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Perfect last minute gift ideas for that special outdoorsman

Twas the week before Christmas and all you still seek is a gift for the outdoorsman that just wouldn't reek. OK, so I'm no Clement Clarke Moore, but for those still seeking last-minute gift ideas for the sportsmen in your life, maybe I can help.

Getting schooled in bass fishing

Association of College Anglers sees growth throughout competitive circuit

Open the sports page any day of the week and you're likely to find the latest scores and highlights from the Big 12, ACC, PAC-10, SEC, and more. While these big conferences dominate the media, there's a new kid in town that's quite literally making a big splash. The ACA, short for the Association of College Anglers revolves around a competitive bass fishing tournament circuit which culminates in a final championship each year.

Outdoors about more than just trophies

While sitting on the edge of a terrace overlooking a cut bean field during the final minutes of the antlerless deer season, I could feel myself getting a little edgy. It looked as though I'd have to wait for the muzzleloader season for a last chance to fill both my any-deer and antlerless firearms tags. Up until now, my deer-hunting season - both archery and firearms - has been rather disappointing to say the least. It's gotten so bad, my closest hunting buddies have even started believing I've picked up some sort of curse. And I'd have to say I agree.

Thaw in CAP agreement freezes angler restrictions

In October, Maryville officials took a look at ordinances affecting hunting, ice fishing and other activities at Mozingo Lake and made some positive changes which will impact area sportsmen. Last winter, a strange ordinance - passed in 1996 but never enforced - was discovered. The ordinance prohibited anyone from ice fishing at the lake. Maryville officials were so unaware of the ordinance that they had approved an annual ice fishing clinic hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in 2008 and 2009.

MDC offers outdoor youth magazine

Free publication begins in 2010, focuses on interactive learning

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will start 2010 off with a new effort to reach the next generation of outdoors enthusiasts. Leading this effort will be a new free publication similar to the already popular Conservationists, except this magazine will be for youth. Realizing kids are receiving and processing information far differently than prior generations, MDC is launching a new magazine called Xplor, which will be associated with online interactive content.

Muzzleloaders continuing to evolve

A muzzleloader is any firearm which can be loaded from the muzzle of the gun (the same opening the bullet exits when fired). While they've been in existence since at least the early 1400's, the past several decades have seen the old "smokepole" transform into a potent and modern hunting tool.

It's almost time to get your pulse heated up with 'Buck Fever'

At a time when fever and illness seem to be running rampant across the country side, the entire nation seems to be doing everything possible to avoid it. Everyone except me and hundreds of thousands of hunters. When it comes to the fever, I say bring it on. Of course I'm referring to "Buck Fever," and after several decades of hunting I'm proud to say this cherished affliction still causes recurring bouts of uncontrollable shaking, skyrocketing blood pressure, a pulse that goes through the roof and abnormal breathing patterns, to name just a few of the symptoms that happily taunt me every fall and winter.

Waterfowl season beckons area hunters with optimistic opportunities

With waterfowl season now under way, Missouri Department of Conservation Officials and several area waterfowl hunting experts share their thoughts on the season outlook.

Don't take aiming for granted when hunting

Veteran hunters might scoff and believe the topic of shot placement is a bit remedial, but being cocky and neglecting it can turn what could be your greatest hunting trip into a long ride home with a sick feeling in your gut. Mother Nature reminded me of the importance of shot placement this past week while bowhunting a prime lease in Northwest Missouri. The weather dipped down near freezing the night before, and the prospects looked great for a quality hunt. I wasn't disappointed, and as the first peaks of sunlight trickled down through the heavy timber along the Missouri River, a good mature doe silently made her way into a shooting lane a mere 22 yards away from me standing perfectly broadside.

Outdoor column: Conservation department offers fly-tying course

Sometimes the most gratifying outdoor activities don't even take place in the outdoors. Sitting at home on a rainy or cold, wintery evening, tying your own flies for a future fishing trip definitely falls into this category.

Jeff Leonard

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