Missouri Outdoors News - June 29, 2021

This morning, I am seeing a few things that Missouri outdoors men and women might be interested in. After a bunch of days of rain following super hot weather, thinking about Fall deer hunting might be in order, so let's start with that.

Missouri Managed Deer Hunts

Starting July 1, you can apply for Missouri managed deer hunts. If you are new to deer hunting in Missouri, these are special hunts for which you'd not be allowed to hunt unless you have applied and been chosen. There are regularly scheduled seasons separate from these. General hunting info is at mdc.mo.gov.

These hunts run from September through I believe, January. Information on these can be found at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. You have until July 31 to get in your applications and results are announced in mid-August.

Educational Opportunities

If you like learning about the outdoors, here are some upcoming classes:

Fish Identification at Powder Valley...St. Louis County...July 14 between 1:30 and 2:30 pm...Two options for class...Virtual: https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZHH or In-person: https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZHV
Conservation Kids Explore the Outdoors at Runge Outdoor Center...Jeff City area...variety of dates...July 2 — Creek Crawl — mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178214;July 9 — Archery — mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178219;July 23 — Fishing Fun — mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178221;July 30 — Kayaking Basics — mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178225.
Discover Nature: Night Hike at Runge...Thursday, July 8, 8–9:30 p.m. — all ages...Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178228.
Design with Nature: Rainbow Trout Watercolor at Runge...Saturday, July 10, 9:30 a.m.–noon — ages 18+...Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178232
Kayaking: Finger Lakes State Park...thru Runge...Wednesday, July 14, 5:30–8 p.m. — ages 12+...Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178235
Outdoor Skills: Frog Gigging...Runge...Friday, July 30, 1–11 p.m. — ages 8+...Registration required at: mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178239.
West Plains Kayaking Workshops...2 in July...more information by emailing William.Mills@mdc.mo.gov.
Columbia Kayaking Workshops...2 in July as well...mor info by emailing Sam.Stewart@mdc.mo.gov
Joplin region lecrures on the uniqueness of prairies...July 6 and July 7...July 6 in person and July 7, virtual...registration for in-person 7/6 event-https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178285...registration for 7/7 virtual event-https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/178282

Mountain Biking Opportunities in Mid-MO

First, MDC wants people to remember...

Always bike safely on Missouri trails:

Make a plan and tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.
Wear a helmet.
Stay on the trail.
Use caution, manage speed, and anticipate trail obstructions.
Share the trail, announce when passing hikers, horse riders, and other trail users.
Prepare for bike repairs and other emergencies; pack food, water, sanitizer, lights, and anything else you may need if your trip takes longer than planned.
Maintain physical distancing, wear a mask when appropriate, protect yourself and others from disease by following health guidelines while on the trail, and while traveling to- and from your destination

MDC allows bicycles on conservation area roads and trails open to vehicle traffic, and on designated trails, except where posted. Conservation areas offer plenty of mountain biking opportunities across central Missouri, just a short drive from home. Learn more about these, and other mountain biking opportunities at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places, and download the MO Outdoors App for mobile devices.

MDC Conservation areas allowing MTB riding: