The ability of humans to communicate is not unique among animal species. We may be the most advanced at the trick, but in some instances, we could be the worst at it. When I hear song birds singing, crickets chirping, tree frogs trilling, or bull elk bugling, I feel confident that others of their kind are paying attention.
People, on the other hand, sometimes seem more interested in hearing themselves talk rather than actually listening to others. For residents looking for answers about white-tailed deer management in Missouri, the state’s Department of Conservation is hosting open house sessions throughout Missouri to hear from the public.
Among the 10 scheduled events is a meeting from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Eureka Community Center, 333 Bald Hill Road. In addition to the in-person opportunities, comments about deer management are being accepted online until Oct. 17 at: short.mdc.mo.gov/4yd.
“For generations, Missourians have worked together to protect deer and deer hunting,” said Jason Sumners, conservation department director. “Fueled by a shared passion for white-tailed deer, hunters and other wildlife enthusiasts inside and outside MDC have built a healthy, abundant herd..”
Conservation department staff will offer presentations on deer management, regulations, chronic-wasting disease, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, managing private land, and how the state works with hunters, land owners, and other partners to keep deer healthy.
Visitors are welcome to come and go anytime between 4 and 8 p.m.. and advanced registration is not required. Other meeting locations include St. Joseph, Macon, Poplar Bluff and West Plains.
Go and ask questions, but be sure to listen to the answers.
Outdoor Movie Night at Powder Valley Center
A couple hours of outdoors fun is planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 4, at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. The ’90s-themed movie night will feature nature shows, crafts and snacks. Informational tables will be set up to correspond with each video, and visitors can take a night-time hike on the Tanglevine Trail.
Participants who arrive in ’90s-themed attire will be entered into a raffle drawing for prizes. Advanced registration is required, and attendance is limited to adults ages 18 and over. Visitors should bring lawn chairs or a blanket.
To register by phone, call 888-283-0364. For more information, call Powder Valley at 314-301-1500.
De Soto man sentenced in elk poaching case
A man from De Soto was one of three people sentenced by a Shannon County court for illegally killing and abandoning a bull elk in 2023. Michael K. O’Neail pleaded guilty Sept. 3 and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. His jail sentence was suspended, pending successful completion of two years probation and full payment of the $10,000 fine within one year.
State conservation agents began the investigation after a deer hunter reported finding the elk near Klepzig Mill in Shannon County during the November 2023 opening weekend of firearms deer season. Department Protection Branch Chief Travis McLain thanked the public for contributing to the success of the investigation.
“Tips from local residents and hunters, cooperation from area businesses and community engagement played a major role in helping our agents identify those responsible,” McLain said in a press release.
The Operation Game Thief hotline allows Missourians to protect nature by reporting poaching. To report possible violations, call a local conservation agent or 800-392-1111. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.