Wednesday, July 22, 2026
New MDC hunting booklets available for deer, turkey, dove, waterfowl
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds Missouri deer, turkey, waterfowl, and dove hunters that new booklets for upcoming hunting seasons are now available. Hunters and others can get the most current information on upcoming fall hunting from the MDC 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet and the MDC Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2026-2027.
Deer and Turkey Hunting
MDC’s 2026 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet has detailed information on fall deer and turkey hunting seasons, limits, permits, managed hunts, regulations, conservation areas to hunt, post-harvest instructions, chronic wasting disease (CWD) updates, and more. The booklet is available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.
What’s New for 2026
- The CWD Management Zone has been removed. Regulations still apply in some counties.
- During the November Portion, hunters who harvest deer in designated counties must take the deer or head(s) on the day of harvest to a mandatory CWD sampling station.
- Grain, salt products, minerals, and other consumable products used to attract deer are prohibited year-round in counties that are within 10 miles of where CWD has been detected.
- The CWD portion of firearms deer season has been removed.
- The antler-point restriction has been removed for all counties.
- Hunters using a Nonresident Archer’s Hunting Permit and/or a Nonresident Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit may now take only one antlered deer during the archery and firearms deer seasons combined.
- Permit prices have increased to keep pace with the rising costs of goods and services.
- New managed deer hunts have been added, and others have been removed or modified.
- Deer hunting regulations have changed for some conservation areas.
Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting
MDC’s Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2026-2027 has detailed information on waterfowl hunting along with hunting doves and other migratory game birds such as rail, snipe, and woodcock. It also has information on needed permits and duck-stamp requirements, hunting seasons and limits, hunting areas, regulations, and more. The digest is available where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.
What’s New for 2026
- Permit prices have increased to keep pace with the rising costs of goods and services.
- The Migratory Bird Hunting Permit has been replaced by a Resident Migratory Bird Hunting Permit and a Nonresident Migratory Bird Hunting Permit.
- Duck hunting zone boundaries have changed slightly for the 2026–2030 seasons.
- Duck season date formulas have changed for the 2026–2030 seasons.
Buy Missouri hunting and fishing permits from numerous vendors around the state or online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits.
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Eat More of These Foods to Lower Your Cholesterol
If you’ve ever had blood work done and been told your cholesterol is too high, you’re not alone. High cholesterol is very common and can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke over time, but adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including eating more heart-healthy foods, can make a difference.
Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly, but too much LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, can build up in your arteries, potentially causing blockages that lead to heart attacks and strokes. Foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and added sugars can raise LDL cholesterol levels, while other foods may help lower them naturally.
In many cases, adding more heart-healthy foods to your diet can improve your cholesterol levels over time. Here are some foods that help support a healthier heart:
- Oats: Oats are packed with soluble fiber, which helps remove some cholesterol from your body before it gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Starting your day with oatmeal, overnight oats or adding oats to smoothies can help support healthier cholesterol levels. Choose plain oats instead of flavored packets that contain a lot of added sugar.
- Beans and lentils: Beans, lentils and chickpeas are high in fiber and plant protein. Eating more plant-based meals may help lower LDL cholesterol, especially when these foods replace fatty cuts of meat. Add to soups, salads, tacos or grain bowls for an easy nutrition boost.
- Fatty fish: Fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout contain omega-3 fats, which support heart health. Omega-3s don’t directly lower LDL cholesterol, but they may help lower triglycerides and support healthy blood vessels. Aim to include a few servings a week.
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts and pistachios contain healthy fats, fiber and plant compounds that support heart health. Studies show that eating nuts regularly may help lower LDL cholesterol. Just keep portions in check since nuts are calorie-dense; a small handful is enough.
- Avocados: Avocados are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber. Using mashed avocado instead of butter, mayonnaise or creamy sauces can help you cut back on less healthy fats while adding more nutrients to your meal.
- Fruits: Many fruits contain fiber and antioxidants that support heart health. Apples, berries, pears and citrus fruits are especially good choices. Fruit is also naturally sweet, which may help satisfy cravings for sugary desserts.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are naturally low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and eggplant are especially helpful for heart health. Filling half your plate with vegetables is one of the simplest ways to improve your diet.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is a key part of the Mediterranean diet, which is linked to better heart health. Swapping butter or shortening for olive oil may help improve cholesterol levels. Use it for salad dressings, sautéing and roasting vegetables.
In addition to adding these foods to your diet and experimenting with heart healthy recipes, pay attention to foods that may raise cholesterol levels and limit them as much as possible. This includes processed meats, fried foods, baked goods and foods high in saturated fat. It’s also helpful to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian about the best eating plan for you.
Copyright 2026 © Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Health eCooks® Heart Healthy Recipes® is a registered trademark of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein without the express approval of Baldwin Publishing, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Big Boy makes stop in Pleasant Hill today
The famous Big Boy locomotive made a quick stop in Pleasant Hill MO today greeted by many who braved the heat to get an up close look at this vintage marvel
Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 is the world's largest and most powerful operating steam locomotive. Built in 1941, it measures 133 feet long, pumps out 7,000 horsepower and weighs 1.2 million pounds. Originally designed to haul heavy freight over the Wasatch Mountains in Utah and Wyoming, it now tours the country for special heritage runs.
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5 Shots fired during road rage incident in Vernon county
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Obituary - Ross Chitsuo Yamashita
Ross Chitsuo Yamashita lived 60 full years and the last third completely in love with his wife, Tanya. He was a very intentional, steady, practical, and hardworking man. Always up for a new adventure, Ross raced through the mountains, surfed in the ocean, moved across the country, and even founded his own construction company. Ross rarely went anywhere without a hat or shirt from his favorite teams or surf brand. He would defend the Kings, Chargers, and Dodgers in any conversation with jokes or threats of violence as needed. He loved the ocean, mountains, and sand; a good burger or barbeque; and his animals, but he talked most about his family and his friends. Ross had a gravity to his presence beyond just his deep surfer voice and slow laugh. He always had a healthy balance of witty banter and heartfelt encouragement. He didn’t always share the fond memory of getting baptized in the ocean with Calvary Chapel surfers, but he was practical in his beliefs and cared more about true acts of love and wisdom than religious pretense. He was an anchored and loving husband, a caring son, thoughtful stepdad, brother, cousin, and friend.
Celebration of Life service was held July 21 at the Heuser Funeral Home.
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