News and Almanac

CHANGE IN MANAGED HUNT APPLICATIONS

Managed deer hunts will be held on selected areas statewide from October through January. Beginning this year, applications for all managed hunts must be submitted between July 15 and Aug. 15. There will not be a second application opportunity for the January hunts. Successful applicants will be charged a $3 processing fee. Descriptions of the hunts, including modern firearms, archery and muzzleloading hunts, can be found in the 1995 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Information leaflet, available from permit vendors, and on application cards available at Conservation Department offices in Jefferson City, St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and Columbia, as well as at sites where the hunts will be conducted. Residents permanently confined to wheelchairs will automatically be allowed to participate in hunts at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Shaw Arboretum, James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area, Burr Oak Woods, August A. Busch, Caney Mountain, Drury-Mincy, Forest 44, Peck Ranch, Weldon Spring and Whetstone Creek conservation areas. Applicants must fill out a separate application form, attach a supporting licensed physician's statement and include the $3 processing fee. Hunting opportunities for people with disabilities are also being offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smithville ((816) 532-0174), Mark Twain ((314) 735-4097) and Truman ((816) 438-7137) lakes and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge ((816) 856 3323). Contact areas for more information. DeeCee Darrow

BOWHUNTERS CLUB HOSTS RENDEZVOUS

The United Bowhunters of Missouri will hold their Annual Bowhunter Rendezvous July 22-23 at Thibaut Campground in Warsaw. The Rendezvous includes a bow tuning clinic, a seminar on making a bow, 3-D and novelty shoots and a Saturday evening "Pig Picking." For more information call (816) 380-4063, (816) 380-2586 or (314) 298 0292, or write UBM, Box 548, Harrisonville, 64701.

TREESCAPE AWARDS APPLICATIONS DUE

Applications are due Aug. 1 for the 1995 Governor's Town Treescape Awards competition. One award is given annually in each of 12 categories for outstanding tree planting projects that improve communities. For an application card and a brochure describing the competition, write Treescape Awards, Conservation Department, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102, or call (314) 751-4115, ext. 298.

NATURAL GIFTS PRESERVE STATE LANDS

The Conservation Department manages and protects many properties that have been donated in appreciation of loved ones or in order to preserve an area's natural beauty. For information about donations or memorials, write Donation Coordinator, Conservation Department, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, 65102, or call (314) 751-4115.

GAME COOKS SQUARE OFF AT STATE FAIR

The Missouri Conservation Agents Association is hosting a Wild Game, Fish & Nature's Harvest Cook-Off Aug. 20 at the Missouri State Fair. Dishes must be prepared using wild game, fish or wild edibles (nuts, berries, mushrooms, etc.) legally obtained in Missouri and legally possessed. Recipes must accompany entries. Prizes of $75, $50 or $25 and souvenir apparel will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, respectively. Judging will begin at 2 p.m. Aug. 20 in the Home Economics Building. All competitors must preregister. Closing date for registration is July 20. Registration forms can be found in the Family Living/Special Events section of the Missouri State Fair Book. For additional entry forms write Entry Department, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, 65301, or call (816) 530-5605.

YOUNG OUTDOOR WRITERS COMPETE

The Outdoor Writers' Association of America is sponsoring a Youth Writing Contest. To qualify, a work must have been published in a newsletter, newspaper, magazine, literary collection or similar publication during 1994 and be "outdoor oriented." Only prose entries considered. Awards in the Senior Division (grades 9-12) will be $300, $250 and $200. Winners in the Junior Division (grades 6-8) will receive $100, $75 and $50. Each winner also receives a wall plaque. For each entry, a student must submit three tearsheets or clear photocopies of their work, each containing the publication name and date. A cover sheet should include the entrant's name, address and grade in school at the time of publication. Indicate junior or senior division on the lower left hand side of the envelope. Deadline for receiving entries is Jan. 31. Send entries to OWAA Headquarters, 2017 Cato Ave., Suite 101, State College, PA 16801-2768.

FAMILY FISHING FAIR SET FOR COLUMBIA

The Conservation Department and Columbia Parks and Recreation will host a Family Fishing Fair Aug. 12 at Cosmo/Bethel Park in Columbia. The free event, which runs from 9 a.m to 3 p.m., provides an opportunity to learn how to catch, handle, clean and cook bass, catfish, bluegill and other fish species. Education stations will provide training in casting, knot tying, hook baiting, fly tying and tackle selection. Kids will enjoy the face painting station and fish print tent. New presentations will begin every 30 minutes at each station. Door prizes will be awarded hourly.