One of the major draws to camping and floating in Missouri is the abundance of fish, fowl, and wildlife that can be seen in and around our forests and waterways. Children and adults both get excited at the prospects of spotting a bird of prey hunting for his dinner over a river, spotting an owl perched in an oak tree late at night, or even watching a doe and her fawn grazing in a clearing. Of course, there is some responsibility that goes along with this pleasure. As we camp and float, we must be respectful towards wildlife, and we must also teach our children to be good stewards of nature.
Observe Wildlife – Don’t Attempt to Interact with It
When you encounter a species of wildlife during a float or camping trip, it can be tempting to lure it closer with food or other temptations. Please don’t do this. When animals in the wild interact with people, they lose their ability to sustain themselves, and they can become a true danger to the people 
with whom they come into contact. If you want to see a bird or animal up close, use a pair of binoculars. If an animal attempts to approach any member of your group, instruct them not to engage, and then leave the area. There’s a chance that animal might be dangerously ill.
Never Leave Anything Behind
When people read this, many believe it refers to trash and littering. It does, but the concept of never leaving anything behind goes far behind that. When you and your group end a camping or float trip, there should be no trace left behind that you were ever there. That goal should be foremost in your mind, behind only safety, with every choice you make. Here are some common ways in which people break this rule:
- Leaving food behind and assuming that the animals will just eat it anyway
- Picking wild flowers
- Dumping their leftover live bait into lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams
- Straying from marked trails and pathways
- Knocking down dead trees and rock formations
Get a Copy of the Missouri Field Guide and Bring it With You
The Missouri Field Guide is a publication available through the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is a must have for anybody who wants to learn more about the wildlife they may encounter in Missouri, and how to protect that wildlife. The Missouri Field Guide provides nature lovers with an education about protected species, invasive species, plant and animal identification, and information on the animals they might see in a particular region. Always remember that you are responsible for understanding which animals, fish, and fowl are protected species in Missouri. If you are caught interfering with protected species, you can face legal consequences.
Report Violators
Unfortunately, Missouri’s forests, nature areas, and waterways are an attractive destination for people who choose to abuse the privilege of enjoying nature in Missouri. Their abuses might include noise pollution, alcohol and drug violations, littering, entering restricted areas, or hunting and fishing without the proper permits. These people make it hard for the rest of us to enjoy our camping and float trips, and they are a danger to plants and wildlife. Please report violators when you see them.
