South County Mail

Missouri and the World

Nature

Trump administration moves to expand hunting access across US federal lands

by Leave a Comment

The Trump administration is moving to expand hunting and fishing access across federal lands following a January order issued by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, a policy shift that is already prompting debate over conservation, visitor safety, and the future management of America’s national parks and wildlife areas.

In a statement released by the House Committee on Natural Resources, chairman Bruce Westerman welcomed the move after the Department of the Interior issued a Secretarial Order aimed at removing restrictions on hunting and fishing access on public lands and waters.

“Hunting and fishing are cherished activities for millions of Americans, including myself,” said Westerman. “I’m glad to see Secretary Burgum and the Trump administration take action to expand recreational opportunities on our public lands for sportsmen and women to enjoy.” [Read more…] about Trump administration moves to expand hunting access across US federal lands

Timber work to temporarily close part of shooting range

by Leave a Comment

Timber improvement work underway at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Flag Spring Conservation Area (CA) in Barry County will cause a temporary closure of a portion of the unstaffed shooting range at this area.

Beginning Monday, April 14, the rifle/pistol portion of the range will be closed. This closure will continue until April 24, at which time the range will resume regular hours.

The shotgun range, which is located on another part of the area, will remain open. The shotgun portion of the Flag Spring unstaffed range is designed for shooting sporting clays and is not designed for patterning shotguns for turkey hunting. [Read more…] about Timber work to temporarily close part of shooting range

A question of ethics: Missouri releases dates for migratory game bird hunting seasons

by Leave a Comment

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has released the official dates for the upcoming 2025 migratory game bird hunting seasons. As outlined in its recent announcement, hunting seasons will begin in early September and continue through late January, depending on the species and region.

The season for mourning doves, Eurasian collared-doves, and white-winged doves opens on September 1 and ends November 29. The September teal season will run from September 7–22.

Missouri has divided its waterfowl hunting into North, Middle, and South zones, each with slightly different dates. For example, the North Zone duck season opens October 26, while the South Zone begins November 28. Goose hunting follows similar regional adjustments, with the light goose conservation order extending into spring 2026. Full details are available on the MDC website and in their annual migratory bird hunting digest. [Read more…] about A question of ethics: Missouri releases dates for migratory game bird hunting seasons