Missouri Conservationist March 2017
MissouriConservationistVOLUME 78 ISSUE 3, MARCH 2017 SERVING NATURE & YOU
NOTE TO OUR READERSGet Out Thereand Make Some TracksIn conservation management, we actively seek and promote adiversity of plant and animal life because it produces the best resultsin our mission to protect and manage Missouri’s fish, forest, andwildlife resources. So, too, do weappreciate the variety of opportunitiesMissourians have available to use, enjoy,and learn about these resources.As a hunter and angler, I’ve spenta tremendous amount of time afield inanticipation of the harvest. However,I also derive considerable satisfactionfrom simply being outdoors with theexpectation of bringing nothing backbeyond the memories of the sights andsounds of nature in all its splendor. Whilemy time outdoors is often spent alone, Iknow I’m not alone in my enjoyment ofthis pastime.According to Department ofConservation and U.S. Fish and WildlifeService research, Missouri has anestimated 1.7 million “wildlife watchers,”who spend 940 million in pursuit ofactivities ranging from organized bird watching expeditions toimpromptu trail hikes at the local conservation area or naturecenter. In total, these activities support an estimated 18,725Missouri jobs.- b e lli ed w o o d p e cke—Sara Parker Pauley, directorr1.7 millionestimated wildlifewatchers in Missourispendwhich supportsto pursue outdoor activitiesMissouri jobs 940 million18,725DIRECTOR: LLOYD GROTJAN OF FULL SPECTRUM PHOTO;WOODPECKER: NOPPADOL PAOTHONGRedOne frequent wildlife-watchingdestination, especially for birders, is St.Louis’ Tower Grove Park, which has seenmore than 200 species of birds and drawsan estimated 5,000 birders annually. Tofind out more about what makes this St.Louis landmark such an avian mecca,see this month’s article Tower Grove Park(Page 16). On the other side of the state,at the Anita B. Gorman Discovery Centerin Kansas City, parents are instilling anappreciation of nature in their children astheir internet-based group, Hike It Baby,takes the toddlers on outdoor adventuresat many of the Department’s naturecenters and conservation areas. Thedetails are available in the story NeverToo Young to Hike (Page 10).Whether you’re watching woodpeckers or traipsing down trails,research shows that simply being outdoors has physical andmental benefits, all of which are accessible and affordable forall Missourians. So let’s get out there and make some tracks.Hope to see you there.
March 2017, Volume 78, Issue 3FEATURES10Never Too Young to Hike16Tower Grove Park24by Bill Graham, photographs by David StonnerFamilies link up to explore nature on conservation trailsstory and photographs by Danny BrownA magnet for birds and birdersAnswering the Callstory and photographs by Bill GrahamThe Department of Conservation helps Missouricommunities hold the line against wildfiresWhat is it?CONTENTSCover: Great horned owlets survey Tower Grove Parkfrom their hollow. To read more about the St. Louispark, turn to Page 16. Photograph by Danny Brown5 00mm lens 1.4x teleconverterf/5.6 1/320 sec ISO 400DEPARTMENTS2 Letters4 Hunting & Fishing Calendar4 Agent Notes5 Ask MDC6 News & Events30 Plants & Animals32 Places to Go33 Discover NatureOur photographers have been busy exploring theintricacies of outdoor Missouri. See if you can guess thismonth’s natural wonder. The answer is revealed on Page 7.March 2017 Missouri Conservationist1
LETTERSSubmissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity.Bald EaglesLong-Time ReadersI live in New Hampshire, but I grew up inI just got through reading my MissouriMissouri, and I always enjoy getting my copyConservationist magazine. I want you to knowof the Conservationist to see pictures of familiarhow much I enjoy all the information you passlandscapes and learn about new ones. I am aon to us readers. I’m an older lady (80), and Iteacher, and I frequently post pictures of birdsused to hunt a lot when I was younger. I enjoyand animals from your magazine in my classroom. reading about the young hunters and fishermen.Special thanks for the beautiful photography ofReading about the monarch butterflies is soNoppadol Paothong, whose images must take ainteresting — all your articles are great. Justlot of patience and artistry to capture. I especially keep up the good work.Lois Short, N.W. Missourienjoyed the shots of bald eagles in the