stjoenews.net | Stories by 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.

Black bears prove no match for local trio
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009

Three local hunters trekked up to Canada for a weeklong bear hunt, and two returned with kills. Now before we go on, many of you are probably picturing three burly guys hunting with guns in the Canadian wilderness.

Outdoor column: An outdoor holiday to celebrate
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009

Don’t expect a day off from work or gifts from family and friends. But outdoorsmen across the nation can celebrate because the 37th annual National Hunting and Fishing Day has arrived.

PETA attacks rock star for hunting comments
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009

As the lead guitarist of one of America’s most successful rock bands, Joe Perry of Aerosmith is used to being in the spotlight. What may come as a surprise to many is that on top of being a “Guitar Hero,” Perry also is pretty good with a gun and fishing rod.

Youth permit changes make it simpler
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009

With leaves beginning to fall, temperatures dropping and the days getting shorter, the excitement of another deer season is growing. Along with that excitement, there seems to be a bit of confusion, and its source is the changes in youth deer hunting this season.

Outdoors: Archery season history hits mark
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009

While doing a little historical research into the archives of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), I stumbled upon a chronology of the department that outlined the beginnings of archery hunting in Missouri.

Buck fever grows on area archers
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009

As the 63rd annual archery deer season approaches, many area archers are getting excited about the Sept. 15 season opener. Among those is Darren Barnard, an avid bowhunter and St. Joseph area resident.

First Amendment battle could possibly affect the entire outdoor community
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

When it comes to sportsmen and constitutional rights, the Second Amendment and firearms always seem to be at the forefront. Now there’s a new battle in America involving First Amendment rights that could substantially affect the entire outdoor community and every hunter or angler in America.

Outdoorsmen need to help fight invaders
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, Aug. 21, 2009

I once asked a former supervisor, who was also the director of a major county parks department, how he prioritized everything his job required him to do. His response was simply, “I imagine every incident is explosive and handle the ones that will cause the biggest bang first.”
If you think about it, many of us operate on this same philosophy. When it comes to the outdoors, caring about the spread of invasive species is equivalent to a box of snap-pop fireworks on most of our explosive scales.

Fishing for freedom: Leavenworth bass club officer answers call to duty
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

Hooah! Stated with a certain conviction, it’s a phrase heard commonly among our service men and women. The only definition commonly found for the term states, “Referring to or meaning anything and everything except… no.”

Outdoor column: Loose lips can, indeed, sink ships
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009

On a recent fishing trip to Ontario, Canada, the lodge owner and I talked late into the night about the interesting history of the lodge. As the owner recalled the best and worst times of the past several decades, he described how the 1999 season was one of his worst, and it was partially caused by an outdoor celebrity who spoke before he thought.

Controversial ruling on right to bear arms draws opposition
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, July 31, 2009

Two-thirds of the nation’s attorneys general have filed an amicus brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to grant certiorari and review the case of NRA v. Chicago, according to the National Rifle Association. The bi-partisan group contends that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

St. Joseph couple toughs out life running hunting lodge in Canada
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, July 31, 2009

For seven months of the year, St. Joseph residents Carl and Susan Seek live their lives as normally as possible.
Once summer hits, however, the couple transitions into the rugged, remarkable roles of Canadian lodge owners. From May through September, the Seeks passionately pursue their love of running Bear Paw Landing in Ontario, where they specialize in archery, bear hunting and fishing.

Evinrude makes case against ethanol
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, July 17, 2009

Boat engine maker Evinrude provides the following reasons why boat engines have more problems with ethanol gas:

Boat owners seeking waiver for ethanol fuel regulations
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, July 17, 2009

In 2008, the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard Act went into effect, requiring nearly all gasoline offered for sale in the state of Missouri to contain at least 10 percent ethanol.
While this may sound like a step in a green direction, for many unknowing boat owners, it may mean a trip to their local marine mechanic. Now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering allowing even higher levels of ethanol.

Customs proposal proves sticky issue for knife owners
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, July 4, 2009

It may not be the National Rifle Association, but the American Knife and Tool Institute has been thrust into a similar role as the veteran gun advocacy group.

