OUTDOOR CORNER: SPRING TURKEY SEASON GIVES WAY TO SQUIRRELS

Missouri's record setting spring turkey hunting season ended two weeks ago, today (more on that later). If you are one of the many hunters who has already cleaned and put your shotgun away until next fall, you are missing out on a unique opportunity.

Yesterday, May 27, marked the opening date in Missouri for both squirrel hunting and statewide stream fishing for black bass. Conservation Agent Gary Newcomb has previously discussed the regulations for bass fishing in streams, so today we will talk about "bushytails".

Squirrel season runs from the fourth Saturday in May (May 27) through January 15, 2001.

There is a daily limit of six squirrels and a possession limit of 12. A small game hunting permit is required unless you meet one of the following exemptions: 1) you are a resident of Missouri age 65 years or older; 2) you are 15 years of age or younger; 3) you meet the definition of landowner or lessee as defined in the Wildlife Code of Missouri.

Legal methods include; archery, rifle, handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader, and cage-type traps.

Shotguns are limited to a maximum of three (3) shells in the magazine and chamber combined.

Once again, consult the Wildlife Code of Missouri for complete details.

We have both fox squirrels and gray squirrels in this area but they tend to exhibit slightly different habitat preferences. If you prefer one species over the other, there are some things that can help you to locate your particular choice of "tree rat".

Fox squirrels derive their name from their fox-like rusty, red color. They are the largest of the two species, often weighing up to three pounds. They eat their own weight in food each week.

They are most often found along wooded creek bottoms that adjoin crop fields. The fox squirrel tends to favor mature hedgerows, small woodlots and wooded pastures.

The gray squirrel (gray with white underparts) weighs less than two pounds at maturity.

Individual gray squirrels may consume up to 100 pounds of food per year. They prefer extensive, heavily wooded areas with good ground cover.

If you are fortunate enough to find a flowing stream located near good squirrel habitat, you have the opportunity to maximize your leisure time. By including a cooler full of ice with your other gear, you can go squirrel hunting in the early morning hours and have an easy method of keeping your squirrels fresh. As the day warms up, swap your firearm for a "fishing pole" and head for the stream.

Now, let's "talk turkey". As previously mentioned, this was a record-setting year for Missouri turkey hunters. The total three-week harvest was 56,841 turkeys, an increase of 6,503 birds over the previous record which was set in 1999. The 16 county area that comprises the Missouri Department of Conservation's Southeast Region checked 4,712 birds. That's an increase of 1,022 over last year.

Like last year, Ste. Genevieve County led the way with 670 turkeys checked. Bollinger (651) and St. Francois (640) counties were next. Perry County accounted for 504 turkeys and Cape Girardeau County reported 440 birds. Other Southeast Missouri counties and their totals: Iron (398); Wayne (336); Madison (328); Butler (296); Reynolds (208); Stoddard (119); Scott (71); Mississippi (25); New Madrid (21) and Dunklin (5). Pemiscot County did not check any turkeys during the 2000 spring season.

The 2000 season also set a record for the lowest number of hunting accidents in any modern spring turkey season. There were no fatal accidents and only four non-fatal hunting accidents statewide. There were no hunting accidents reported in the Southeast region.

Gene Myers is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.