Elk make a return to Missouri

            Conservation officials have announced that elk will be reinstated to Missouri within the next few years. The species of elk were very abundant before humans took control of the landscape. Hunted to alongside with the prairie native buffalo, these animals have a new interest with wildlife conservationists. 

            The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Appalachian Wildlife Foundation are helping states like Missouri reintroduce these animals to select remote counties where in the near future, priced hunts can take place.

Now this does not mean we will see in Platte and Clay counties, elk roaming around any time soon.

 “Bringing back Elk will be a long process, we won’t be able to hunt these animals for at least another 10 or so years,” says Justin Rich, avid hunter and conservationist.

These animals are being bred in large ranches in southwest Tennessee. When ready, approximately 150 of these animals will be released to three southeastern counties in Missouri.

Shannon, Carter and Reynolds counties were chosen because they lack of development and is the most remote sections of the state. Fewer roads equate to less Elk traffic accidents which will be important because these animals weight anywhere from 1,200 pounds to 2,500 pounds. Any traffic collision with these animals would be a complete catastrophe.

Approximately 250,000 acres will be initially be setup and left for the Elk to roam and reproduce, hopefully repopulating the species numbers.  States such as Arkansas, Tennessee, and Wisconsin have been restoring elk to the habits.

Every elk raised on the ranch will get assigned a radio collar, always giving a signal to the Conservation Department of Missouri. The data that will be collected will be able to track the elk’s migration patterns.

Hunters in the near future will be able to have the opportunity to travel to the south eastern part of the state and setup Elk hunts in the Ozark Mountains.

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Eco-tourism Kansas

Ecotourism

            Most people love taking vacations, if you think of vacations as getaways to tropical paradises, you might want to broaden your horizons.

            All over the Midwest farmers and ranchers have to deal with the changing seasons, sometimes the crops grow in great numbers and sometimes when a drought occurs you might fall short in the yield. Most people in the agricultural industry must have close connections with the local town banks to support the financing for the seasons. When times are not as plentiful as usual, ranchers and farmers can branch out into ecotourism to help regain some missing profits.

Ecotourism is a new concept coming from the Midwest, allowing “city slickers” to come out for week or two and experience how the heartland lives. Coming to small, rural towns and areas, becoming a ranch hand is quite an eye opening experience. Individuals learn how to ride horses, feed livestock, hunt or fish and cook food that was raised on the farm or ranch.

            In a small town in the southwest section of Kansas lies a quaint town of Bucklin

In this area of the state, a cattle is the industry king. Dodge City is just a few miles up the U.S. Highway’s 54 off of 36; and that historic town is evolved into an agriculture hotspot for slaughter houses and processing plants. Farmers from all over the four-state area send their livestock here for processing when the animals have gained the sufficient amount of weight to be processed.

The ecotourism feeds off these towns because local events such as rodeos occur almost every weekend. Giving a new interest in sports most of the public don’t typically follow. Local celebrities from rural areas come with their best horses and toughest bulls to compete in events. Local ranchers draw customers from all over the world looking to have that experience of the “Wild West” .

 Some ranchers actually let you work on the ranch; contributing the skills you acquire from riding horses can translate into helping the families drive cattle for miles. Down in this area, suburban developments do not exist and the closest neighbors live 1-10 miles down the roads. They treat you just as much like family as it gets and could always use as much help as they can.

At the Joe Moore Ranch, located 10miles from downtown Bucklin, he offers you the full experience of being on the ranch for an affordable price. Less than $200 gave us three nights with authentic meals cooked from everything raised and grown on the ranch. Riding horses and helping guide the cattle 47 miles up the road. This takes about 20 cowboys and cowgirls to help complete this journey. The authentic caravanning and driving the long horned cattle, just like the ranchers did over 150 years ago, give you a sense of pride.

Every time you saddle up, you can take amazing trail rides throughout the spacious properties. Eagles and falcons swoop from the sky, chasing small rodents into the holes in the ground. Coyotes howl on the distant hills, as the glow of the illuminating sun fades further into the horizon. Creating the most serene experience one could get. You are able to witness the epic stars and planets, and the natural phenomena that burst across the skies in the evening. Earth carving natural streams and small rivers create serine habits for a wide range of animals and providing the best hunting in the state.

You can learn a lot from ranchers; Knowing the weather patterns and when the forecast of rain is coming is much more important out here than it is near a major city. “Twelve inches of rain is all we got last year, and we have to battle a wildfire every month in the spring and summer.” says Moore. Implying the significant danger of prairie fires on in the horizon.

