New code book isn't intimidating (it just looks that way)

Every year the Missouri Department of Conservation issues a new code book containing the regulations dealing with a wide range of outdoor activities. Every year I get hundreds of questions concerning these regulations. I think many people are intimidated by the size of the code book, but it is very easy to understand.

The very first page contains a listing of all changes that have been made from the previous year. Wildlife regulations are an evolving process. The Conservation Department is constantly trying to make the regulations better and easier to understand. The Department has a Regulation Committee that meets monthly to examine current regulations and new code suggestions. If you have any suggestions for code changes you can address them to the Regulation Committee in Jefferson City. Many of the regulations came from individuals and outdoor sporting organizations. We will look at a few of this year's changes a little later.

The second page of the code book is the table of contents, which directs you to any major category you are interested in. The regulations are divided into chapters that cover general provisions, permits, sport fishing, hunting, trapping, confined wildlife, commercial permits, and regulations on Department areas. At the end there is a section containing definitions, a subject index, a yearly sunrise-sunset table, and a summary of the hunting and fishing seasons and limits.

Some of the changes made in the code book this year are minor. There are few that are noteworthy: Regulation 5.310 deals with changes in permit prices (permits for 2002 are valid March 01 through February). Rule 6.405 is an improved reciprocal agreement with the state of Tennessee. Valid resident permits from either state are good for fishing in the backwaters on either side of the river. Also you can now fish from and attach fishing equipment to land on either side. Rule 6.410(4) requires that unanchored jug lines must be attended at all times on public lakes and rivers. Rule 6.410 (11) now prohibits the possession of fish traps on all waters of the state and adjacent banks. Rule 6.505 removed spotted bass from any length requirements on the Meramec, Bourbeuse, and Big Rivers; and their tributaries.

If you need a 2002 code book you can obtain one from any Missouri Department of Conservation office or your local conservation agent.

Gary Newcomb is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County