After you’ve completed a season of archery hunting, knowing how to store your bow is important so it can be an effective hunting tool for next season and many after that.

People who are interested in learning more about how to store their bow and other archery equipment away until the next hunting season arrives should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Learning Archery: Bow Winterization” on Jan. 18. This free program will be from 9-11 a.m. and is being taught by the staff at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/204132

At this program, MDC Community Education Assistant Stacy Wheatley will discuss how to store your bow in order that it will be ready future hunting seasons. The link to join this online class will be sent the morning of the program.

People can stay informed about upcoming programs at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center and other MDC facilities by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about how to sign up for text alerts from the Dalton Range can call 417-742-4361.

Feeding birds in your backyard in winter is a great way to learn about the variety of bird species that can be found in this region.

People can learn more about bird species that can be attracted to backyards at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Birds: Backyard Birds in Winter.” This online program will be Jan. 28 from noon-1 p.m. At this program, MDC Conservation Educator Stacia Skinner will have information on the types of feeders that will attract a variety of species to your yard. A bird identification game using bird calls will also be played as part of this program, which is open to all ages. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/205659

Though this program is free, registration is required (using the link listed above). Registrants must provide an e-mail so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

With additional winter precipitation predicted to hit the St. Louis area, MoDOT crews are continuing around the clock clean-up efforts.  Crews began working this past Saturday in 12-hour shifts, covering 24 hours, and will do so throughout this next round of expected snow until all roads are returned to near-normal conditions.

MoDOT understands that each road is a priority to drivers. To do the most efficient job that will benefit the most drivers, MoDOT has established a plowing order, setting priorities for which roads are cleared first.

• First priority is all interstates and higher-volume highways continuously plowed until returned to near normal conditions.  
• Second priority is lower-volume state numbered or lettered routes plowed open to two-way traffic and treated with salt and/or abrasives on hills, curves, intersections and other areas as needed as soon as possible after the end of the storm.
• Third priority after the storm, workers will clean up accumulation on shoulders.

MoDOT’s current clean-up efforts are focusing on all routes, including outer roads, and on and off ramps. Special attention is also being directed to those locations that remain packed with snow and ice. Additional chemicals are being added to our current applications.  The treatments, along with the sun being out, should assist in melting the frozen precipitation, which has been harder to clear.

Keeping Missouri’s roads clear and well maintained are among the most critical functions we serve as a Department of Transportation.  Missouri road conditions are available 24/7 on the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org.

They’re known as the “Fish of 10,000 casts”.  Muskellunge are one of the most challenging fish out there.  They’re wary of bait and put up a powerful fight.  This all makes muskies especially exciting and rewarding for anglers who take on these fish famous for their fierce, razor-sharp teeth.  But does it really take 10,000 tries to catch one of these giant fish?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is presenting The Basics of Muskie Fishing, a program designed to bring some of the secrets of pursuing these elusive fish to the surface.  It will be held at Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood Tuesday, Jan. 14 from 6 – 7:30 p.m.  The event is free and open to ages nine and up.

This introductory class will be conducted by members of the Shawnee Muskie Hunters and the Pomme de Terre Chapter of Muskies, Inc.  For anyone who may have thought about fishing for muskie, but didn’t know where to begin, this program will offer an excellent opportunity.  The presentation will explore topics like what muskies eat, what tackle and lures work best, where and when to fish for muskies in Missouri and Illinois, and what techniques work best.

MDC stocks muskellunge in Lake 35 on the August. A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles, so St. Louis region muskie anglers have opportunities close to home.

The Basics of Muskie Fishing  is a free program, however advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4H5.

Powder Valley Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with the national awareness day on Jan. 11. The month is dedicated to educating the traveling public on human trafficking, what to look for, and what everyone can do to help stop it.

Missouri is a transportation hub for the central United States, with large amounts of freight moving across the state’s highways every day. Common places like rest stops, gas stations, convenience stores and hotels are prime spots for the practice of human trafficking. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were 249 human trafficking cases identified in Missouri in 2023, involving 356 victims. Nationally, these numbers jump to nearly 10,000 cases identified nearly 17,000 victims.

In 2018, MoDOT leadership signed the Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking pledge joining efforts with other transportation leaders across the country. Through this pledge, MoDOT committed itself to providing specialized training to employees on how to identify the common indicators of human trafficking and what to do when trafficking is suspected in Missouri.

“Arming our employees with the knowledge of what to look for and what actions to take adds thousands of watchful eyes to the fight against human trafficking,” said MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. “MoDOT staff are in a unique position of having a presence on the state’s roadways every single day. We invite all Missourians to join us in taking action by learning the warning signs, and if you see something, say something.”

