Handy Hints
Missouri Outdoors' hints segment offers tips on outdoor activities and projects - including building nest boxes and bird feeders, advice on purchasing the right outdoor equipment, safety information, and instructions for first timers on fishing, canoeing, even planting trees and wildflowers.
Dennis Figg, Conservation Biologist (Wildlife Division) with the Missouri Department of Conservation, works to understand and conserve wildlife diversity. From bats to bugs, ferns to frogs, his conservation activities are for "all wildlife". Dennis likes to share the outdoors with people. He writes frequently about insects, birds, bats and other wildlife that are not familiar to many people. When not working, he and his two sons are busy outdoors and grow plants on a small farm just outside of Jefferson City.
 | Avoiding Hypothermia
- Tips on enjoying winter outdoor activities safely, while avoiding one of the biggest threats to health and life. | |
| Beginning Fishing Tips - The article An Introduction to Fishing gives start-to-finish tips for the first-time angler | |
 | | Bluebird House Maintenance - Plans for building and maintaining a bluebird nest box. |
| Building a Bat Box - Brochure with detailed instructions on building a bat nursery box | |
| Building a Bird Feeder - Instructions on building a basic bird feeder, from the Woodworking for Wildlife booklet | |
| | Building a Ground Feeder - Detailed instructions on building a feeder designed especially for ground-feeding birds |
| | Building a Peanut Feeder - Detailed instructions on how to build a bird feeder for peanut-loving birds |
| | Building a Screech Owl Nesting Box - Step-by-step instructions on building a screech owl nesting box. |
| | Building a Survival Kit - A list of necessities you would need if you have an emergency while you're out exploring in the wild |
| | Building a Tree Swallow Box - Brochure with detailed instructions on building and placing a nest box for tree swallows |
| Building a Winter Roost Box - Instructions on how to build a roost box to shelter birds in winter | |
| | Buying a Canoe - Advice on what to look for when purchasing a canoe, including descriptions of different styles of canoes for different need |
| | Buying a Personal Flotation Device - Advice on what to look for when purchasing a personal flotation device and what styles of PFDs are available |
| | Canoe Trip Prep - Checklist for floaters prior to trip. |
| | Choosing a Backpack - Advice on what to look for when purchasing a backpack |
| | Choosing a Shotgun - Advice on what to look for when purchasing your first shotgun |
| | Choosing a Tent & Sleeping Bag - Advice on what to look for when purchasing a tent (includes instructions on using it) and when buying a sleeping bag |
| | Dog First Aid Kit - Detailed list of what items should be included in any basic first aid kit for dogs |
| Exotic Invaders - Learn how to identify, prevent and control invasive species. | |
| | Filleting a Fish - The An Introduction to Fishing article from the Missouri Conservationist, which includes details on how to clean a fish |
| How to Prune a Tree - Brochure on proper techniques for pruning trees | |
| | How to Unswamp a Canoe - Instructions on what to do if your canoe flips over |
| Identifying Animal Tracks - Animal Autographs publication details how to identify Missouri animals by their footprints | |
| | Making a Bleach Bottle Bird Feeder - Detailed instructions on turning an empty bleach bottle into a bird feeder |
| | Making Camp and Building a Campfire - The Camping Out brochure offers advice on choosing a campsite and instructions on building several different types of campfires |
| Mushroom ID - Instructions on identifying edible and poisonous mushrooms native to Missouri | |
| Patterning a Shotgun - Missouri Conservationist article describing how to increase your hunting success by patterning your shotgun in advance | |
| Planting a Tree - Detailed instructions for planting trees. | ||
| Planting Wildflowers - Brochure about native plants which contains directions on planting and information on the Grow Native program | |
| | Poison Ivy - Brochure on identifying and controlling poison ivy |
| Scoring a Deer Rack - Detailed instructions on measuring a scoring a deer rack, according to rules established by the Boone and Crockett Club | |
| | Selecting Hiking Boots - How to select well-fitting hiking boots for a more comfortable hike |
| | Selecting Waders - Advice on what to look for when purchasing waders |
| | Sighting in a Rifle - Instructions on how to sight-in a rifle so you get the best shot possible |
| | Telecheck - Learn more about Telecheck. |
| Ticks - An article containing detailed information about ticks | |
| | Tree Stand Safety - Tips caring for and using tree stands safely during hunting seasons |
| | Tying your First Fly: the Wooly Worm - Step-by-step instructions on tying a basic fishing fly |
| | Wader Safety - Advice on what to do if you get into trouble when you're wearing waders |