 Unexpected thunder storms launch gigantic tornados, such as the one six years ago from Greensburg. The F-5 twister that took out 90precent of the town, leaving it to ruble. Wildfires can be unexpected, with aggressive wind storms can disrupt every type of business out here on the ranch. But when the weather is right, work on the ranch can be a blast.

The next time you have the opportunity to take a vacation, you might want to consider an option that just might make sense. Experiencing some cultural heritage from heartland can be a glorious thing, opening new eyes to wildlife and conservation and providing for the earth. More individuals need to take a step back into time and realize how we get our cheeseburgers from McDonalds and steaks to grill from the local markets. Seeing the animals grow up from infant size and knowing just a short year later he or she will be lunch is unnerving cycle of truth. Seeing how hard these basic human beings work for growing crops and animals can be the ultimate experience and vacation. So instead of Cancun, Maui, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, consider S.W. Kansas for your vacation needs.

Fishing Smithville Lake 3/7/11

If you are a person who enjoys the outdoors and loves to spend some quality time relaxing on your weekends, throwing the old fishing line in the lake. One of the best known Kansas City Northland best kept fishing secretes is located off of U.S. 169, near northbound heading up to Smithville, Missouri.

Most freshwater lakes in Missouri, Smithville is man-made in 1982, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers back in the 20^th century dammed up the Little Platte River and providing a recreational opportunity, and create animal habitat. In 1965, the worst flood ever recorded swept away most business and homes in downtown Smithville.  Recent population increases around Smithville have brought in growth of new enthusiasts in the outdoor sports community.

The city limits, lots of local business and family owned generation to generation businesses still exist. Providing excellent places to get your fishing tackle, boat rentals, old liquor store gas stations that give you all the essentials.

Visiting Burton’s Bait and Tackle is like walking back into time, where the good old days when mankind lived off the land. Gigantic stuffed trophy fish line the walls of the bait shop, providing an impressive visual display of the best catch of the day. Thousands of pictures from successful families and friends are placed in every corner, telling the countless good times.

  The sense of a family owned business with a friendly customer greeting once you walk on in, but with the bait fish aroma greets you with just as much surprise as the locals that reside their free time inside.

Spending time with strangers, to some might seem dangerous or abstract, but those strangers can teach you a lot about the local communities and residents that make fishing their daily life. I walked into the tackle shop earlier in the week to scout out the potential future fishing spots, and discuss what fish are biting early and the baits that work best. Sitting in a wheelchair, with a bumper sticker saying “Veteran” on the back a young solider whom was injured from combat was drinking a Budweiser and rigging up several poles.

I couldn’t help myself to start initiating conversation to the young man about his military career, due to my family’s history with my armed forces and numerous friends that have enlisted since 9/11/2001.

 “The best places that I have seen is by the Camp Branch grounds, if you have a boat its only a 20- minute ride across the lake. There is this spot I’ve found off of the J – bridge, I think Crappie are spawning, the weather is warming up if we use bright color jigs and follow where the rocky bottom parts of the area, I think this can stir up some activity and catch some fish,” says the angler.

Taking his word and wanting to start my season off right, I asked the guy if he would like to go fishing, I don’t have a boat up I can drive. I even brought my new puppy along in the pickup truck. We load up all the materials into the truck and get along the way. From downtown Smithville, highway J is feed from W which was 5 miles east from 169s, long story short, it was across the whole lake from where I was at.

Camp Branch is a quiet campground located in a remote area of the lake, providing a very serine spot for schools of fish to thrive. Expect a full hour to completely maneuver around all the small roads and one- lane bridges.

Nothing can explain the feeling you get when you release your pole for the first time, carefully placing the jig into specific rocky, but potential dangerous waters for your line to get snagged in, but yet knowing the scientific research of years on the water ensures your confidence of catching fish.

At first this area was a bit slow, bright colored jigs in semi-clear water were not getting any bites. After 20 or so minutes of waiting, I finally got a bite. Nothing big enough to actually take the jig and run, so the bite fell off. It seemed this area was a bust, at least here on March 3^rd, 2011. The waters are still a bit rough and cold; water temperatures still around 38 degrees.

From years past I had another spot off Rock Cove, just a quick 20- minute drive to the North West section of the lake. This particular location is off of F highway and 305^th street. Other fishermen are quick to start the season early on boats, and it looked from the distance they were Bass fishing, but we couldn’t tell if they were having any luck.

