Missouri Department of Conservation Press Releases

Submit your best photos to the Amazing Arthropods photography contest this January at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

Body BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. - Photography is a great way to get up close and personal with some of Missouri’s most unique animals – arthropods. Arthropods are animals with exoskeletons, including spiders, insects, millipedes, crayfish, scorpions and more. …

MDC welcomes six new conservation agents to southeast Missouri

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has assigned six new conservation agents in southeast Missouri.  These six agents will work to protect Missouri’s fish, forest, and wildlife resources while supporting the community …

Enjoy a cozy art project or invigorating winter hike with MDC on Jan. 3 at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

Body BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – If you’re looking for ways to entertain the whole family after ringing in the new year, look no further than the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). Join naturalists on Saturday, Jan. 3, to make an art project from recycled …

MDC offers new non-resident migratory bird hunting permit

Body JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, non-resident hunters in Missouri who want to pursue waterfowl, doves, snipe, woodcock, and rails will be required to purchase a new Non-Resident Migratory Bird Permit for a price of $60. The new permit is …

Open Letter from MDC Director Jason Sumners on CWD

As a young boy growing up in rural Missouri, many days were spent outdoors enjoying wild places and wild critters. At a young age, I became fascinated with the graceful ghost of our forest, the white-tailed deer. This fascination fueled a life-long pursuit …

MDC invites women to a handgun program in Hartsburg Jan. 8

Body HARTSBURG, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites women, ages 14 and older, to a free women’s handgun program at Ammo Alley in Hartsburg on Jan. 8 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This workshop will teach participants the various parts and …

MDC reminds the public of upcoming managed waterfowl hunts at Fellows Lake

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The public may see more activity at Fellows Lake as Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) managed waterfowl hunts continue into the new year. The remaining hunting periods for the 2025-2026 MDC-managed waterfowl hunts at Fellows Lake …

Join MDC for virtual winter birding program Dec. 22

Body SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and tune in for a virtual bird program Dec. 22. The virtual program, “Birds in Winter and a Warm Cup of Cheer,” will be held …

MDC announces changes to deer-hunting regulations

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Conservation Commission recently gave initial approval to regulation changes for deer hunting proposed by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Dec. 12 Commission meeting in Jefferson City. The changes will …

MDC honors Daniel Dey as a Master Conservationist

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Commission recently honored Daniel Dey of New Bloomfield with the Department’s Master Conservationist Award for his lifetime commitment to forestry and conservation …

MDC welcomes new conservation agent to Carter County

Body VAN BUREN, MO. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a new conservation agent placement for Carter County. Conservation Agent Korben Tucker graduated from MDC’s 2025 Conservation Agent Training Academy in September. Since then, he …

Learn about animals and what they eat at MDC program Dec. 19 in Branson

Body BRANSON, Mo. – It can be interesting discovering what’s on the menu for an animal. Discover more about the diet of amphibians and reptiles at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) “Feeding Frenzy” event on Friday, Dec. 19. This free program …

Registration opens for MDC prescribed burn workshop Dec. 20 in Texas County

Body HOUSTON, Mo. – When used in controlled, supervised conditions, fire can be a beneficial land management tool. However, it’s important that prescribed fire involves planning and on-site management. Learn more about how fire can be used as a land …

Learn how animals survive in cold conditions with MDC Dec. 16

MDC, Ozark Land Trust partner to acquire key habitat for endangered grotto sculpin

Body PERRYVILLE, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Ozark Land Trust (OLT) have partnered to acquire an ecologically critical 80-acre tract of land located immediately adjacent to the City of Perryville. The property — containing eight …

MDC offers a free guided winter hike along Lake Taneycomo Dec. 13

Body BRANSON, Mo. – Nature reveals itself more openly in winter with foliage off the trees and shrubs. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering a free guided winter hike along Lake Taneycomo Dec. 13. Join the Shepherd of the Hills …

MDC Little Acorns programs at Burr Oak Woods Nature Center keep kids engaged with nature this December

Body KANSAS CITY, Mo. – When colder temperatures arrive, it can be easy for young children to stay inside during winter months. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers regular Little Acorns programs to help kids explore nature all year long. …

MDC to host virtual program on Bark Tanning Deer Hide Dec. 18

WINONA, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to tune in for a virtual program that explains how to tan a deer hide using tree bark. The webinar, “Introduction to Bark Tanning a Deer Hide,” will be held from 11:30 a.m. to …

MDC invites anglers to learn the art of fly-tying this winter

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites anglers ages 13 and older to learn the art of fly-tying this winter. Fly-tying is a great way to customize a fishing lure to a specific type of fish or stream, and it is also a great …

MDC to host nature trivia night in Branson Dec. 12

BRANSON, Mo. – Nature lovers may test their knowledge for a trivia night with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in Branson. Join the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center for “Nature Trivia Night” from 6-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 at 483 …