December2016 issue [Monitoring Bald Eagles in Missouri;The January issue of the Missouri ConservationistPage 10]. Thank you for a great magazine.Kelly Flynn, Exeter, NH is one of the best I have read in nearly 40 years.It is so informative in all areas of what you do forHad a wonderful time Jan. 7 at all of the Eaglewildlife, the forest, and us. Thank you for whatDay venues. Programs were informative andyou do.Don Clements, via Facebookvery well planned. Learned a great deal and hadfun doing it! Thank you for your time and work.Frank and Kim Ferguson, Gravois MillsMothI was really excited about the latest issue,Volume 78, with the snowberry clearwingmoth [Annual Review; January; Page 21]. Thispast summer, after my butterfly bush was infull bloom, I caught sight of an insect flutteringaround that I had never seen before. I went tograb my camera and took quite a few shots,but I never got a good one because the wingsalways turned out blurry. He stayed in onespot long enough for me to take my cameraaway from my eye, spot where he had flownto, focus the camera again, and attempt to geta picture. I only got a good picture of the bodywith blurry wings.Thanks again for a delightful magazine. Mydad used to get this magazine when I was achild, and I really liked it then, too.Joyce Biggs, Grain ValleyWonderful WalleyeThank you for the walleye article [WonderfulWalleye; February; Page 18]. Having enjoyedcatching and eating many walleyes when inMinnesota, I haven’t had much luck back herein Missouri. After reading this latest article byJim Low, I am getting enthused to go after someof these rascals in northwest Missouri in earlyspring, as was suggested.Donald A. Potts, IndependenceProfessional AgentsReader PhotoHome BuildersTrina King of St. Louis captured this photo of caddisfly larvae and theportable protective cases they build for themselves at Rockwoods Reservationin St. Louis County. King, an avid participant in the Missouri MasterNaturalist Program, began studying the insects in earnest after encounteringthem. “I knew what they were, but after watching them move around andseeing how beautiful they are, I had to research everything I could find,” saidKing. “This particular kind uses tiny rocks and sand held together by silkto create their little homes.” King says she spends as much time as possibleoutdoors and loves to study nature. “I’m outside every single day studyingand exploring, whether it’s my backyard or a longer hike.”2 Missouri ConservationistMarch 2017After a recent hunt at Maple Leaf ConservationArea, we met one of your agents in the parkinglot. This officer was awesome. We had a youngboy on his first hunt with us, and your officerwas nothing but professional. My young friendwas scared at first, but we assured him he wasdoing his job so that we would have a place tohunt in the future. The officer was excellent allaround, and he made the young man a believerthat being legal and respectful will ensure wealways have a place to hunt.I live in Kansas, but I have never hunted oneday in the state. I grew up in central Missouri,and I hunt only in Missouri due to the treatmentyou get in the field by your agents. Thanksto him and the Department for making greathunting experiences.Hadley Turner, Lenexa, KS
SUBSCRIPTIONSPhone: 573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or 3249Address: Circulation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180Email: Subscriptions@mdc.mo.govConser vationist online services: Subscribe to themagazine, update your mailing address, or signup to receive an email when the latest issue isavailable online at mdc.mo.gov/conmagCost o f subscriptions: Free to Missouri householdsOut of State 7 per yearOut of Country 10 per yearPlease allow 6–8 weeks for delivery of your first issue.ASK MDCDEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERSPhone: 573-751-4115Address: PO Box 180,Jefferson City 65102-0180EDITORIAL COMMENTSPhone: 573-522-4115, ext. 3847Address: Magazine Editor, PO Box 180,Jefferson City 65102-0180Email: Magazine@mdc.mo.govREGIONAL OFFICESSoutheast/Cape Girardeau: 573-290-5730Central/Columbia: 573-815-7900Kansas City: 816-622-0900Northeast/Kirksville: 660-785-2420Southwest/Springfield: 417-895-6880Northwest/St. Joseph: 816-271-3100St. Louis: 636-441-4554Ozark/West Plains: 417-256-7161MDC OnlinePhone: 573-522-4115, ext. 3848Address: Ask MDC, PO Box 180,Jefferson