Perhaps I jumped the gun to early this season, figuring as soon as the weather permits I grab my poles and roll to the lake. Upon making this mistake every year, realizing I need more consistent warm weather fronts for the activity of the fish to increase is always a painful lesson learned. I will be returning bi-weekly for my own update on fishing hotspots on Smithville Lake.

Canine Field Expertise

If you are an outdoors men or woman at one time or another you have run across the every so friendly working dog. Mankind has been using dogs for hunting approximately 15,000 years, domesticating them from the Grey Wolf. Humans have coexisted used these animals for various tasks from herding, pointing, field trails, security, comfort and other necessary tasks. Since domesticated, some breeds have maintained their ancient heritage by using their skills, and not letting the natural instincts of the wolf and domesticated dog fade away into oblivion.

            If you are looking for a perfect type of pup to raise and work for you; some should take some consideration on the particular breed, size and nature of the animal that is best suited for you.

Australian Sheepard: The “Aussie” is not originally from Australia, but was brought up to work on western United States ranches for herding. They are noted for their toughness and ability to work hard for their owners and nearly impossible to wear out. The Sheepard comes from the branch of dogs which are loyal, devoted animals that try to please their owners, and its attitude reflects that. Able to work long days, herd cattle; which are known for their stubbornness, the Aussie makes one of the best working-outdoors dogs.

·       Brittany: This breed does not come from old land’s of Brittany; old France from ages ago. This breed tops almost any list by the AAKC (American Association Kennel Club; spring loading the breed on top for the best noted for its hunting intelligence of almost any dog. This dog comes from the spaniel family, which is noted for their strong sense of smell and hearing. This breed loves to prowl fields looking for small game birds to chase down. The breed is spectacular at pointing and has traits to make it less gun shy. Perfect for families or working on the ranch, the Brittany is a high energy dog and devotes itself for having long work days with short rewards.

·       Labrador retriever: One of the most popular breeds in the States, this breed does wonders in the family atmosphere or in the fields. Labs are one of the best at swimming decent distances, and along with hunting ducks. Some breeds aren’t suited for water fowl, but the retrievers are equipped for the job. Nice thick coats cover the beast, with a nice glossy coat. Increasingly important for those late winter, early spring duck hunts.

·       Border collie: Known for their intelligence, the border collie breed has migrated its way from The British Isles. Much of this breed was to herd sheep into giant pens, while holding a security position on the farm as well. Being noted as one of the friendliest dogs, the collie is also adept at outdoor dog sports, such as fly ball, Frisbee and agility courses. These dogs are perfect with children, elderly, and the farm. The collie might be the most obedient dog, with a quick learning capacity. Making this dog the easiest to train and love.

Obedience training is necessary at early ages. Developing bad habits is easy to do with little or no interaction with your puppy. Constant interaction, love and affection goes along way. Everyday try to implicate 25-50 sits and “stay” commands to start off early commands to ensure an obedient dog. House-breaking for those of you that let your animals have free range in the home. Making sure they know to sit at the door’s when it’s time for your companion to go outdoors. Accidents do occur at early stages in canine development, but never strike the animal or violently yell. This can cause serious trauma at developmental stages and cause a lapse of trust.

Providing a quality home, environment for dog and owner can be beneficial, providing comfort and unconditional love from your pet, and a stable shelter with plenty of interaction for your dog. The cycle for both is quite positive and I would highly suggest anyone whom doesn’t own “man’s best friend” to go to a local shelter and adopt your new friend.

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Asian carp dwindles in Missouri River

If you engage in outdoor sports, or just enjoy recreational fishing you might have heard about the issue with Asian carp unleashing devastating fury upon the rivers and tributaries of America. There had been many issues with this species of fish. For those who don’t know, this is an invasive species that has its natural root’s in central Asia freshwater river systems. A migration of Asian immigrants has been consistent in Missouri throughout the decades, and some have started farm raising carp. In spring of 1993, a flood ravaged the midwest, particularly river based communities flooding the country side villages and towns. Significant damage impacts all on all the communities from North Kansas City following upstream to Parkville assorted other river communities and so forth.

The species has been an outgoing battle for most of the continental United States for nearly 20 years. Biologists have been trying to figure out how the species has multiplied to rapidly, and rearrange the hierarchy of the food chain in fresh water systems. The fish has also reproduced with other exotic species of the carp gene pool. These species vary in activity, weight, length, feeding cycle, depth of water and climates. Different theories have been brainstormed on how to eliminate the species from the ecosystem. Lots of non-profit community activists have got to drastic measures such as fish kills and fishing tournaments. These fish have been slaughtered at will of eco-friendly enthusiasts and biologists.