Some of the warning signs of potential trafficking situation include signs of physical abuse, branding tattoos, wearing clothing inappropriate for the weather or location, not being in possession of their money or identification, body language indicating discomfort, lack of eye contact with anyone except their trafficker, or not being allowed to speak for themself.

If you suspect someone is being forced to engage in any activity from which they can’t leave—whether it is commercial sex, housework, farm work or other activity—call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). Information is available online at humantraffickinghotline.org. Please save the National Human Trafficking Hotline number as a contact in your cellphone: 1-888-373-7888. If someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

For more information about MoDOT’s efforts to “Put the Brakes on Human Trafficking,” go to modot.org/fighthumantrafficking.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows deer hunters in Missouri harvested 10,071 deer during the alternative methods portion of firearms deer season, Dec. 28 – Jan. 7. Of the 10,071 deer harvested, 2,765 were antlered bucks, 1,072 were button bucks, and 6,234 were does.

Top harvest counties were Franklin with 223 deer harvested, Pike with 209, and Macon with 207.

The harvest total for last year’s alternative methods portion was 12,496.

For current ongoing preliminary harvest totals by season, county, and type of deer, visit the MDC website at extra.mdc.mo.gov/widgets/harvest_table/.

For harvest summaries from past years, visit mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/deer/deer-reports/deer-harvest-summaries.

Deer hunting continues with archery season running through Jan. 15.

How many species of woodpeckers call Missouri home?  How can you tell them apart?  What makes them so interesting?  What’s the secret behind their unusual behavior?  How do they survive during winter?

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will help bird fanciers discover the answers to these questions and more at Winter Woodpeckers, a free virtual program Friday, Jan. 17 from 3 – 4:30 p.m.  This online event is free and open to all ages.

Join MDC naturalists as they take a deep dive into woodpeckers, members of the family Picidae and some of Missouri’s most recognizable and charismatic birds.  Participants will explore each of the seven native species of woodpeckers found in the Show-Me-State and how to identify them by sight and sound.  

Each species of woodpecker, the downy, hairy, pileated, red-headed, red-bellied, yellow-bellied sapsucker, and the northern flicker, stays with us all winter.  And each one has their own special and fascinating story to tell.  Afterwards, attendees will have an interactive Q&A session with the naturalists.

Winter Woodpeckers is a free virtual program, however each participant must register in advance and provide a valid e-mail address to receive an online meeting link.   Log in instructions will be provided by email beforehand.  These virtual programs will be held via Webex.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

Many people receive firearms as Christmas presents.  But like taking up any other new pursuit, whether a sport or musical instrument, it’s necessary to learn how to use and care for the tools of your hobby to get the most out of them.  And with firearms, there’s the additional consideration of safety.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help new firearm owners get a solid and safe start with shooting sports by offering a Basic Firearm Safety class Sunday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. – noon at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area in Spanish Lake.  The program is free and open to anyone age 11 years and older.

This program is designed to promote safe and informed firearm handling, storage, and ownership. Participants will learn essential topics, including basic firearm safety, safe handling techniques, the parts and function of several different types of firearms, secure storage practices, and the responsibilities associated with owning a firearm.  The class presents essential information for a new firearm owner, or even for an experienced shooter who may have received a different kind of firearm new to them.

This course does not include a live-fire range session. Please do not bring firearms to this class. This course is ideal for new firearm owners and anyone looking to refresh their knowledge of firearm safety.

Basic Firearm Safety is a free program, but advanced online registration is required at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4H4.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is located at 801 Strodtman Road in north St. Louis County.  The area can be reached by taking the Riverview Drive Exit from I-270 and travelling north approximately three miles.

Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events by going to  https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZoP.

As heavy winter precipitation makes its way across the state, the Missouri Department of Transportation is urging drivers to continue to avoid traveling on the weather-impacted roads through Monday. The National Weather Service has deemed travel in these conditions, which are expected to linger once the precipitation ends, as “impossible.”

As the snowfall exits Missouri on Monday, crews will continue to battle the winter weather and its impacts. Wind gusts and blowing snow will continue to limit visibility and drift powdery snow back onto roadways. With the bitterly cold temperatures and cloud cover Monday, heavy snowfall amounts and frozen precipitation on the roads will take longer to clear.

“Motorists in the areas of snow and ice accumulation cannot let their guards down once this precipitation ends,” said MoDOT Chief Safety and Operations Officer Becky Allmeroth. “It’s going to take our crews most of Monday to get major routes in these impacted areas back to good condition, so we need people to continue to avoid traveling.”

