Guest Editorial by Jo Schaper

As a lifelong canoeist, I have no problem with efforts to curb obscene, outrageous and or illegal behavior on the river, such as the Riverways’ rules or efforts by the Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association.

But on the other hand, I wonder: where will they go? The young human animal (and sometimes the older one, too) has an innate need to blow off steam. During my youth, that meant a float trip on the Meramec, or the Current River, banging paddles, splashing, and yelling, drinking a little too much for common sense, and horsing around.

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Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced today more than $740.9 million will be distributed to the fish and wildlife agencies of the 50 states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia, and territories to fund fish and wildlife conservation, boater access to public waters, and hunter and aquatic education. These Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program funds come from excise taxes and import duties on sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, sportfishing equipment, electric outboard motors, and fuel taxes attributable to motorboats and small engines. (more…)

Two Missourians were among the winners in a contest where the world’s best wild turkey callers battled for state pride, bragging rights and more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. The event was the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Grand National Calling Contest Championships, held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 20 to Feb. 22. (more…)

Town and Country, an upscale St. Louis suburb, is back at its deer management again. Suburban Deer

Some years back, this same suburb, in an attempt to be cruelty free, transported dozens and dozens of deer to Crawford County, releasing them in the Huzzah CA wearing tracking collars. The essentially tame deer did not survive long and the process was considered a failure. Now, they intend to sterilize and transport deer again (destination unknown) as well as hire a company to cull animals. For various reasons, the city has rejected a managed bow hunt.

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For Traveler reader convenience, we’re posting a long, but clickable link to Ozark National Scenic Riverways General Management Plan progress. Riverways is not accepting comments at this time (3/09) but anticipates releasing GMP draft alternatives for public comment in late spring. We just thought you might like to see what has been done so far.
NPS Ozark Riverways GMP.

Approximately four months after former governor Rod Blagojevich authorized $9.25 million to be pulled from six of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ dedicated conservation funds, newly sworn-in Governor Patrick Quinn overturned the decision. (more…)

Resident fishing permit prices remain unchanged from 2008.
Resident and nonresident anglers under age 16 will be able to buy trout
permits for $3.50 instead of the regular price of $7, effective July 1. Daily trout tags remain $3 for adults and $2 for anglers under age 16.
Effective July 1, nonresident fishing permits will increase from $40 to $42.
Nonresident students attending public or private secondary, post-secondary or vocational schools in Missouri can buy 2009 resident permits, except lifetime permits, starting in July. Such purchases must be made at MDC offices. Such student fishers need student and residency IDs with them while fishing. –MDC releases.

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