Get Outside

Ways to connect with nature.

What Does Your Persimmon Say?

Persimmons are good to eat, if they’re ripe. Lucky for you, they begin ripening in September. Wind-fallen fruits taste the sweetest, and, according to legend, predict the weather. Some folks claim you can tell how cold the winter will be by splitting open a persimmon seed. If the inside looks like a knife, expect frigid winds that will cut like a blade. A spoon predicts plenty of snow to shovel. And, if you find a fork, plan on a mild winter.

Fall Mushroom Season

There’s more to wild mushrooms than morels. Hit the woods this fall and look for puffballs, black trumpet mushrooms, and other fall delicacies. For help with identification, check out A Guide to Missouri’s Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZYM.

Northwest Region

Fly Fishing Basics Clinic

Thursday, Sept. 12 • 6–8 p.m. Krug Park Lagoon 3500 St. Joseph Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64505 Registration required by Sept. 12. Call 888-283-0364 or visit short.mdc.mo.gov/ZYB. All ages

Come learn basic flyfishing skills then practice your newly learned skills. All equipment and bait is provided. Fishing permits are required for individuals between 16 and 64.

Touch It — We Dare You

Jewelweed, also known as touch-me-not, produces fruit that contracts, coils, and splits explosively when touched, casting seeds in all directions. There are two varieties in Missouri — one with lemon yellow flowers and the other with orange flowers with red or reddish-brown spots.

Southwest Region

National Hunting and Fishing Day

Saturday, Sept. 28 • 12–4 p.m. Andy Dalton Shooting Range 4897 N. Farm Road 61, Ash Grove, MO 65604 No registration required. For more information, call 417-742-4361. All ages

Each year on the fourth Saturday in September, we celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day by providing one free hour of shooting on the rifle/pistol range, shotgun patterning range, or the archery range. For shotgun shooters, we allow one free round of trap or skeet. Bring your own firearms and ammunition to participate. Regular check in,
hours, and fees apply for other hours/rounds needed.

Go Fish Gigging

Gigging season starts Sept. 15 at sunrise. Learn the basics of fish-spearing, like equipment needed, regulations, where to go, and more at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4P.

Enjoy More Time Hunting

Go mobile with the MO Hunting app. Purchase, view, and store permits. Notch your permit and telecheck your deer and turkey harvest. Access basic statewide regulations, season information, and more.

Find more events in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events