Across the state, MoDOT has approximately 1,500 snow trucks operating with crews working 12-hour shifts until roads are in a mostly clear condition after the snow ends. Missouri road conditions are available 24/7 on the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org on desktop and mobile devices. Drivers can also find road conditions by following MoDOT on Facebook and X or by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative. Motorists can dial the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s emergency number *55 to reach the nearest troop headquarters.

Few words can describe the thrill of seeing America’s national symbol soaring through the air in the wild, or close enough to touch.  And winter is the ideal time to view bald eagles in Missouri, especially along one of North America’s greatest rivers. 

The metro area’s premier celebration of bald eagles returns for 2025 to the Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary in West Alton.  The event will take place Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.  This popular annual festival offers the chance for all ages to discover a close connection with the bald eagle. 

The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is an outstanding convergence point for bald eagles and many other exciting waterfowl species during the winter. Owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Rivers Project, the 3,700-acre sanctuary sits on the banks of the Mississippi near its confluence with the Missouri River . . . an ideal location to view eagles.

Participants can see eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers at viewing stations along the river.  Live “All about Eagles” programs will be presented by experts from the World Bird Sanctuary at 9:15 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.  Visitors can see a live bald eagle as they learn the fascinating story behind these amazing raptors.  Additionally, there will be two Eagle Meet and Greet events at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. where participants can see a bald eagle up close and get a photo taken with World Bird Sanctuary naturalists and their bald eagle companions.

An annual favorite for visitors is to hop inside the life size bald eagle nest replica for one-of-a-kind selfies or pose as an eagle in the giant eagle wingspan banner.  Partner organizations will feature staffed educational tables for participants to interact with and learn from.  Dam-it Joe's will also be on site to offer barbeque for sale, along with warm beverages from Travellin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck.

Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and leave their pets at home. 

For more information, go to EagleDays.org.

The Audubon Center at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located at 301 Riverlands Way, off North U.S. Highway 67 and just south of the Clark Bridge to Alton, Il.  Free parking is available, including overflow parking at nearby Lincoln Shields Recreation Area.

Eagle Days is made possible through a partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Audubon Center at Riverlands, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

During the winter, the Mississippi River hosts one of North America's largest concentrations of bald eagles.  As waters freeze farther up north, they are drawn to areas of open water in our area, searching for their favorite food—fish.  Eagle Days is a unique opportunity to watch eagles fish, ride ice floes, soar overhead, and roost in nearby trees while having access to an educational program featuring live eagles. 

Bird buffs, falcon fanciers, and anyone enraptured by raptors is invited to meet the objects of their admiration during this year’s An Evening with Raptors event.

The annual An Evening with Raptors hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center will be held again this year on Friday, Jan. 24 from 7 - 9 p.m.  The event is free, open to all ages, and offers both in-person and virtual participation options. 

Falconry is the art of training raptors—birds of prey like hawks and falcons—to capture wild game, so that bird and trainer essentially become hunting partners.  It’s an ancient sport that goes back thousands of years, and you can learn about it at An Evening with Raptors event. 

“Several area falconers will gather to offer the rare chance to observe and learn about these fascinating feathered hunters,” said MDC Assistant Nature Center Manager, Robyn Parker.  “They will also explain how those interested can get started in this age-old sport themselves,” she added.

Powder Valley will open at 6 p.m. for this event.  Visitors can tour the exhibits and explore educational stations, including a biofacts table to learn about Missouri's birds of prey. They can create a take-home bird of prey craft and also meet members of the Powder Valley naturalist team.

The main presentation will take place at 7 p.m. in the nature center’s auditorium.  Afterward, visitors can meet the falconers and see their live hunting partner birds up-close in the classrooms.  The falconers will display their falconry tools, hoods, and other equipment, and visitors will also have the chance to ask them questions.

Alternatively, participants may opt to attend just the main auditorium presentation virtually.

An Evening with Raptors is free event, but advanced online registration is required using the following links:

• In-person at Powder Valley Nature Center (including educational activities before the presentation and falconer/raptor meet and greet after): http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4r2 
• Virtual for the main presentation only:  http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4r6

Virtual attendees should note that each participant must register in advance separately and provide a valid e-mail address to receive an online meeting link.   Log in instructions will be provided by email beforehand.  These virtual programs will be held via Webex.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44. 

Stay informed of MDC latest programs by going to the MDC St. Louis regional events page at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZP6.