6–8, Dec. 1, 2019 Nov. 29–Dec.

HUNTING

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 7–22, 2019Sept. Teal 15, 25, 2019–Feb. May 2020 Squirrel 9, 1–Nov. 2019Sept. Rails Virginia Sora, 1, 15, 2019–Feb. 2020 Oct. Rabbit Regular: 26–27, 2019Oct. 6–15): (ages Youth Quail Nov. 1, 2019–Jan. 15, 2020 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

Discover the natural wonders awaiting you at a Missouri conservation area. At Union Ridge Conservation Area, located in Adair, Putnam, and Sullivan counties, explore rare native savanna habitat. The area also offers fishing, camping, bird-watching, wildflowers, and hunting. For more information or to find an area near you, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4V.

by David Stonner

Subscribe online | mdc.mo.gov/conmag | Free to Missouri households