Conservation department accepting applications for managed deer hunts
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, July 4, 2009

Between the hot summer days and the fireworks exploding all around it seems odd to be thinking about deer hunting. But if you’re one of the state’s many hunters who enjoy participating in the managed hunts offered by the Missouri Department of Conservation, now is exactly the time to get in gear.

Know your enemy: Battling a blood-sucking foe
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, June 19, 2009

As darkness settles over the woods, the large female Hematophagous set its wings and prepared to swoop down on her unsuspecting prey. The warm evening breeze had carried with it the sweet smell of carbon dioxide and sweat, revealing her target’s location. The creature moved closer, driven to obtain the nourishment only a meal of fresh blood could provide.

Local birder spots, photographs pair of scissortailed flycatchers
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, June 19, 2009

They’ve been spotted fairly regularly since the birds first starting circulating around the area in 2008, but an image on the back of an Oklahoma state quarter isn’t nearly as exciting as seeing the real thing. At least that’s what long-time St. Joseph birder Frances Cramer would say.

Dogs show nose for trophies
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 30, 2009

Lyle Steinman of Castille Creek Kennels embraces this quote, which came from Daniel Schnitka, a breeder who provided Steinman with national champion lab River.

Missouri offers free weekend to potential anglers
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 30, 2009

You’ve been wanting to head out for a day on the lake or river, but you just haven’t found the time. Your kids are getting out of school and need a break from the constraints forced on them by all their structured activities.

Big buck found dead in Kansas was a whopper
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, May 22, 2009

The Show Me State has been the home of the “Missouri Monarch”, the current non-typical world record whitetail mount since the early 1980s, but if a recent story released by Outdoor Life is correct, that record may soon be “shown up” in a big way.

Pony Express Crappie festival draws large crowd
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, May 22, 2009

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) hosted its Annual Crappie Festival at Pony Express Lake last Saturday, and despite some less-than-favorable weather conditions the event was a “big catch” for local youth.
The MDC hosts the festival each spring as an opportunity to introduce new anglers to the time-honored tradition of catching a stringer full of Missouri crappie, filleting the catch and cooking it.

Firearms industry excited about high tax revenues
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 16, 2009

While the country deals with a period of economic uncertainty, large-scale corporate bailouts and the recent “Tea Party” tax protests, it seems unlikely that anyone would be excited about the federal government collecting an unusually high amount of taxes.

Outdoors column: Do-it-yourself crappie jigs
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 16, 2009

Spring is the one time of year when crappie move shallow and are within easy reach of nearly every angler. It’s also a great time to tie on an artificial jig rather than a traditional minnow, as these fish are often very active. While I love bringing home a big mess of slabs, I particularly enjoy catching them on a jig of my own creation.

OUTDOORS: Camera technology leaves hole in writer's history
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 9, 2009

Like many of you I love putting the latest high-tech gadgets to work in the field. Arguably, one of the best innovations in outdoor sports was the advent of digital cameras. While these little wonders won’t improve your hunting or fishing, they do record the moments that mean the most in a convenient and cost-effective way.

OUTDOORS: Second amendment debate rages on in courts
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 9, 2009

In June of 2008, firearms enthusiasts and law-abiding gun owners across the nation celebrated a major victory in the historic debate over the country’s Second Amendment when the Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case of District of Columbia v. Heller. But the celebration may have been premature.

Conservation program aids food plot plans
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 2, 2009

Outdoorsmen, landowners, sportsmen and conservationists from throughout Northwest Missouri came to the Missouri Department of Conservation Headquarters on April 22 to help improve their property for wildlife.

Outdoors column: Fungus is among us again
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, May 2, 2009

In Japan, some consider Tempeh, a treat of fermented moldy soybeans, to be delicious. In Korea, you might see people purchasing live sea slugs from street vendors, fillet and eat them raw. In certain parts of Mexico, many consider cooked grasshoppers to be a tasty treat.
Here in the heartland of the good old U.S.A., we opt for more conservative cuisine. Well, unless it’s spring; then we become obsessed with thoughts of gorging ourselves on the spore-producing part of a fungus.