Many different individuals have theories on why this species is considered a negative branch for North American ecosystems. With the addition of this fish invasion, the species has no natural predator and grows in big numbers, quickly. The science of the species is quite intriguing, but comes with a serious consequence for perfect habits, such as the Missouri Rivers, and lakes. Without a natural predator, the fish freely devours anything in its way. Asian Carp changes the course of the food chain, by passing other top species such as, largemouth bass, all species of Catfish, turtles, muskrats, snakes and etc. As one could see where this problem can lead to.

 Recent data has come back from the Columbia Environmental Research department suggesting that our fears of a top notch predator with fins are losing its numbers in the Missouri river. The reasoning behind this suggests for the past decades the fish has consumed metric tons of freshwater fish from all possible parts of the ecosystem and the population is starving itself. Not to say we will never have an Asian carp becoming extinct in our world that just isn’t possible. But the data implies large, multi-spawning schools of fish won’t have a fighting edge compared to the smaller populations.

However, even reading that information sounds quite terrible. That indicates to myself fish populations must be drastically lower than usual, consumed and eaten by the more aggressive, A-pex predator of the freshwater world. As a conservationist this angers myself who uses the river for a source of food, nourishment and countless hours gazing at the sunsets overlooking the bodies of water. Even with threats of invasion species polluting our water systems, after a short while they become an essential part of our ecosystem, brought over threw the course of man’s evolution. Like it or not the fish are here to stay, but likely with less numbers as the population is slipping further down into extinction zone. Hopefully in another 20 years or so, we can restore proper fish populations to their native environments.

Gun Safety for kids

Gun Safety at Home

Most gunshot injuries happen after kids discover loaded guns at home. In the United States, there is great debate over gun control. No one seems to agree on who should be allowed to own guns and under what conditions. But experts on all sides believe that keeping a gun in the house is a serious decision, and the gun must be kept locked up where kids can't get to it. You can tell your parents that Project ChildSafe provides free gun locks at special fairs and they also can be picked up at your local police department.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that the best way to prevent gun-related injuries and deaths is to remove guns from homes. However, the decision to own a gun is up to each family. Yours may have decided to keep guns in the house. Your dad may hunt, for example, or your mom may be a police officer or work in another profession where guns are required. Some families use guns for protection. But any gun can be dangerous if a kid tries to play with it.
If you come across a gun at home, you may be tempted to check it out — but DON'T! Eddie Eagle, a program sponsored by the National Rifle Association (NRA), teaches kids what to do when they come across a gun:

• STOP!
• Don't Touch.
• Leave the Area.
• Tell an Adult.

Not touching the gun is very important, but don't forget to also leave the area and tell an adult. By leaving the area you can keep yourself safe in case someone else decides to touch the gun before an adult can remove it. Remember, a baby sister or brother may be strong enough to pull a trigger!

 

At a Friend's or Neighbor's House

Most people don't advertise the fact that they own guns. Before you visit your friend, make sure your parents check with your friend's parents to see if they own a gun. You may already be playing at a friend's house when you learn that a gun is nearby. If your friend wants to show you the gun, say "no" and leave right away if you are close to home. Or call your parent for a ride and talk about what happened as soon as you're picked up. Don't worry about getting your friend into trouble — you will be helping to keep him or her safe.

At School

Sometimes what you hear on the news can be scary, especially if you hear about kids getting hurt at school. Once in a great while, a kid who has access to guns may use one to express anger. When that happens, no one feels safe.
One thing to remember about gun violence at school is that it doesn't happen very often. School is actually one of the safest places for you to be. Most schools never experience serious violence.
But if someone at your school threatens you or talks about bringing a gun to school, speak up! Tell an adult like a teacher, a guidance counselor, or the principal as soon as possible. If you feel awkward doing this in front of other students, ask your teacher for private time or go to the school office to talk to the principal or counselor. And tell your mom or dad. They can get in touch with the right person at your school.
Don't feel that you're being a tattletale if you tell an adult that someone is threatening you. You will not get into trouble for reporting that you don't feel safe or that another kid is doing or saying something that scares you. You may even be a hero and prevent a tragedy from happening.

• For Teens
• For Kids
• For Parents
• For College Students

from: (http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/gun_safety.html#)

 

Testing ...

I am just testing this system out, seeing what works and what does not. Disregard this posting.