Missouri Turkey Season is almost here. Two seasons will be offered: a youth season and a regular season. Missouri Department of Conservation turkey managers have, over the past several years, managed this splendid bird in such a way to ensure our current enjoyment. As a result, the Department of Conservation has initiated less restrictive bag limits. No longer will hunters be restricted to taking only left handed (or clawed) birds. This year hunters will be able to take either a left handed or right handed bird. Over the past several years, hunters have been restrained by the dilemma of having to determine right vs. left handed birds. To the novice hunter, or bird watcher, this is a rather daunting task. But to the veteran birder, the differences are quite apparent. One looks both at the swagger of the bird as well as the spurs. A worn spur indicates that one side is preferred over the other. One old timer summed it up saying "I usually wait for the bird to stop. Pa always told me to put my best foot forward - that being my right foot. So, when the bird takes the first step I know if it is a right or left handed bird!"

For more information, contact the Missouri Conservation Department.

Don't forget to plan for this fall's special bear hunt. One albino bear was spotted in the forest near Hillbilly Junction. In order to cull the population, there will be a single permit sold for the harvest of this anomaly. Good luck!