Outdoors digest

Duck blind registration begins Aug. 16

WAPPAPELLO, Mo. -- Registrations for duck blinds at Lake Wappapello will be taken starting at 1 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Bill Emerson Memorial Visitor Center at the lake.

One event for hunters to keep in mind before registering for duck blinds: The U.S. Corps of Engineers says it will begin a gradual lake draw down the week of Dec. 15 and will continue to draw the lake down until it reaches conservation pool by the first week in January. All blinds affected by low water levels must be relocated to areas that will not become dry during the draw down.

Hunters who can't attend the registration Aug. 16 should contact John Daves or Eric Lemons at (573) 222-8562, and applications are available at the project office. For other lake information, call (877) 525-3463.

Duck blinds may be placed on the lake after Sept. 1.

Area group will distribute seed

Aug. 16 The Bootheel Boss Gobblers will distribute what seed Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at Foutz's Hunting and Fishing Shop in the Town Plaza in Cape Girardeau.

The cost is $3 per bag.

Outdoors program designed for women

A seminar Sept. 12 to 14 will help women become more interested in outdoor activities, the Missouri Department of Conservation says.

The MDC says the seminar at Roach, Mo., is designed to help teach women about a variety of outdoor activities, including hunting, fly tying, canoeing, fishing, archery, outdoor safety and birdwatching. Participants will stay at a private lodge near the Windermere Conference Center with meals provided by the camp staff.

The program fee of $132 includes four outdoor skills classes, meals and lodging in a room for four. Private rooms are available for an additional fee. A limited number of $40 scholarships are available to help defer costs of the program.

For information, contact Nickie Phillips at (573) 522-4115, extension 3292, or e-mail philln2@mdc.state.mo.us.

State fair plans outdoor opportunities

SEDALIA, Mo. -- Programs ranging from living history to practical crafts will be featured at the Missouri State Fair Aug. 7 to 17 at Sedalia.

The Missouri Department of Conservation's pavilion at the south end of the fairgrounds will host the Lewis and Clark Dugout Canoe Crew, which offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Corps of Discovery as it made its way up the Missouri River in 1804. Modern-day explorers in period dress will chop out a 28-foot dugout canoe and answer questions about the role of Missouri's namesake river in the historic expedition.

Also on display will be a half-scale model of Lewis and Clark's river keelboat.

The Conservation Department's "Show-Me Missouri Fish" mobile aquarium will be on hand with practical programs on fishing techniques at 1, 4 and 6 p.m. daily. The demonstrations provide a unique opportunity to see how baits simulate the movement of prey to attract fish.

Also available: n Live displays of snakes, a bobcat, a red fox, a raccoon and a groundhog.

Flower beds that showcase native plants.

An audio tour of outdoor Missouri at noon and 3 p.m. daily.

The Conservation Discovery Room with hands-on exhibits, including a wildlife track-making table and animal furs, as well as river, forest, prairie and cave exhibits.

Arts and crafts that allow visitors to make a miniature dugout canoe, a jumping paper frog, a bird feeder or a turkey call, or use animal stamps to make a bookmark.

Conservation Department experts on fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, forests and wildlife management will be available to answer questions.