City 65102-0180Email: AskMDC@mdc.mo.govREADER PHOTO SUBMISSIONSFlickr: flickr.com/groups/mdc-readerphotos-2017Email: Readerphoto@mdc.mo.govAddress: Missouri Conservationist, Reader Photo,PO Box 180, Jefferson City 65102-0180Discover more about nature and the outdoors through these sites.Blog: mdc.mo.gov/blogsFacebook: facebook.com/MDConlineFlickr: flickr.com/photos/mdc onlineInstagram: instagram.com/moconservationMissouri Conservationist: mdc.mo.gov/conmagMissouri Department of Conservation: mdc.mo.govNature Shop: mdcnatureshop.comTwitter: twitter.com/MDC Online and Nature VideosYouTube: youtube.com/user/moconservationKids’ magazineSix times a year we’ll bring you eye-poppingart, photos, and stories about Missouri’scoolest critters, niftiest natural places, andliveliest outdoor activities. Come outsidewith us and XPLOR!A Parents’ Choice Approved Award WinnerMissouri residents: FREE (one subscription per household)Out of state: 5 per year; Out of country: 8 per yearA guardian’s name and address is required with the subscription.Please allow 6–8 weeks for delivery of your first issue.Sign up Now!mdc.mo.gov/xplor 573-522-4115, ext. 3856 or 3249MissouriConservationistGOVERNOR Eric R. GreitensTHE CONSERVATION COMMISSIONDon C. BedellJames T. Blair, IVMarilynn J. BradfordDavid W. MurphyDirector Sara Parker PauleyDeputy Director Thomas A. DraperDeputy Director Aaron JeffriesDeputy Director Jennifer Battson WarrenGeneral Counsel Jennifer FrazierInternal Auditor Lisa WehmeyerDIVISION CHIEFSAdministrative Services Cyndi VossDesign and Development Jacob CareagaFisheries Brian CanadayForestry Lisa G. AllenHuman Resources Thomas NeubauerOutreach & Education Joanie H. StraubPrivate Land Services Bill WhiteProtection Larry D. YamnitzResource Science Mike HubbardWildlife Jason SumnersCONSERVATIONIST STAFFEditor Angie Daly MorfeldArt Director Cliff WhiteAssociate Editor Bonnie ChasteenStaff Writer Heather FeelerStaff Writer Kristie HilgedickStaff Writer Joe JerekPhotographer Noppadol PaothongPhotographer David StonnerDesigner Les FortenberryDesigner Marci PorterDesigner Stephanie ThurberCirculation Laura ScheulerThe Missouri Conservationist (ISSN 0026-6515) is the official monthly publication of the Missouri Department ofConservation, 2901 West Truman Boulevard, JeffersonCity, MO (Mailing address: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO65102.) Subscription free to adult Missouri residents; outof state 7 per year; out of country 10 per year. Notification of address change must include both old and newaddress (send mailing label with the subscriber number onit) with 60-day notice. Preferred periodical postage paidat Jefferson City, Missouri, and at additional entry offices.Postmaster: Send correspondence to Circulation, PO Box180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180. Phone: 573-522-4115,ext. 3856 or 3249. Copyright 2017 by the ConservationCommission of the State of Missouri.Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit fromprograms of the Missouri Department of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard totheir race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.Questions should be directed to the Department ofConservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102,573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or tothe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of FederalAssistance, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: MBSP4020, Arlington, VA 22203.Printed with soy inkMarch 2017 Missouri Conservationist3
HUNTING & FISHINGCALENDARFISHINGBlack BassImp ounded waters and most streamsnorth of the Missouri RiverMost streams south of the Missouri RiverBullfrogs and Green FrogsWhere once frogs called, now they text.Agent NotesMid-March MarksPaddlefish SeasonAS A TEENAGER growing up on theMissouri, Mississippi, and Meramecrivers, I vividly remember the firsttime I went snagging for paddlefish or“spoonbill.”A common misconception amongst some anglers is thatsnagging is limited to impoundments, but most snagging isdone on Missouri’s popular river systems. Snagging is an artthat can be difficult to master, but as a 17-year-old, I rememberhow quickly I learned the skill. All the casting and reelingpractice paid off when I hooked into a 38-inch spoonbill.The fight and power that 3-foot paddlefish had amazed me!This was really something to