Missouri Department of Conservation

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.