Mdc

[lonkm]

As a life long resident of Missouri and at the age of 66. I can remember when there was no deer or turkey hunting in this state. The fishing sucked and trout fishing was only for the WELL TO DO. During WWll and Korea then Nam most people couldn't afford the outdoors like we do today. I belive a lot of people have become spoiled with all the easy access to game and fishing of all kinds. The hunting and fishing has improved 100 fold in my life time and only seems to be getting better every year. Have fun and leave nothing behind, not even a foot print.

[Danoinark]

As a life long resident of Missouri and at the age of 66. I can remember when there was no deer or turkey hunting in this state. The fishing sucked and trout fishing was only for the WELL TO DO. During WWll and Korea then Nam most people couldn't afford the outdoors like we do today. I belive a lot of people have become spoiled with all the easy access to game and fishing of all kinds. The hunting and fishing has improved 100 fold in my life time and only seems to be getting better every year. Have fun and leave nothing behind, not even a foot print.

Sage advice...Dano

[laker67]

As a life long resident of Missouri and at the age of 66. I can remember when there was no deer or turkey hunting in this state. The fishing sucked and trout fishing was only for the WELL TO DO. During WWll and Korea then Nam most people couldn't afford the outdoors like we do today. I belive a lot of people have become spoiled with all the easy access to game and fishing of all kinds. The hunting and fishing has improved 100 fold in my life time and only seems to be getting better every year. Have fun and leave nothing behind, not even a foot print.

How right you are! I too am a life long resident of Missouri. I have lived in Camden County for 59 years. I think the first firearms deer season for this county was in 57. It was a huge event to shoot a deer. All of the lucky hunters got their picture in the local paper. They even dismissed school for deer season, which was a 5 day season back then. Any deer was legal. I did not see my first turkey until I was 16. We have become spoiled because of the excellent work and foresight of MDC. I count my blessings and feel privledged to live in this fine state.

[bigredbirdfan]

Agreed. Same greedy poachers are still around taking more than their limits though.

Just imagine how wonderful the wildlife could be if more than 8% of $167,000,000 was spent on enforcement of the ever growing wildlife code.

Just food for thought.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think there were always some deer, but I can't remember when the first season was. I know it was any deer south of the river, and bucks only north. No turkey's and virtually no public hunting grounds.

Trout in the parks was the extent of any exotics, no stripers, wipers or musky's.

[trout fanatic]

I wasn't born in Missouri but I concur completely with what has been said. As a young boy in Ohio in the late 50's if we seen a deer from our school bus IT WAS A BIG DEAL! The driver would stop and we would gawk like freakin tourists. Amazing difference a few decades make. It seems that now when I drive to work I keep my right foot on the gas and the left poised over the brake in case a deer runs in front of me (my insurance agent wants my left foot to become more proactive).

[SKMO]

Agreed. Same greedy poachers are still around taking more than their limits though.

Just imagine how wonderful the wildlife could be if more than 8% of $167,000,000 was spent on enforcement of the ever growing wildlife code.

Just food for thought.

BIGREDBIRDFAN -

What are you talking about number-wise? Where does the $167 million number come from? Where did you get it and what does it represent?

What does 8% have to do with anything?

I am curious and need some clarification.

[bigredbirdfan]

BIGREDBIRDFAN -

What are you talking about number-wise? Where does the $167 million number come from? Where did you get it and what does it represent?

What does 8% have to do with anything?

I am curious and need some clarification.

Came straight out of the Conservation Magazine January 2009. The amount of dollars from their annual budget for enforcement is only $13,879,942 (8%) and $171 million is their annual budget. I guess I had taken out federal grants to come up with $167. How do you feel about such minimal funding for agents?

[oneshot]

Well I remember on the Deer and turkey.But I don't remember Small Game and Fishing being Bad in Southern Missouri.But at the time famers were doing their best to raise Grain and Dairy Farm.Would do plenty good fishing in the James and Sac Rivers.

In some ways it was better to me back in them days,plenty of Game,could knock on a stangers Door and get permission to hunt or fish.Could get stringers of Bass for the Table and nothing was said.Just my .02.

oneshot

[SKMO]

Came straight out of the Conservation Magazine January 2009. The amount of dollars from their annual budget for enforcement is only $13,879,942 (8%) and $171 million is their annual budget. I guess I had taken out federal grants to come up with $167. How do you feel about such minimal funding for agents?

Wish it were more. But I also wish they had more $ to spend on wildlife management, forestry, public education, fisheries management and hatcheries, land acquisition, etc etc etc. The agents are but one cog in the wheel.

I have lived in and hunted/fished in states where the majority of Fish & Game dollars were spent on enforcement, with little left over for actual management. I'll take the current Missouri stuation any day my friend.

Actually what I wish is people would know, understand, respect and obey the laws, and we could get by with fewer agents.

Regards - SKMO