Every year around the third week of March, exciting things begin to happen at the lake. As the water warms with sunny spring days, the gizzard shad along with the white and striped bass that follow them begin their spawning runs. more

On Wednesday afternoon and evening, dry conditions and high winds sparked several wildfires in the southern part of the state on private land, conservation areas, and National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service lands. Even though most of the fires were contained by Thursday morning, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) urges caution as higher-than-normal fire-danger conditions exist across most of southern Missouri. more

Campground and access point repairs are continuing at Ozark National Scenic Riverways following a record-setting flood in November 2024. more

Don’t feed bread and crackers to geese and ducks. more

The unique geography of the Ozarks and its rivers and streams draw thousands of locals and tourists alike each summer to crystal clear waters for swimming, floating and fishing. Keeping those waters clean enough to sustain wildlife and maintain the beauty of the area has been taken on for decades by Stream Team volunteers who want to preserve the habitats for future generations to enjoy. more

There are a number of outfitters serving the Eleven Point, Current, Jacks Fork and North Fork rivers that surround the greater West Plains area. The Quill reached out to all to inquire about upcoming seasonal hours and offerings. Here’s what they said: more

When the buds on the trees begin to swell and the last frigid blasts of winter have retreated north, the fishing year for me truly begins. March begins where winter left off. The water is cold and it takes a few days of warmth to get much of anything moving. By the end of the month the trees are flush with new leaves and the water is teaming with fish. more

In the heart of the Ozarks, where rugged hills and winding trails create a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, a group of young riders is pushing limits, conquering challenges and embracing the thrill of mountain biking on cross-country-style trails. They are the West Plains Composite Mountaineers, a team of student-athletes in grades six through 12 fueled by the desire to test themselves against the elements. more

The watersheds of the Ozarks Highlands spiral off first north into the Missouri River, and then east and south in every other direction towards the Mississippi. Each creek and river valley carves its way through the hillsides, bending and turning as the bedrock has dictated since time immemorial. more

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online during February for 2025 spring turkey managed hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/turkey-spring-managed-hunts. more

March 1 marks the annual opening of catch-and-keep trout fishing at Missouri’s four trout parks: Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon, Montauk State Park near Licking, Roaring River State Park near Cassville and Maramec Spring Park near St. James. The catch-and-keep season at the trout parks runs through Oct. 31. The daily limit is four trout, and the possession limit is eight for all four parks. more

Recoiled and camouflaged against the aquatic vegetation they call home, the chain pickerel is a finely-tuned ambush predator that is arguably among America’s most underrated gamefish. Opinions of them are as varied as the striking emerald green chain-link patterns on their bodies, but for diehard fishermen like me who refuse to put down the stick in the middle of winter, they are a tackle-busting blessing. more

The Mark Twain Veteran Crew traveled to California to aid in the ongoing wildfire response efforts needed around devastated communities in the southern part of the state. more

Ozark National Scenic Riverways experienced widespread flooding following significant rainfall that started on Nov. 3. The upper Current River reached historic levels on Nov. 5. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Ryan Young of Buffalo for swiping the latest state record for black buffalo. Young was fishing at Stockton Lake Oct. 13 when he caught a 55-pound, 9-ounce fish with his rod-and-reel. The previous state record under pole-and-line was a 53-pound black buffalo caught from Wappapello Lake in 1989. more

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that hunters checked 1,857 turkeys during the firearms portion of Missouri’s fall turkey season, Oct. 1-31. Top harvest counties were Gasconade with 51 birds harvested, Osage with 48, and Cedar with 46. more

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reports Missouri hunters harvested 15 black bears during the state’s fourth bear hunting season, Oct. 21-30. more

Due to a recent finding of Sandy Flesh disease in walleye taken from Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas, Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) biologists are asking Missouri anglers to watch for this uncommon fish disease. more

Before heading out to fish or hunt for deer, turkey, waterfowl, furbearers, or small game, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is reminding you to purchase the required permits. more