Trees are leafing out, morel mushrooms are emerging, and fish are active as nature’s dynamic spring patterns are unfolding.
A news release says the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to enjoy the outdoors, but MDC also encourages anglers, hikers and hunters to observe COVID-19 physical-distancing health precautions. Also, while fishing and turkey hunting seasons are open, the normal regulation and permit requirements apply.
MDC and partners provide angling opportunities in urban as well as rural areas. But anglers need to have proper fishing permits, according to Conservation Agent Rachel Webster, who patrols Jackson County. MDC earlier temporarily waived permit requirements for sport fishing and daily trout tags, but that waiver ended on April 15 and normal fishing regulations now apply.
MDC conservation areas offer trails or roads to hike. But visitors are reminded that health officials recommend physical distancing when outdoors as a coronavirus precaution. Also, hikers and morel mushroom hunters should be aware that Missouri’s three-week spring turkey-hunting season is open through May 10. Turkey hunting ends at 1 p.m. daily, so hikers are advised to visit conservation areas open to hunting in the afternoons.