Missouri Department of Conservation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with tree and shrub seedlings from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. MDC’s George O. White State Forest

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds waterfowl hunters to make reservations online from Sept. 1 – 18 for MDC managed waterfowl hunts coming up this fall. Reservations are required to guarantee an opportunity to hunt on MDC’s 14 intensively managed wetland conservation areas. There are two ways to obtain a

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Paddle trips are a great way to get exercise, socialize, and develop a new skill while admiring the natural beauty of Missouri’s waterways. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for a 12-mile canoe trip at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, floating the Missouri River from Nodaway Island Access to

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will partner with multiple organizations to host the Third Annual Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12. Mentored hunts will take place in several counties during Missouri’s early firearms antlerless deer season. The mentored hunts are made possible through

CHILLICOTHE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites those wishing to get their hunter education certification to attend a Hunter Education skills course offered from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center in Chillicothe. Registration is required. Interested participants can register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/210767. This course is designed

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – How did early humans get rid of stress and enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors? Many of their practices can still help people relax today. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Glore Psychiatric Museum for Unwind Like a Caveman, a free event from 6-8 p.m. on Monday,

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — With the Fourth-of-July coming up, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourage people to look for red, white, and blue in nature through a holiday hike, bird watching, backyard fun, fishing, and other outdoor activities. MDC offers some suggestions to get started finding red, white, and blue in nature: Red Royal Catchfly Flowers, Red

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds deer hunters to apply online from July 1–31 for a shot at 145 managed deer hunts throughout the state. There are hunts for archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at designated conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges,

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – With holiday celebrations happening, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to be careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire FIREWORKS: Don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Community Forestry Council (MCFC) are accepting nominations for the 2025 Missouri Arbor Award of Excellence. The annual award recognizes communities, institutions, businesses, organizations and individuals that make significant and long-lasting efforts to care for trees in their communities. The Arbor Award of

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Get outside and discover nature this summer during frogging season! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds the public that frogging season begins June 30 at sunset and runs through Oct. 31. Anyone with a fishing permit or small game hunting permit may go frogging for bullfrogs and green frogs. The daily

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) partnered with Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever (PF/QF), The Nature Conservancy, and local landowners to dedicate two new conservation areas on Wednesday, June 18, in Harrison County. Both projects were made possible through PF/QF’s Build a Wildlife Area program and granted to MDC for permanent ownership and

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Learn how to turn any outdoor space into a native plant paradise that saves water, supports pollinators, and looks beautiful. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering Bloom Where You’re Planted, a free workshop on native plants from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at MDC’s Northwest Regional Office. Purposeful

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval to several regulation changes from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to expand furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities at its May 16 open meeting in Jefferson City. As many populations of furbearing species continue to increase, the proposed regulation changes will increase trapping opportunities

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Want some free fun that gets family and friends outside in nature? Get hooked on fishing with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Free Fishing Days June 7 and 8. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit, or

COLUMBIA, Mo. – As boat owners and water enthusiasts are getting ready to hit Missouri lakes and rivers, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) warns boat owners to be on the lookout for the infamous invasive zebra mussel. Zebra mussels are an invasive species that came to North American waters in international shipping ballast water

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Camping is a way to connect with the outdoors that can be both enjoyable and economical for the entire family. If a camping trip is on your family’s to-do list for this spring or summer, be sure to check out some of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) camping opportunities. Listed below

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Motorists may see some reptilian friends on the roads this spring season. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges drivers to be cautious and give turtles a brake! These reptiles are often hit by cars during warmer months but are at special risk this time of year because they are more active.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Riley Isaacs of Bradleyville for becoming the latest state record holder for redear sunfish. The 17-year-old was bowfishing at Lake Taneycomo April 18 when he shot a 2-pound, 3-ounce fish. The previous record under alternative methods was a 2-pound, 2-ounce fish also caught from Lake

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Spring brings a variety of newborn animals that may look to be abandoned, but Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Protection Regional Supervisor Russell Duckworth says that’s rarely the case, and that it’s best to leave wildlife wild. “Young wildlife are seldom orphaned,” said Duckworth. “When we see newborn animals alone, that

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is holding a tree giveaway for Arbor Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, at the Northwest Regional Office in St. Joseph. Each family or group may receive two tree seedlings at the giveaway while supplies last. The available tree species, including

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The National Deer Association (NDA) named the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) its 2024 Agency of the Year Award winner. The award recognizes an agency that has practiced innovative and progressive deer management techniques; affected positive change in deer management regulations, hunter education, hunter recruitment, and/or involvement in youth hunting; and

WEST PLAINS, Mo.  – Join Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to learn tasty trout recipes and techniques to cook your catch outdoors from 6 – 7 p.m. on April 3. Registration is required and can be completed online at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/203028. “Trout is the quintessential low-fat, low-sodium food,” said Sarah Elrod, MDC conservation educator. “Rainbow trout

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites people to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care.  Missouri Arbor Day for 2025 is Friday, April 4. Missouri has been observing the state’s official Arbor Day on the

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites those wishing to get their hunter education certification to attend one of two Hunter Education skills courses offered in the northwest region in April. Registration is required. Course locations, dates and times are as follows: Nodaway County: April 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.