Get Out

1. Take to the woods during the two-part Squirrel Hunting Workshop. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs. January 9, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and January 23, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ages 10 and older. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Register at 816-228-3766.
2. Learn what it takes to keep nature center reptiles, amphibians, and fish happy at Feeding Frenzy . Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center. January 14, 1 – 2:30 p.m. For more information, call 573-290-5218.
3. Reel in a rainbow at a lake near you during WINTER TROUT FISHING. Each winter, the Conservation Department stocks more than 70,000 rainbow trout in lakes across the state. Get hooked at on.mo.gov/1k87SOk.
4. Meet both a golden and bald eagle at Discover Nature: Eagles. Twin Pines Conservation Education Center in Winona. January 29, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. Register at 573-325-1381.
5. Learn upland hunting basics at the Youth/Women Pheasant Clinic and Hunt. August A. Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center. Clinic on February 25, 6 – 8:30 p.m.; Women’s hunt February 27; Youth hunt March 5. Ages 11 and older. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Register at 636-441-4554.

There is plenty going on outdoors, even in winter. Watch for these natural events around the following dates.

• JANUARY 2 - White-tailed deer bucks begin to shed antlers.
• JANUARY 12 - Look for signs of deer and rabbits feeding on saplings.
• JANUARY 22 - Peak numbers of bald eagles gather this month near lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
• FEBRUARY 3 - Cedar waxwings flock to feed on cedar berries and other fleshy fruits.
• FEBRUARY 20 - Coyotes are seeking mates. Listen for howling.
• FEBRUARY 25 -Listen for chorus frogs. Their call sounds like a thumbnail scratched along a comb.