stjoenews.net | Staff: Jeff Leonard

Since the Missouri Department of Conservation’s inception in 1937, there have been only seven. Now in the midst of one the busiest periods of the year for the state agency, the MDC prepares to welcome its eighth director.

Numbers don't lie: A look at deer harvest by county in Missouri
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, Nov. 20, 2009

Logging onto to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s deer harvest report is a lot like watching an old Jerry Lewis Telethon. As hunters go through the official “Telecheck” process, the numbers on the interactive online displays grow larger and larger.

Deer season set to begin Saturday
by Jeff Leonard
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009

Deer hunting in Missouri has seen some dramatic changes between the year the Missouri Department of Conservation kicked off the official inaugural season in 1944 — and this weekend, when rifle season opens throughout the state.

It's almost time to get your pulse heated up with 'Buck Fever'
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

At a time when fever and illness seem to be running rampant across the country side, the entire nation seems to be doing everything possible to avoid it. Everyone except me and hundreds of thousands of hunters.
When it comes to the fever, I say bring it on. Of course I’m referring to “Buck Fever,” and after several decades of hunting I’m proud to say this cherished affliction still causes recurring bouts of uncontrollable shaking, skyrocketing blood pressure, a pulse that goes through the roof and abnormal breathing patterns, to name just a few of the symptoms that happily taunt me every fall and winter.

Waterfowl season beckons area hunters with optimistic opportunities
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009

With waterfowl season now under way, Missouri Department of Conservation Officials and several area waterfowl hunting experts share their thoughts on the season outlook.

Don't take aiming for granted when hunting
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009

Veteran hunters might scoff and believe the topic of shot placement is a bit remedial, but being cocky and neglecting it can turn what could be your greatest hunting trip into a long ride home with a sick feeling in your gut.
Mother Nature reminded me of the importance of shot placement this past week while bowhunting a prime lease in Northwest Missouri. The weather dipped down near freezing the night before, and the prospects looked great for a quality hunt.
I wasn’t disappointed, and as the first peaks of sunlight trickled down through the heavy timber along the Missouri River, a good mature doe silently made her way into a shooting lane a mere 22 yards away from me standing perfectly broadside.

Outdoor column: Conservation department offers fly-tying course
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

Sometimes the most gratifying outdoor activities don’t even take place in the outdoors. Sitting at home on a rainy or cold, wintery evening, tying your own flies for a future fishing trip definitely falls into this category.

Pheasants Forever event attracts future upland bird hunters
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009

The importance of safety was a key element last weekend of the Northwest Missouri chapter of Pheasants Forever when it held a youth hunting event.

Outdoor Column: Attempt at world record falls short
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009

Twenty-four hours, 20,000 maggots, an 11-foot-long cane pole, lots of energy and a dedication to help draw attention to a nationally recognized program called Fishing For Life.

Conservation department comes to terms with budget deficits
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009

The Northwest Region of the Missouri Department of Conservation escaped without the immediate loss of any conservation agents, although two facilities will close, according to Roger Wolken, protection regional supervisor at the St. Joseph office.