Outdoor Column: House mulls special turkey federation license plates
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, April 25, 2009

Hunters, anglers, and other outdoorsmen love to show the world they’re proud of their pursuits. I challenge anyone reading this column right now to go out and take a drive around town. I guarantee you’ll see more cars and trucks with some sort of hunting or fishing decal, license plate cover or other memento than you can count on both hands.

Predictions of reduced turkey harvest hold true this season
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, April 25, 2009

As Jim Low of the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wrote in a recent press release, “Sometimes being right is no fun.”

Conservation Federation seeks to make turkey hunting even safer
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, April 18, 2009

Hunting, contrary to popular belief, is a very safe activity. In fact, hunting results in fewer injuries per 100,000 participants than do many other sports, including cycling, bowling, golf and tennis. On the eve of the 2009 turkey season, the Conservation Federation of Missouri (CFM) is asking the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to consider a regulation that would could further reduce accidents.

Outdoors column: Plotting a better outdoor world
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, April 18, 2009

For years, I’ve watched videos and outdoor shows with guys improving the habitat on their properties and reaping the rewards obtained from planting food plots. If you’re like me and are finally ready to give it a try, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has a deal for you.

This spring’s turkey season could be challenging
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, April 10, 2009

The 2009 spring turkey season kicked off last weekend in the Show Me State with the two-day youth season. While the final count was slightly lower than last year, more than 19,135 permit holders managed to take 2,883 birds during the two day season.
Officials at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) have been watching turkey populations closely and are concerned about poor weather conditions during past nesting seasons. They feel this has led to some areas of the state seeing fewer birds.

Survey shows walleye fry stocked into Bilby, Mozingo growing to lunker sizes
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, April 10, 2009

Like a kid in a candy shop, I looked on with amazement as biologists from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) busily scooped one fish after another from the 42-degree waters of Bilby and Mozingo Lakes. After several passes with the electro-fishing boats, I could not believe the sheer size and numbers of walleyes seen. Best of all, they were right here in our own backyard.

Weather fails to deter women at NWTF outdoor event
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, April 3, 2009

The response from Ellen Benitz and Sherry Hill when they answered the phone two days prior to the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women’s Outdoor Weekend event was always the same: “Rain, snow, sleet or shine, we’re on!”
The Platte Purchase Chapter hosted the event at Camp Geiger last weekend.

Taking the 'pulse' for conservation
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, March 28, 2009

The Missouri River lost its pulse last Saturday. Due to a substantial rain forecast across much of the lower Missouri River basin, the Corps of Engineers had to cancel releasing a planned “pulse” of water from the Gavin’s Point Dam.

Outdoors column: The three P's, T's of baitcasting reels
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, March 27, 2009

Learn to conquer the backlash on a baitcasting reel, and you’ll love them and won’t go without them. Invest a lot of money in them and end up with big piles of tangled fishing line and a very large headache, and you’ll most likely hate them.

Outdoors column: Mount your own spring cleaning project
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, March 21, 2009

With temperatures on the rise and spring at our doorstep, thoughts of catching some big slab crappies, finding a mess of morel mushrooms or shooting a big old longbeard are probably filling the heads of many right now. The last thing nearly any outdoorsmen wants to think about is “spring cleaning.”

Interfering with Missouri's outdoorsmen has its price
by Jeff Leonard
Saturday, March 21, 2009

It was just nine years ago that Ed Fleshman, a trapper from Lebanon, Mo., became one of the first outdoorsmen in the state to find relief in a law passed in 1997 that protects hunters, anglers and trappers from interference.

CCW permits gain popularity
by Jeff Leonard
Friday, March 13, 2009

It has been more than 18 months since Missouri joined the majority of states now offering law-abiding citizens the opportunity of legally defending themselves through a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit. For those who have considered applying for one, here’s a summary of what you’ll need to know:
The first step in obtaining a concealed carry weapons permit/endorsement is to ensure that you’re qualified. Yes, not just anyone can waltz in and obtain a permit.
In Missouri, applicants must be at least 23 years old and have been a resident of the state for at least six months.