The Heritage Foundation in western Missouri is devoted to protecting the natural beauty of the region and encouraging outdoor living and conservation practices. To this end, they host a range of events throughout the year, from breaking the color barrier in baseball to eliminating wild boars in the state. The Missouri Conservation Commission (MCC) has taken steps to reduce deer hunting in the Ozarks, and the Forest Service, Joint Ventures, Missouri River Bird Observatory, and other land management agencies have developed the Missouri Bird Conservation Plan. This plan reassigns staff from across the state to help eradicate wild boars in southern Missouri.
Unfortunately, due to illegal releases, the wild boar population has skyrocketed in southern Missouri and spread to more than 30 counties. The MCC and MDC have increased penalty points for those convicted of violating the Missouri Wildlife Code for illegal activities, including poaching. In addition, research conducted by the USDA, APHIS National Wild Swine Genetic Archive team, and other organizations have identified 14 different genetic populations of wild boars in Missouri. The MDC also offers free samples and tests of CWD and volunteers of deer caught anywhere in Missouri throughout the deer hunting season at MDC regional offices during regular business hours and through participating taxidermists and meat processors within the CWD management zone.
The Heritage Foundation's mission is to eliminate wild boars in Missouri by implementing the State Strategic Plan for their elimination. To this end, they have added regulations to the Missouri Wildlife Code on the transportation of corpses and parts of deer carcasses to and within Missouri and their disposal for meat processors and taxidermists. The association also hosts an annual archery tournament in Missouri schools. However, due to COVID-19, this event was canceled for 2020.
The Heritage Foundation is committed to providing a variety of events for its local community that promote outdoor living and good conservation practices. From deer hunting regulations to wild boar control, they are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of western Missouri for generations to come.
