About the area: This time of year, hunters can be found in the turkey woods. Spring season runs until May 6. Mule Shoe Conservation Area has been given a three-star rating for turkey hunting by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which maintains the property. This is the highest ranking the department gives for this activity.
This 2,423-acre area borders the Little Niangua River and is mostly forest. It features primitive camping sites and three streams.
Types of land in the area include chert forest, dolomite glades, a remnant dolomite savanna and bottomland forests. The Conservation Department says approximately 400 acres are pasture fields.
This land was acquired by the department to help protect the aquatic habitat of the Niangua darter, which is a state-endangered and federally threatened species. This rare fish is found only in south-central Missouri. It is threatened by several factors, including deterioration of stream quality and loss of habitat.
Besides hunting for turkey and peering into the water to catch a glimpse of the darter, visitors to the area can bird-watch, camp, canoe or hike.
Fishing is good at the area, the department says; the main species are bass, suckers and sunfish.
Hunters who aren't keen on turkey can come back during other seasons to aim for deer, dove, quail, rabbit or squirrels.
Directions: From Springfield, take U.S. 65 north to U.S. 54. Take 54 east to Hickory County F. Go north on F to Gravel Road 96, which runs east to the area.
Cost: It's free to visit conservation areas. Hunters must have a permit and pay any other costs related to hunting.
Hours: Those who aren't camping can visit from sun-up to sundown.
For more information: Call (417) 532-7612 or see www.mdc.mo.gov; search the Atlas feature.
http://www.gosalmonfishing.com
http://www.rifles-n-rods.com
This 2,423-acre area borders the Little Niangua River and is mostly forest. It features primitive camping sites and three streams.
Types of land in the area include chert forest, dolomite glades, a remnant dolomite savanna and bottomland forests. The Conservation Department says approximately 400 acres are pasture fields.
This land was acquired by the department to help protect the aquatic habitat of the Niangua darter, which is a state-endangered and federally threatened species. This rare fish is found only in south-central Missouri. It is threatened by several factors, including deterioration of stream quality and loss of habitat.
Besides hunting for turkey and peering into the water to catch a glimpse of the darter, visitors to the area can bird-watch, camp, canoe or hike.
Fishing is good at the area, the department says; the main species are bass, suckers and sunfish.
Hunters who aren't keen on turkey can come back during other seasons to aim for deer, dove, quail, rabbit or squirrels.
Directions: From Springfield, take U.S. 65 north to U.S. 54. Take 54 east to Hickory County F. Go north on F to Gravel Road 96, which runs east to the area.
Cost: It's free to visit conservation areas. Hunters must have a permit and pay any other costs related to hunting.
Hours: Those who aren't camping can visit from sun-up to sundown.
For more information: Call (417) 532-7612 or see www.mdc.mo.gov; search the Atlas feature.
http://www.gosalmonfishing.com
http://www.rifles-n-rods.com