appreciate, as it took nearly 15minutes to haul in the fish.Paddlefish season is designed around their spawningseason, which is typically from March to the end of April.The best snagging conditions occur when water temperaturesreach 50 to 55 degrees and there is an increase in water flowand a rise in the river. For successful snagging, find a deephole where the fish stage.When snagging from a boat, remember to wear yourpersonal floatation device. It is important to know the rulesand regulations, which can be found in 3 CSR 10-6.525 of theWildlife Code of Missouri.Kyle Dunda is the conservation agent for Jefferson County. If youwould like to contact the agent for your county, phone your regionalconservation office listed on Page 3.4 Missouri ConservationistMarch 2017Nongame Fish GiggingImp ounded Waterssunrise to sunsetPaddlefishStatewideMississippi RiverTrout ParksCatch-and-KeepHUNTINGBullfrogs and Green FrogsOPENCLOSEAll yearNone05/27/1706/30/17at OSE10/31/17at sunsetCoyote (restrictions apply during April,All yearNonespring turkey season, and firearmsdeer FirearmsEarly Youth Portion10/28/1710/29/17November Portion11/11/1711/21/17Late Youth Portion11/24/1711/26/17Antlerless Portion (open areas only)12/01/1712/03/17Alternative Methods Portion12/23/1701/02/18Groundhog ee the Waterfowl Hunting Digest or short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZxTRAPPINGBeaver and NutriaOPEN11/15/16CLOSE03/31/17For complete information about seasons, limits, methods, and restrictions, consult the Wildlife Codeof Missouri and the current summaries of Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations and MissouriFishing Regulations, The Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information, the Fall Deer & TurkeyHunting Regulations and Information, the Waterfowl Hunting Digest, and the Migratory Bird HuntingDigest. For more information, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZZf or permit vendors.
Ask MDCAddress: PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180Phone: 573-522-4115, ext. 3848 Email: AskMDC@mdc.mo.govTrumpeter swanMute swanTRUMPETER SWAN: JIM RATHERT; MUTE SWAN: BKUSHNER DREAMSTIME.COM;TUNDRA SWAN: PAULREEVESPHOTOGRAPHY DREAMSTIME.COMI thought I saw a trumpeterswan. I later learned itwas a mute swan. Canyou help me understandthe differences betweenthese two species?Three species of swan — the trumpeterswan (Cygnus buccinator), tundra swan(Cynus columbianus), and mute swan(Cygnus olor) — can be seen in Missouri.To tell the difference, look at thebeak. Mute swans have orange billswith prominent black knobs on theirforeheads, while trumpeter and tundraswans have nearly all black bills.Trumpeter swans hold their headsaloft while swimming, while mutesgenerally hold their necks curvedgracefully, with their beaks pointeddownward.The differences between trumpeterand tundra swans are less obvious, butnot difficult to identify. Trumpeter swansare larger than tundra swans, if seentogether, and tundra swans’ bills usuallyshow a yellow spot at the base.Trumpeter swans migrate toTundra swanMissouri from northern states as openwater freezes. Tundra swans are rareand seen only occasionally while passingthrough in the winter. Mute swans wereintroduced from Eurasia and now breedin the wild.Last June, all the leaveson some of my oak treesdropped quickly and thetrees died. How can I savethe rest of my oak trees?This sounds like a case of oak wilt, one ofMissouri’s most destructive tree diseases.In red oaks, the first symptom ofoak wilt is usually the browning andwilting of leaves in the upper crown inearly summer. Rapid defoliation canoccur within two to six weeks of initialinfection, and death occurs within ayear. While a single tree may be affectedinitially, symptoms may occur inadjacent trees the following year. Oncean infected tree shows symptoms, itcannot be saved. But treatments can helpprotect nearby healthy oaks.A fungus that spreads when sap-feeding beetles carry spores to freshwounds during the early part of thegrowing season causes the disease.Once established in a tree, the funguscan move via root grafts connectingnearby oaks.To prevent the spread of oak wilt,forest health experts ask landowners toavoid pruning trees from mid-Marchthrough June. Instead, try to trim treesduring winter dormancy.Oaks become more susceptible towilt a few weeks before bud break. Freshwounds