With cooler temperatures, we all have an abundant amount of outdoor activities to choose from. It is prime time for several activities this time of year that may be quite productive, including fall firearms turkey season, archery deer and turkey season, squirrel season and rabbit season.
Fishing is quite productive right now also for bass, catfish and walleye. Do not forget gigging season for non-game fish is currently open as well. Waterfowl seasons will be opening soon also, as the southern migration has already begun.
With each of these wonderful opportunities to enjoy time with family and loved ones also come rules and laws that regulate each sport to ensure fair chase and fish and wildlife resources for future generations. Since the Missouri Department of Conservation was founded in 1937, the rules and regulations have always been available in print at locations where permits were sold. They still are.
While the regulations are now also available in many forms on the internet, people are encouraged to pick up the hard copies at your local vendors also. Much like the internet, they are free.
Unlike the internet, you do not need a signal to read or refer to them. But, even with a signal, you may not totally understand a regulation by simply looking at one internet page. You need the whole package, a comprehensive understanding of these regulations. Our pamphlets are very well organized and simple to use.
The first step is having a copy of the wildlife laws, the second part is reading them, and then the third is understanding them. Again, I refer to picking up printed copies or pamphlets to read - this is a commitment.
Almost all the citations I issue during a year have one thing is common - the people I issue them to do not have a copy of the regulations, nor do they know how to find the information on their smartphones.
Now, let's address the third part; understanding. Most of the time, people will understand our regulations after reading them. But, when you do not, call your local conservation agent while having a copy of these laws in front of you; this is when communication is at its best.
Our conservation agent's number remains the same in each county and are listed on our MDC homepage as contacts by county. And, they are listed in the back of our Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting pamphlets.
I realize people are getting busier and busier each day as everything in our lives changes more rapidly. We want people to take the time to go hunting and fishing and get away from their stress. Just take a little time to do some homework and know the sport you are participating in. Ultimately, you are the one who will be held responsible in the field.
We want all of your experiences in the outdoors to be positive while conserving those same resources for our children and grandchildren.