Deer Camp 2008
Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Jared Deckard
Every year several campers come out to our parks and set up deer camp. This year was no exception. As I patrolled the lake, I saw many deer camps set up in our campgrounds.
I made an effort to stop at most of the deer camps in our parks to talk with the hunters and hear their stories. One particular campsite caught my attention with a feral hog that field dressed at about 350 pounds and was hanging from a tree. It was taking the attention off the deer standing beside it. Feral hogs are considered a nuisance and can be dangerous to humans. They can carry diseases and destroy vegetation that native wildlife depends on for survival. Feral hogs are not very prevalent around Stockton Lake, and although they are impressive to see, it is good whenever we learn about a hog taken off our lands. We hope for future days with fewer and fewer of these beasts destroying natural habitats in Missouri.
I also saw many impressive bucks, many first-time de ... Full Story
Stockton Lake's Eagle Days 2009
Photo by Mike Watkins
Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Nathan Wallace
At the beginning of each New Year, the Stockton Lake Association, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Missouri Department of Conservation combine forces to bring the community a spectacle of nature's beauty known as the Eagle Days. The 13th annual Eagles Days will be held Jan. 3, 2009, at 10 a.m.
To maximize convenience, three separate locations around the lake will be used for tour starting points; Orleans Trail Marina, Mutton Creek Marina and Stockton State Park Marina. In addition, the marinas will also be providing pontoon boats to ferry spectators to and from eagle observation areas. These yearly tours offer a view point of Stockton Lake not seen from the roadway or campground and can offer a breathtaking view of nature's beauty.
Local Missouri Department of Conservation agents conduct annual eagle counts on the lake each year. These counts are conducted before the Eagle Days tour takes place revealing the eagle "hot spots" aroun ... Full Story
Physically Challenged Deer Hunt at Stockton Lake
Hunter: Brad Shoemaker assisted by guide (name not available)
Posted: 08 Dec 2008
By Jared Deckard
Since 1998, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has organized a deer hunt for people who are physically challenged, and every year a few more stories of this great outdoor experience are born. This hunt provides an opportunity to experience the sport of deer hunting while helping to control the ever-growing deer population in the park areas maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The event spans three days, beginning with a sight-in day and followed by two days of hunting. A location is provided for the hunters to sight-in their rifles, bows and crossbows, assuring them a perfect shot when the trophy buck is between their crosshairs or sights. The hunters arrive before dawn to the base camp the following Saturday morning. The base camp, set up with a warm fireplace and delicious food provided by a lot of nice folks and the local Lions Club, provides a true "deer camp" for the hunters to return with their kills (or the stories of the one's that go ... Full Story
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Operations Manager, Stockton Project Office