at this time attract insectsthat spread the disease. If pruning isabsolutely necessary during this windowof time, the immediate use of wounddressing — available at garden centers —is a must. These wound dressings are notrecommended to protect tree wounds atother times.For more information, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Z3i.Do all snakes hatchfrom eggs?No, but most do. About 70 percent of theworld’s snakes lay soft, leathery eggs.The remaining species give birth tolive young. Nurtured within the mother’sbody, the embryo is often enclosed ina clear, thin membrane with a yolk sacfor nutrition. Scientists are still in theprocess of learning more about thephysiology of reptile reproduction vialive birth.About half of Missouri’s snakes —including species such as ratsnakes,kingsnakes, and racers — lay eggs.The remaining species bear young thatemerge active and fully developed.This group includes watersnakes,gartersnakes, and all venomous snakes.Typically, egg-laying snakes live inclimates where warm weather helpsincubate the eggs. Many live-birthingsnakes reside in colder or arid localeswhere this adaptation helps protect theyoung until they are born. However,exceptions always exist in the naturalworld.March 2017 Missouri Conservationist5
NEWS & EVENTSby Joe JerekPaddlefishSnagging SeasonOpens March 15Missouri’s annual spring paddlefish snaggingseason is a popular pastime for thousands ofanglers. The state’s major paddlefish snaggingwaters include Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake,and Table Rock Lake. Paddlefish snagging seasonfor these and most other waters in the state runsMarch 15 through April 30. The season for theMississippi River is March 15 through May 15, witha fall season of Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.Also known as “spoonbills” because of theshape of their snouts, paddlefish take seven oreight years to grow to legal size and in Missourican live more than 20 years. The state recordpaddlefish, taken in 2015 on Table Rock Lake, was31 years old. The fish feed on plankton and othermicroscopic prey. These filter feeders do not takebait and must be snagged using large hooks thatcatch in the mouth, gills, or other areas of theirbodies.The success of paddlefish snagging is dependent on weather conditions, primarily waterte
Conservationist magazine. I want you to know how much I enjoy all the information you pass on to us readers. I’m an older lady (80), and I used to hunt a lot when I was younger. I enjoy reading about the young hunters and fishermen. Reading about the monarch butterflies is so interesting — all your articles are great. Just keep up the good .
Missouri Conservationist April 2015. LETTERS. Submissions reflect readers’ opinions and may be edited for length and clarity. Longtime Reader. I have had the pleasure of reading the . Missouri . Conservationist. for a long time. I remember see-ing it for the first time at my grandparents’ home. Then, just a few years ago, I was at my .
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Conservationist magazine each year, plus Conservationist for Kids in the October, February and April issues. Call 1-800-678-6399 for information about how to subscribe or go to our website www.dec.ny.gov. Contact us at: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Conservationist for Kids, 625 Broadway, 4th Floor Albany, NY 12233-4502
opportunity for all citizens to use, enjoy and learn about fish, forest and wildlife resources. . Missouri’s kids, both urban and ru-ral, a way to enhance their well being . March 2010 Missouri Conservationist 1 March 2010, Volume 71, Issue 3 [CoNteNts] Features 7 Hatchery Centennial
Conservationist online services: Subscribe to the magazine, update your mailing address, or sign up to receive an e-mail when the latest issue is available online at Donmdc.mo.gov/node/9087 Cost of subscriptions: Free to Missouri households Out of State 7 per year Out of Country 10 per year Please allow 6—8 weeks for delivery of your first .
April 2015 – June 2015 . Missouri to host 2015 National Envirothon Competition . Conservationist position. McClure is a native of Harrison County and has worked in several different counties throughout north Missouri. Most recently, McClure was the District Conservationist for
SARA.PAULEY@MDC.MO.GOV. 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
