Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Holiday Greetings from the Missouri Department of Conservation

Here is a short video as a holiday greeting card from the Missouri Department of Conservation:




Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Permit Changes Follow Public Comments by a Citizen-Led and Citizen-Driven Missouri Conservation Department

The Missouri Conservation Commission met December 18 and 19 at the Department of Conservation headquarters in Jefferson City.

The Commission received an update on communications received during the public comment period regarding proposed permit changes and then approved the following recommendations made by Director John Hoskins:
  • End advancement of proposed increase in resident landowner acreage requirement for no-cost deer and turkey permits from 5 to 80 acres.

  • End advancement of proposed elimination of land-lessee no-cost deer and turkey permits privileges.

  • End advancement of proposed resident permit price increases.

  • End advancement of proposed senior “forever” permit.

  • Delay implementation from Fall 2009 to Spring 2010 of proposed recommendation regarding verification of land ownership when seeking no-cost deer and turkey permits.

  • Continue support for consistent Hunter Education and age requirements for all mentors.

  • Continue support of standard minimum age of six years for deer and turkey permits.

  • Continue support of recommendations to simplify youth permits and discount costs of youth deer, turkey and trout permits by 50%.
An additional news release is available on the Department's Web page.

The news release includes:

"Public input, according to the Commission, has again proven to be an essential component of regulation development. Following the recent public comment period on proposed permit changes, several recommendations included in the original package have been sidelined or modified. 'We have a rich history of being a citizen-led and citizen-driven Conservation Department,' said Commission Chairman Chip McGeehan. 'Citizen involvement and trust are essential parts of conservation success in our state, and we thank the many Missourians who have shared their opinions on the proposed permit changes. We will continue to seek points of view from all of our stakeholders, listen, and respond in ways that best protect Missouri’s resources and serve all Missourians.'"

Need more information on hunting or outdoor activities in Missouri? You can find lots more about hunting in Missouri on the Department of Conservation Web pages.