Spooky season is in full swing, and Sara Karnes from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is back on 105.1 The Bull with Grace for our mid-month check-in of "In the Weeds"!

From muskie fishing and bug costume galas to prescribed fire demos, late October has a unique lineup across the Ozarks. [Listen to the full audio interview above] to hear Grace and Sara's fun breakdown, costume ideas, and insider tips!

Late October Highlights

• Muskie Fishing at Fellows Lake (Oct 23): Due to high demand, MDC added another session! Head out bright and early at 7:00 AM to learn how to fish for muskie (and maybe even walleye).

• Virtual Spooky Season Classes (Oct 27): Dive into Missouri's misunderstood critters!

  • Batty Bats: Learn flight mechanics, ecological benefits, and white-nose syndrome updates.

  • Spooky Spiders: Discover why native spiders are essential outdoor helpers rather than creepy pests.

• Prescribed Burn Field Day (Oct 27): Landowners can head to Sloan Conservation Area at 5:00 PM to learn how controlled burns clear out fescue and invasive brush to revitalize soil. Participants will also get hands-on experience using a drip torch!

• Family Archery (Oct 29): Stop by the Springfield Conservation Nature Center for an afternoon learning how to shoot for sport, target practice, and outdoor fun.

• The Moth Ball (Oct 23): An 18+ costume gala at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center starting at 7:00 PM! Come dressed in your finest attire or bug costume to enjoy trail trivia, live painting with a local artist, native-plant mocktails, and a bug costume contest with prizes. (Tickets go quickly—registration is required!)

Hear all the details and full conversation by clicking the audio player above! To register for limited-space events, visit mdc.mo.gov (look under Southwest Events).