Jefferson County is making headlines in outdoors news, and leading the way is the announcement of David Peters as the 2018 MDC Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor of the Year for the St. Louis Region.
A resident of Morse Mill, Peters has served as a volunteer educator since 2004. As a regional winner, Peters is eligible for the award on the statewide level.
“Dave Peters has a passion to give back to others through his time, talents and gifts,” said outdoor skills specialist Conrad Mallady, who nominated Peters. “When a class is shorthanded, or an area is void of instructors, Peters is one of those instructors who is called on to fill the need. If he’s available, he’s there, and it doesn’t matter how far away the location is.”
In addition to his regular work in Jefferson County, Peters has assisted with classes as far away as Potosi, Sullivan, Forest Park and at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles County. Peters also assisted with a bow-hunter education class at the High Ridge Fire Protection District last year.
In addition to volunteering for the hunter education program, Peters is a Missouri Stream Team team leader for an 11-mile stretch of the Big River in Jefferson County, and he helps out at the Peace Pantry in Dittmer.
Historic event returns for 55th year
The longest-running turkey calling contest in the state of Missouri is back for its 55th consecutive year at the Festus-Crystal City Conservation Club beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, with nationally-known animal impersonator Ralph Duren returning as event host.
Admission is free, and anyone is welcome to enter the contest. Callers ages 9 and under pay $2 each to compete. The entry fee for callers ages 10-15 is $5 each. Amateur division callers pay $10, and the open division charge is $18. The owl hooting portion of the contest includes an amateur division with a $5 entry fee and open division for $10.
For information, call 636-933-0908.
Prescribed fire class planned in Hillsboro
Controlled burning has been an effective land management tool for Missouri and Jefferson County residents since long before the land was known as Missouri or Jefferson County. In addition to controlling invasive species, flames benefit native plants and wildlife.
A free public workshop for landowners is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 23, at the University of Missouri Extension Office, 301 Third St., in Hillsboro. Participants will learn to use fire to manage grasslands, prairies, woodlands, glades and other areas, and important safety factors like timing and proper conditions.
The workshop is a requirement for landowners to develop a burn plan with the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the conservation department.
Advance registration is required by calling Alex Ruff at 636-300-1953, ext. 4162. Lunch will be provided.
Owl man returns to county
If you haven’t had a chance to see and hear Mark Glenshaw and his program about the owls in Forest Park, another chance is coming to town when he shares his “Hiding in Plain Sight” multi-media presentation at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at the Crystal City Public Library.
The program covers how he found the owls, facts about the species and different behaviors he has documented on owl prowls over the years.
For more information, call 636-937-7166.
John J. Winkelman is community relations manager at Mercy Hospital Jefferson. If you have news for the Leader’s Outdoor News page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com and you can follow John on Twitter at @johnjwink99.