State's new regulations kick in Saturday

Saturday marks the start of a whole new year for those who hunt, fish or participate in the wide variety of outdoor activities in Missouri: It's the first day the newest edition of the "Wildlife Code of Missouri" goes into effect.

A big part of managing our outdoor resources involves regulating what, how, where and when we may hunt, fish or trap, to name just a few activities. That's where the wildlife code comes in

The "Wildlife Code of Missouri" is a permissive code. A permissive code means that rather than giving you an endless list of "dont's," we keep it simple by telling you what you may do.

Each year, the regulations committee for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reviews all of the rules contained in the code. Comments and suggestions, from both the public and MDC staff, are taken into account. When specific needs are identified, rules changes are recommended to the Missouri Conservation Commission for approval. Both the regulations committee and the four-member conservation commission devote a great deal of time and effort to the endeavor.

This year 82 rules have been either changed, added or deleted since the 2002 wildlife code. A list of all 82 changes can be found near the front of this years' code. Hunters, anglers, and all outdoor users should review and understand all pertinent regulations before going afield.

Among the changes this year:

Youth deer and turkey hunting permit: Any person age 6 through 15 years old may purchase a youth deer and turkey hunting permit without displaying a hunter education certificate card. Under this provision, a youth possessing this permit will be allowed to hunt in the immediate presence of a properly licensed adult who has a valid hunter education certificate card. Previously, there was no minimum age requirement for purchasing a youth deer and turkey hunting permit, and the maximum age limit for purchase was 11 years.

Walleye and sauger: Walleye and sauger that are at least 18 inches in total length may now be taken from Wappapello Lake and the St. Francis River and their tributaries. After several years of walleye fingerling stocking in the upper 51 miles of the St. Francis River and strong enforcement of the no harvest of walleye and sauger regulation since 1997, the Conservation Department has re-established a walleye population that is strong enough to support some harvest pressure.

Bowfin, shovelnose sturgeon and paddlefish: While on waters of the state or adjacent banks, extracted paddlefish eggs may not be possessed, and bowfin and shovelnose sturgeon must remain whole and intact. These regulations are needed to help control illegal activities related to the harvest and sale of fish eggs.

For complete details, consult the 2003 version of the wildlife code and both summaries of Missouri Fishing, Hunting & Trapping Regulations. Copies are available from permit vendors statewide.

While on the subject of permit vendors, you will notice changes when you go to purchase new permits.

Because of the complaints received since last year about the new yellow permits, we've redesigned the printing format of all the permit forms. The new forms will be smaller and are designed to be easily folded to the size of a credit card so they'll be easier to carry in a wallet. The permit stock will also be thinner so that folding and carrying multiple permits forms won't be as bulky. The size of the basic permit form will be 2 7/8 inches by 6 inches.

On any of the permits that are valid for a whole year (hunting, fishing, trapping, migratory birds) the perforated extra strip can be removed. The remaining part can then be folded once and will be a little smaller than a standard credit card. The adhesive backing can be peeled off before folding to reduce bulk (except for deer and turkey permit). MDC provides small envelopes to all permit vendors so our customers have an easy place to carry all of their permits together.

Deer and turkey permits will be the same size as the other, but the narrow transportation tag strip must remain intact on these permits until attached to the animal.

Migratory bird permits will still be printed on a separate form because they have a different expiration date than all other permit types. They will have a space on the front to attach a federal duck stamp.

Gene Myers is an area agent with the Missouri Department of Conservation.